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Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Tonsil Guillotine, Sluder, circa 1911
New instruments were created using as archetype Physick´s tonsilotome model. Fahnestock, in the United States, 1832, Mackenzie in London, 1880, Brunings in 1908 and Sluder in 1911 in the United "States developed similar equipment. Greenfield Sluder, an ENT doctor, in Saint Louis was not the first to use the guillotine-cutter for tonsillectomy, but he published a study, in 1912, in which he affirmed to have reached 99.6% of success in his surgeries through this technique (1,2). They all aimed to accomplish surgery as fast as they could, especially in children, for the account of the lack of anesthetic techniques." Retrieved from URL: http://www.internationalarchivesent.org/additional/acervo_eng.asp?id=395 Sluder's Tonsil Guillotine large size. This metal piece of tonsillectomy equipment was designed by Greenfield Sluder in 1911. The piece has generalised oxidation spots on its surface but mostly founded over the top retractile arm blade holder and handle, also has sulphated areas at the base of the handle surface with a bluish colouration. This piece has a screw attached on top of the arm as part of the adjustable blade retractile system.sluder, greenfield, tonsil, guillotine, tonsillectomy -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Blade, Laryngoscope, Macintosh, Circa 1943
"First described by professor R. R. Macintosh in the Lancet of February 13th, 1943, this design is now the acknowledged leader throughout the world." (PENLON, 1969) Reference: PENLON. 1969. Anaesthetic Equipment - Longworth Scientific Instrument Company LTD. Abingdon, Berkshire, England. January 1969. Macintosh semi curved blade designed in a baby size, with an unfitted light bulb attached. Minor scratches and some slight hit marks over the piece surface caused by its previous use. It has the manufacturer name and the place where it was made along with the owner’s name engraved at the back of the blade. Engraved at the back of the blade near light bulb the owner details: R.C.H. / O.P.T. Stamped at the back blade base into metal the manufacturer's name and place: Longworth / MADE IN ENGLAND Stamped on light bulb base serrated surface, HEINE XHL / #059 2,5v paediatric blades, royal children's hospital, macintosh, light bulb, longworth, blade, laryngoscope -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Blade, Laryngoscope, Macintosh, Model Circa 1943
The design of this item is associated to what was "first described by Professor R. R. Macintosh in the Lancet of February 13th, 1943, this design is now the acknowledged leader throughout the world." (PENLON, 1969) Reference: PENLON. 1969. Anaesthetic Equipment - Longworth Scientific Instrument Company LTD. Abingdon, Berkshire, England. January 1969. The manufacturer of this blade is the Boots UK Limited pharmacy company, they apparently had a branch in Australia to distribute their medical and pharmaceutical equipment and part of them was focused on the manufacturing of laryngoscopes blades. The Boots company reproduced this trending design used in the anaesthetic practice. URL Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_UK / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance_Boots Macintosh semi curved blade designed in a baby size, without light bulb attached. Minor scratches and some slight hit marks over the piece surface caused by its previous use. It has the manufacturer name and brand and the place where it was made at the back of the blade base.Stamped at the blade back base area, BOOTS AUSTRALIA / MADE IN ENGLANDmacintosh, blade, boots australia, boots uk limited, england blade -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Blade, Laryngoscope, Macintosh, Circa 1943
"First described by professor R. R. Macintosh in the Lancet of February 13th, 1943, this design is now the acknowledged leader throughout the world." (PENLON, 1969) Reference: PENLON. 1969. Anaesthetic Equipment - Longworth Scientific Instrument Company LTD. Abingdon, Berkshire, England. January 1969. Macintosh semi curved blade designed in a child size, with a light bulb attached. Minor scratches and some slight hit marks over the piece surface caused by its previous use. It has stamped the manufacturer name and the place where it was made at the back of the blade.Stamped on the back blade base, Longworth / MADE IN ENGLANDmacintosh, blade, longworth, paediatrics, light bulb -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Blade, Laryngoscope, Macintosh, circa 1943
"First described by professor R. R. Macintosh in the Lancet of February 13th, 1943, this design is now the acknowledged leader throughout the world." (PENLON, 1969) Reference: PENLON. 1969. Anaesthetic Equipment - Longworth Scientific Instrument Company LTD. Abingdon, Berkshire, England. January 1969.Macintosh semi curved blade designed in a child size, with a light bulb attached to the blade and a hinge attached to the back side of the base. Several scratches and deep hit marks over its surface caused by its previous use. This piece also has visible old dust spots and stains. Its contact stud is in a well condition and does not has any inscriptions. macintosh, blade, paediatrics, light bulb -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Waveform Ventilator, 1970
