Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has eight small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

Part of the collection of Dr Frank Forster. The philosophy of this object was to keep the uterus dilated. It was commonly believed at this time that the cervix was the cause of dysmenorrhoea. The stem pessary was an object used to rectify uterine displacements - either anteversion or retroversion. The device consisted of a stem which is introduced into the uterus, the stem was then attached to an ovoid flange or ball, on which the cervix uteri then rested. Connected to this flange was an external part or wire frame, which in turn was attached at one extremity to a flat tubular portion, passing into the vagina. This was then fixed to the intrauterine portion. The wire frame was then made to press on to the pubis, so that the pessary could be kept in position in utero.Pessary, Duke's stem design. Metal pessary with hollow stem, and a rounded flange at one end. The flange has six small holes surrounding the central hole. The stem is flexible and is made from coiled metal which has then been attached (perhaps by soldering) to the flange.pessary, intrauterine device

A time clock, sometimes known as a clock card machine, punch clock, or time recorder, is a device that recorded the time an employee entered and left the factory. In mechanical time clocks, this was accomplished by inserting a heavy paper card, called a time card, into a slot on the time clock. When the time card hit a contact at the rear of the slot, the machine would print day and time information (a timestamp) on the card. One or more time cards could serve as a time sheet or provide the data to fill one. This allowed a timekeeper to have an official record of the hours an employee worked to calculate the pay owed an employee.Metal time card rack.time sheet, time card, factory, employee, work life, punch clock, textile industry

A time clock, sometimes known as a clock card machine, punch clock, or time recorder, is a device that recorded the time an employee entered and left the factory. In mechanical time clocks, this was accomplished by inserting a heavy paper card, called a time card, into a slot on the time clock. When the time card hit a contact at the rear of the slot, the machine would print day and time information (a timestamp) on the card. One or more time cards could serve as a timesheet or provide the data to fill one. This allowed a timekeeper to have an official record of the hours an employee worked to calculate the pay owed an employee.Metal time card rack.time card, rack, employee, factory, timesheet, data, mechanical, punch clock

This Favag Timer apparatus was a part of the first electronic control system -(1960's), in Victoria), which worked using telephone stepping selectors to convey a change in voltage providing a regulated pulse from the control centre(Mount Beauty) to the remote Power Stations opening and closing (stop/start) of various devices at the Power Station and a return signal confirmed the action taken. Testing of this unit was carried out using a "dummy" device at the remote Power Station so as not to disrupt the power plant's operation. This timer was one of many electrical apparatus connected to the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical power producing generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro Schemes was achieved from the early 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce,inclusion of skilled and unskilled, migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This Favag Timer was one of the crucial pieces of equipment that made it possible for the Mount Beauty Terminal Station to control the operations of these Power Stations; McKay, Clover, West Kiewa Power Stations and the Dederang Terminal Station.This aluminium and anodised "FAVAG" (pulse) timer is fastened to a base structure which comes with its own metal cover that is fastened by two metal hooks. From the top of these hooks runs a thick leather "carry" strap.The instrument, itself, a small "micro motor" at one end tape feeding spool on the other. Aluminium metal structures offer a preventative barrier against any electronic spikes from static electricity sources. There are two toggle switches to the bottom right hand side and twelve coloured "pin" connection points.There is a sliding access sleeve which exposes a circuit board.with various leads fastened on each side. In front of one of this slide are two "screw in" fuses, spare fuses are in a small envelope taped above. Circuit diagrams are etched white on black background on the top face of the main structure. At the base of the back section is a two pronged input terminal. There is a fine black rubber layer (cushioning) for the mian top cover.On the cover fastened with two rivets "FAVAG" underneath in small print "Fabrique d'appareils electriques S.A." underneathe "NEUCHATEL-SUISSE". on one end is a "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA" metal label screwed on.The back label has manufacturers' type and model number.sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

