Showing 221 items
matching measuring instruments
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Federation University Historical Collection
Equipment, Elwell-Powell, Elwell-Parker AC Generator
... , measuring instruments etc. Electric tram cars are going to be a big..., measuring instruments etc. Electric tram cars are going to be a big ...This AC generator operated for the State Electricity Commission in the Ballarat North Power Station prior to World War Two. James Oddie of Ballarat has an association with Thomas Parker of Elswell-Parker. In early 1887 Oddie arrived in England seeking information on electrical knowledge and its developments. At this time Henry Sutton was teaching Electricity and Magnetism at the Ballarat School of Mines. Oddie stayed in the United Kingdom for around three years and during that time became a close friend of Thomas Parker and his family. The two first met at the first official running of the Blackpool tram, and Oddie was invited to visit Parker at Wolverhampton. Over the years Thomas Parker kept newspaper cuttings (mainly Australian) relating to James Oddie and his work. The following article is a description of the Wolverhampton works by James Oddie, and was collected by Thomas Parker. After the dinner at Blackpool, Mr. Parker visited me, and cordially invited me to see his extensive works at Wolverhampton, an invitation I was not slow to avail myself of. This was the keynote of the best friendship I made in England. I went shortly afterwards and stayed several days, visiting the works daily, as Mr. Parker gave me the run of the whole works. There I ordered the installation of a 60 light dynamo, with a 28 cell storage battery and paraphernalia, now doing duty at the Observatory. I subsequently visited the works frequently, sometimes for a week at a time, and I regard it as the brightest spot in my English constellation. Mr. Parker started his works in 1880, with one man beside himself. He never had a single day’s instruction in electricity in his life; now he daily instructs between 300 and 400 employees, who worship him as a father. He is said to be now the most practical electrical engineer and mechanist in Europe. During one of my visits I took with me an artist, who is painting for me a portrait, 6 feet by 5 feet, of Mr. Parker, surrounded by dynamos, secondary batteries, measuring instruments etc. Electric tram cars are going to be a big thing in England. Parker’s Company Limited, is now, with three other companies, in the hands of the Electric Construction Company, with Mr. Parker as manager of the lot. The whole of the works will be taken to Wolverhampton. Before I left, a tender for £50,000 was accepted for the construction of new works.AC Generator painted read and black on a stand. This AC generator operated for the State Electricity Commission in the Ballarat North Power Station prior to World War Twogenerator, ac generator, elwell-parker ltd, state electricity commission, sec, ballarat north power station, james oddie, wolverhampton -
Orbost & District Historical Society
theodolite, first half 20th century
... is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal... the 1500s. A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring ...Theodolites have been used to measure horizontal and vertical angles by surveyors since the 1500s. A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. Theodolites are used mainly for surveying applications, and have been adapted for specialized purposes in fields like meteorology and rocket launch technology. Theodolites, such as this one, were instrumental to early surveyors, and would have played a significant part in their everyday work. The plumb bob was used to set the instrument exactly over a fixed survey marker.This theodolite was made by Troughton and Simms, who were significant scientific instrument makers of the 19th century and early 20th century. In 1782 John Troughton purchased Benjamin Cole's shop in Fleet Street, London enabling him to sell his own signed products. His instrument making business supported several dynasties of Troughtons before becoming Troughton and Simms and later still Cooke Troughton & Simms. This firm was one of the most well respected firms of instrument makers of the 1800s. A grey metal theodolite - probably made of brass. It has movable parts and there is a weight ( a plumb bob) attached with string.Cooke Troughton & Simms Yorke England V012318 Supplied by A. E. Parsons Melbournetheodolite scientific-instruments surveying -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Candlestick holder, T. Gaunt & Co, circa 1944
... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas ...This pair of altar lights is from the St. Nicholas Seamen’s Church, 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, and was used during religious services there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The par of candlestick holders was originally donated by Mrs. R.J. Ewart,as part of the furnishings for the new St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown, opened in 1944. The candlestick holders were made by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888 THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. These candlestick holders are significant historically for their origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The connection of the candlestick holders to the Mission to Seamen ighlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support.Candlestick holders or altar lights; pair of two polished brass holders. The wax cup at the top has a scalloped lip, the centre of the stem has a bulbous section, and the base has a cast floral design depicting leaves and grapes. The holders have inscriptions. They were made by T. Gaunt & Co. This pair of Altar Lights is part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection. Stamped "T GAUNT & CO."flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, religious worship, candlestick holder, altar light, r j ewart, church furnishing, church lighting, t gaunt & co -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Candlestick holder, T. Gaunt & Co, circa 1944
... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas... jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring ...This pair of altar lights is from the St. Nicholas Seamen’s Church, 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, and was used during religious services there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. The par of candlestick holders was originally donated by Mrs. M. Jackson, as part of the furnishings for the new St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown, opened in 1944. The candlestick holders were made by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt's photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. These candlestick holders are significant historically for their origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The connection of the candlestick holders to the Mission to Seamen highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Candlestick holder, polished brass, pair of two. The wax cup has a scalloped lip, the centre of the stem has a bulbous section, the base has a floral design depicting leaves and grapes. Inscribed. Made by T. Gaunt & Co. This pair of Altar Lights is in our St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection.Inscribed "T. GAUNT & CO.."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, candlestick holders, altar lights, mrs. m. jackson, t. gaunt & co., religious service, ladies lightkeepers' auxiliary, mission to seamen victoria, st nicholas seaman’s church williamstown, religious worship, m. jackson -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Vase, T. Gaunt & Co, circa 1944
... jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring..., navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware ...This pair of brass altar vases is from the St. Nicholas Seamen’s Church, 139 Nelson Place, Williamstown, Victoria, during religious services there. The Church was operated by the Mission to Seamen organisation. Each vase is inscribed with the donors' names and the year of presentation - Margaret R. Pearson 1944, Mrs B Raybould 1944, - and the maker's name T. Gaunt & Co. The two donors presented the vases to St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown as part of the furniture and furnishings for the new church that officially opened in 1944. T. Gaunt & Co. engraved on both vases. T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, is a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt's photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen, an Anglican charity, has served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centr4es in over 200 ports world-wide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria the orgainsation began in Williamstown in 1857. It was as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’. Its location was an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981 and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. This par of vases is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The connection of pair of vases to the original donation to the Mission to Seamen highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. Vase: pair of two polished brass altar vases, round, pear-shaped, bulbous body on a round pedestal, two neck rings and flared lips. Inscriptions on both vases in script around the base. Made by T. Gaunt & Co. One was presented to the church by Margaret R Pearson and the other presented by Mrs B. Raybould in 1944 The vases are part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Engraved on the 625.1 "Presented By Margaret R. Pearson 1944." Engraved on 625.2 "Presented By Mrs B. Raybould. 1944." Both engraved "T GAUNT & Co"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, brass vases, metal craft, brassware, altar vase, church vase, mrs r raybould, margaret r pearson, t gaunt & co, church furnishing -
