David Scott Mitchell

David Scott Mitchell (19 March 1836 – 24 July 1907) was a collector of Australian books, founder and benefactor of The Mitchell Library, Sydney.

Mitchell was born in Sydney, the son of Dr James Mitchell and his wife Augusta Maria Frederick, née Scott. James Mitchell came to Australia in 1821 as an army surgeon, and two years later was appointed assistant surgeon at the military hospital, Macquarie Street, Sydney, where he became head in 1825. James Mitchell afterwards became the owner of 50,000 acres (200 km²) in the Hunter River valley which included rich coal-bearing land. James and Augusta are commemorated by a window in the Garrison Church. David Mitchell was born at Sydney Hospital, grew up in Cumberland Street, Sydney and in October 1852, aged 16, became one of the first seven undergraduate students in the newly established University of Sydney in 1852. Mitchell won scholarships in mathematics and graduated B.A. in 1856 with honours in classics, and M.A. in 1859.

Mitchell was called to the bar but did not practise law or any other profession. It was said that he declined the position of attorney-general. Mitchell assisted in the management of the Hunter River estates. Mitchell was a good cricketer and dancer, a skilful whist player, and a good amateur actor. Allegedly, he broke off a romance with Emily Matilda Manning, daughter of William Montagu Manning. Mitchell was already forming a collection of books. Mitchell's father died in 1869 and there was a lawsuit over the will. Publication of the family affairs was humiliating to a man of Mitchell's sensitive disposition.

" ... I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Public Library of New South Wales all my books, pictures, engravings, coins, tokens, medals and manuscripts ... upon the trust and condition that the same shall be called and known as "The Mitchell Library" and shall be permanently arranged and kept for use in a special wing or set of rooms dedicated for that purpose ..."

Extract from will of David Scott Mitchell

Mitchell was affected by the death of his mother greatly and began to withdraw from the world; his health was never robust. The formation of his library became his chief interest. He began to build up a fine library of English literature, specialising in poetry and sixteenth and seventeenth century books. In 1866, perhaps on the encouragement of George Robertson of Angus & Robertson, he began to collect early Australian books and manuscripts. Once a week, he went the round of the bookshops; by now, book collecting had become all-consuming. Mitchell had a good memory and discrimination, but as time went on he saw that even the most obscure and apparently worthless pamphlet might throw some light on its time. Though withdrawn from society, he welcomed genuine students such as Arthur Wilberforce Jose and Bertram Stevens, especially if they were interested in Australian problems. Mitchell also purchased books from other collectors, most notably Mitchell purchased the 3,300-volume Australian collection of Alfred Lee in 1906.

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