This rocket launching machine is used in conjunction with the Dennett Rocket Set. Both are part of the rocket rescue equipment that launches the line-throwing rescue rockets. A light line is threaded through the carved holes in the 8 foot long shaft and attached to the scribed channel at the base of the shaft. The rocket head is fitted to the shaft and inserted into the machine. The machine is set at an angle determined by the person in charge of the rescue crew, and the legs and base of the machine are adjusted accordingly with the use of the quadrant, or protractor, and plumb-bob on the side of the machine. The rocket is then ignited and fired across the vessel in distress. John Dennett - John Dennett was from Carisbrooke, in the Ilse of Wight, UK. In 1826 he invented, patented and demonstrated an improved method of rocket powered, line firing rescue equipment for saving lives. The rockets had a longer range than the mortars being used, they were lighter, needed less preparation time, only needed one line for repeated shots, and fewer people were needed to move the equipment. Very favourable reports of Dennett’s rockets were received by those in charge of His Majesty’s Naval and Military services. In 1832, Dennett’s rocket-thrown line was sent out to the wreck of the ‘Bainbridge’, and was responsible for nineteen survivors coming ashore in two boatloads, along the fired line. Dennett’s rocket received national fame, and a one-year contract to supply rockets to the Coastguards. He became known as ‘Rocket Man’ and his rockets were used in rescues at least until 1890, when his son Horatio was running the business. A rocket weighing 23 lb would have a range of about 250 yards (228 metres), on average. Saving lives in Warrnambool – The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built to house it. In 1858 the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for lifeboat stations in Victoria, and in 1864 a rocket house was built to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater area, and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifeboat and rocket crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. Some became local heroes but all served an important role. By the end of the 1950s the lifeboat and rescue equipment had become obsolete. Rocket Rescue Method - The Government of Victoria adopted lifesaving methods based on Her Majesty’s Coast Guard in Great Britain. It authorised the first line-throwing rescue system in 1858. Captain Manby’s mortar powered a projectile connected to rope, invented in 1808. The equipment was updated to John Dennett’s 8-foot shaft and rocket method that had a longer range of about 250 yards. From the 1860s the breeches buoy and traveller block rocket rescue apparatus was in use. It was suspended on a hawser line and manually pulled to and from the distressed vessel carrying passengers and items. In the early 1870s Colonel Boxer’s rocket rescue method became the standard in Victoria. His two-stage rockets, charged by a gunpowder composition, could fire the line up to 500-600 yards, although 1000 yards range was possible. Boxer’s rocket carried the light line, which was faked, or coiled, in a particular way between pegs in a faking box to prevent twists and tangles when fired. The angle of firing the rocket to the vessel in distress was measured by a quadrant-type instrument on the side of the rocket machine. Decades later, in about 1920, Schermuly invented the line-throwing pistol that used a small cartridge to fire the rocket. The British Board of Trade published instructions for both the beach rescue crew and ship’s crew. It involved setting up the rocket launcher on shore at a particular angle measured by the quadrant, inserting a rocket that had a light-weight line threaded through its shaft, and then firing it across the stranded vessel, the line issuing freely from the faking board. A tally board was then sent out to the ship with instructions in four languages. The ship’s crew would haul on the line to bring out the heavier, continuous whip line, then secure the attached whip block to the mast or other sturdy part the ship. The rescue crew on shore then hauled out a stronger hawser line, which the ship’s crew fixed above the whip block. The hawser was then tightened using the block on the shore end of the whip. The breeches buoy and endless whip are then attached to the traveller block on the hawser, allowing the shore crew to haul the breeches buoy to and from the vessel, rescuing the stranded crew one at a time. This rocket launcher machine is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Rocket launcher, named a Rocket Machine, and storage box. Launcher has a long open metal channel with a spike at the base, and narrow, rectangular device, which is the line-firing rocket machine, at the top, all painted blue. Two hinged wooden legs are attached where the channel and machine meet. The side of the machine has an oval cut-out window and an attached quadrant, or protractor, with a plumb-bob on it. The quadrant has angles marked in degrees. The long protective box has white stencilled letters along the side. Its lid has three hinges and is fastened with two metal latches.On box “ROCKET MACHINE” On quadrant “10” “20” “30” “40”flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket crew, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, rocket apparatus, beach apparatus, petticoat breeches, breeches buoy, rocket house, rocket shed, lifeboat men, rocket equipment, rocket machine, rocket head, rocket launcher, rocket line, marine technology, william schermuly, line-firing pistol, line throwing gun, schermuly pistol, pistol rocket apparatus, beach rescue set, traveller, block, running block, pulley, hawser, faking, faking box, faked line, rescue boat, lifeboat, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, tramway jetty, volunteer lifesavers, volunteer crew, breakwater, lifeboat warrnambool, rocket rescue method, rocket rescue apparatus, captain manby, mortar, henry trengrouse, sky rocket, john dennett, shore to ship, colonel boxer, two-stage rocket, italian hemp, quadrant, protractor, schermuly, line-throwing pistol, line throwing cartridge, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, tally board, light line, whip line, endless whip, petticoat buoy, traveller chair, traveller block, her majesty’s coast guard, harbour board, line thrower, line throwing, beach cart, hand barrow, sand anchor, hawser cutter, life jacket, faking board, welsh hand barrow, rocket set