Parks Victoria - Gabo Island Lightstation
Wind speed indicator
... recorder. This instrument for measuring wind speed by knots.... This instrument for measuring wind speed by knots was made by Paton ...Used to measure wind speed at Gabo Island. Max gust register and wind speed indicator were interconnected to anemometor also on display. Registor and speed / direction indicator redundant due to transition to radio transmitter and computer data recorder. This instrument for measuring wind speed by knots was made by Paton Electrical, Sydney, a radio receiving manufacturing firm which operated until c.1956. It was used in conjunction with the manual anemometer. An instrument now redundant to modern weather forecasting, it is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation. It is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Knots wind speed indicator. Housed in a black & grey metal box shaped enclosure. The front is sloped with a guage and indcator dial. Around this are eight clear orange plastic knobs with directions inscribed next to each knob.Around front in clockwise direction,"N/360, NE/45, 90/E, 135/SE, 180/S, SW/225, W/270, NW/315" On dial, 0 - 70's in 10's, "KNOTS WIND SPEED / STOCK No 6660' - 66-118-7294 / PATON ELECTRICAL SYDNEY" -
Federation University Historical Collection
Ammeter, Henry Sutton (probably), Ammeter attributed to Henry Sutton, 1883 (estimated)
... A crude scientific instrument that measures amps... Ammeter attributed to Henry Sutton A crude scientific instrument ...W.B Withers wrote of Sutton: "In the realm of science Ballarat has become of world-wide fame through the inventions by Mr Henry Sutton, a native of the place. His skill and acquirements in electricity, telegraphy, telephony, photography and also in astronomical and microscopal studies have won for him a high position as a practical scientist, and the credit is the greater as he is a self-taught student … Mr Sutton, before he was fourteen years old, had read every book on science to be found in the library of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute." The Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) was fortunate to have this genius appointed as the lecturer-in-charge of the new Electricity and Magnetism department from 23 April 1883. Although Henry Sutton submitted his resignation to the Council of SMB in October 1884 it was resolved that he be asked to reconsider, and Mr Sutton continued to teach at SMB until the end of 1886. He was a prominent member of the Camera Club, and many of the other SMB clubs. Sutton had an active and fertile brain, and was known for his inventions, especially his work on the telephone, telephane and carbon lamps. Sutton presented a vacuum pump, worked by water jet, for use in SMB Chemistry classes. His report of 1883 states: ‘A telephonic circuit has been laid down between the [SMB] engine-house and workshops, to be used for experimental purposes.’ Henry Sutton spent much thought on artificial flight, and made some interesting experimental studies with flying birds. The storage of electricty also attracted his attention, and, after much work and thought evolved the Sutton Secondary Battery. A paper on this battery was presented to the Royal Society, London, and was afterwards printed in the 'Transactions'. Henry Sutton is listed on the Federation University Honour Roll at https://www.federation.edu.au/curator/honour-roll/honourroll_sutton.shtmlA crude scientific instrument that measures amps, with a timber base and frame. Terminal posts and sliders contacts are positioned on top of the base, with flex attached. Henry Sutton lectured at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) in Electricty and Magnestism between 1883 and 1886. In 1883 Sutton reported: ‘…The class has been unfortunately situated, by having to wait for instruments of precision ordered from England, but which have not come to hand. The delay has caused us to start constructing instruments, which it is hoped will bear favourable comparison with those of older date.'ammeter, henry sutton, electrical, inventor, electricity and magnetism, sutton, scientific instruments -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Theodolite, Troughton & Simms, Mid 19th Century
... including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas ...The theodolite was sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. (See further details below.) History for Troughton & Simms: Edward Troughton & William Simms established a scientific instrument making business in London in 1826. Edward Troughton (1756-1835) had previously had his own scientific instrument business, inherited from his father. His achievement's included a transit telescope for Greenwich Observatory (1816) and the precision surveying instruments for the Ordnance Survey of Britain, Ireland and India. William Simms (1793-1860) had trained as a goldsmith and began to gain work dividing circles on fine astronomical instruments. When William Simms died in 1860, the business was taken over by his son James and nephew William. Troughton & Simms shop in Fleet Street became the hub of the finest scientific instrument made in London, in a period in which there was an expanding demand for precision instruments, for astronomy, surveying and precision measurement. They made instruments for Greenwich Observatory, for imperial surveys and exploring expeditions. When fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament in 1834, the firm was commissioned to create new standard lengths, this required 10 years of testing against the remaining old measurements. Troughton and Simms made several of the main instruments for Melbourne Observatory, including an 18 inch azimuth used of the Geodetic Survey, portable transit instrument (circa 1850), zenith sector (1860), a 4.5 inch equatorial telescope (1862), an 8 inch equatorial telescope (1874) spectroscope (1877) and an 8 inch transit instrument in (1884). While the firm had an excellent reputation for quality the company exasperated many of its customers with delays of years in delivering some instruments. History for Thomas Gaunt: Thomas Ambrose Gaunt (1829 – 1890) was a jeweller, clock maker, and manufacturer of scientific instruments, whose head office and showroom were at 337–339 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Significance: With the rapid urban expansion, one of the most important needs of the new colony was to survey and map the landscape of the Australian Colony’s interior. Theodolites, such as this one, made by Troughton and Simms, who were significant scientific instrument makers of the 19th century were instrumental to the colony's surveyors and would have played an important part in their everyday work. This transit theodolite remains of national significance due to its pioneering role in Australian science and its association with Australia's earliest surveyors and astronomers. It is also significant for its association with nineteenth-century surveying instruments and instrument makers. Theodolite, Vernier repetition theodolite with enclosed horizontal circle (of about 130 mm diameter). Vertical circle exposed and somewhat corroded (diameter about 115 mm). Plate level 20" per division. Altitude bubble 20" per division. Horizontal and vertical circle intervals 20". Original (blue/grey) paint. Altitude bubble setting screw disabled. Tribrach allows movement of theodolite by 15 mm inside tribrach (for centering).Inscribed on the inner mounting plate,“Specially made in England for T Gaunt & Co Melbourne” and inscribed a little lower “Troughton & Simms London”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, theodolite, t. gaunt & co, troughton & simms, scientific instrument, measuring instrument, surveyor's instrument -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Instrument - Theodolite, E. R. Watts & Sons, c 1930
... Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures...Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures ...Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The theodolite has a long history, with the term first found in 1571 in a surveying textbook 'A geometric practice named Pantometria' by Leonard Digges. (source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite). Theodolites are used by surveyors as part of their everyday work and although there is no specific information regarding the provenance of this particular one it is assumed it was used locally by the Shire of Marong and / or the Lands Department. Edwin Watts started the company in 1856, trading up to 1920s as E.R. Watts & Son with E. R. Watts & Son Ltd amalgamating with Adam Hilger Ltd to form Hilger & Watts in 1948.0442.1 A black and grey theodolite no 39161 made by Watts & Sons. Various moving parts showing signs of extensive use particularly on the uprights on the main body and around knobs and dials where the paint is worn back to brass. Is housed in original box with key, oil container and pin. 0442.2 handwritten instructions for making adjustments to the Theodolite written on the back of Road Users' Association of Victoria letterhead note paper.Watts & Sons / London / 5974 For N H Seward / Melbournelands and survey department bendigo, shire of marong -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Barometer, 1867
... measuring instruments for the Meteorological Observatory... measuring instruments for the Meteorological Observatory ...Langlands Company History: Langlands foundry was Melbourne's first foundry and iron shipbuilder established in 1842, only 8 years after the founding of the Victorian colony by two Scottish immigrants, Robert Langlands and Thomas Fulton, who had formed a partnership before emigrating (1813–1859). The business was known as the 'Langlands Foundry Co'. Henry Langlands (1794-1863), left Scotland in 1846 with his wife Christian, née Thoms, and five surviving children to join his brother Robert. By the time he arrived in early January of 1847 the partnership of Robert Langlands and Fulton had dissolved as Fulton had gone off to establish his own works. It was at this time that the two brothers took over ownership of Langlands foundry. Several years later Robert retired and Henry became sole the proprietor. The foundry was originally located on Flinders Lane between King and Spencer streets. Their sole machine tool, when they commenced as a business, was a small slide rest lathe turned by foot. In about 1865 they moved to the south side of the Yarra River, to the Yarra bank near the Spencer Street Bridge and then in about 1886 they moved to Grant Street, South Melbourne. The works employed as many as 350 workers manufacturing a wide range of marine, mining, civil engineering, railway and general manufacturing components including engines and boilers. The foundry prospered despite high wages and the lack of raw materials. It became known for high-quality products that competed successfully with any imported articles. By the time Henry retired, the foundry was one of the largest employers in Victoria and was responsible for casting the first bell and lamp-posts in the colony. The business was carried on by his sons after Henry's death. The company was responsible for fabricating the boiler for the first railway locomotive to operate in Australia, built-in 1854 by Robertson, Martin & Smith for the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Company. Also in the 1860s, they commenced manufacture of cast iron pipes for the Board of Works, which was then laying the first reticulated water supply system in Melbourne. Langlands was well known for its gold mining equipment, being the first company in Victoria to take up the manufacture of mining machinery, and it played an important role in equipping Victoria's and Australia's first mineral boom in the 1850s and 1860s. Langlands Foundry was an incubator for several engineers including Herbert Austin (1866–1941) who worked as a fitter at Langlands and went on to work on the Wolesely Shearing machine. He also founded the Austin Motor Company in 1905. Around the 1890s Langlands Foundry Co. declined and was bought up by the Austral Otis Co. in about 1893. History for Grimoldi: John Baptist Grimoldi was born in London UK. His Father was Domeneck Grimoldi, who was born in Amsterdam with an Italian Father and Dutch mother. Domeneck was also a scientific instrument maker. John B Grimoldi had served his apprenticeship to his older brother Henry Grimoldi in Brooke Street, Holburn, London and had emigrated from England to Australia to start his own meteorological and scientific instrument makers business at 81 Queens St Melbourne. He operated his business in 1862 until 1883 when it was brought by William Samuel and Charles Frederick, also well known scientific instrument makers who had emigrated to Melbourne in 1875. John Grimoldi became successful and made a number of high quality measuring instruments for the Meteorological Observatory in Melbourne. The barometer was installed at Warrnambool's old jetty and then the Breakwater as part of the Victorian Government's insistence that barometers be placed at all major Victorian ports. This coastal barometer is representative of barometers that were installed through this government scheme that began in 1866. The collecting of meteorological data was an important aspect of the Melbourne Observatory's work from its inception. Just as astronomy had an important practical role to play in navigation, timekeeping and surveying, so the meteorological service provided up to date weather information and forecasts that were essential for shipping and agriculture. As a result, instruments made by the early instrument makers of Australia was of significant importance to the development and safe trading of companies operating during the Victorian colonies early days. The provenance of this artefact is well documented and demonstrates, in particular, the importance of the barometer to the local fishermen and mariners of Warrnambool. This barometer is historically significant for its association with Langlands’ Foundry which pioneered technology in the developing colony by establishing the first ironworks in Melbourne founded in 1842. Also, it is significant for its connection to John B Grimoldi who made the barometer and thermometer housed in the cast iron case. Grimoldi, a successful meteorological and scientific instrument maker, arrived in the colony from England and established his business in 1862 becoming an instrument maker to the Melbourne Observatory. Additional significance is its completeness and for its rarity, as it is believed to be one of only two extant barometers of this type and in 1986 it was moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village as part of its museum collection. Coast Barometer No. 8 is a tall, red painted cast iron pillar containing a vertical combined barometer and thermometer. Half way down in the cast iron framed glass door is a keyhole. Inside is a wooden case containing a mercury barometer at the top with a thermometer attached underneath, each with a separate glass window and a silver coloured metal backing plate. Just below the barometer, on the right-hand side, is a brass disc with a hole for a gauge key in the centre. The barometer has a silvered tin backing plate with a scale, in inches, of "27 to 31" on the right side and includes a Vernier with finer markings, which is set by turning the gauge key. The thermometer has a silvered tin backing plate with a scale on the left side of "30 to 140". Each of the scales has markings showing the units between the numbers.Inscription at the top front of the pillar reads "COAST BAROMETER" Inscribed on the bottom of the pillar is "No 8". and "LANGLANDS BROS & CO ENGINEERS MELBOURNE " The barometer backing plate is inscribed "COAST BAROMETER NO. 8, VICTORIA" and printed on the left of the scale, has "J GRIMOLDI" on the top and left of the scale, inscribed "Maker, MELBOURNE". There is an inscription on the bottom right-hand side of the thermometer scale, just above the 30 mark "FREEZING" Etched into the timber inside the case are the Roman numerals "VIII" (the number 8)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, warrnambool breakwater, coast barometer, coastal barometer, barometer, weather warning, ports and harbours, fishery barometer, sea coast barometer, austral otis co, coast barometer no. 8, henry grimoldi, henry langlands, john baptist grimoldi, langlands foundry co, meteorological instrument maker, robert langlands, scientific instrument maker, thermometer, thomas fulton -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Optometer Stands, Early 19th Century
