AB Corkill was born in Melbourne 1899 and obtained his MB BS from Melbourne University in 1922. His association with the Alfred Hospital began as an RMO and continued throughout his career. Dr JF Mackeddie was soon impressed with Corkill's ability and grasp of the 'new medicine' then evolving and arranged for him to spend a year in London. Appointed as biochemist to the hospital in 1924 he used his knowledge of biochemistry and physiology to make a special contribution to various clinical disciplines. He was appointed collaborator to the asthma clinic in 1925 and physician-in-charge of the diabetic clinic in 1926. In 1926 his biochemical laboratory was absorbed into the newly formed Baker Institute and a long association with WJ Penfold commenced. At this time, with Ewen Downie, Corkill launched an educational programme aimed at both the public and the medical profession concerning the modern treatment of diabetics with diet and insulin.

Returning to London in 1929 Corkill joined HH Dale at The National Institute for Medical Research to work on the role of adrenalin in the distribution of carbohydrate between muscle and liver. At this time Dale recorded that `he had formed the highest respect for the qualities of his quiet, conscientious and thorough work'. Corkill then returned to the Alfred for twelve months before continuing with Dale, this time supported by a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship and the Baker Institute. All his research centred on liver and carbohydrate metabolism, much of it broke new ground but in Dale's view distance from Europe robbed Corkill of due recognition of the work. However, Melbourne University awarded Corkill his doctorate in science for it in 1935.

In 1935 following the illness of WJ Penfold, Corkill became acting-director of the Baker Medical Research Institute. He succeeded to the directorship in 1938.

The outbreak of war in 1939 had profound effects at the Baker Institute and on Corkill's research activities. At first small pieces of commissioned research were undertaken for the Defence Department and the possibility of manufacture of some drugs in short supply investigated. On many occasions Corkill was on loan to the Chemical Warfare Department for varying periods. After the war he never completely returned to his research projects and his health deteriorated rapidly so that he resigned his directorship in 1949. Subsequently he led a quiet retirement outside Melbourne. He was survived by his wife and daughter.