Notes written on paper with printed letterhead of Scott's Hotel, Collins Street, Melbourne, C.1., dated 31/3/44. Notes mention an experiment where a Scalebuoy was put in a lathe and the Electro Static Volts were measured at 46, 76, 131, 235 and 600 Revs per Minute. Tests were at the Radio School of Science, Melb. Technical College.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, scott's hotel melbourne, radio school of science, melb technical college, squadron leader mackay, burton, mackenzie

The stars are the limit for young science aficionado Selby Thompson. The Grade 3 student at Montmorency Primary School won $60 and was awarded with a medal in the 2018 Science Talent Search for his research into experimenting the limits of a person's ability to jump.News article 1 page, black text and colour image .selby thompson, montmorency primary school, 2018 science talent search

Magazine - 24 pages, printed on off white paper, centre stapled titled "ARHS Bulletin No. 441, July 1974", containing an article "The Cable Trams of Sydney and the Experiments leading to final electrification of the tramways" by R. F. Wylie. Looks at the both the North Sydney and Kings St cable lines, from which the body of ESCo tram operated on, the winding houses, route maps, depots. trams, tramways, arhs, sydney, cable trams, north sydney, king st

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, Saturday 18/9/1971 that the Country Roads Board will begin removal of the tram lines in Sturt St. commencing Wednesday, the following week. This was announced by Cr. Chisholm the previous day. Work to begin at Dawson St and work towards the City. The Council had also decided to experiment with free centre of the road parallel parking on a restricted basis.In blue ink in the top right hand corner of the item - 'Sat / 18/9/71'trams, tramways, closure, track removal, country roads board, city of ballarat

[E.J. Semmens experimented with Eucalyptus distilling during his time as principal of the VSF, this piece of equipment would have been used for teaching and research at the School and maybe linked to Semmens' research.] Detailed description of item supplied by from the International Wood Collectors Society.Steam distillation box for extraction of essential oils from wood or sawdust and leaves. Copper box and stand, bakelite fittings, cork and glass tubing. The box has a vent for releasing steam pressure and bottom drain hole to collect oils. It is raised to allow a burner to fit underneath it. forestry, forest products, semmens, edwin james

Kelene is the proprietary name used for ethyl chloride in France which became synonymous with the agent in Europe. The manufacturer, Gilliard P. Monnet and Cartier of Lyon, also supplied Redard with his ampoules in 1890. Ethyl chloride was discovered by the French chemist Guillaume-Francois Rouelle in 1759; however it was not until 1901 that Frederic-Henri Basse manufactured sufficient for scientific study. Marie Jean-Pierre Flourens, Professor Comparative Anatomy at the University of Paris, first reported the effect of the inhalation of ethyl chloride after some experiments with and other agents in dogs. He described three experiments in which the dogs died, however death followed a period of insensibility as with ether although of much faster onset.Ten large glass phials containing 3g Kelene (Ethyl Chloride) stored in their original packaging. The box originally had twelve phials with now only ten remaining. Of the ten, 8 still contain the Kelene, 1 phial is empty but intact and 1 phial is broken. The cardboard box has a maroon paper cover, removable top with the product label and literature pasted across the base and top of the package. All product information is in French.ethyl chloride, kelene, local anaesthetic, gilliard p. monnet and cartier, france

Thirty five typed pages pinned in a buff folder. Topics include weight of crop cut using ordinary water and Scalebuoy water, health, Enzymatic Catalyst, Pitfalls for the Unwary, which are provided by the Scalebuoy Effect, Waiuku Horticultural Experiment, Activated Water Molecules, Medicine's most Amazing Mystery, Biophysics, Roman Temple found in London and Enzymatic Processes. Mr. Frank Stevenson written in red ink on the back.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, scalebuoy, m h aldred, w n abbott, auckland research group, pasteur institute, f jacob, mr onassis, peruvian navy, lloyds of london, guillebaud committee, national health service, mr abel-smith, professor titmuss, einstein, pasteur, buchners, scalebuoy effect, waiuku horticultural experiment, mr aldred, prof e baldwin, michaelis, dr eugene h payne, park davis & co, dr t p manson, prof r t cox, the lancet, roman temple, london excavation council, w f grimes, van der lott, mithras, london aquarium, coehn's rule