... instruments to measure the separate components of vision. Dr Jules... instruments to measure the separate components of vision. Dr Jules ...Optometrists are trained to examine eyes and prescribe visual aids such as spectacles. The optometer pictured in the media section of this document dates from the 1800s. The optometer was used with various lenses to determine the refraction of the eye. Refraction means the extent to which light is bent by an individual's eye. The result can determine how short-sighted or long-sighted they are, and the strength of spectacles required. In the second half of the 1800s, ophthalmologists also devised instruments to measure the separate components of vision. Dr Jules Badal developed the pictured instrument in 1876. It was based on an optometer invented by William Porterfield in 1759. The brass stands look as though they were made for an optometer to be table mounted, with heavy brass stands and designed to hold a cylindrical object securely as would be required by an optometer. Stands appear to have been very well made and very early probably early to mid 19th Century by a well known scientific instrument maker given there are no inscriptions or marks to indicate the time period made or maker it is difficult to assume significance to these items at this point in time as well as the items are incomplete.The brass stands believed to be for mounting an early Optometer an (ophthalmic instrument) Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, stands for scientific instrument -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Barometer, 1858-1869
... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas... face of instrument. Includes a thermometer. The barometer ...The barometer was either made or sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. (See below for further details.) Admiral Fitzroy Pattern Barometer History: The stick mercury barometer was named after Admiral Robert Fitzroy of the Royal Navy (1805-1865) for his detailed instructions on how to interpret the weather, which were included with the instrument. Fitzroy was the captain of the HMS Beagle, also a weather forecaster to Charles Darwin and the second Governor of New Zealand. He developed many different types of barometers and was the first person to introduce the science of weather forecasting to the British Isles. A local manufacturer of scientific instruments, Thomas Gaunt, produced the barometer that was adapted for the southern hemisphere by Robert Ellery, the State Astronomer based at the Melbourne Observatory. In the original sale catalogue for Gaunt's, the item is described as "Gaunt's Fitzroy Barometers" and it was priced from 25/- to ₤9.9s. History of Thomas Gaunt: Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade. Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. His main horological manufacturing was directed at turret clocks for town halls, churches and post offices. These tended to be specific commissions requiring individualised design and construction. He made the clock for the Melbourne Post Office lobby, to a design by Government Astronomer Robert Ellery, and won an award at the 1880-81 Melbourne International Exhibition for his turret clock for the Emerald Hill Town Hall. He became well known for his installation of a chronograph at Flemington Racecourse in 1876, which showed the time for the race, accurate to a quarter of a second. The firm also installed the clockwork and figures for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Another department specialised in electroplating for trophies, awards and silverware, and the firm manufactured large amounts of ecclesiastical gold ware and silverware, for the church including St Patrick's Cathedral. There are no records that disclose the number of employees in the firm, but it was large enough for Gaunt to hold an annual picnic for the watchmakers and apprentices at Mordialloc from 1876; two years previously they had successfully lobbied Gaunt to win the eight hour day. Gaunt's workforce was reportedly very stable, with many workers remaining in the business for 15 to 30 years. Gaunt's wife Jane died on September 1894, aged 64. They had one son and six daughters, but only three daughters survived to adulthood. Two became nuns at the Abbotsford Convent and one daughter, Cecelia Mary Gaunt (died 28 July 1941), married William Stanislaus Spillane on 22 September 1886 and had a large family. Gaunt died at his home in Coburg, Victoria, leaving an estate valued at ₤41,453. The business continued as T. Gaunt & Co. after his death. The barometer is historically significant as an example of the work of Melbourne’s leading scientific instrument maker, Thomas Gaunt. The barometer has social significance as an example of the type of scientific equipment that Thomas Gaunt expanded his horology business into producing. Further social significance lies in the fact that Robert Ellery, the Government Astronomer who designed the local version of the barometer, had a direct connection with the Melbourne Athenaeum founded in 1839 as the Melbourne Mechanics' Institution. Its purpose was "the diffusion of literary, scientific and other useful information". There are also records of a T Gaunt as a subscription and committee member of this the Athenaeum organisation during the 1870s and 1880s which may be Thomas Gaunt, unfortunately still unverified.Stick mercury barometer known as the Admiral Fitzroy Barometer. It comprises an oblong wooden case with glass front panel, ornate pediment, barometer with bulb cistern (empty of fluid), cleaning brush with printed instructions for interpreting information given by the gauge affixed to left and right face of instrument. Includes a thermometer. The barometer appears to be intact. Adapted to the Southern Hemisphere. Special remarks by Admiral Fitzroy. Made by Thomas Gaunt, Melbourne. Manufacturer's details are on back of wooden casing. Rear has upper and lower brass screw plates for securing to vertical surface."Manufactured by Thomas Gaunt, 14 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. "flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, barometer, admiral fitzroy, thomas gaunt, thomas gaunt of melbourne, clockmaker, admiral fitzroy barometer, barometer instructions, gaunt’s fitzroy barometer, gaunt’s of melbourne, gog and magog designer, horological manufacturer, meteorological instrument, melbourne athenaeum, melbourne mechanics' institution, melbourne observatory time signal, robert ellery government astronomer, scientific instrument, stick mercury barometer, thermometer, weather forecast, t gaunt & co -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Clock, c. 1860s
... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas... and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas ...The clock was either made or sold by T. Gaunt & Co. of Melbourne, a manufacturer, importer and retailer of a wide variety of goods including jewellery, clocks and watches, navigational and measuring instruments, dinnerware, glassware and ornaments. Thomas Gaunt photograph was included in an album of security identity portraits of members of the Victorian Court, Centennial International Exhibition, Melbourne, 1888. Thomas Gaunt History: Thomas Gaunt established Melbourne's leading watchmaking, optical and jewellery business during the second half of the 19th century. Gaunt arrived in Melbourne in 1852, and by 1858 had established his own business at 14 Little Bourke Street. Around 1869 he moved to new premises in Bourke Street on the corner of Royal Arcade, Gaunt's shop quickly became a Melbourne institution. Gaunt proudly advertised that he was 'The only watch manufacturer in the Australian colonies'. While many watches and clocks may have had Gaunt's name on the dial, few would have been made locally. Gaunt did make some watches for exhibitions, and perhaps a few expensive watches for wealthy individuals. Gaunt's received a telegraph signal from Melbourne Observatory each day to correct his main clock and used this signal to rate and repair ship's chronometers and good quality watches. His main horological manufacturing was directed at turret clocks for town halls, churches and post offices. These tended to be specific commissions requiring individualised design and construction. He made the clock for the Melbourne Post Office lobby, to a design by Government Astronomer Robert Ellery, and won an award at the 1880-81 Melbourne International Exhibition for his turret clock for the Emerald Hill Town Hall. He became well known for his installation of a chronograph at Flemington Racecourse in 1876, which showed the time for the race, accurate to a quarter of a second. The firm also installed the clockwork and figures for Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade. Thomas Gaunt also developed a department that focused on scientific instrumentation, making thermometers and barometers (from imported glass tubes), telescopes, surveying instruments and microscopes. Another department specialised in electroplating for trophies, awards and silverware, and the firm manufactured large amounts of ecclesiastical gold ware and silverware, for the church including St Patrick's Cathedral. There are no records that disclose the number of employees in the firm, but it was large enough for Gaunt to hold an annual picnic for the watchmakers and apprentices at Mordialloc from 1876; two years previously they had successfully lobbied Gaunt to win the eight hour day. Gaunt's workforce was reportedly very stable, with many workers remaining in the business for 15 to 30 years. Gaunt's wife Jane died on September 1894, aged 64. They had one son and six daughters, but only three daughters survived to adulthood. Two became nuns at the Abbotsford Convent and one daughter, Cecelia Mary Gaunt (died 28 July 1941), married