Professor Arthur Barrington (Barry) Baker was the first Australian anaesthetist to gain a DPhil in anaesthesia. He completed his DPhil at Oxford University at the Nuffield Department of Anesthesia in 1971, titled, Physiological Responses to Artificial Ventilation. The Waveform Ventilator is the machine developed to illustrate his DPhil. The waveform ventilator was used in several scientific studies on 'the effects of varying inspiratory flow waveforms and time in intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV)', published in the 'British Journal of Anaesthesia'. Professor Arthur Barrington Baker had an extensive career in research and clinical practice including holding the position as the Nuffield Professor of Anaesthetics at Sydney university (1992 - 2005) and also as the Dean of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) (1987-1990).The variable waveform ventilator is of national significance, due to its association with Professor Arthur Barrington Baker (Prof. Baker) the first Australian academic anaesthetist, and the representation of historical social themes and research and design, in anaesthesia. Historic significance – It is a rare type of ventilator in good condition and well provenanced. It is a tangible record of the beginning of the long established and distinguished career of Prof. Baker, the first anaesthetist in Australia to gain a DPhil. Prof Baker has a strong involvement in the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) organisation. The object is a product of Prof Baker’s Doctorate of Philosophy (DPhil) on respiratory physiology and is associated with the prestigious Oxford University and the well-known Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics. It also represents the social theme of migration to England from Australia in the 1960s and 1970s to access and experience academic and artistic opportunities limited in Australia at the time. Scientific Value – The object is of scientific value as it offers major potential for education and interpretation in anaesthesia. Although ventilators are common equipment, this specific design and construct prototype is one of a kind, designed and used specifically for research purposes. A rectangular shaped object on a trolley with four wheels. The top half of the object consists of two panels, one of cream coloured painted wood, the other black plastic, both containing several dials of different shapes and sizes. The wood surface also contains several gauges and a safety pressure clear plastic box. The plastic surface also contains a pin board. The bottom half of the object consists of two shelves. The whole object's perimeter is lined with perforated metals. The top wooden surface has several metal pieces of equipment and a long tube. The rear of the object contains numerous types of tubing and wire, a gas cylinder and two leather straps with buckles. The bottom half of one side of the objects has 3 electrical power outlets.Waveform Generator, Drs Colliss N Cowie, Dr Baker Dr Murray Willson, Dr Babbington, Safety Pressure, Error POS F/B, Position, Feedback, Set Balance, Reset, Full Stroke, Velocity, Converter Current, line Pressure, Low Pressure, Bias Pressure, Start, Stop, Stop, Reset Press, Max Press, W/G Output, A/CRO B/2.baker, arthur barrington, baker, barry, professor, academic anaesthetist, oxford university, nuffield department of anaesthesia -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Photograph
The McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record was introduced in 1930, created by Dr Elmer I. McKesson.Black and white photograph of a drawing of the head of a McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record, Model J. The view is from the top looking down onto the machine, showing a round vaporiser with a valve attached to it and two round pressure gauges on either side. The recorder on the top of the photograph does not have a chart attached to it.Each part of the machine has been labelled and handwritten in black ink the letters A - H and J - M on the surface.mckesson nargraf anaesthetic record, anaesthetic equipment -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Photograph
The McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record was introduced in 1930, created by Dr Elmer I. McKesson.Black and white photograph of a drawing of the head of a McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record, Model J. The view is from the top looking down onto the machine, showing a round vaporiser with a valve attached to it and two round pressure gauges on either side. There are blood pressure tubes attached to the sides of the machine. The recorder on the top of the photograph has a chart attached to it with written details.Each part of the machine has been labelled and handwritten in black ink the letters A - H and J - P on the surface.mckesson nargraf anaesthetic record, anaesthetic equipment, anaesthetic apparatus -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Photograph
The McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record was introduced in 1930, created by Dr Elmer I. McKesson.Black and white photograph of a drawing of the head of a McKesson Nargraf anaesthetic record, Model J. The view is from the top looking down onto the machine, showing a round vaporiser with a valve attached to it and two round pressure gauges on either side. The recorder on the machine does not have a chart attached to it.Handwritten in black ink the letters A - H on the surface, labelling each part of the machine.anaesthetic equipment, mckesson nargraf anaesthetic record -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Equipment - Equipment, Army, Match Box, 1 May 1965 (exact)
Ship's Lifeboat matches in Brown bakelite screw top cylinder containing 21 waterproof matches protected by felt pad and paper disc (dated 1 May 1965) and rubber "O" ring on lid. Grooved sides show marks left when matches struck to igniteBryant & May Ship's Lifeboat matches App by M of T & C A. Unscrew to open. To ignite matches strike on grooved surface.matches, ship's lifeboat -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Grinder, 1960-69
Cooper S.E. Ball Bearing Grinder made and guaranteed by Sunbeam Corporation Limited. Grinders like this example have been made the same since the early 1900s, with this grinder thought to have been produced in the 1960s. It is belt driven, with the other end of the belt being attached to an engine; the same engine that would have powered the overhead shearing equipment in shearing sheds. It was common for shearing teams to bring their own equipment, especially pre-1960 as most shearing sheds were not connected to power, and shearers preferred to work with their own equipment. The engines that powered the shears and grinder were typically fuelled with kerosene or petrol. The large circular disks are attached to the bolt that protrudes from the grinder and fastened tightly with a nut. An example of seeing a similar grinder in action can be found on the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7eimI_Gm9o. Inventor Frederick Wolseley made the world's first commercially successful power-shearing system in Australia in 1888. US company Cooper, which had been founded in 1843 as a maker of sheep dip, began selling Wolseley equipment in the USA in 1895. The Chicago Flexible Shaft Company successfully entered the power-shearing market a few years later and entered a joint venture with Cooper. It set up a branch in Sydney and sold shearing sets, and engines to power them, into the Australian market. In 1921 the US parent company, realising it needed to make products whose sales were not as seasonal as those of shearing equipment, made its first household appliances and branded them Sunbeam. In 1933, changes in exchange rates and taxes led the company to manufacture engines and shearing equipment in Australia via subsidiary Cooper Engineering, which changed its name to Sunbeam in 1946. Although most Australians know of this company as a major manufacturer of household appliances, its rural division flourished and retained the Sunbeam name for shearing equipment even after it was taken over by New Zealand company Tru-Test in 2001. The grinder is formed from a central arch shaped block of green painted metal. Much of this paint has been lost to age, leaving the grinder in a ‘farm used’ condition with much surface oxidation present. On the front of the arch is a specification plate, reading “Cooper S.E. ball bearing grinder. Made and guaranteed by Sunbeam”. At the foot of the arch, three bolt holes are found for securing the grinder to the base of a solid wooden surface. Two of the bolt holes are found on the front of the grinder, with another found on the rear. From the central arch, a bolt protrudes to the right of the grinder. This large bolt is for securing a grinding plate to the grinder. Above the central arch is a pendulum which holds the comb / cutter that is being sharpened. From the pendulum, a large arm extends down (not pictured) to meet and strike the plate spinning at a rapid speed. On the left-hand side of the central arch of the grinder, a wheel is found which a belt is attached to for power. This belt is then attached to a separate engine, spinning the wheel and hence powering the grinder. The wheel is partially covered with a section of protective bent tube, designed to provide protection from the rapidly spinning wheel. Below this wheel is the belt shifter. It is designed to move the protective bent tube from one side of the grinder to the other, to accommodate the grinder in the setup of different shearing sheds. The two separate grinding plates are identical. They have a slight slope for sharpening the comb and cutters in the correct method, with a slight bias towards the base, or “tooth”, of the equipment. The disks have a large central bolt for attaching to the grinder. They have tags on the horizontal axis of the grinding plates, for securing the plates in transportation, and to help with initial alignment when setting up the grinder. The reverse of these grinding plates has the same green painted metal finish found on the grinder. This paint is also in a ‘farm used’ condition, with surface oxidation present. The grinder would be provided from the factory with a comb holder, shifter for securing the grinding plates, emery cloth and emery glue. The emery cloth is what does the actual grinding and is applied to the grinding disks, replacing once well worn. These items can be seen in the final images in the multimedia section, showcasing advertising for this grinder. Plate. Inscribed. “Cooper / S.E. BALL BEARING GRINDER / MADE AND GUARANTEED BY / Sunbeam / CORPORATION LIMITED / SYDNEY MELBOURNE / ADELAIDE BRISBANE ”sheep shearing, shearing equipment, sunbeam, grinder -
