New South Wales

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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Under the Southern Cross [Or Travels in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Samoa and Other Pacific Islands] – Maturin Ballou – 1888

Matrurin Ballou was a respected travel writer of his day, and he put the effort and miles into his work.

Published by Ticknor and Company, Boston in 1888 we think a second printing. Also, published in London at the same time.

Octavo, 405 pages, original decorated binding. Chipped top to spine and frayed at bottom, otherwise a nice original copy, very clean inside.

One where we think the depth of observation carries the book. Much interest in gold discoveries wherever he went and a tendency to see Pacific Islanders as rather savage as was fashionable at the time. So usual references to eating human flesh here and there. Nice chapter on Samoa. Amusingly he was surprised to see women riding astride in Hawaii.

Please to see he went to Australia and Tasmania if you get the joke – suppose it was before federation … but still. And, he rightly thought Tasmania was beautiful and its women likewise.

Ballou well and truly under the Southern Cross

$90.00

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Reminiscences of Thirty Years’ Residence in New South Wales and Victoria – R Therry – First Edition 1863

Few know that this is quite a controversial book. Irish born Roger Therry [1800-1874] had arrived in New South Wales in 1829. For the next thirty odd years he served various Governor’s with distinction and praise. He rose to be a Judge of the Supreme Court and had served at both Sydney and Port Phillip. He retired back to England in 1859 and wrote this long and readable account.

This is a true first edition [a re-run included a small map] very thick octavo, 514 pages after preliminaries. Bound in original heavily embossed full deep red cloth covered boards. Original spine relayed, new end papers by Perry. A little age but really a nice copy of this scarce work.

Re the controversy. Therry had 100 copies made up and sent 300 to New South Wales. Unfortunately, some did not like his references and it soon became a talking point for the wrong reason. The book no doubt contains some factual errors [there are a lot of facts] but it was the pseudo slander that got under the skin of some. Therry re-purchased the remaining Australian stock!

“Judgely” writing may not sound entertaining, but this book is easily read and full of facts and stories that make it more interesting the more you get into it. We may all know about Hargraves and the discovery of gold in 1851, but did you know it was really Strezelecki in 1839 and with Clarke in between. The didn’t announce the earlier discoveries lest it would cause a stampede and riot among the convict class.

Therry writes in a compassionate way – his account of the discovery of a massacre of an aboriginal group suggests many new settlers were horrified and the culprits were brought to justice.

John McCarthur had a hand in the editing which is why his family are treated well and add to the supposed factual errors

Therry looking back over the important goings on over thirty years in Australia.

$180.00

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Sikes’ Hydrometer Made by James J. Hicks, London for Mauri Bros and Thomson, Sydney

A lovely classic Sikes’ Hydrometer in a very good case with original bone plate engraved “Sikes’ Hydrometer made by J. Hicks, London for Mauri Bros & Thomson Ltd, Sydney”.

The hydrometer float and all the weights carrying the same identification number – the float is engraved Sikes. Note all the weights are there including the elusive “top weight”.

The thermometer is intact, working and in good condition. It is engraved the same as the case plate [but with the extra “J”].

The plush lined box is as original no damage. Everything is in super condition.

There are similar examples in the Powerhouse Museum.

James Joseph Hicks (1837-1916) first traded at 8 Hatton Gardens in the 1870’s. He expanded into adjoining premises in the 1890’s. Hicks had been apprenticed to L.P. Casella, fine instrument makers, [See our delightful Louis Casella boxed Compass] also in the Hatton Garden district, in 1852.

By 1860, Hicks had risen to foreman and from that date several patents are registered in his name. Once in business under his own name, he developed and manufactured numerous instrument types particularly in meteorology and industrial control instruments, such as the Sikes instrument.

Hicks died in 1911 and the business was taken over by Stanley who continued to use Hicks’ name until 1916. So, we can predate the manufacture of this item to before that year.

Joaquim and Jose Mauri started their business in Sydney in 1872. By the 1995 they had expanded considerably and they merged with Thomson to form Mauri Brothers & Thomson, late incorporated in 1905. The company continued to be involved in mergers, takeovers and takeouts over the rest of the 20thC and is now operating as Mauri and very good at what they do.

Fine and complete Sikes’ Hydrometer

Quality maker and special Sydney Customer – super and complete example.

$320.00

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The Mystery of Swordfish Reef – Arthur Upfield – First UK Edition 1960

Published by Heinemann, Lonon in 1960, a first UK edition. Octavo, 247 pages. Jacket a bit rubbed still a nice copy of perhaps our favourite Upfield / Bonaparte book. Dust jacket design by Bill Morden.

A fishing boat disappears along with its four occupants. It all happens in the New South Wales game fishing grounds – something the author was familiar with.

A skull is found by a passing trawler. Our Favourite police inspector, “Bony” Bonaparte is called in, and the “mystery” is unravelled.

Based on a true story the disappearance of geologist Lamont Younger at Mystery Bay, NSW in 1880

True mystery behind this entertaining Upfield “fishy” mystery.

$80.00

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Vintage Railways [Tasmania and Mainland Australia] – Michael Sharland

Michael Sharland the guru when it comes to vintage railways.

This is a 1983 soft cover, squarish format, printed at the Mercury. 68 pages, full of great images from early photographs. Front cover, Tasmanian R Class steaming up the bank at Brighton. Very good condition.

Not all Tassie though – about a third with locos from the mainland, and some interesting ones, taking up the rest.

Sharland has steam for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

$30.00

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

Under the Southern Cross [Or Travels in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Samoa and Other Pacific Islands] – Maturin Ballou – 1888

Reminiscences of Thirty Years’ Residence in New South Wales and Victoria – R Therry – First Edition 1863

Sikes’ Hydrometer Made by James J. Hicks, London for Mauri Bros and Thomson, Sydney

The Mystery of Swordfish Reef – Arthur Upfield – First UK Edition 1960

Vintage Railways [Tasmania and Mainland Australia] – Michael Sharland

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