A large and well furnished chemist's shop, with the due allowance of blue and red bottles, glass jars full of toothbrushes and sponges, and gay labels of quack pills and ointments, showed its broad front to the beach near Barrett's Hotel (Hotel Cecil site). As this shop which gloried in the sonorous title of “Medical Hall” was close to the usual place of disembarkation for passengers, it became a much frequented morning lounge; especially as Dr. Dorset and another of the oldest medical practitioners were partners in the establishment.

The wharf in front of Medical Hall was later owned by a joint stock company.

The Provisional Committee comprised Major Baker, Mr. Couper, Dr. Dorset, Capt. Hay, Major Hornbrook, Messrs. Uriah Hunt, and John Wade. The capital was assessed at £250.