Chinese gold scales. Wooden scale holder (a) two part wooden device secured at end of handle with a metal pin to allow swivelling of both pieces. At end of handle, two pieces 'violin' shaped to hold scale and weights. This enabled placement of scales within holder. Bottom piece has indent for scale pan, weight and long handle. Chinese scale (b) thin cream handle marked with inch graduations, without numbers. Separately suspended from handle with thick cotton is a small semi-circular lead weight and a round brass scale pan.gold mining, mining equipment, chinese gold scales

A wooden racquet with red and yellow whipping, red end wrap and burgundy butt cover, gut stringing with distinct sweet-spot, and a slender, grooved handle. Inscription across throat of obverse: WILDING. Decal trademark featured across throat on reverse, comprising of an encircled racquet presented behind two ribbon devices. Inscription: C.L.GODFREY/THE PEAK/OF QUALITY/TRADE MARK/NEW YORK/N.Y. Manufacturer's monogram/trademark with inscription, on right side of stem: QUALITY FIRST/CORTLAND LINE CO. INC./CORTLAND, N.Y./... Materials: Wood, Gut, String, Ink, Leather, Metal, Glue, Lacquertennis

A MacGregor Sarah Palfrey Cooke "Personal Model" tennis racquet, with string whipping around shoulders, shaft and handle, and leather handle grip with triangular perforations. Model name features on base of head, on obverse. MacGregor logo features across base of head on reverse. 'M' trademark inside clover device features on throat. Head and neck linear illustration, with signature reproduction of Cooke features on lower shaft on reverse. Inscription along left side of shaft: HALL PATENTED CONSTRUCTION/"THE ORIGINAL LAMINATED RACKET". Materials: Wood, Enamel, Leather, Nylon, String, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Metaltennis

A MacGregor Frank Parker Championship tennis racquet, with string whipping around shoulders, shaft and handle, and leather handle grip with triangular perforations. MacGregor logo features on base of head, and on plastic butt cover. Model name features on throat. Head and shoulders linear illustration of Parker features on lower shaft on obverse. 'M' trademark inside clover device features on lower shaft on reverse. Inscription along left side of shaft: HALL PATENTED CONSTRUCTION/"THE ORIGINAL LAMINATED RACKET". Materials: Wood, Enamel, Leather, Nylon, String, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Plastictennis

A Dunlop Maxply tennis racquet (.1), with plastic ribbon whipping around shoulders and shaft, and 'Eternyl' polyamide (nylon) stringing. On the obverse, the Dunlop Maxply trademark features across base of head and throat. Dunlop logo in arrowhead device features across base of head, on reverse. Dynamic 'D' trademark features on red butt cover. Racquet head cover (.2) features white Dunlop logo upon burgundy background. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Plastic, Ink, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Enamel, Adhesive tape, Cloth, Metal, Plastic, Paint, Synthetic materialtennis