Copy photograph of a newspaper photograph at the time of the entry into service of the X class tramcar 217. Photographed at Malvern Depot by The Argus newspaper. The tram is on display at the Melbourne Tram Museum's Hawthorn Depot.Yields information about X class tram at the time of its introduction into service.Copy photograph Birney X class 217, copy by Keith Kings.In ink on the rear " MMTB X217, "Pay as you enter tramcar imported complete from USA as an experiment" Copy from "Argus" 22/9/23 in C. Craig Collection. 1sec f16, 15-7-71, and K S Kings stamp with number 95-28trams, tramways, x class, new trams, tram 217

This sheet shows a preparatory lettering sketch that focusses upon the individual essence of each letterform. In the complete version, the point of essence is filled with black. This interest in the reductive follows a lineage of similar typographic experiments going back to the Bauhaus' Herbert Bayer (1900-1985) and the French typographer AM Cassandre (1901-1968). Stephen Banham, 2017 Hand lettering Alphabet on boardtypography, graphic design, bauhaus, typographers

Blood was long thought to be the essence of life and the centre of the soul; it was believed to provide a person with physical strength and mental abilities. In 1677, Richard Lower and Jean Baptiste Denis, in separate experiments, attempted animal-to-man transfusions to treat mental disorders. They had mixed success but didn't appear to cure the ailment. In 1818, James Blundell became interested in blood transfusion after witnessing the many deaths resulting from post-partum haemorrhage. He began with experiments in dogs and soon established it was possible to transfuse using a syringe if he worked quickly. Blundell established that cross-species transfusions didn't work and were dangerous. The early part of the 20th Century saw major developments in blood transfusion. Blood groups were identified by 1907 and the Kimpton Brown vessel (see 3675) slowed coagulation. These transfusion needles were used to collect and administer blood for transfusions.Two glass tubes, one with straight and one with a curve at the base. The tubes, known as cannualae, were used to facilitate blood transfusions.transfusion, cannula, kimpton brown, blood, blood transfusion, blundell, lower, denis

Jane Annois had a long involvement with Potters Cottage in Warrandyte, where she taught for many years. Potters Cottage was established in the late 1950s in Warrandyte as an artist co-operative. Founding members included Reg Preston, Phyl Dunn, Gus McLaren, Artur Halpern, Sylvia Halpern and Elsa Ardern. These talented artists had the ingenuity and foresight to create a teaching studio, gallery shop and restaurant to experiment, make, promote and sell predominantly domestic wares of the time. These activities helped financially sustain each member’s individual creative practice. Potters Cottage was influential in the development of contemporary ceramics, building and developing practices that experimented with traditional ceramic processes, raw materials and locally sourced clay. The group mentored and nurtured many interested in the art of ceramics, producing alumni and teachers such as Peter Laycock, John Dermer, Greg Daly and Jane Annois. Jane Annois is a ceramic artist who has lived and worked locally in Warrandyte for many years. She focuses primarily on exploring the art of Japanese raku, adapting the technique to develop the typical characteristics of crackle glazes and lustres, with contrasting areas of black. Jane also applies a fine slip called terrasigillata which gives soft, warm ochre colours. This technique was once used by the Greeks over 2000 years ago to seal and decorate their pots. She is also strongly onfluenced by the French potters, particularly in the style of terre vernissee, a decorative form of terracotta tableware. Three piece stoneware and raku fired ceramic sculpture. The first piece is a hollow, dome shaped object. It is orange (terracotta slip) in colour with a copper metallic band and a black edge on one side with a small yellow glazed rounded triangle and metallic strip of colour on the otherside. The second piece is shaped like a traditional vase. It is orange (terracotta slip) in colour with white crackle on the inside. It has a yellow slip edge with a dark glazed square on one side and on the other side a black thick edge that mirrors the contour of this shape. The third piece is shaped loosley in the form of the letter 'z'. It compliments the second piece with a yellow slip edge and black glazed square to its lower left side and top right as well as on its' other side a black thick edge that mirrors the contour of this shape. This piece has a very small skewed square opening at its' top. All three pieces have elements of crazing and variations of colour and lustre, caused by the raku process. 2006.52.1VA has the artist name/signature 'J. Annois' inscriped small (with fine point ceramic tool?) on the front of the piece, bottom right; 2006.52.2VA has the artist name 'Jane'? inscribed (unlegible - with fine point ceramic tool?) underneath; 2006.52.3VA has the artist name/signature 'Jane Annois' inscriped (with fine point ceramic tool?) inside its hollow form. evolution, raku, stoneware, terrasigillata, terracotta, glazes, slip, terre vernissee

