Dr. Appin G. Nichol opened a medical practice next door to Mr. Ward's Inn in Muswellbrook in 1844.

Two years later he had entered into another business in Muswellbrook - The Muswellbrook Manufactory. Contrary to rumours in the township he continued to practice in his medical profession, servicing both Muswellbrook and Merton and a few months later he posted notices in the Maitland Mercury stating that he was no longer connected with the Manufactory

By January 1847 he was listed as a qualified Medical practitioner at Cassilis. In September of that year the Maitland Mercury recorded a Dr Alfred John Nichol as a witness in the murder trial of John Purcell who was accused of the murder of Joseph Palfrey who had died near Cassilis. Nichol was called on to examine the body of Joseph Palfrey who had been found buried in a shallow grave. Later, he was questioned extensively at the trial as to the injuries sustained by Palfrey before death, however his findings were contradicted by Dr. McCartney who was a witness for the defence. Dr. Nichol was vindicated when, supported by his evidence, the jury found Purcell guilty of the murder of Palfrey

Dr. Appin Nicol died at his residence at Dalkeith (Cassilis) on 15th January 1848 at the age of thirty.

For more information see Australian Pioneer Medical Index