Port Fairy Historic Lifeboat Station
bag, oil bag, early 20th Century
Item acquired from Lakes Entrance boat builder/owner who sold it to the PFHLS in 2008. Oil bags were part of the lifeboat equipment. Only one other example known is at the Port Albert Maritime Museum The oil bag was used to put oil on the sea's surface, to inhibit spray, wave burst and fear for survivors transferring from the shipwreck to the lifeboat. This was essential, as the lifeboat would never come close to the wreck, to avoid the risk of being damaged itself. The item is rare, and a vital part of the lifeboat's rescue equipment. The technique probably generated the phrase "pour oil on troubled waters" textile (flax) bag, shaped like a tennis racquet cover, with a brass tube attached to bag. The tube has a series of very small circular holes (in lines) arranged along the length of the tube. These were to allow the light oil contained within the bag to be sucked from the bag by a venturi action. The bag has a light line attached to it to secure to the lifeboat when in use (by casting the bag into the sea).. no markingsno markingsoil bag -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Writing slope, c 1830
Mary Russell brought household items to Australia from England in 1934. Her mother, Elizabeth Russell used the writing desk that was originally given to her mother, Agnes Marian Byrne when she went to boarding school. Agnes used it all her life. Desk damaged by a visiting child who forced the desk closed/open at one point. Estimated that Agnes went to school about 1830'sA square wooden box with brass inlay decoration on lid and front around lock. Hinged lid opens to be a writing surface of velvet. At lock end, groove for pens and small well for ink bottle. Key (not to be used) is in the ink well. Base lined with green hessian glued on. Lid and base angled to give sloping writing surface. A total of 12 items including the box.domestic items, writing equipment, handcrafts, woodwork -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Hand Blotter, 1900-1950
Possibly part of a writing set.A lightweight wood hand blotter with green leather finished surfaces featuring gold tooled design. Blotter face is finished in dark green and black marbled paper.domestic items, writing equipment, handcrafts, leatherworking -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Writing Desk
Portable writing desk. Made of wood with reinforced brass corners, brass hinges, two lift-up compartments, two compartments for ink wells, tooled leather writing surface and pen rest.domestic items, writing equipment -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Equipment - Japanese Binoculars, Circa 1900s
This item was captured by H.Q. Coy, 2/14 Battalion at Balikpapan, Borneo 1945, probably by Tom Aldrick (given the inscription on the leather case). Tom Aldrick has donated other items taken from captured Japanese soldiers to the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL.Black adjustable binoculars with brown leather strap and brown leather case with buckle strap. Case has blue/grey velvet lining and a leather belt strap. Clasp is missing. There is a Japanese inscription inside the case lid in black ink. Three Japanese characters are depicted. Adjacent to the right eyepiece there are also Japanese characters that have been inscribed into the surface with a sharp implement. Beige label adhered to front of case with "ALDRICK" handwritten in ink.binoculars, japanese binoculars, balikpapan, borneo, 1945 -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Administrative Record - Meeting Minutes, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV), "Tramway Maintenance Minutes of 4th Annual Conference April 26, 1954 and May 1, 1954", 1954
Yields information and demonstrates SEC Meeting minutes about discussions between the three Provincial operators about tramcars and operations.Minutes - 36 duplicated foolscap sheets pinned with a folding clip in top left hand corner - titled "Tramway Maintenance Minutes of 4th Annual Conference April 26, 1954 and May 1, 1954", in the Ballarat and the Melbourne offices Topics covered - cleaning of trams, tracks, track surface repairs, sleepers, car renovation, painting, flooring, notes on a Ballarat Field inspection, disinfecting blinds, electrical systems, truck maintenance, castings, maintenance costs, trolley wheels, oils and greases, alternation to Maximum Traction trams, spare part, fatigue of axles, accidents, track cleaners, shedmen, union claims,, amenities and a summary of actions. Each item where relevant looks back at the actions from the previous conference. Has a list of attendees. trams, tramways, minutes, sec, geelong, ballarat, bendigo, tramcar equipment, maintenance, trackwork, overhead, painting, trolley wheels, motors, one man trams, employees -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Administrative Record - Meeting Minutes, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV), "Tramway Maintenance Minutes of 3rd Annual Conference March 30 and April 13, 1953", 1953