William Stanislaus Spillane on 22 September 1886 and had a large family. Gaunt died at his home in Coburg, Victoria, leaving an estate valued at ₤41,453. The business continued as T. Gaunt & Co. after his death. Post Office and Clock History: Warrnambool’s Post Office has been in existence since 1857, when it was originally situated on the corner of Timor and Gilles Street. In March 1864 the Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25, “to be put up in front of the Post Office”. Henry Walsh Jnr was the eldest son of Melbourne’s Henry Walsh, maker and retailer of clocks, watches, thermometers and jewellery. In 1854 Henry Walsh Jnr. began business in Warrnambool as a watchmaker and jeweller later becoming a Councillor with now a local street named after him. The Post Office was extensively remodelled in 1875-76. Early photographs of this building show that the clock was installed on the northern outside wall, Timor Street, under the arches and between the 2 centre windows, where it could be seen by passers-by. Although spring loaded clocks date back to the 15th century, and fob and pocket watches evolving from these date to the 17th century, personal pocket watches were only affordable to the very fortunate. Public clocks such as this Post Office clock provided opportunity for all to know the time, and for those in possession of a personal watch to check and set their own timepieces to the correct time. During post office reservations during the 1970s the clock was removed and was eventually donated to the Flagstaff Collection. The Clock’s maker Thomas Gaunt, is historically significant and was an established and well renowned scientific instrument and clock maker in Melbourne during the 1860s. He was at that time the only watchmaker in the Australian colonies. In the 1870’s and 1880’s he won many awards for his clocks and was responsible for sending time signals to other clocks in the city and rural areas, enabling many businesses and organisations to accurate set their clocks each day. Warrnambool Borough Council purchased this clock from Henry Walsh Jnr. for the sum of £25 and the clock used to stand in front of the Warrnambool post office to allow ordinary citizens to set their time pieces as they walked by. The item is not only important because it was made by a significant early colonial clock maker and retailed by a locally known clock maker and jeweler but also that it was installed in the Warrnambool Post Office a significantly historical building in it's own right. Built in 1857 and regarded as one of the oldest postal facilities in Australia, with a listing on the National Heritage Database, (ID 15656). This 1864 hall clock originates from the Warrnambool Post Office. The clock glass is hinged to the top of the clock face and has a catch at the bottom. The metal rim of the glass is painted black. The clock face is metal, painted white, with black Roman numerals and markings for minutes and five minutes. The tip of the small hour hand is shaped like a leaf. "T. GAUNT / MELBOURNE" is printed in black on the clock face. The winding key hole is just below the centre of the clock face. The key winds a fusee chain mechanism, attached to the brass mainspring barrel that powers the pendulum with an 8-day movement. The speed of the clock can be adjusted by changing the position of the weight on the pendulum, lengthening or shortening the swing; raising the pendulum shortens its swing and speeds up the clock. The metal fusee mechanism has an inscription on it. The rectangular wooden casing is with a convex curve at the bottom that has a hinged door with a swivel latch. The original stained surface has been painted over with a matte black. There are two other doors that also allow access to the clock’s workings. The case fits over the pendulum and workings at the rear and attaches to the clock by inserting four wooden pegs into holes in the sides of the case then into the back of the clock. A flat metal plate has been secured by five screws onto the top of the case and a hole has been cut into it for the purpose of hanging up the clock. There is a nail inside the case, possibly used for a place to the key."T. GAUNT MELBOURNE" is printed on the clock face. “6 1 3” embossed on the back of the fusee mechanism behind the clock. warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, shipwrecked artefact, clock, warrnambool post office, fusee, henry walsh jnr, thomas gaunt, t gaunt & co, post office clock -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Instrument - Theodolite, Cooke, Troughton & Simms, c 1940
... Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures... accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible ...Theodolites are a highly accurate instrument that measures angles between designated visible points in the horizontal and vertical planes. The theodolite has a long history, with the term first found in 1571 in a surveying textbook 'A geometric practice named Pantometria' by Leonard Digges. (source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite). Cooke Troughton & Simms began when John Troughton starting selling products in Fleet Street, London in 1782. He went into partnership with his brother Edward in 1807 who expanded the business considerably. William Simms, a former apprentice with the company was taken as a partner and then manager after Edward died in 1835 and the company became Troughton & Simms. By 1887 the company was able to produce all the parts necessary for their instruments and the company employed nearly 200 people and was one of the most well respected firms of instrument makers of the 1800's. James Simms, son of William who had inherited the company died in 1915 and the company was turned into a limited liability company by his two sons William and James. Things however were not so easy for the two sons and in 1922 the business was brought out by their rival T. Cooke & Sons becoming Cooke, Troughton & Simms. Theodolites are used by surveyors as part of their everyday work and although there is no specific information regarding the provenance of this particular one it is assumed it was used locally by the City of Bendigo and / or the Lands Department.A grey theodolite no 39161 made by Cooke, Thoughton & Simms. Various moving parts showing signs of extensive use particularly on the uprights on the main body and around knobs and dials where the paint is worn back to brass.Cooke, Thoughton & Simms Ltd / York. England / No 39161. Sticker; DPS - Asset No / (barcode) / 0010173city of greater bendigo administration item, lands and survey department bendigo -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ship Log, 1900-1920
... of Miles, the Rocket Log is a nautical instrument for measuring... instrument for measuring a vessel’s speed and distance traveled ...Thomas Walker & Son was internationally renowned in the manufacturing of ships logs. Founding father Thomas Walker (1805–1871), an engineer in Birmingham, patented a mechanical log in 1878 which was a recording instrument that attached to a rail at the stern of a vessel connected by a long cord with a rotor which was towed behind the ship. The instrument dial recorded the distance travelled. Thomas Walker first went into business to manufacture stoves at 58 Oxford Street Birmingham. Walker’s self-feeding stove was widely lauded at the Paris Exhibition of 1855, winning a prize medal and kick starting the first of many notable innovations for the Walker family's manufacturing business. However, it wasn’t until working on an earlier ships log model invented by his Uncle that Thomas Walker became interested in the further development of this device, used to ascertain a ship’s speed. Walker continued to improve on the common log for the company of Massey & Sons and these improvements were deemed revolutionary. This log became a firm favourite of the West India Association (British-based organisation promoting ties and trade with the British Caribbean) and the most common log in use for two generations. It took till 1861 for Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker (1831-1921) to patent the first Walker log of many. Together, with the introduction of the A1 Harpoon Log two years later, they established the Walker Log Business as a force to be reckoned with. By the time of his passing in 1871, Thomas Walker Snr had not only founded a family business with considerable staying power but also instilled a tradition of public service. Having sat as a representative on the Birmingham Town Council for 15 years and played an active role in public works, he was soon given the nickname of ‘Blue Brick Walker’. Much like his father, Thomas Ferdinand Walker changed the face of the maritime industry. His patent of 1897, the ‘Cherub’ log, was a notable departure from the past providing a far more accurate reading and replacing the majority of logs of the age. They were the first to produce an electric log and the Walker factory was one of the first to introduce the 48 hour work week for employees. This ship log was invented and made by a significant marine instrument maker and innovator of machinery. It