A Dunlop Maxply Fort, Lew Hoad Personal Model tennis racquet, with plastic ribbon whipping around shoulders and shaft, and leather handle grip with floral perforations. On the obverse, the Dunlop Maxply trademark features across base of head and throat. Head and neck photo decal image of Hoad, model name, and Dunlop logo, feature along the shaft. Decal of retailer features across throat on reverse. Dynamic 'D' trademark in arrowhead device features on plastic butt cover. Materials: Wood, Gut, Plastic, Ink, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Enamel, Adhesive tape, Nylontennis

A Dunlop, Rod Laver, Grand Slam tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders, which are enamel painted along with throat and shaft, and leather handle grip with patterned perforations. Model name features along throat and shaft, accompanied by decal images of the flags of U.S.A., Great Britain, Australia, and France. 'D' trademark in arrowhead device, above Dunlop logo, features across base of the shaft. Dynamic 'D' trademark features on butt cover. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Ribbon, Ink, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Enamel, Adhesive tape, String, Plastictennis

Metal box with hinged lid containing Morse code equipment – batteries, bell, transmission key. Remains of webbing carry straps on back (see photo). This item has been modified from the original design. The item has a battery box located behind the Morse key but the original battery has been replaced by two rectangular 1.5 V batteries which were placed in the shelf below the Morse key. That shelf was initially intended to store the audio telephone hand piece which is no longer with the device. Hence, the final use of the item was as a Morse key only.Stencilled on outside lid (see photo): TELE SET D M (3 or 4 other indecipherable faint letters/numbers; likely "D. MK V." with star) YA. 6371 Inside (on movable frame, for holding hand piece): PRESS KEY WHEN FINISHED Stamped into metal lid of battery box (behind Morse key): PX SERIAL NO. (no actual serial no. stamped on lid)

An eggbeater is a hand-held device with a crank on the side geared to one or more beaters. The user grips the handle with one hand and operates the crank with the other, creating the rotary action. A hand-turned rotary egg beater was patented by J.F. and E.P. Monroe in 1859 in the US. This egg beater patent was one of the earliest bought up by the Dover Stamping Company, whose Dover egg beaters became a classic American brand. The Monroe design was also manufactured in England. In 1870, Turner Williams of Providence, R.I., invented another Dover egg beater model. The Hobart Manufacturing Company was an early manufacturer of large commercial mixers. A mechanical egg beater with a wooden handle and steel gears and crank c1940cooking, kitchen equipment, dairy, cakes, housework, early settlers, pioneers, baking, nutrition, blacksmiths, market gardeners, cake mixers, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, brighton, monroe e.p., monroe j.f., egg beaters, williams turner, dover stamping compant ltd., hobart manufacturing company ltd.

Until suction became available in the 1930s, maintenance of a clear airway during oral and nasal surgery relied on posturing of the patient, mopping with sponges or the temporary placement of swabs or throat guards. Removal of surgical debris such as polyps, blood clots or foreign bodies could only be effected by the finger or devices such as probangs. The Probang is inserted blind (perhaps guided by a finger), the main shaft can then be held in the left hand whilst the right hand withdraws the inner tube. This results in a fanning out of the linear strands which are visible proximal to the tip. Held in this position the instrument is withdrawn and is supposed to scoop out the offending mass. Long flexible metal rod covered in gum resin sheath with a ring grip at the proximal end and a smooth metal rounded edge tip for insertion into the airway for clearing of obstructive matter.Stamped onto gum resin sheath: MADE FOR / CARL ZOELLER BRISBANE / GERMANY Stamped onto gum resin sheath in gold leaf: [indecipherable - presumably manufacturer's label]probang, flexible, oral, airway, horsehair, anaesthesia, obstruction, dr sharkey, lidcombe state hospital