Document titled "Tramway Maintenance Minutes of 3rd Annual Conference March 30 and April 13, 1953" in the Bendigo and the Geelong offices. See item 9192 for Notes and Agenda for this meeting. Topics covered - cleaning of trams, tracks, track surface repairs, sleepers, car renovation, painting, flooring, notes on a Ballarat Field inspection, disinfecting blinds, electrical systems, truck maintenance, castings, maintenance costs, trolley wheels, employees duties and a summary of actions. Each item where relevant looks back at the actions from the previous conference. Has a list of attendees.Yields information and demonstrates SEC Meeting minutes about discussions between the three Provincial operators about tramcars and operations.Minutes - 50 duplicated foolscap sheets pinned with a folding clip in top left hand corner.trams, tramways, minutes, sec, geelong, ballarat, bendigo, tramcar equipment, maintenance, trackwork, overhead, painting, trolley wheels, motors, one man trams, employees -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Booklet - DEF (Aust) 5555 The Preparation of Surfaces and Painting Equipment Australian Defence Standard, Department of Defence
... The Preparation of Surfaces and Painting Equipment Australian Defence ... -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Equipment - Hand operated divers air pump
Standard diving dress (also known as hard-hat or copper hat equipment, or heavy gear) is a type of diving suit that was formerly used for all relatively deep underwater work that required more than breath-hold duration, which included marine salvage, civil engineering, pearl shell diving and other commercial diving work, and similar naval diving applications. Standard diving dress has largely been superseded by lighter and more comfortable equipment. Standard diving dress consists of a diving helmet made from copper and brass or bronze, an air hose from a surface-supplied manually operated PUMP or low pressure breathing air compressor, a waterproofed canvas suit, a diving knife, and weights to counteract buoyancy, generally on the chest, back and shoes. Later models were equipped with a diver's telephone for voice communications with the surface.Hand operated divers air pump for one or two diversdiving, air pump -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Domestic object - Safety helmet
Black helmet with adjustable head fittings inside made of leather and Cotton tape. Thin cord threaded through the top of helmet to hold head the fittings. Very worn. Smooth surface. No manufacturing name. Australian Standards Sticker inside. Name on label Jim E. helmets, safety equipment -
Arapiles Historical Society
Bolt Threader
Farm equipment, iron hand made with file surfacebolt threader, bolts, file -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Equipment - Weighing Instrument, Pocket Balance, Twentieth Century
Small hanging scales at the top of which there is a metallic ring to fasten the object. This is attached to the main body which on one side has measurements inscribed into the metal surface. Inside the body is a spring loaded mechanism which moves along the scales when weight is added to a hook at the bottom of the shaft. [Ed. The maker's initials have not to date been identified.]"Pocket Balance / MR Product / Made in Australia"pocket balance, hanging scales, weighing instrument -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Equipment, Handheld Directional Compass, 1960s
This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Circular compass, marked by degree to 360. Metal case with cracked glass upper surface. Metal ? with brass pivot. North marked by an exterior metal knobInterior labelled with N,S,E, and W in large print. NW, NE, SE and SW in smaller print. Outer circle marks the degrees, notated in 20 degree steps Numbered KH311compass, handheld compass, dorothy rogers -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Road works in the former City of Kew, 1960s
One of a series of photographs donated by the City Engineer of the former City of Kew, relating to road works. The photos variably include council workers, signage and equipment.One of a series of photographs of core local government services as practised by the City of Kew. The photographs are an accurate record of street works of the period. Original black and white photographic positive of roadworks in the former City of Kew. This is a a technical close up of the surface of a newly steam-rolled roadcity of kew, local government -- city of kew, road works, street works -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Equipment, Flat Iron, 1900-1930
Before the introduction of electric irons, various irons were used including flat irons, sad irons, and box irons. These irons were heated on a pre-existing hot surface such as a stove (flat irons, sad irons) or heated internally with a metal slug or hot coals (box irons). Sad irons were heavier than flat irons, as they had a solid block of metal as a base.Cast iron flat iron.flat irons, household equipment -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Equipment, Flat Iron, 1900-1930