X-Rays were first discovered on 08 November 1895. By 18 July 1896 staff members of the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), were experimenting with the exciting new discovery. The history of x-rays began on 08 November 1895 at the University of Wurzburg in Bavaria. The discovery was officially announced on 25 December 1895. The first radiographs in Ballarat were taken at the School of Mines in July 1896 according to the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Annual Report. Frederick J. Martell, the Registrar of SMB arranged for the importation of tubes, while John M. Sutherland, an electrician, conducted most of the experiments giving 6 inch, 12 inch and 16 inch sparks respectively. In a short time brilliantly successful results were obtained, with some SMB Roentgen negatives taken at this time still in existence today. Samuel Ernest Figgis, H. R. W. Murphy, D. McDougall, and Frederick J. Martell carried out experiments at the SMB on Saturday evening 18 July 1896, producing 'perfect' negatives of a hand and wrist. A Roentgen Tube and an induction coil giving a two inch spark, the coil being sparked by the SMB's dynamo, were used to obtain these results. The Courier reported that 'the exposure of five minutes was ample' but concluded that 'the length of the exposure will be shortened as experiments proceed.' The Ballarat Courier reported on 20 July 1896 that: "Thanks to the energy of the staff of The School of Mines, Ballarat, and particularly to Messers F.J. Martell and D. McDougall, the assistance of Rontgen X-rays will soon be available, for the relief of suffering humanity, at this institution." Martell was an ardent amateur photographer, and Duncan McDougall's experience as an electrician has enabled the two gentlemen to carry their experiments on to a perfectly successful issue. At first these gentlemen, together with Professor Purdie and Mr W. Huey Steele, conducted a series of experiments by the aid of a Bonetti glass-plate induction machine which had been constructed by Mr McDougall. The results were very good, the various bones of the hand being distinctly visible. The following people were among those who witnessed the first X-ray experiments to be carried out in Ballarat. Andrew Anderson, President of the School of Mines, a large number of ladies and gentlemen, the medical profession Dr Edward Champion (1867-1929) Dr Gerald Eugene Cussen (1888-1943) Dr William Edward Davies (1868-1928) Dr Charles William Henry hardy (1861-1941) Dr Edward Kenneth Herring(1864-1922) Dr Joseph Lalor (1859-1907) Dr James Thomas Mitchell (1856-1945) Dr Edward Graham Ochiltree (1857-1896) Dr Robert Denham Pinnock (1849-1902) Dr Joseph Francis Usher (c1832-1909) Dr Grace Vale (nk-1933). The staff of SMB Professor Alfred Mica Smith Professor D. J. Dawbarn Mr. F. J. Martell. (http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_X-Ray_pioneers.shtml) "Seven patients of the doctors who were present were treated. In each case the patient was suffering from the effects of an old wound or some other injury to other a hand or foot. One patient, a boy had a finger broken some years earlier and when xray plate of the injury was developed it indicated plainly the fracture on one of the joints of the third finger. In another case a woman had a foot had a foot X-rayed and the photograph revealed the seat of an earlier imjury to it. Likewise an injury to the bones of a hand of an elderly man was revealed by an x-ray photograph. Every X-ray photograph that evening showed the importance of this new development in electrical science and the doctors present agreed the "the results of the experiments on their patients, by showing the exact seat of the injury and its present condittion, would materially assist them iin supporting cures." (Warren Perry, The Ballarat School of Mines and Industries Ballarat, p 146.)A number of photographic xrays as taken by the Ballarat School of Mines in 1896. The xrays include bones, hands, feet, shoes and more. ballarat school of mines, scientific equipment, x-ray, xray, photography, foto, roentgen tube

