DR NX22, the memoirs of Dr Tom Selby, is based on two books that Tom wrote about his life for friends and family in the 1980s - A Doctor Leaves Port and How to Treat Your Doctor.

In 2008 Benn A Selby (Tom's youngest brother, then aged 93) began the task of arranging for these manuscripts to be edited and combined into one book. The editing was done by author and military historian, Lex McAulay, who also included a number of informative editor's notes.

For two years Benn and Lex worked on this project to bring Tom's singular life story into a form in which it could be made more widely available.

Tom Selby (1908-96) was a multi-facetted Australian personality, who lived life to the full as an Australian doctor and soldier. He lived through the World War I, the Great Depression, pre-war New Guinea and experienced front line combat in the World War II as a member of the Sixth Division in the 2nd AIF.

His career in medicine began as a ship’s doctor. He served on the SS Changte, SS Montoro, MV Parrakoola and RMS Orcades and, from his memoirs, it seems to have been a cavalcade of wild parties and comedic episodes.

The sea voyage to New Guinea in the 1930s introduced him to the world of gold miners, patrol officers and the exploration of that exotic and beautiful country at a time when few white tourists had isited.

He was a passenger in some of the small aircraft that opened up a mountainous and dangerous country.

His book is peppered with his views on the practice of medicine and his guiding principle of “Do No Harm”. Occasionally he is critical of modern trends and fads which he saw as being regressive and bad for patients.

Dr NX22: the Memoirs of Lt Col (Ret) Dr Tom Selby. A project initiated and coordinated by Benn A Selby. Published by the Selby Family. Edited by Lex McAulay OAM - $30 plus $6 postage in Australia. Email [email protected]