John Trestrail Freeman was an engineer who in 1889, with a partner named Olsen, established Freeman's Border Foundry in Murray Esplanade, Echuca. The Foundry later became known as Freeman Brothers when sons Harry and Tres took over the business. This business played an important part in shipbuilding in Echuca, fitting engines, building paddlewheels and carrying out repairs. It is thought this photograph is of Tres' mother or it could be his wife (Dolly Dean).The Freeman family is an important family in the history of Echuca boat building and engineering in the early 20th century. The business produced paddlewheels, fitted engines and conducted repairs on riverboats in the area. After the riverboats ceased the foundry went into engineering works producing agricultural implements and other general foundry works. It is thought that this photograph is of Tres junior's mother but the dates of the photograph would indicate it is more likely to be his wife, Dolly.Black and white photographic postcard of a woman dressed in a vibrant floral dress with string of pearls and another longer necklace. She has a brooch attached to her blouse. She has cropped straight hair and is wearing circular metal framed spectacles.On reverse: Printed "Post card/ Correspondence/ address only/Kodak Austral". Handwritten in pencil:" Member of Freeman family. Tres' mother?echuca boatbuilding, freeman family, freeman brothers foundry, echuca.

These reading glasses plus the two additional replacement lenses were highly fashionable in the late 1800's and early 1900's due to their light frames ie. wire. They are of light material and are not as obtrusive, or heavy, as horn rimmed reading glasses.This minimisation of the eye wear was to allow the facial features to be presented without any obstructing eye wear, "au naturel". The "light weight" wire connections to nose and ears was to minimise weight upon those physical areas. It was an eye piece preferred by accountants and all forms of "book worms". This was a period when the "written word" was at its peak. This was well before the light enhanced computer screen and at an age where the "written word" was in the majority as compared to the typed word. These reading glasses are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as they provide additional material which supports the "isolational factors" which were prevalent in the 1800's and early 1900's. Poor lighting and lack of available optical technicians in rural areas, required those suffering with eye troubles in these rural areas to go to Melbourne. An advertisement placed by H B Bissel "eyesight specialist" in the "Independent" Newspaper in 1915 on page 3 " Every person's eyes are liable to be affected by some little weakness or other and these weaknesses, if not corrected at once, are apt to assume a most serious aspect as time goes on". This type of advertisement is putting "the fear of God" on those with slight eyesight problems. It also does not factor the poor lighting used by most in rural areas at this point in time. By the mid to late 1950's, electricity in the Kiewa Valley was available to all households and improved lighting helped nighttime readers. These reading glasses, made in Melbourne, highlight the fact that the Kiewa Valley and its region were still reliant on Melbourne based "specialists" and travel to and from these highly professional health practitioners not only involved a long, and time consuming journey, but also an expensive one.The frames of this oval wire reading glasses is made from gold plated copper wire. There are three nose bridges each with a slightly different angle and shape, each has a different magnification. This may suggest that they were in use at different developmental periods during the wearers ages. Each of the three lenses were fixed onto the frame by a screw and fastened directly onto the glass. Two of the glasses have nose "guides/rests" and one without.. The fine wire ear "loops" has a small "ball" feature at its end (to stop the glasses from slipping off the face).personal effects, spectacles, eye fashion, reading glasses

Single lenses were used to assist reading for many centuries before spectacles were widely available. This magnifying lens may be even older than its case. The simple, large glass lens is held in a hand-worked horn or bone rim. The leather case decorated with floral beadwork is typical of northern European styles c1850.This lens is significant for the collection as it is the earliest mounted single lens in the Kett Museum.Large, round, horn-rimmed reading glass, or magnifier lens, incorporating ring-shaped handle. Glass lens in horn or bone rim. Leather slip-in case with floral beadwork.lens, magnifier, reading lens, horn rim, beadwork

Spectacles frameless with oval lens, metal bridge, metal nose-pads (one missing) and thin metal armSSpectacle case is brown with inscription of Athol S R Graves FVOA FBOA (Hons) Optometrist 70 Raillie St Horsham and soft brown material inner lining.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

The use of a catheter for oxygen therapy was introduced by Arbuthnot Lane in 1907. However, its true value can be seen in its use during WWI. Masks were cumbersome and uncomfortable for the wounded and nasal delivery of oxygen was received more easily. The Tudor Edwards' Spectacle-frame was manufactured in London during the 1930s. Dr Penn recorded that it was an inefficient means of oxygen therapy because of the smallness of the nasal tubes.Metal mask resembling spectacles with round frames and rounded ends of the arms to secure around the ear. There is a tube coming from each round eye frame to end in a curve that sits in the nostril. The other end of this tube has a rubber tube attached which meets in the middle via a metal connector.oxygen therapy, intra-nasal