A barometer is an instrument used for measuring atmosphere pressure thus determining weather changes.The first apparatus generally accepted as a barometer was that set up in Florence in 1644 by Evangelista Torricelli (1608–1647), a mathematician and physicist. Torricelli filled a glass tube with mercury, sealed it at one end, and inverted it with its open end in a dish of mercury. The level always fell a short way down the tube, then settled at a height of about thirty inches. He concluded correctly that the mercury column was sustained by the weight of the air pressing on the open surface of mercury, and further experiments convinced him that the space above the mercury in the tube was a vacuum. He noted that the level rose and fell with changing temperature, but he was unable to use his apparatus to measure variations in the weight of the atmosphere because he had not foreseen that temperature would affect the level of the mercury. News of this experiment circulated quickly among European scientists, who hastened to replicate the experiment. Torricelli's conclusions were not universally accepted because some disputed whether the air had weight, while both Aristotle and the Catholic Church denied the possibility of a vacuum. In France, the philosopher René Descartes (1596–1650) seems to have been the first person, probably in 1647, to attach a graduated scale to the tube so that he could record any changes attributable to the weather. At around this time Duke Ferdinand II of Tuscany organized the first short-lived meteorological network among scientists in other Italian cities, gathering observations of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and state of the sky.Theis barometer is an example of a household item from the early 20th century, used to determine the day's weather. The barometer is significant as an aid to human social, material and scientific development.Barometer, round, brass housing inset into carved wooden casing (lacquer mostly worn off). Decorative lettering for weather conditions "Stormy, Rain, Change, Fair, Very Dry". Workings are visible through opening in centre of dial. Indicator needle and another adjustable needle . Hook screwed into back of case.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, barometer, scientific instrument, weather forcasting instrument, weather gauge

This is the first edition of the book, printed in 1899. It has since been reprinted with slight corrections in January 1900 and with correction in 1902. It is a text book and reference book based on the study of steam, gas and oil driven machinery of the late 19th and early 20th century. The author, John Perry D. Sc., F.R.S., was born in 1850 and passed away in 1920. He was a Professor of Mechanics and Mathematics in the Royal College of Science, Vice-President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and Vice-President of the Physical Society. This book has significance as the First Edition of the book, published in 1899. The book is significant to the history, understanding and evolution of power driven machines. The principles apply to the machinery of the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The Steam Engine and Gas and Oil Engines: a book for the use of students who have time to make experiments and calculations Author: John Perry D.Sc., F.R.S. Publisher: Macmillan & Co Ltd, London Printed by Richard Clay and Sons, Limited, London and Bungay This is the First Edition of the book, printed in 1899 A hard cover book, red linen with black print. The Preface is written by the aughor on 22nd February 1899. The book contains many diagrams and tables as well as having reference numbers on many paragraphs in the chapters.Pencil on front endsheets "SJ 9""Rec. 371 a" Stamped in purple , front endsheet "F. ST. G. D. HOLYMAN" "L.4." Handwritten in ink "Richard G ---- / Liverpool --- P---ye"warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, book, the steam engine and gas and oil engines, john perry, reference book, scientific book, steam engines, gas engines, oil engines, combustion engines

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2000. John Goyne: Bendigo stamper-grating factory, circa 1900. John Goyne experimented with 36 hole per square inch sieves (for panning gold) until he had increased this to 290 per square inch thus trapping much more gold. Eventually his business was sending sieves Australia wide. By the mid 1880s he was exporting world wide and was able to employ seven men during 1902. the clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Hard bound brown covered book with black lettering -damaged paper cover with jungle picture - 188 pages / Book - Wingate Adventure by W.G. Burchett - 'behind the Japanese lines in Burma - an account of the most amazing military experiment in World War 11 '/ price twelve shillings and six pence / inside cover shows a description of the author / small sticker shows 'Frank Every's Book Shop Bendigo ' / F.W.Cheshire P/L Melbourne 1944 / printed by Ramsay Ware Publishing 1944 / 13.1.1946 newspaper clipping.W.G. Burchettbooks, military, world war 2, lydia chancellor collection, collection, war, adventure, japan, burma, mililtary

Anthony WOODWARD Born Australia Works Canada Anthony Woodward has a passion for small press zines and alternative comics. His work over the years has been mostly autobiographical, however, in the past 5-6 years he has been experimenting with fictional comics. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed canvasart, artwork, woodward, anthony woodward, available, stencil, alumni