Before the introduction of electric irons, various irons were used including flat irons, sad irons, and box irons. These irons were heated on a pre-existing hot surface such as a stove (flat irons, sad irons) or heated internally with a metal slug or hot coals (box irons). Sad irons were heavier than flat irons, as they had a solid block of metal as a base.Flat iron with metal handleflat irons, household objects -
Vision Australia
Tool - Object, Royal National Institute for the Blind, Braille teaching cube
This small Braille teaching cube attached to a keyring can be used to make the shapes of Braille characters. The surface of cube is studded with large black rivets and when the three main parts of it are rotated, the shapes of a single braille character can be seen and felt. The cube features raised dots in 3 independently revolving sections. These can be turned to form different Braille letters for teaching purposes. 1 bright yellow Braille keyring cube with black dots on itbraille equipment, education aids and devices -
Vision Australia
Equipment - Object, Swish ball, yellow, 199
The plastic ball has bells inside to make it audible when it is hit by the rectangular wooden 'Swish bat'. 'Swish' is a fast, invigorating game, and was developed by blind people in Australia and has been played here for many years. It is played on both a recreational and competitive level; and allows blind, vision impaired and sighted people to compete on almost equal terms. Swish is like table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over a net, the ball is hit under a net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a height that so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. Swish is either played as a doubles or singles competition. The game can be played from one game to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven.1 swish ball with 26 holes containing 3 metal bellsrecreation, swish -
National Communication Museum
Equipment - Prismatic compass, Alfred E Sawtell, before 1872
... , and indistinguishable marks scratched into the surface. Equipment Prismatic ...After years of precursory surveying, debate and proposals the most ambitious civil engineering project of the day, the Overland Telegraph Line, began construction in September 1870. Superintendent of Telegraphs, Sir Charles Todd led the construction through “terra incognita,” guided by the precursory surveys of John McDowall Stuart and technologies such as his prismatic surveying compass. The unknown and hostile landscape claimed the lives of several men and scores of transport animals in the dogged pursuit of telegraphic connection to the rest of the world. Completed in August 1872, the Line connected Australia to the world via telegraph wires running 3,200 kilometres from Port Augusta in South Australia, to Darwin, then connecting via submarine cable to Java and beyond. The “earth [had been] girdled with a magic chain” according to the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Hercules Robinson. How does it work? For use in surveying, the sight vane and prism are turned up on their hinge and the instrument is held horizontally either in the palm of one's hand or on a tripod. Two small discs of red and green glass attached to the prism can be flipped down over the sight line to reduce glare. The objective is to bring the subject into the sightline created by the prism, aligning with the thread of the sight-vane until the subject is bisected evenly. Once aligned, the division on the card may be read through the prism. This reading provides the magnetic azimuth, used for calculating the bearings of distant landmarks. Circular instrument mounted in a brass case with glass window and brass lid. The compass card face four black compass points printed on mint green paper; on the underside the magnetic needle would be affixed, all held in place by a brass knob at the centre. The arched labels of "Sawtell" and "Adelaide" and the Prince of Wales feathers appear to have been affixed with adhesive which has since yellowed in the areas of application on the compass card. The compass face is printed with numbers, every 10 degrees from 10 - 360, printed in reverse indicating this compass would have once held a mirror at the sighting bracket. On one side of the brass case is a brass hinged sighting-prism, possibly of ebonite. The sighting-prism is mounted in a hinged brass bracket on one edge of the brass case. It has two flip-type filter glasses (red and green) and folds down into a retracted travelling position. A hinged brass bracket on the opposite edge would have held the sighting bracket - carrying the sighting vane and mirror - which is now missing or removed. Under the hinge is a lever, possibly related to the movement of the bracket. Underneath the brass case is an indented circle with screw threads, possibly for attachment to a tripod, and indistinguishable marks scratched into the surface.Etched on to the centre of the lid, "Sawtell ADELAIDE / No 792." Affixed to the paper compass face, possibly from separate pieces of paper, "SAWTELL / ADELAIDE" with the Prince of Wales Feathers above "SAWTELL". Underneath on remains of white tape in red: "159."surveying, compass, charles todd, overland telegraph line, telegraph