Trial frames are used to hold trial spectacle lenses in front of the eyes to establish the spectacle refraction. This unit is able to hold 3 lenses in front of each eye. It is very complex for its early date.This trial frame is a rare example of a very complex early design which has survived in good condition. Complex nineteenth century trial frame: double lens clip to front rotated by long control knob. Single downward pointing lens clip to back. Bridge height and extension adjustable. Variable inter-pupillary distance calibrated in inches. Slide extending curl sides. Eye rims stamped:'PAT NOV.6.94 & PAT JUNE25.95'. Sides stamped:'PAT APR.30.95'optometry, eye examination, refraction, trial frame, spectacles

Tinted portrait of a seated man. He is turned to the right, and has his left hand resting on a table, loosely holding a pair of folding spectacles (tinted gold). He is wearing a three-piece suit, black cravat with a small knot, checked trousers and has curly hair and long side burns.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Mr. John Pearson, Percy Street, Portland (black fountain pen, centre). This photo came from Windsor Cottage. John pearson and Captain Fawthrop were great friends. They are buried together in the Queensland Cemetry (black ink, lower centre). Harry Ward Goldsmith, late of Portland (pencil, lower centre).ambrotype, photography, james fawthrop, admella, portrait photography

A bearded man uses a white cane and sonic guide to help him navigate around the streets of Strathfield. The sonic guide consists of a pair of heavy black spectacles with three sensors built into the bridge of the glasses. The glasses are attached by a cable to a control box which is designed to be clipped onto the wearer's belt or clothing. The control box has two switches and a volume setting, and assists the user in determining objects in their path and their distance to them.2 B/W photographs of man using sonic guide and white cane"5156-220" and '5156-224" on back of photographsroyal blind society of nsw, white cane, orientation and mobility

black and white photo: Rt. Rev. Donald Baker, 3rd. Bishop of Bendigo 1920 - 1936. View of bordered by oval surround. Figure wears high buttoned collarless jacket, clerical collar, metal rimmed spectacles, clean shaven. On back ' Rt. Rev. Donald Baker, 3rd. Bishop of Bendigo , 1920 - 1936 'person, individual, bishop baker

Glass statuette of a man holding a baby. The man is dressed as a doctor, in white clothing, and has grey hair, a grey beard, and spectacles. He is holding a baby to his chest, with the baby facing towards the man, head pointing down. The man is holding the baby's ankles in his right hand, and the baby's bottom in his left hand.

Portrait of Will Rees from Australian Photographic Journal. C1909B/W Photo: Seated sideways wearing spectacles, mustachioed Gentleman in tree piece suit white shirt collar and dark tie and hat. Copy of original photo. c.1909. Original in "The Australian Photographic Journal p.264 22 September 1909.Portrait taken by W.J. Chapman. Engraved by S.W. Bacon and Co.stawell

A pressed metal spectacle case with brass hinges and clasp and lined with blue moire taffeta. The lid is decorated with an inlaid floral motif and inside each section is a 1/2 pocket . Both top and bottom expand by 1cm with concertina folded materialfloral design inlaid on lidspectacles, optomotrists, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, early settlers

Gilbert Innes Strachan (1888-1963) was educated in Glasgow and Bristol. He was a fluent lecturer and a stimulating and dogmatic teacher. Strachan was a founding member of RCOG (London) and served on its Council from 1929- 1955. He was one of the pioneers of the use of radium in treating uterine cancer, receiving a CBE in 1953 for his work in this area. Professor Strachan donated a coat of arms to the Australian RCOG during a visit (pre- 1963). Professor Strachan died at his home in Cathedral Road, London on December 9, 1963, following a short illness. He was 75.Framed black and white photograph. The photograph is a side-on portrait photograph of Professor Gilbert Strachan, a white haired man with steel-rimmed spectacles, a dark suit, and a white shirt. Label on back of frame reads 'Professor Gilbert I Strachan CBE LID'. Frame is made of gold coloured metal and carries a simple wave pattern. The back of the photo is secured by a piece of orange and cream patterned chipboard, held in place by eleven small photograph tacks.Professor Gilbert I Strachan CBE LIDrcog

Sepia photo of wedding group. Five adults. Three men, one seated and two standing. Men are wearing three piece suits, white shirts, butterfly collard and bowties, buttonholes and carrying gloves. Bride's bouquet has long trailing asparagus fern. Dress-length veil and headdress, spectacles. Other woman wears wide-brimmed hat. Flowers in vase on small table. Palms just visible left and right. Inscriptions: on cardboard - 'Croxton 831 High St Northcote Studio'.Croxton Studio, 831 High Street, Northcoteperson, group, wedding, see also 2001.323.01