Anthony WOODWARD Born Australia Works Canada Anthony Woodward has a passion for small press zines and alternative comics. His work over the years has been mostly autobiographical, however, in the past 5-6 years he has been experimenting with fictional comics. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed canvasart, artwork, anthony woodward, printmaking, available, stencil, alumni

Article features a good reproduction of a Bendigo Steam tram (No. 2) and trailer, lettered "Bendigo Tramways Co. Ltd." Titled, "How Steam Locomotion Came - its Cornish Origin, Bendigo's Early Experiment", the article looks at the development of the steam locomotive, use in Cornwall, its use for steam tram locomotives in Bendigo in a light hearted manner. Written by "LMH" See item 9464 for a glass plate negative of this image.Yields information about Bendigo Steam trams.Photocopy of an article in The Age newspaper, dated 10 July 1943 on A3 size paper. trams, tramways, bendigo, steam trams, steam locomotive

These are not original cushions in the photos by Mark Strizic in 'Living in Australia' p 83 and p129. Penleigh Boyd recalls: "the upstairs living room in the 1980s and 1990s was a much more colourful space. Arthur Boyd’s large paintings dominated the south wall and the Phillip Fox paintings as well as Tony Wood's 'In the Studio Psychologically Challenged' coloured the north wall. Patricia Boyd was experimenting with colour". These cushions were on the bed in Walsh St until around 2019.Indian cotton turquoise, rust, charcoal, mustard, beige stripe with tassels along centre. Zip on opposite side through centre square.walsh st furnishings, robin boyd

These are not original cushions in the photos by Mark Strizic in 'Living in Australia' p 83 and p129. Penleigh Boyd recalls: "the upstairs living room in the 1980s and 1990s was a much more colourful space. Arthur Boyd’s large paintings dominated the south wall and the Phillip Fox paintings as well as Tony Wood's 'In the Studio Psychologically Challenged' coloured the north wall. Patricia Boyd was experimenting with colour". These cushions were on the bed in Walsh St until around 2019.Indian cotton red, emerald green, mustard, white. Tassels and white stripes along centre. Zip on opposite side through centre square.walsh st furnishings, robin boyd

A 45kg Spanish Merino from Mt Bute at Linton, Victoria. It is a descendant of the original Spanish Merino brought to Australia by John MacArthur in 1797. John and Elizabeth MacArthur undertook breeding experiments at Camden Park, Parramatta, crossing the Spanish Merino with Bengal and Irish sheep already in the Colony. The resultant merino became the foundation of Australias sheep industry. Although of little commercial value, the Mt Bute station has ensured the survival of the Camden bloodline.Taxidermy figure of a Spanish merino ram on display in Gallery 1. Ram has curved horns and is mounted with crooked front legs.sheep, taxidermy, spanish merino, irish sheep, camden, mt bute station

This book could be described as the summing up of a theory of physical appearances, devised by a painter and demonstrated by paint. The foundation of this theory was laid down first in Paris by Max Meldrum early 1900s. A review calls the book "the most outstanding book on the craft of painting yet published in any language. Max Meldrum was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 03 December 1875. His family arrived in Australia and Max Meldrum attended the National Gallery School, winning the Victorian Travelling Scholarship in 1899. It was deaccessioned and transferred from the Ballarat School of Mines library so would have been used by students and staff of the Ballarat Technical Art School, a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. Red fabric hard covered book of 298pp, includes colour plates that have been pasted into the book. The book inlcudes 11 colour prints and 11 line and tone diagrams. These diagrams in clude Major and Minor Dark and liLight Disturbances; Speed Values and Form; Complex Light Disturbance; Experiments in Definition and Inclination; Apparatus for the Analysus of Visual Phenomena by Distance; Set of Patches; Modern and Obsolete Methods of Approach, Tonal Analysis on "St John's Parad"'; Chromatic Analysis of "St John's Parade". This book was part of the Ballarat Technical Art School LibraryA review has been pasted in the front..max meldrum school, max meldrum, art, science of appearances, appearances, color plates, tonalism, ballarat school of mines library, ballarat technical art school

