[5] Appointed as professor of anatomy and pathology at the university in 1882, H. B. Allen oversaw the design process of the new building.

The building is a fine example of early English Gothic architecture characterised by the use of lancet arches and attached buttresses.

[3] Following the Gothic style, the principle facades have bluestone plinths and are buttressed, with stone walls, a slate clad steeply pitched roof.

[3] The Old Pathology Building uses Victorian Academic Gothic design attributes such as lancet arches and attached buttresses.

It played an import role in medical training during the nineteenth century when disease was reaching epidemic proportions.