Natural History

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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Faeroe Islands – The Atlantic Islands – a Study of the Faeroe Life and Scene – Kenneth Williamson – First Edition 1948

First Edition published by Collins, London in 1948. Octavo, 360 pages, with the elusive dust jacket albeit foxed. Book a bit aged but excuse it for its now rarity.

The author, Williamson, was staged on the Faeroe Islands during WWII and this book is based on the seemingly ample spare time he had whilst there.

Forward by the distinguished Eric Linklater.

Illustrated with the authors pen drawings and from original photographs.

Good chapter on the whale hunting festival “Grindarakstur’ which will interest those that are interested. Excellent on the natural history, terrain, outer islands etc with a super Glossary of Faeroese Words and index of place names for those challenged by modern devices!

The Faeroes more than just a trivia quiz subject.

$70.00

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Antique Brass Drum Microscope circa 1890 with three objectives

A very nice cased English drum or field microscope.

Original mahogany case with some fittings, original claw hooks to fasten, nicely polished patina. A very good example of the superior casing.

Microscope in good condition with its original lacquer.

Microscope has its original eyepiece and three separate brass screw in objectives. Draw tube focus, works well nice clean images for its age. Height about 20 cm when drawn to focus.

Tweezers original to the kit and have their special place in the case.

Example slides will be improved upon on sale.

Nice field microscope well over 130 years old and still working!

$260.00

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The Eastern Archipelago – Adams – First Edition 1880

… A description of the Scenery, Animal and Vegetable Life, People, and Physical Wonders of the Islands in the Easter Sea.

Published by Nelson, London in 1880 a first edition. Octavo, 576 pages with 54 illustrations.. Nicely decorated cover, a little rubbed, remnant od prize giving label in ends, still a good copy.

With the success of Wallace’s Malay Archipelago there was heightened interest in the islands of the East Indies. Prolific writer William Henry Davenport Adams saw an opportunity and compiled this easily read book on the region. Takes in Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Timor, Celebes, Sarawak, the Moluccas, New Guinea, Papua and the Philippines.

Special book on the very East and its many islands.

$90.00

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Nasal Notocanthus – Shaw and Nodder – 1802

Over two hundred year old and still in fine condition.

Original and rather striking hand coloured copper engraving of the Notocanthus Nasus or Nasal Notocanthus. Described by Shaw as a having short prickles along the back and a nose-like snout.

The genera Acanthonotus instituted by Dr Bloch. Inhabits the Indian Ocean including in the deeps of Western Australia at the time of writing Shaw noted that “the history and manner (of the fish) are entirely unknown”

Price $190.00 nicely framed in gilt with cream black cored mat board. It works its lovely ….

Price unframed $90.00

Unusual and rather decorative

$90.00

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

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

Faeroe Islands – The Atlantic Islands – a Study of the Faeroe Life and Scene – Kenneth Williamson – First Edition 1948

Antique Brass Drum Microscope circa 1890 with three objectives

The Eastern Archipelago – Adams – First Edition 1880

Nasal Notocanthus – Shaw and Nodder – 1802

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