Scientific Instruments, Specimens, Books and Collectables

Physics – Original Oxford Doctorate Thesis – Unified Field Theory – F.H.J. Cornish 1954

For the mathematically inclined and admirers of Einstein and those that followed his footsteps – this is gold – read on.

This is an original first typed and manuscript thesis by Cornish, then an Oxford – went on to the University of British Columbia. Categorically original – you can feel the type face from the other side of the paper – an originality that always makes us shiver – a connection with the author.

Full title “The Mathematical Form and Physical Content of Unified Field Theories derived from a Variational Principle’

The work starts from a historical perspective and Einstein in 1915 and moves on to Schrodinger .. the unresolved issues and aspects of static spherically symmetric solutions to Einstein’s theory. Then the new work. A loose sheet inserted, when at British Columbia, summarises, presumably for a presentation by Cornish …

“This is a new extension of Einstein’s General Relativity Theory designed to unify the fields of gravitation and electromagnetism. The field equations of the new theory have been solved approximately for a static spherically symmetric field. The solution may be interpreted as a charged mass particle with an electro-magnetic contribution to the mass. The solution valid near the centre of symmetry contains a form factor or radius parameter which is related to the magnitude of the charge of the particle. Using the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffman method the interaction of an “n” charged particle system is found to be in accord with the Newtonian-Lorentz force terms. A finite rest mass for the photon is predicted”

Quarto, nicely bound is stout boards, half morrocco, two parts after preliminaries including preface, abstract and index, Part I – 56 pages; part II 87 pages, reference list to die for.

Seems a bit trivial, and we are gushing, but we cannot help admire the penmanship re the mass of mathematical formulae – the only correction we can see is one of placement.

Cornish – In the footsteps of Einstein – Original Work 1954 – so how heavy are your photon’s?

$280.00

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The Great Pyramid – [Astronomical] Observatory, Temple and Tomb – Richard Proctor – First Edition 1883

One of the great books on the Great Pyramid. A first edition published by Chatto and Windus, London 1883.

Octavo, 323 pages, plus lengthy publishers catalogue. Illustrated throughout with explanatory diagrams and with frontispiece. Bound as original in red/brown cloth with embossed Egyptian inspired design to front, gilt titling to spine and super gilt Great Pyramid to front. Slightly cocked with a little ageing mainly from the front tissue guard otherwise a very good copy of this important work.

Proctor was a distinguished author on many things astronomical during the era and held a fascination [along with others] about the astronomical purposes of the Pyramid. Here he explores this and other propositions with his usual diligence and we learn about the extraordinary uses of this massive structure.

Proctor explains the Great Pyramid.

$220.00

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Brecciated Mookaite – Mooka Springs Western Australia

A small but attractive piece of Mookaite with the distinctive mosaic pattern of cream and brown separated by ever so thin layers of opal. Special texture.

The brecciation is formed by tectonic stress applied to the Mookaite Jasper structure. Over time silica rich waters flow through the fractured structure providing the binding layer.

The jasper structure is formed from the fossilised remains of tiny Radiolaria a creature we know well at Voyager through our interest in microscopy.

7cm by 5cm by 2.5cm weighing 15gm.

Small piece of Mooka and millions of radiolaria.

$20.00

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Australian Desert Rose – Unusual Gypsum Formation

A nice example of a Gypsum desert rose dug out of the dry lakebed at Woolcunda Station, Coomba, NSW. The location is 125 km south of Broken Hill.

Iron oxide in the sand gives its colouring but it’s the special formation of the crystals [formed by infrequent leaching when the rains actually come] that makes this special.

A nice even sided display, weighing 40 gm and measuring 10cm by 6cm by 4cm

Desert Rose with a very attractive structure.

$35.00

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Papers of the Royal Society of Tasmania – November 2008 – Vol 142

Large scale softcover, perfect bound 98 pages. Quality production. Nice photographic images etc. Published by the Society.

Two Antarctic vignettes by H.J.G Dartnall, only two pages each but intriguing. First, about John Forbes, known as Mawson’s sailmaker. The second, more intriguing is about Tasman Spalding from Dunalley,. Tasmania, a 23 year old who served on the Terra Nova relief voyage. He was entitled to the Polar Medal but did not receive it possibly because his name got transposed and hence proved difficult to find at the time of handing out.

Other interesting articles include aspects geology at Heard Island; a new freshwater sponge discovered at Lake Peder; the diet of the Tasmanian Devil.

Terrific illustrations from scientific work – sections, micro photographs etc.

Royal Society Tasmania – superb work

$25.00

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Rare Large Sized Microscope Size – Lantern Fly – China (Duplicate)

No date or maker but this presentation was a specialty in the late Victorian / Edwardian era. Reference authority “Bracegirdle” shows a number of “outsized” examples but none quite like this.

In modern terms known as the spotted lantern fly. The insect is on the move and a potential threat in Australia – modelling has shown that it could survive well in western and north-western Victoria. When we say a threat, it was endemic to China and Vietnam but moved into South Korea in 2006, Japan in 2009 and the USA in 2014 … so the move is on.

Here the little blighter is beautifully preserved and presented in Canada Balsam … we know that CB was the mounters choice due its quality and the cursive narrative says so.

A microscopical rarity outsized mount of the Spotted Lantern Fly.

$150.00

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Physics – Original Oxford Doctorate Thesis – Unified Field Theory – F.H.J. Cornish 1954

The Great Pyramid – [Astronomical] Observatory, Temple and Tomb – Richard Proctor – First Edition 1883

Brecciated Mookaite – Mooka Springs Western Australia

Australian Desert Rose – Unusual Gypsum Formation

Papers of the Royal Society of Tasmania – November 2008 – Vol 142

Rare Large Sized Microscope Size – Lantern Fly – China (Duplicate)

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