demonstrates the huge leap taken to improve navigational accuracy at sea with an instrument that was in use for decades. Ship Log, three analogue dials calibrated in increments of Miles, the Rocket Log is a nautical instrument for measuring a vessel’s speed and distance traveled. The floating log was drawn behind the ship over a fixed time period in order to measure the distance traveled. The counter could measure enough miles to cover the maximum distance traveled by a ship in one day. The log has two distinct parts; a brass register, made by Walker, showing the distance recorded and the rotator made by Reynolds, that spins in the water driving the counter. both parts are connected by a linked chain. The register has a cylindrical brass body approx 4.5 cm diameter containing registering mechanism with hardened steel bearings. Distance is indicated by the three pointers on enamel plate as follows: graduated every 10 miles from 0-100; every mile from 1-10; every 1/4 mile from 1/4 -1. A brass sling and eye secured to the body enables it to be attached to the taffrail. The original rotator would have had a cylindrical tapered wooden body, approx 4.5 cm in diameter with three metal alloy fins or could be all made from brass. A towing eye is fitted to the tapered end. The two pieces of apparatus are connected by a length of linked chain, length 22.9 cm."Walkers Rocket Ship-Log Birmingham (Patented)" printed on face-plate. "Made by Thomas Walker".flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ship log, rocket log, mechanical ship log, measuring instrument, marine instrument, nautical instrument, speed recording instrument, ship log register, walker ship log, walkers rocket ship-log, thomas walker, thomas walker & son, thomas ferdinand walker, walker log business, reynolds ship log rotor, taffrail log, taff rail log, west india association -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Octant, Late 18th to mid-19th century
... : The principle of the Octant as an instrument to measure ones latitude... navigation instrument used primarily by sailors to measure ...An Octant is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument used primarily by sailors to measure the angular distance between two visible objects and was a forerunner of the sextant. The name comes from the Latin octo, or “one-eighth of a circle,” for the Octant’s arc which spans 45°, or one-eighth of a circle. The primary use of an Octant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. The estimation of this angle is known as sighting or shooting the object, or taking a sight. The angle, and the time when it was measured, can be used to calculate a position line on a nautical chart (latitude), for example, sighting the Sun at noon or Polaris at night (in the Northern Hemisphere) gives an angle by which the latitude can then be estimated. Sighting the height of a landmark on land can also give a measure of distance. History: The principle of the Octant as an instrument to measure ones latitude was first implemented around 1742-present but was superseded by the improvement of the octant to a sextant, a very similar instrument, better made and able to measure bigger angles 120°, allowing the measurement of Luna distances to give longitude when used with an accurate chronometer. The sextant started to appear around 1730 and had been attributed to by John Hadley (1682–1744) and Thomas Godfrey (1704–1749), but reference to the sextant was also found later in the unpublished writings of Isaac Newton (1643–1727). Earlier links can be found to Bartholomew Gosnold (1571–1607) indicating that the use of a Sextant for nautical navigation predates Hadley's implementation. In 1922, the sextant was modified for aeronautical navigation by Portuguese navigator and naval officer Gago Coutinho. Henry Hemsley was a lesser-known instrument maker and optician working in London in the late 17th and early 18th century. However, it should be noted that there were two Henry Hemsley opticians and instrument makers around this period. (Henry Hemsley 1, 1786-89, who had premises at 85 Fleet St London and Henry Hemsley 2, 1828-56), whose workshop was at 135-138 Radcliff Highway London. Therefore, based on the inscribed workshop address Henry Hemsley 2 is responsible for making this example.The octant is representative of its type and although not fully complete it demonstrates how 18th and 19th-century mariners determined their latitude on a chart to navigate their way across the world's oceans in the 18th and 19th century. It also demonstrates the skill and workmanship of the early instrument makers that operated from London at this time and provided most of the navigational instrumentation use by commercial and military navies of the time.Octant, ebony wooden frame and handle. Scale is missing from recess in frame. "H. Hemsley 135-138 Ratliff Highway, London", no box"H. Hemsley 135-138 Ratcliff Highway, London"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, navigation, navigational instrument, instrument used for navigation, sextant, henry hemsley, instrument maker, london, octant -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Ship Log, 1900-1920
... The Excelsior IV Log is a nautical instrument for measuring... instrument for measuring a vessel’s speed and distance travelled ...The Excelsior IV Log is a nautical instrument for measuring a vessel’s speed and distance travelled. When navigating a ship it is essential to be able to estimate the boat’s speed and distance travelled to determine its position at sea. In times past the only way to measure a ship’s speed was to throw a wood log into the water and observe how fast it moved away from the ship. In the 16th century, the log was fastened to a rope knotted at set intervals. The log was thrown over the stern (back) of the vessel and a crew member counted the number of knots that were paid out in a set time. From this, they could estimate the speed of the vessel through the water. This was known as streaming the log and is also the derivation of the knot as a measurement of nautical speed. The Walker’s Excelsior Mark IV instrument was designed for smaller vessels, such as yachts, launches and fishing vessels. Historical: Thomas Walker & Son was internationally renowned in the manufacturing of ships logs, founding father , Thomas Walker (1805–1871), an engineer in Birmingham, patented a mechanical log in 1878 which was a recording instrument that attached to a rail at the stern of a vessel connected by a long cord with a rotor which was towed behind the ship. The instrument dial recorded the distance travelled. Thomas Walker first went into business to manufacture stoves at 58 Oxford Street Birmingham. Walker’s self-feeding stove was widely lauded at the Paris Exhibition of 1855, winning a prize medal and kick starting the first of many notable innovations for the Walker family's manufacturing business. However, it wasn’t until working on an earlier ship’s log model invented by his Uncle that Thomas Walker became interested in the further development of this device, used to ascertain a ship’s speed. Walker continued to improve on the common log for the company of Massey & Sons and these improvements were deemed revolutionary. This log became a firm favourite of the West India Association (British-based organisation promoting ties and trade with the British Caribbean), being the most common log in use for two generations. It took until 1861 for Thomas Walker and his son, Thomas Ferdinand Walker (1831-1921) to patent the first Walker log of many. Together, with the introduction of the A1 Harpoon Log two years later, they established the Walker Log Business as a force to be reckoned with. By the time of his passing in 1871, Thomas Walker Snr had not only founded a family business with considerable staying power but also instilled a tradition of public service. Having sat as a representative on the Birmingham Town Council for 15 years and played an active role in public works, he was soon given the nickname of ‘Blue Brick Walker’. Much like his father, Thomas Ferdinand Walker changed the face of the maritime industry. His patent of 1897, the ‘Cherub’ log, was a notable departure from the past providing a far more accurate reading and replacing the majority of logs of the age. They were the first to produce an electric log and the Walker factory was one of the first to introduce the 48 hour work week for employees. The ship log was invented and made by a significant marine instrument maker and innovator of machinery. It demonstrates the huge leap taken to improve navigational accuracy at sea with an instrument that was in use for decades.Ship's Taff Rail Log, rope attached. Walker's Excelsior IV Log model. Nautical miles dials: units and 10's. "Walker's Excelsior IV Log", "Made in England by Thomas Walker, Birmingham"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, log register, taff rail log, taffrail log, marine navigation, a1 harpoon log, cherub’ log, walker’s excelsior mark iv log, ship’s log instrument, mechanical ship’s log, measure ship’s speed, nautical instrument, navigation instrument, massey & sons, thomas walker, blue brick walker, thomas walker & son, thomas ferdinand walker, 48 hour work week -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Hourglass
