A MAN OF MANY PERSUASIONS AND VAST ENERGY, A FORMIDABLE MAN IS AN EXPANSIVE DETAILING INTO THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND CONTROVERSIES OF A COMBATIVE PERSONALITY... John William Springthorpe was a prominent general physician, lecturer, and writer in late nineteenth century's marvellous Melbourne.

Springthorpe, affectionately known as Springy, took major advocacy roles in physiotherapy, dentistry, nursing, public health, child welfare, epilepsy, and mental health during his career.

His bitter criticism of the mistreatment of 'shell shock' victims during World War I was followed by advocacy for those afflicted with what's now known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.