This clock was manufactured by American clock company Ansonia in the late 19th - early twentieth century. Ansonia Clock was one of the major 19th century American clock manufacturers, producing millions of clocks between its incorporation in Connecticut in 1850, and its closure in 1929. In 1877 production moved from Connecticut to New York City, where inventor Thomas Edison visited the factory to experiment in combining clocks with his newly invented phonograph (an early form of gramophone). This clock is significant for its rarity due to age. A gothic style steeple wooden clock with gold and white embellishments, and Roman numeral numbering on the clock face. The interior of the clock is accessed by a hinged glass door. Under pendulum inside glass interior case: "ANSONIA CLOCK COMPANY/U.S."clock, america, american, ansonia, the ansonia clock company

In 1873 James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne in order to start a tea Business. James lived in the Dandenongs at The Basin where he experimented with growing tea. Griffiths made tin canisters in the 2lbs size for their tea with common kitchen consumables listed on the front . The tins, when emptied, became useful kitchen canisters and helped promote the brand. Example of the names include Flour, Rice, Sugar, Sago, Candied Peel, Tapioca, Spices, Starch, Biscuits, Currants, Barley, String and of course Tea .Food storage rectangular tin, with a hinged lid. The outside is printed in cream and red with the name 'Griffith's Teas' and the word 'SAGO'. The text is set against a cream panel which is bordered with a decorative border of Australian native flora. The whole is set against a dark green background.On each other side of the tin is a different native Australian flower. The lid is impressed with a flannel flower.Printed on the front 'SAGO', also printed on the front and repeated on the top 'USE / GRIFFITHS' Teas / SYDNEY / MELBOURNE. ADELAIDE. BRISBANE'. On the front is the image of a train signal with the words 'SIGNAL / TRADE MARK'tea, james griffiths, canisters, city of moorabbin, cheltenham, melbourne, moorabbin, grocery stores, kitchen equipment

ELTHAM. (1908, October 30). Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 - 1917), p. 2 (MORNING.). Retrieved May 3, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60648129 The experimental plots at the local State School are now planted and are under the supervision of Mr. H. Heape and the Head Teacher, Mr. Fisher. The artificial manures have been supplied by the Colonial Manure Co., of Collins Street, and the result of the experiments will be anxiously looked for by all concerned. Reproduced on p67 of 'Pioneers & Painters'This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Negsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, experimental plots

The Argus Melbourne Friday 10 July 1908 QUEENSCLIFF, Thursday. - After a series of successful experiments in dredging the eastern end of the South Channel, the suction dredge Pioneer sailed this after-noon for the Gippsland Lakes, where work awaits her. During operations in the South Channel the dredge worked on a sandy and shell bottom in depths ranging from 35ft. to 40ft. with unqualified success, performing the work much quicker and cheaper than the bucket drudge John Nimmo, which is still employed. Captain Macarthur was in charge of the operations.Brass lock from Port and Harbours suction dredge 'Pioneer' used at the Queenscliff creek entrance door lock, suction dredge, pioneer

William Jackson Thomas is credited with making the first ever telephone call in Victoria. Thomas was a customs inspector at the Geelong Customs House and a keen amateur scientist, astronomer and woodworker. He experimented with electricity and induction to develop his own telephone soon after its invention by Alexander Graham Bell. He built most of the experimental telephone equipment himself – right down to the screws. According to the Geelong Advertiser, on 27 December 1877, Thomas held a telephone conversation with friends in a summer house 40 metres away.This instrument is of great historic significance as the instrument which made Australia's first telephone call in 1877, between two houses in Geelong. Although predated by Alexander Graham Bell's invention, this instrument is an example of Australian innovation and design; characteristic of Australian communications history. The instrument has excellent provenance, carrying a descriptive plaque about the use of the item. As an early prototype of a telephone, it is an incredibly rare example of communications technology.Stained wooden rectangular box containing mechanism with circular turned section at one end being the receiver and transmitter. There are 3 metal screws at the rear and a leather strap running from one of these to the transmitter/receiver. A label is on the base.On label: "First telephone made in / Victoria 1878 / Used experimentally between / Geelong and Ballarat and Geelong Queenscliff. / Maker WJ Thomas Esq. / Late H.M. Customs Geelong / Certified by A.C. Thomas For the above W.J.T."telephone, inventions