Sir Frederic W. Hewitt (1857-1916), an accomplished and well respected English anesthesiologist, was an expert in the function and use of the Clover Ether Inhaler. In 1901, Hewitt described his modification of the Clover Inhaler. Often referred to as the Hewitt Wide-Bore Inhaler, Dr. Hewitt introduced changes in order to make it easier to breathe through the device and improve the ventilation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. In 1901, Hewitt was recruited to anesthetize King Edward VII for emergency abdominal surgery. This was just a day or so before the new King was to be coronated. He recovered well, and Hewitt became the first anesthesiologist ever to be knighted. (Source: Wood Library Museum)Tall black round topped box with brass hooks at the sides and brass hinges at rear. There is a brown fabric handle on the top. The box has red padding inside the lid and red lining inside the base and sides. There is a round section in the base of the box for holding the round clear glass bottle for ether. There is also a ellipse-shaped metal inhaler on small metal base with a thin metal handle and pipe with bakelite plug attached via a small metal chain. A brown mask is made of brown leather and celluloid which is connected to the inhaler. There is a metal ether measure for pouring the ether.On notecard in box: (B) HEWITT'S INHALER 1895, MADE BY GEO. BARTH & CO LTD., ADVERTISED AS THE SOLE MAKERS OF THE INHALER AND RECOGNISED BY HEWITT IN HIS TEXT BOOK - ANAESTHETICS AND THEIR ADMINISTRATION - AS THE MAKER OF HIS INHALER. / GIVEN BY DR. E.S. HOLLOWAY IN 1951, WHO ACQUIRED MUCH OF HOWARD JONES' EQUIPMENT AFTER THE LATTER'S DEATH. Stamped on underside of glass bottle in a circle: WUBW [illegible] Blue sticker on inhaler: O.2.13. Printed on inhaler under handle: Geo Barth [illegible] / SOL [illegible] Printed on body of inhaler: Full Printed on body of inhaler: 1/2 Printed on inside of leather mask: F35hewitt, sir frederic, jones, howard, inhaler, geo. barth & co. ltd., ether

Stereo-graphs were popular 1850 - 1930 Most stereoscopic methods present two offset images separately to the left and right eye of the viewer. Stereo-graphs feature two photographs or printed images positioned side by side about two and half inches apart, one for the left eye and one for the right. When a viewer uses a stereoscope, a device for viewing stereo-graphs, the two-dimensional images are combined by the brain to give the perception of 3D depth. The London Stereoscopic Company quickly developed technologies for mass - producing stereo-graphs; and between 1854 and 1856 the company sold over half a million stereo-graphs. Small, hand-held metal and timber steroeographic view-finder. The metal goggles are engraved with a free-flowing design. The rim of the goggles are covered in red velvet. A timber handle is attached with a metal hinge to the timber extension that has a wire frame to hold the stereo photographs. The streographic photos comprise 2 identical black and white photos mounted, side by side on brown card.Photocards 'ROSE'stereographs, stereoscopes, photographs, view-finder, wheatstone charles, london, moorabbin, melbourne, bentleigh, early settlers, market gardeners, entertainment, stereograph cards

This photograph depicts mining operations within the Beechworth area, in an unidentified valley where sluicing was utilised as a method for extracting gold from the environment. After gold was discovered in the region in 1851, sluicing became a characteristic of gold mining in the region - "Ovens miners carved intricate networks of races" throughout the region - involved the diversion of water in many channels, or water races, which contained inbuilt 'ripple devices' designed to trap gold for later extraction. By 1871, 900 miles of water races had been cut into the Beechworth Mining District. As suggested by the numerous figures involved in labouring along the water race, sluicing was a source of considerable employment within the region. This image is of important historical significance for its ability to convey information about sluicing and the methods used to find gold in the 1850s, and provides clues as to how sluicing and the widespread construction of water ranges changed the environment of the region. This image is important for current research into the history of the Ovens region in Victoria, which played such a prominent role in the early Australian gold mining industry. Therefore, this image has the capacity to be beneficial for research into society and the motivations of those living and working in this region during this period and therefore, has social significance. The Beechworth Burke Museum has additional images relating to gold sluicing and and the mining activities in the area more generally, which can be analysed and studied alongside images like this one.A black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperbeechworth, mining, miners, labour, water race, sluicing