... An hourglass or sandglass is an instrument for measuring...Hourglass or sandglass; an instrument used to measure time... is an instrument for measuring a defined time and can be used perpetually ...An hourglass or sandglass is an instrument for measuring a defined time and can be used perpetually by simply turning it over immediately the top bulb empties. The clear blown glass is shaped into two equal sized bulbs with a narrow passage in the centre and contains uniform sized sand or glass particles in the lower bulb. The width of the neck regulates the constant flow of the particles. The glass is held in a stand with top and bottom of equal shape and size. Hourglasses can measure an infinite variety of time by gauging the size of the particles, the shape and size of the bulbs and the size of the passage between the bulbs, thus measuring hours or minutes or even seconds. Generally an hourglass sits between discs of wood at the ends, which are joined by long wooden spindles between the ends and tightened by screw caps. The length of time can be adjusted by adding or removing sand particles. The use of the marine sandglass (or hourglass) has been recorded in the 14th century in European shipping. A one minute sandglass was used in conjunction with the ship’s log for ‘dead reckoning’, (see below) that is, for measuring the ship’s speed through the water. They were also used to regulate ringing the ship’s timetable; for example a 4 hour sandglass was used for the length of the sailors’ watch, and a half hour timer for taking of readings for the ship’s log; the ship’s bell would be rung every half hour. It was usually the role of the cabin boy to watch and turn the sandglasses over at the exact time of them emptying their upper chambers and to ring the ship’s bell. Hourglasses have been used historically for many hundreds of years. Some have been used for timing church sermons, in cooking, in industry and at sea. Even today they are used for measuring the cooking time of eggs and timing a player’s turn in games such as Boggle and Pictionary. The sandglasses at sea were gradually replaced in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s by the more accurate chronometers (marine clocks) when they became reliable instruments. DEAD RECKONING (or Deduced Reckoning) Dead reckoning is the term used to describe the method of calculating the ship’s position from its speed and direction, used in early maritime travel, mostly in European waters. Both the (1) speed and the (2) direction of travel were recorded on a Traverse Board at half-hourly intervals during a helmsman’s watch of 4 hours. The navigator would record the readings in his ship’s log, plot them on his navigational chart and give his updated course directions to the next helmsman on watch, along with the cleared Traverse Board. This was a very approximate, but none-the-less helpful, method of navigation. The wooden Traverse Board was a simple pegboard with a diagram of a compass with eight peg holes along the radius to each of the compass points, plus a grid with ascending half hours in the left column and increasing ship’s speed in knots in a row across the column headings, with a peg hole in each of the intersecting cells. A number of wooden pegs were attached to strings on the board. By placing one peg consecutively in the direction’s radius hole, starting from the centre, and the speed holes when the half hourly reading was taken, a picture of speed and direction for the whole 4 hour watch was created. (1) To measure the ship’s speed a one minute hourglass timer was usually used to measure the ship’s speed through the water and help to calculate its longitude. A rope, with knots at regular standard intervals and a weight such as a log at the end, would be thrown overboard at the stern of the ship. At the same time the hourglass would be turned over and a seaman would start counting the number of knots on the rope that passed freely through his hands as the ship travelled. When the timer ran out the counting would be stopped. A timer of one minute (one-sixtieth of an hour), knots spaced one-sixtieth of a nautical mile apart, and simple arithmetic easily gave the speed of the ship in nautical miles per hour ("knots"). This would be recorded every half hour. The speed could however be inaccurate to the travel being affected by ocean currents and wind. (2) To calculate the ship’s direction a compass sighting would be recorded each half hour.Marine hourglasses or sandglasses were used from around the 14th to 19th century during the time of sailing ships. This hourglass is representative of that era, which is during the time of the colonisation of Australia. Hourglass or sandglass; an instrument used to measure time. Two equal sized clear glass bulbs joined with a narrow passage between them, containing equal sized particles of sand grains in lower bulb. Glass sits in a brass collar at each end, in a frame comprising 3 decorative brass columns or posts, each attached top and bottom, using round screw-on feet, to round brass disks. Disks have Roman numerals for the numbers 1 - 12 pressed into their inner surfaces and hieroglyphics on the outer surfaces. Roman numerals on inner surface of disks " I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII " Hieroglyphics impressed on outer surface of disksflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, horology, hourglass, hour glass, sandglass, sand glass, timing instrument, dead reckoning, deduced reckoning, finding latitude at sea, sandglass with hieroglyphics and roman numerals, hourglass with hieroglyphics and roman numerals, brass hourglass -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Manufactured Glass, bottle 'Listerine' with wrapper, 20thC
Listerine is a brand of antiseptic mouthwash product named after Sir Joseph Lister, Bt. FRS (1827 – 1912), who was a British surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery. By applying Louis Pasteur's advances in microbiology, he promoted the idea of sterile surgery while working at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. 1865 Lister successfully introduced carbolic acid (now known as phenol) to sterilise surgical instruments, clean wounds, and for washing surgeons hands before and after operations. These measures led to a reduction in post-operative infections and made surgery safer for patients. “Listerine” was formulated by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879 as surgical antiseptic, it was given to dentists for oral care in 1895 It was later sold, in distilled form, as both a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhoea. But it wasn't a runaway success until the 1920s, when it was advertised as a solution for "chronic halitosis"— a then obscure medical term for bad breath.. In just seven years, the company's revenues rose from $115,000 to more than $8 million.. In 1885, Lawrence sold his share to the Lambert Pharmacal Company. Listerine was packaged in a glass bottle inside a corrugated cardboard tube for nearly 80 years before the first revamps were made to the brand. In 1992, Cool Mint Listerine was introduced in addition to the original Listerine Antiseptic formula and, in 1994, both brands were introduced in plastic bottles for the first time. . From 1921 until the mid-1970s, Listerine was also marketed as a preventive and remedy for colds and sore throats. In 1976, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that these claims were misleading, Originally marketed by the Lambert Pharmacal Company (which later became Warner-Lambert), since 2006 it is manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson In 2009, Johnson and Johnson launched a new alcohol-free version of the product called Listerine Zero. The screw top indicates that the bottle was manufactured post-1920sA clear glass bottle, with a rubber stopper, wrapped in corrugated cardboard containing 'Listerine' mouth rinse .Front Label: LISTERINE / TRADE MARK REGISTERED / ANTISEPTIC / PROOF SPIRIT 50% / LAMBERT / a star / PHARMACAL COMPANY (AUST.) PTY LTD / SYDNEY Back Label : Instructions for use .......... on bottle : LISTERINE ANTISEPTIC / LAMBERT on cardboard wrapper ; 7 FLUID OZ. / LISTERINE / PROOF SPIRIT 50% / ANTISEPTIC, DEODORANT, / PROPHYLACTICpharmacy, listerine, lister joseph, lawrence dr. joseph, lambert jordan wheat, missouri, glasgow royal infirmary, infectious diseases, johnson & johnson ltd., surgery, antiseptics, medicine, pasteur louis, france -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Measuring Equipment, circular slide-scale, 20thC
A mathematical slide rule Calculator used by engineers, mechanics, and similar tradesA typical precision slide rule used in City of Moorabbin 20thCA plastic, circular slide-ruleon face ; CIRCULAR 'CONCISE' SLIDE RULE MADE IN JAPAN on protector sleeve ; BASIL V R GREATREX PTY LTD / SYDNEY MELBOURNE / STEAM TRAPS / AIR DRYERS / ROTARY JOINTS / TEMPERATURE REGULATORS / HUMIDIFIERS / SPIRAL WOUND GASKETS,/ MECHANICAL PACKINGSmeasurements, slide-rule, slide scale, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, precision instruments, concise pty ltd -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Electrical Instrument, Everett AC Wattmeter, 1923