The origin of this statue is unknown, but it may possibly be German.Carved wooden figurine of a doctor holding a baby. The doctor is male, and is wearing spectacles and full surgical attire, consisting of a green surgical gown and cap, with a white surgical mask. Brown trouser cuffs and black shoes are visible below the gown. The doctor is holding a baby by its ankles in his left hand, and is holding his right hand as if about to pat hit the baby on the bottom. The baby is facing the doctor, head pointing towards the ground. Sticker on base of figurine bears the handwritten initials 'MW'.obstetrics

Not much is known about William Rothwell other than he is recorded as working as an optician and scientific instrument maker in Manchester at 277 Deansgate Street from 1780 until 1820. An entry in the “Complete History of the Trades of Manchester” published in 1822, in which the author describes Mr William Rothwell as an intelligent young man who is conversant in several languages. He went on to describe him as an philosophical instrument maker of optical and mathematical objects, specialising in spectacles, all sorts of surveyors instruments as well as eye glasses of all types. At present that is all that is known of William Rothwell other than his products were made to the highest standards of the time. Today his products are now actively sought by collectors and are currently fetching high prices at auction sales overseas. The telescope is a rare item even though not much is known about Rothwell's history his scientific instruments and optical items fetch high prices when they become available as collectors look for rare and well made items from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its completeness and good condition make it a very good addition to the collection at Flagstaff Hill. A three draw military telescope brass with main cylinder section made of wood, main lens is removable for cleaning.Marked "Rothwell, Manchester"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, telescope, william rothwell, scientific instrument, manchester optician, optician

This book is the 1835 second edition of John Harrison Curtis' 1833 'A Treatise on the Physiology and Diseases of the Eye, containing a new mode of curing cataract without an operation, experiments and observations on vision, also on the inflection, reflection and colours of light together with remarks on the preservation of sight, and on spectacles, reading glasses etc'. The title page describes J H Curtis (1778-1860) as an oculist and also as an expert on the ear. His knowledge of eye pathology and surgery was poor but this was typical of the medical profession until the middle of the 19th century. He was 'aurist in ordinary' to His Majesty and other members of the royal family and his hospital and teaching appointments had more to do with the ear rather than the eye. The last pages of the book list his other publications most of which concern the ear and the deaf. He was the first person, in 1803, to apply speaking tubes to assist the deaf. He established the Royal Ear Hospital in Soho, UK in 1816.This book is of historic significance as it shows contemporary understanding of ocular pathology in the early nineteenth century. It is quite rare as no other copies of the second edition are known in Australia.'A Treatise on the Physiology and the Diseases of the Eye' by J H Curtis is book of 1835 bound in its original boards, in very good condition, 230 x 140 mm, 242 pages, second edition. There is a coloured plate facing the title page with three figures featuring an ingenious lift up section of a woman's face to show the blood vessels and nerves underneath. There is a philosophical introduction, a chapter on ocular anatomy, two chapters on diseases and their treatment, one on the nature of light and one on the preservation of vision. Cataract is treated by withdrawal of blood from behind the ear and the application of an ointment to an induced blister on the neck, with potash applied to the cornea daily.optics, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, physiology, cataract

Framed portrait of David Robertson who was the first President of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, from 1895-1899. It is part of a series of paintings commissioned by the VAF Board to commemorate the work of past presidents of the organisation. Mr Robertson sits with his hands resting upon a wooden cane. He is wearing dark spectacles, a gray suit and waistcoat, white shirt with starched collar and pleated front, and a red and blue striped necktie. On his left lapel is a blue and red medal. David Robertson was educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and was trained as a basket maker. He was one of eight foundation members of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now Vision Australia Foundation ) which was formed in 1895 in order to encourage blind people to manage their own affairs and build their self esteem. He was appointed the inaugural president and served as such from 1895 to 1899 and again in 1913 as well as acting as vice president from 1900 to 1902 and in 1911 and 1915. Known as a level headed and wise peacemaker he was elected chairman of the first interstate conference of blind people, which took place in Melbourne in 1913. From this evolved the Federal Council of Organizations of the Blind, which undertook to consider all matters affecting blind people. 1 art original in gold frameThe plaque at the base of the painting reads 'David Robertson / Inaugural President of / Association for Advancement of the Blind'.david robertson, association for the advancement of the blind