A cigarette lighter is a portable device used to generate a flame. It consists of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable fluid or pressurized liquid gas, a means of ignition, and some provision for extinguishing the flame. A spark is created by striking metal against a flint, or by pressing a button that compresses a piezoelectric crystal (piezo ignition), generating an electric arc. In naphtha lighters, the liquid is sufficiently volatile, and flammable vapour is present as soon as the top of the lighter is opened. Butane lighters combine the striking action with the opening of the valve to release gas. The spark ignites the flammable gas causing a flame to come out of the lighter which continues until the top is closed - naphtha typeA brass cylindrical cigarette lighter with ring to attached to a chain cigarettes, tobacco, cigaretter lighters, safety matches, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, pioneers, early settlers

As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. This item was used by MMBW employees as a measuring device to determine areas or figures on a plane surface having either straight or irregular boundaries. The Compensating Polar Planimeter is of historical significance for its association with the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). This measuring device is perfectly intact and a rare surviving object of standard Board issued equipment. The kit is significant for its representativeness of the theme of Technology in building Victoria's industries and workforce, which continues to resonate strongly within Melbourne Water today.The instrument is inside a black metal case with accessories including: Setting bar, screwdriver, Allen key and spare pole point. Inside is also the adjustable planimeter. mmbw, melbourne water, melbourne metropolitan board of works, technology, instrument, work, measure, historic, water, staff

Wanting to improve upon the limitations of existing Braillers, the Perkins School for the Blind resolved to develop a new machine that would produce uniformity in embossing, was lightweight and was easy to use. By the 1940's, David Abrahams (a teacher at the school) had developed his prototype, but manufacturing restrictions created by World War 2 halted proceedings. In the waiting period, students at the school used the prototype and Abrahams perfected his device. During the post-war era, Howe Press agreed to take on production of the Perkins Brailler and it became of the most popular and commonly used Braillers around the world since it's commercial release in 1951. Also included is a booklet of photocopied instructions with honeycomb binding.Metal Braille writer with nine grey keys, carriage return key and paper rollers on either side, with grey vinyl cover, and photocopied instruction booklet.'Perkins Brailler' embossed on front of machine and in silver on cover. Sticker on top of machine reads "This equipment remains the property of Braille and Talking Book Library 31-51 Commercial Road, South Yarra 3141 Phone: (03) 267 6022." Metal plate attached to front below keys "Designed by David Abraham, Manufactured and Distributed by Howe Memorial Press, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, Mass. U.S.A." Stamped on base of front: G0345braille equipment, perkins school for the blind

The Heliograph MkV is a fascinating piece of historical surveying and communications equipment. It was primarily used for visual signaling by reflecting sunlight with a mirror to send coded messages over long distances. This method was primarily useful in remote areas where other forms of communication were not available. The MkV model, specifically, was widely used by the British Army and other military forces from around 1906 until the mid 1960s. It remained in use with the Australian Army Survey Corps until the mid 1980s. The device typically included a 5 - inch mirror and was often mounted on a tripod for stability. Initially the instrument was used to communicate between survey stations using Morse code to coordinate their activities. Later when better forms of communication were available they were used for precise angle alignment where the sunlight reflection from the mirror was targeted between the survey stations to give very accurate results. The MkV was relatively light weight and portable, making it ideal for use in the field. It could be setup and adjusted quickly. The heliograph had an adjustable mirror that could be tilted to reflect sunlight towards a distant receiver. Surveyors could align the mirror using a sighting device. Whilst it was primarily used by the Military it was also used in civil surveying particularly in the remote areas of Australia. This instrument was used as a training aid to help teach surveyors at the Royal Australian Survey Corps School of Military Survey. Catalog item No 2009 is a tripod that was used to mount the Heliograph whilst being used for surveying.A Heliograph containing two mirrors with brass surrounds mounted on a wooden board as a Training Aid. Item has additional parts attached to the base board."Heliograph Mk V Training Aid"royal australian survey corps, rasvy, fortuna, army survey regiment, army svy regt, asr

