Curiosities

The Proposed Chemical Laboratory at the University of Sydney -1888 – A Liversidge – Professor of Chemistry

An understandably scarce document and an unusual one – one that appeals very much to Voyager. Sydney University has been without an adequate science laboratory for many years. Liversidge has risen to be Professor of Chemistry and with a strong hand in geology, metallurgical sciences etc.

This extensive paper was presented before the first meeting of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, Sydney August 28^th 1888.

Large sized [foolscap plus?] 4 pages of narrative -equivalent of 4 times that against usual and then twelve plates on 5 pages of various designs highlighting the practicalities required in a modern science laboratory. Bound in stout half red morrocco over morrocco? covered boards – later paper title, end papers darkened – whole supported by bound in blanks at rear [the sign of a top binder] – paper support on internal hinge. Very good condition. Stamp of the Royal Society of N.S.W. who strangely disposed such items – shame on them.

Tours had been taken of European and Japanese then modern equivalents and similar standards were to be achieved albeit for budgetary purposes some of the architectural materials had to be more restrained. Having said this the alcoves of the corridor were to have the busts of great European scientists installed. We particularly like the incorporation of the furnaces for metallurgy and the massive outside hydrogen sulphide generator and that quick egress in the event of explosion was thoughtful.

The Sydney University first proper science laboratory – we find it intriguing

$125.00

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19th Century Brass Surveyors Cross – French – Nice Condition

A very good example of an octagonal design surveyors cross in its original shagreen covered tin case.

A Victorian surveying cross, French in style and likely origin. The solid brass body bright, undamaged and not over polished. Comes is in two parts, the neck screws into the inside the head whilst not in use. Sighting threads intact.

Weighs circa 380 gm.

Antique surveyors instrument – measure your boundaries using the triangulation method.

$160.00

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The Lighthouse Cookbook – Shirley Baker

We love – not only the concept of a lighthouse conceived cookbook but the fact it was put together by Shirly BAKER.

Published by Forty Degrees south, Hobart in 2009 for the Friends of Deal Island and Tasman Island – lighthouse devotees.

Spiral bound cookbook style, 163 pages, with the odd lighthouse image and relevant foodie sketches. Interesting “lighthousey” narrative to start.

Our favourites must be mentioned – sweetcorn and crab soup; Bass Strait spinach and feta pie; Konigsberger klopse[look it up] and Melaleuca chicken casserole – oh and Barn Hill baked rabbit etc etc and some nice sweet things.

You don’t need to be in a lighthouse to have a lighthouse dinner party … go for the klopse.

$30.00

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Huon Valley Recipe Book – Cheryl Robertson

Self-published in 1994 at Huonville. Card covers, 54 pages with some local narrative and coloured photographic images of local scenes and view.

Cheryl was borna at Franklin on the Huan River and brought up on a fruit farm among 13 children – so her mother had to know how to cook and make ends meet.

An amusing selection with a focus on simplicity before Janie Oliver came up with the idea. Our favourites Rhubarb Champagne [it works we tried it]; rabbit in batter; Wallaby Patties and Mrs Lawrence’s Pudding.

Very difficult to find – we wonder how many are in Valley drawers – the University of Boston bookstore is the only place we can fine it – and at US$185 … rather odd … but they do have a convenient payment plan!

Cook book from the beautiful Huon Valley – good enough to feed a very large family.

$25.00

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19th Century Microscope Slide – Soundings 240 Fathoms Storm Bay Tasmania – Norman London

A terrific slide of historical importance to Tasmania.

Prepared by Norma of London carrying the Norma monogrammed label and the familiar Norma cursive writing.

John Norman (1814-1893) was maybe the most prolific preparer of specimen microscope slides for the London scientific gentry. He operated most of the time out of various places in City Road, London. He won prize medals for mounts at the 1862 Expedition. Super quality and variety. He was joined by his sons Alfred and Edwin who continued his business after his death. There are many entries in the authority Bracegirdle showing numerous images of Norman examples.

This fine condition slide is from soundings taken [as stated at 240 fathoms] in Storm Bay on the way into the Derwent, Hobart, Tasmania. The soundings could well have been made by HMS Dart which was at one time conduction a survey of Australasia. The ship has an unusual history – well worth some research.

The soundings show remains of foraminifera [forams for short] set into a deep beautifully preserved mount – a quality typical of Norman.

Scientific dredgings from a deep part of Storm Bay, Tasmania. Top maker well over 130 year old and still in perfect condition.

$120.00

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A Strange Career – The Life and Adventures of J. G. Jebb [South America and Mexico] – 1895

John Gladwyn Jebb led as an adventurous life as could be possible. This book was compiled by his widow and carries the introduction of adventure writer H Rider Haggard.

Jebb’s adventures began as a military man in India. Soon he was conducting privately funded explorations into Central and Southern America. Involved in numerous business dealings… helped to start White Line … was in involved in armaments. He moved to the US and the Wild West … bear hunting, gold mining and a few conflicts with local bandits and native Americans. Off to Mexico to make his fortune gold mining (made it and lost it) and much of the later part of the books is about his times in Mexico.

Published by Blackwood, Edinburgh in 1895 octavo, 271 pages, frontispiece of the great man, illustrated by John Wallace. Pictorial boards nice but a little rubbed. Overall, still a particularly good copy of a rather hard to find book.

Inspiration for Rider Haggard – John Jebb Adventurer

$50.00

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The Proposed Chemical Laboratory at the University of Sydney -1888 – A Liversidge – Professor of Chemistry

19th Century Brass Surveyors Cross – French – Nice Condition

The Lighthouse Cookbook – Shirley Baker

Huon Valley Recipe Book – Cheryl Robertson

19th Century Microscope Slide – Soundings 240 Fathoms Storm Bay Tasmania – Norman London

A Strange Career – The Life and Adventures of J. G. Jebb [South America and Mexico] – 1895

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