Non-fiction

The Calligraphers Handbook – Osborne

An unusual book for us but we think its time everyone relearned to write and if you are going to do that why not do it properly and with style.

Published by Gallery Books, New York in 1987. We have attributed the book to Nigel Osborne who was the art director … really it’s a collaboration of talented pen enthusiasts. Quarto, 64 pages and as would be expected illustrated everywhere.

There are a number of books on this subject and in this style but this is the best one we have come across to get anyone interested beyond those difficult first steps into the true world of beautiful calligraphy. Handy introduction to the various pen nib types.

The least we can do is improve our standard signature.

Calligraphy – you have always wanted to do it – pick up a pen today.

$25.00

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Antique French Field or Students Microscope – Triple compound objective

A late Victorian possibly Edwardian student’s or field drum microscope of the French variety. Comes with a “Nachet” style triple compounding objective which gives a number of magnifications when combined.

A functioning microscope in very good barely used condition … good clean mirror. Case in very good condition.

Nice triple objective field microscope

$220.00

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Tasmania – Cessation of Transportation Medal – Cast 1853

A very good example of the dual-purpose Cessation of Transportation (to Tasmania) medal and 50-year Jubilee medal. Often found with an offensive hole drilled presumably so it could be worn … ours free of this blight and in pretty good condition.

The Anti-transportation league received good news from England via the steamer Harbinger that had reached Melbourne with the official notification that the transportation of convicts to Van Diemens Land was over. The name change to Tasmania was not officially in effect until 1856.

Nine thousand pewter medals were cast and given to children in the Colony, 4000 in Hobart, 3000 in Launceston and the rest in outlying areas. 100 bronze examples were cast and given to the movers and shakers in the anti-transportation league and one gold example which was given to Queen Victoria.

A substantial medal 58 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick, 65 gm. With a portrait of Queen Victoria on one side and the Australian Coat of Arms with Sun Rising and Emu and Kangaroo Supports.

A unique dual celebration and an important Colonial Medal.

$440.00

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Hobart Tramways – Ian Cooper

Self published by the author in 1993. Scarce and worthy history of the Hobart tramways .. we wish they were still here.

Perfect bond small folio, 64 pages, magnificently illustrated from original photographs, mots not found anywhere else. End paper maps of the tram networks.

The Hobart tram system was the first successful electric tram system in the Southern Hemisphere commencing in 1893.

With systems out to Glenorchy through Springfield; the Lenah Valley; Proctors Road; Sandy Bay; West Hobart and a beauty out to the Cascades and the Brewery. Those that know Hobart will understand the extensiveness and the amenity that the tramways must provided.

The author a transport buff who made it his career spent many years in Hobart even though this publication was completed after he had returned to the other island.

Irreplaceable history of the Hobart trams and superb photographic record..

$60.00

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The Arbouin Copper Mines at Cardross on the Chillagoe Mineral Field, North Queensland – Lionel Ball – 1918

Queensland Department of Mines publication no 261 by Lionel Ball B.E. published in Brisbane in 1918. At that time Ball was the Government Geologist. The mines also produced some gold and silver.

Seventy pages still in the original olive green paper wrapper. Illustrated with a map, diagrams and images from photographs taken by the author. Previous ownership name etc on title otherwise clean and bright.

William Hahn, in exploring the Tate to the Walsh river traversed the outskirts of the field in 1872. After that likewise Mulligan the explorer whilst marking a road from the Etheridge to Palmer Goldfields passed within sight of the Mountain Maid cupriferous outcrop. It was not until 1897 that the true resources of the area were more properly understood when Arbouin and Harkins came upon the outcrops known as the Klondyke. Logan Jack visited the resulting field a year later and was most impressed with the possibilities. Unfortunately costs were high in this region and whilst there were some successes the outbreak of WWI put paid to that as many of the men involved enlisted and few sadly returned.

The publication starts with the usual history of the region also addressing previous publications.

A comprehensive report on the geology of the area .. pre-Silurian schistose rocks; Amphibolites; Pegmatites; Permian Elvans etc.

Ore deposits … their origin, lode channels, formations and ore shoots.

Mineralogy and the distribution of elements and the occurrence of minerals … many in form.

A Register of Holdings; Mining operations; Treatment carried out in terms of ore dressing and some smelting.

The Queensland Chillagoe Mines – A scarce and curious one ..

$60.00

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Elements of Medical Logick, illustrated by Practical Proofs and Examples – Sir Gilbert Blane – 1821

Published by Thomas and George Underwood, London in 1821. This is the second edition .. with Large Additions, Particularly in the Practical Part. Extremely scarce regardless.

The “Windsor Copy” meaning from the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, cancelled in the 1948 cull performed by the then merciless Royal Librarian.

Octavo, 280 pages, inscribed on the end paper “from the Author” i.e. a gift to the then George IV’s Library. There is an additional note of recognition “with thanks acknowledges the Rect of this book. J.G. LT, Oct 2nd 1821”. Rebound beautifully in half calf by Roger Perry, separate red leather title label characteristically hand tooled not blocked.

An interesting read … an unusual index which provides brief explanations assists e.g. … Alexander the Great his method of dispelling sleep; Artificial ills to be corrected by artificial remedies; Aristotle a great observer of nature; Banks, Sir Joseph found colchiucum remedy for gout; Boyle his recommendation of a fantastick remedy; Cadiz the yellow fever more frequently there, than any where in Europe; Exceptions the danger in erecting them into rules; Exercise necessary to the soundness and perfections of the vital organs; Lymphatik system no sound nor available physiology before its discovery; Opium of essential benefit in the cure of gravel; Sensation can be excited by the imagination; Galvanism not identical with the nervous power but an exciter of it … and probably more relevant examples.

Sir George Blane was a celebrated medic of the time. He was a Fellow of the Royal Societies of London, Edinburgh and Gottingen, a Member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St Petersburgh and the appointed Physician to the King. An important history of medical work.

Royal Library Pedigree of an Important Medical Reference.

$340.00

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The Calligraphers Handbook – Osborne

Antique French Field or Students Microscope – Triple compound objective

Tasmania – Cessation of Transportation Medal – Cast 1853

Hobart Tramways – Ian Cooper

The Arbouin Copper Mines at Cardross on the Chillagoe Mineral Field, North Queensland – Lionel Ball – 1918

Elements of Medical Logick, illustrated by Practical Proofs and Examples – Sir Gilbert Blane – 1821

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