Australiana

The First Documented Medical Discovery Relating to Australia – An Account of the medicinal Effects of the Resin of Acaroides Resinifera, or Yellow Resin from Botany Bay. By Charles Kite, Surgeon Gravesend, and C.M.S – contained in the Memoirs of the Medical Society of London – Published 1795 [but written in 1790]

A complete volume being Volume IV of the Society printed by Darton and Harvey for Charles Dilly, in the Poultry [London]. Very rare in any form. Published 1795. Incidentally the Medical Society was formed in 1773.

Octavo, 447 pages after preliminaries and before index. Neat library binding with paper title label. Cancelled stamp of the Bath Medical Library [Heaven knows why]. One loose gathering and a little age but a very worthy copy of this most interesting FIRST.

Many of the papers have merit but we must focus here on the paper relating to the Botany Bay resin. {Note resin and gum interchangeable below per Kite’s use]

Charles Kite who died in 1811 [no record of dob] is known for this work and another on “raising the apparently dead” he was the first to publish an example of using an electric shock [static electricity] to resuscitate a cardiac arrest.

We understand Charles Kite came up with the name Acaroides Resinifera for the plant, whilst it is now known as Xanthorrhoea or Grass Tree. Cook noted it in his journals in the year 1770 and it is now widely accepted that the gum was used for a variety of purposes by the aborigines including for its medical properties.

After an introduction relating to its use in stomach complaints Kite gives some historical background – refers to Philip’s journal {p. 59,60] but goes on to say the best information came from Mr Bowes Surgeon on the Lady Penrhyn. Bowes after describing the tree precisely goes on to where the “gum” is found, its quantity and how it is easily got especially in a hot sun. Kite goes on to record thirty experiments concerning the “gum” – various solutions and extractions. Kite proceeds to describe various cases where the “gum” has been used and the outcomes … also cases noted by other medics including Thompson of Rochester; Andrews of Brompton and Harris of Gravesend.

Comprehensive trial of the Botany Bay Resin by Charles Kite 1790/95 – Surely a FIRST

$490.00

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Beaconsfield Tasmania – Town with a History – Coultman Smith

Soft cover self published by the author in 1978. A super history, a really good job done on the Tasmanian mining town by Coultman Smith. Very good condition bar the ghost of an old sticker front cover.

Perfect bound, 78 pages, illustrated throughout including pull-out town plan which helps you get around the text. We love the image of the author on the rear cover – fag in mouth and a good smile for an ex army Colonel.

We love it – and a special one for mining buffs.

Beaconsfield probably the best one.

$30.00

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Snakes and Lizards of Australia – Observer Book Series – David McPhee

Published by Methuen, Sydney in 1979, an exceptionally clean copy of this respected book about Australian snakes and lizards.

Pocket sized hardback, every snake and lizard accompanied by a good coloured image clear enough to actually identify the species [this clarity issue is a problem with mots other books on the subject].

The book commences with some general information on snakes and lizards but be warned that the treatment for snake bite is no longer the preferred method – keep up to date with that!

Our not so favourite – the red-bellied black snake that we used to see in our garden in Pullenvale west Brisbane

Snakes and Lizards a perfect combo.

$30.00

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History of Tasmania from its Discovery in 1642 to the Present Time [1884] – James Fenton – Faithful Facsimile

Originally published in Hobart in 1884 by Walch. This a faithful facsimile published by Melanie Publications, Hobart in 1978. A very good copy of a nicely produced book.

Octavo, 462 pages, large coloured folding map at front as in the original, illustrated. Patterned gold style endpapers, embossed clay cloth covered boards.

The large fold out map in excellent condition along with four coloured plates of aborigines including Jinny of Port Sorell, Timmy of the Eastern Coast, Truganini (the last of the aboriginals) and Jack native of Cape Grim.

This book is a cornerstone commentary on Tasmanian history and an excellent progression from West’s first comprehensive history of Tasmania published 30 year earlier.

Fenton’s Tasmania Essential Historical Account

$125.00

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Around Tasmania in a Whaleboat 1986 – In the Wake of James Kelly – Ben Cuthbertson [Signed by the Author]

170 years after James Kelly’s famous voyage in a whaleboat around Tasmania, Ben Cuthbertson, sailor, marine enthusiast, maritime historian set out to replicate the event.

In this his personal, self published account he describes the adventure from the outset and during the voyage compares his with that of Kelly which makes the whole much more enjoyable.

Octavo, soft cover, 80 pages, some illustrations, published the year of the voyage. Fine condition. Signed boldly by the author bottom of title page.

Cuthbertson around Tassie in the style of the great seaman James Kelly of Hobart Town.

$35.00

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The White Stone – The Story of a Boy From the Bush – Herbert MacIlwaine – Illustrated by Rowlandson – First Edition c1900

A very good copy of a scarce and impressive book but much published MacIlwaine. Published by Wells Gardner etc, London c1900. Large octavo, pictorial cloth cover, images to spine and rear. Top edge gilt. 408 pages, illustrated throughout by Gardner who was much known for his paintings of horse.

White Stone is a symbol for optimism and that underlined the contents, albeit given the period narrative there are a few tears, and hugs, along the way.

Australian Bush Stories from 1900 in a super presentation

$90.00

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Beaconsfield Tasmania – Town with a History – Coultman Smith

Snakes and Lizards of Australia – Observer Book Series – David McPhee

History of Tasmania from its Discovery in 1642 to the Present Time [1884] – James Fenton – Faithful Facsimile

Around Tasmania in a Whaleboat 1986 – In the Wake of James Kelly – Ben Cuthbertson [Signed by the Author]

The White Stone – The Story of a Boy From the Bush – Herbert MacIlwaine – Illustrated by Rowlandson – First Edition c1900

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