These binoculars were originally held in the Headquarters of the Pacific Islands Regiment in New Guinea. In February 1946, Colonel H. T. Allan OBE, MC, ED was presented with the binoculars to bring home as a souvenir. Refer Cat No 2755.4 for his extensive career and awards. During World War 2, they were used by a Japanese Army artillery unit.A tall and heavy set of binoculars comprising the binoculars set and a tripod base with wooden legs. The binoculars are attached to the tripod via a circular metal base plate with a small levelling bubble on the surface. The base plate is marked in degrees from zero to 360. Between each lens tube is an aiming device. The top of the tripod has a winding mechanism for raising and lowering the height of the binoculars. On the right hand side of the binoculars is a marked gauge which allows them to be tilted at different angles of elevation. Each of the eyepieces is able to be adjusted to fit the user's face. A silver metal manufacturer's plate is attached to the top of the binoculars.On the silver manufacturer's plate: Details in Japanese writing.military equipment, military history, herbert trangmar allan, japanese army, binoculars

This general purpose Multi-meter was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England. This particular meter was manufactured in the Netherlands. This type of "old" analogue meter was replaced by digital meters whose electronic components are a fraction of the size of the older analogue ones.This analog General Purpose multi-meter is quite a large (for handheld mobile) apparatus which permits the easy monitoring of electrical variations within the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro schemes was achieved from the mid 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This General Purpose Multimeter is an analogue meter i.e. it has a needle arm that moves across a scale of divisions. This is a large(hand held) device due to the mechanical movement system within and the large size of its electronic components of its circuitry.There are two black bake-lite push buttons operating the wire inserts Positive/negative leads at the top. The meter (protected with a glass window) has clearly marked graduations (top - volts, bottom amperes). Below this are two bake-lite dials (left "potentiometer the right one measuring range selector). Below this is a "dial" switch to input the desired resistance measuring range "V" Front "H&B ELIMA" and to the right Elavi 15n. 0n the front side is a label "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA TRANSMISSION DEPT E.C.No." On the bottom of the base is a stenciled layout of the battery "layout" including the fuse . The information notice is presented in five languages starting with German, English,French, Italian, Spanish and Dutchsec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth

Black and white print of a donated negative. Print made 12/1998. Photo of SEC tram No. 33 at the Sebastopol terminus with the Royal Mail Hotel in the background. Photo taken during 1968. Tram still has destination of Sebastopol on north end, Fosters Lager sign on hotel and Twin Lakes sign on the tram. Tram overhead has the sheet metal device to assist in putting the trolley pole back on. Two parked cars in the photograph. Photo shows ground conditions at the terminus and taken at same time as Reg. Item 863. Driver turning the pole at the time. Negative rescanned 9-5-2020 and image updated.tramways, trams, sebastopol, royal mail hotel, ballarat, 33, tram 33

Negatives No. N334 and 335 and black and white prints made by a laser printer (stored in folder ) of fitters, overhead crews lining up the overhead at the Russell St. crossover in Bourke St. Has W6 988 in the photo, along with tower wagons 2 and 8. 1606.2 shows device laid between rails that allows the location of the overhead to be checked, relative the to the centre line of the track. Photo taken 19/6/1955. Dave Macartney 12/1/2001 identified Doug Lees in black coat and hat looking at instrument. Doug was an Engineer with the MMTB. Negative scanned hi res and imaged updated 22/5/2020.trams, tramways, melbourne, bourke st, russell st., testing overhead, commissioning, tram w6 988