This telescope was amongst various items collected from a sea dive in Port Phillip Bay. The diver was the caretaker of the Port Lonsdale Lighthouse, who dived on various wrecks in the bay during the 1960's. After the caretaker's death, his son sold off many of the shipwreck artefacts. The telescope was purchased from the caretaker's son in the 1990's by a previous owner of the Marine Shop, Queenscliff, Victoria. John Browning was particularly well known for his scientific advances in the fields of spectroscopy, astronomy, and optometry. Between 1856 and 1872, Browning acquired provisional patents for designs of numerous scientific instruments. He was also the recipient of an award at the 1862 International Exhibition held in London. Also recognised for his temperature-compensated aneroid barometer. Browning's scientific instruments were used in physics, chemistry, and biology. The products he designed and manufactured included spectroscopes, telescopes, microscopes, barometers, photometers, cameras, ophthalmologist, and electrical equipment such as electric lamps. John Browning was born around 1831 in Kent, England. His father, William Spencer Browning, was a maker of nautical instruments. John Browning's great-grandfather was also an instrument maker as well as John’s brother Samuel Browning of the firms Spencer & Browning and Spencer, Browning & Rust, who also manufactured navigational instruments. The latter firm was in operation in London from 1784 to 1840 and was succeeded by the firm of Spencer, Browning & Co. John Browning initially intended to follow the medical profession and entered Guy's Hospital, a teaching hospital and a school of medicine. Despite having passed the required examinations, however, he abandoned his plans. Instead, he apprenticed with his father, William Spencer Browning. At the same time, in the late 1840s, he was a student attending the Royal College of Chemistry several days per week. By the early 1870s, practical optics had become John Browning's primary interest, and he listed his occupation as an optician on the census records from 1871 to 1901. He was well known among London's ophthalmic surgeons for his various ophthalmic instruments. He had a large part in reforming the art of crafting spectacles. Other achievements were as an author of the book, How to Use Our Eyes and How to Preserve them by the Aid of Spectacles. Published in 1883, the book included thirty-seven illustrations, including a diagram demonstrating the anatomy of the eye. In 1895, he was one of the founders of the "British Ophthalmology" the first professional organisation for optometry. He was not only its first president but also registered as its first member so many considered him to be the first professional optometrist. Other professional organisations he belonged too was as a member of “The Aeronautical Society of Great Britain”. In 1871 constructing the first wind tunnel located at Greenwich Marine Engineering Works. He was also a member of other scientific organisations, such as the “Microscopical Society of London”, the “Meteorological Society”, and the “Royal”. Then in 1908 the company of W. Watson & Son, opticians and camera makers, took over John Browning's company since 1901 John Browning had been semi-retired but in 1908 he fully retired and moved to Bournemouth in Hampshire. He died in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in 1925.The telescope is significant for its association with one of the world’s leading scientific instrument makers and inventor of the 19th and early 20th century. It is believed the donation came off a wreck either in Port Philip Bay or between Point Lonsdale and the Nepean Heads making it a significant maritime historical artefact. Its provenance is good given it was taken off a wreck in this area by the Point Lonsdale lighthouse caretaker. Examples of John Browning's telescopes because of their scientific and historical importance are highly valued by collectors.Marine style single draw brass telescope with a sunshade. The single draw has no split and the second cartridge is held in a long brass tube within the single draw, mounted from the objective end. The eyepiece is flat and at the end of the first draw in a very faded engraving that is believed to read "John Browning, 63 Strand, and should read London under the word strand but this is hard to establish given the engravings condition. This interpretation of the engraving has been arrived at by examination of other John Browning telescope engraving examples."John Browning, engraved to the first tube in copper plate style "63 STRAND" Engraved under in capital textflagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, shipwreck artefact, port phillip bay, port lonsdale lighthouse, wreck, 1960’s diver, queenscliff marine shop, john browning, telescope, spectroscopy, optometry, scientific instruments, william spencer browning, optician, navigational instrument, microscopical society of london, aeronautical society, marine technology

This pretty folding silver lorgnette appears European in styling and may be French. The extensive scratching on the lenses indicates many years of use. This form of lorgnette was popular in the mid to late nineteenth century.This lorgnette is significant to the collection as one of the most ornate.Silver folding short handled lorgnette with pivoted bridge and ornamental loop handle. Round convex lenses badly scratched.lenses, glasses, lorgnette, folding spectacles

2 pair glasses from 1960's era, all broken, in black,cream vinyl cases. 1 pair in burgundy coloured hard case with label reading Delia Mac Mellewe Hall.OPSM M.Hogan Coles & Garrard Bendigo Gellong Melbournepersonal effects, seeing aids

2 pair of 1960's era glasses in plastic frames. Similar shape, one with lighter brown frame, one black.Safillo Italy 2113 Metzler 145personal effects, seeing aids

Glasses used by Mrs Lillian Bassett of Box HillMetal bevelled frames and arms curved.Glass is affixed onto frames with metal screws through glass. Round frame on top. Bottom is just angled glass. Case is maroon colourCase: Coles and Garrard, Melbourne & Geelongpersonal effects, seeing aids

Possibly belonged to Louis SchwerkoltSmall dark brown leather glasses case With maroon velvet inside. Frameless 'Pince- nez glasses With a gold nose clip attached to glass also with small gold chain for ear attachment. One spare glass lens as wellmedicine, optometry, personal effects, seeing aids