Would have been used by staff and students of electrical Engineering at the School of Mines, Lydiard St. campus up until the start of the Mount Helen campus E building third floor. The meter would have had limited use in classes until 2009. This Wattmeter became part of the historical collection in 2011 after the movement of Engineering out of the E building. In working condition and a good example of early 20th century electrical instruments.A polished natural timber case with partial flip top lid and leather carry handle, housing a single phase AC Wattmeter, rated at 170 volts , 30 amps Scale 0 to 5 kilowatt. Serial no :210088Schematic diagram on inside lid showing how to connect the Wattmeter to measure a 3 phase balanced load. Paper sticker on top "1/92" Information for voltage and current ranges painted with white paint on left hand side by Voltage terminals Voltage terminals labelled A and N Also white on black "W8" on same surface Aluminium plate "67" on right hand side near current terminals which are engraved To A and Ti A to indicate current flow direction Aluminium sticker with Ballarat CAE Electrical Engineering by carry handleeverett instruments, single phase, wattmeter, electrical, scientific instruments -
Federation University Historical Collection
Instrument - Weights and measures, Collection of Nested Cup Troy Weights, (23093.3) 1826
... and measures Instrument Collection of Nested Cup Troy Weights 7 x Brass ...The nested cup weights were designed to make the transport of weights, essential items in most commercial transactions, more convenient. This idea goes back to Roman times. In the nested cup form, a series of weights shaped into cups are set one into the other. Each cup fits precisely into the next, larger sized cup which each larger example weighing exactly twice that of the one previous. The Troy weight system was used for precious metals and gemstones.7 x Brass troy measures of various sizes. Fine groove lines near top edge and bottom 2 x Copper sliding weights - domed.1) 32 oz Troy around top .2) 16 oz Troy around top .3) VIII R around top. Maker's mark - lidded pot (coffee/tea?) with date 1826 .4) 8 oz around top .5) 6 oz Troy around top .6) 4 oz Troy .7) 2 oz Troy "WATERS" on top of sliders with "4" on under sidenested cups weights, troy weight, precious metals, gemstones, commercial transactions, sliding weights, domed weights -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Goniometer
... A goniometer is an instrument that either measures an angle... parts) A goniometer is an instrument that either measures ...A goniometer is an instrument that either measures an angle or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular position. The term goniometry is derived from two Greek words, gōnia, meaning angle, and metron, meaning measure. (Wikipedia)Goniometer in a timber box. (eleven parts)galvometer, ganiometer, j. swift and sons -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Induction Coil
An induction coil consists of two coils of insulated copper wire wound around a common iron core. One coil, called the primary winding, is made from relatively few (tens or hundreds) turns of coarse wire. The other coil, the secondary winding, typically consists of many (thousands) turns of fine wire. An electric current is passed through the primary, creating a magnetic field. Because of the common core, most of the primary's magnetic field couples with the secondary winding. The primary behaves as an inductor, storing energy in the associated magnetic field. When the primary current is suddenly interrupted, the magnetic field rapidly collapses. This causes a high voltage pulse to be developed across the secondary terminals through electromagnetic induction. Because of the large number of turns in the secondary coil, the secondary voltage pulse is typically many thousands of volts. This voltage is often sufficient to cause an electric spark, to jump across an air gap separating the secondary's output terminals. For this reason, induction coils were called spark coils. The size of induction coils was usually specified by the length of spark it could produce; an '8 inch' (20 cm) induction coil was one that could produce an 8 inch arc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_coil)A metal and plastic object on a timber stand. In an induction coil the distance between the plates is often used to measure the voltage of the spark since the air breaks down at 30 000 volts per centimetreballarat college of advanced education, scientific instrument, induction coil, scientific instruments, electricity -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, The Cambridge and Paul Instrument Co. Ltd, Galvonometer
A type of instrument used in the 1900s to measure very low currents by sending beams of light to the mirror and reflecting this back onto a wall using the mirror as an amplifier. Small currents in V/A can display a displacement of a few inches on the wall. This instrument has to be balanced, hence the air bubble level and adjustable feet. The meter was scaled in degrees. Galvonometer with all brass body shell removable for initital adjustments. Two observation ports. Base with levelling feet.scientific instrument, galvonometer -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Spherometer
A spherometer is an instrument for the precise measurement of the radius of curvature of a sphere or a curved surface. Originally, these instruments were primarily used by opticians to measure the curvature of the surface of a lens. A fixed-frame tripod with adjustable central contact screw, equipped with micrometer scale. Brass construction with steel contact points. Designed for measuring curvature of lenses. Stored in a polished timber box. Made specially for Silberberg and Co. Ltd. Melbournescientific instrument, spherometer, h.b. silberberg & co ltd -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, DC Voltmeter/Ammeter: Model D.14, 1950s
Used for teaching chemistry principles of measuring electrical power.A teaching / demonstration model with large scale and transparent panels. Polished wooden frame. Direct current - moving coil Volt-AmmeterBlack tape on front panel "PHYSICS"chemistry, electrical power, physics, voltmeter, ammeter, direct current, scientific instrument -
Federation University Historical Collection
Science Equipment, Hand-held Conductivity/TDS Meter: CON 6/TDS 6, c2002
The Conductivity Meter was purchased for the Food and Allied Sciences Department. It is not known if it was purchased to replace a similar item but obvious that this particular one has never been used. The solutions can be used for measuring conductivity. This measurement can be used as an estimate of total salt content in a solution. Good for quality assurance in a food context.Grey hard plastic case - compartments inside. Contains 1 meter, 1 conductivity probe and 4 small bottles of solution. Three bottles are conductivity solution. The solution is standardized using conductivity meter that is calibrated by potassium chloride solution. One bottle is deionized water. Instruction Manual in compartment in lid.Labels and stickers on outside of case. Serial No: 1428228food and allied sciences, conductivity meter, conductivity probe, conductivity solution, deionized water, potassium chloride, salt content -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Theodolite: Early 1900s, c1860
The theodolite is used in surveying and measures vertical and horizontal angles. Placed on a tripod, it is used to find angles in road building, tunnel alignment and other civil-engineering work. The theodolite was used at Ballarat School of Mines in the surveying course. It is possible that this instrument was imported by Flavelle Bros & Co having been made to their order by a European instrument makerTheodolite (without a matching tripod) with four leveling screws at the base. Telescope not fully rotatable, ends can be interchanged. Underslung levelling bubbletheodolite, surveying, european instrument, importers, ballarat school of mines, flavelle bros & co, measuring angles, road building, civil engineering -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instrument, Orsat Apparatus
The Orsat was returned to the Historical Collection by Len Taylor, former staff member of SMB. For a period of time it was with Gary Price who rebuilt the Orsat to working order. Gary used a similar apparatus at Sidchrome and Ballarat Heat Treatment Pty. The Orsat apparatus is used to measure volumes of Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen, and Carbon Monoxide within a fixed volume of a sample of gas.Timber box with lift up front revealing a number of valves, pressure measure and glass container of red liquid attached to hose. Gas analysis apparatusorsat, len taylor, gary price, carbon dioxide, oxygen, carbon monoxide, gas, measure, apparatus