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Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Flag, Evan Evans, City of Brighton flag
The coat of arms on this flag were granted by the British College of Arms in 1970 and represented Brighton City Council's "growing awareness of the importance of formality and correct symbolism in local government". It replaced the council's crest of a pier and yachting scene and was used as council's seal, emblem on its flag and letterhead. The new Coat of Arms, drawn up by the College of Arms in England, depicts the progression from a seaside gardening community to a modern residential city. The prominent forms are on the shield-like coat of arms include waves and a Lymphad (a ship, symbolic of the sea); a market gardener; an aboriginal man; two horns of plenty with abundant fruit and vegetables (the wealth and plenty) and Elster Creek (now Elster Canal). It is underscored by the motto "By their fruits, ye shall know them". Brighton was first incorporated as a borough on 18 January 1859, it became a town on 18 March 1887 and was proclaimed a city on 12 March 1919.Green flag with circular City of Brighton Coat of Arms in the centre. The central circle is white with a yellow edge, with a polychrome coat of arms featuring: the crest which is two cornucopia with fruits and vegetables, above sits a seagull. The mantle above the helmet is in green and gold. The shield is also green and gold with a lymphad (ship) and blue and white waves. The market gardener, holding a hoe, and Aboriginal figure, bearing a boomerang, support the shield and stand upon the compartment which is soil with a representation of Elster creek. A ribbon below contains the motto in blue 'FRUCTU NOSCITUR'.flag, brighton, city of brighton, coat of arms, college of arms, market gardener, aboriginal, elster creek, lymphad, fructu noscitur, armorial bearings, heraldry, cornucopia, by their fruits ye shall know them, motto -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Kempson Mine Site Illawarra
Two Colour Photgraphs: 7078 One Male Greg Cameronwith a blue cap and glasses crouched behind an Ore Truck, photo taken outside. 7078a showing a painted red box, with faded paint, covered in soil with a broken open door that was used as a powder magazine.mining -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Booklet - Catalogue, Margaret Woodward, The Sea is All Around us, 2015
Margaret Woodward is a an artist and an an associate professor of design at Charles Sturt University. Artist statement: "The Sea is All Around us is a multi-layered event which creates a memorable experience for those visiting the Dome Gallery and the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands. The event acknowledges and raises awareness of the often difficult and dangerous working lives and journeys of seafarers by making visible their role in transporting commodities, materials and objects to and from Australia’s shores. This installation at the Dome Gallery in the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands marks the third stage of an ongoing research project which seeks to reveal the ‘social life’ of souvenirs. Beyond their representational role souvenirs also trigger intangible, affective qualities – reminders of journeys and places, new associations with tastes, sounds and people, and thereby becoming objects which focus and hold memories. This installation invites seafarers and visitors to participate in a global project which aims to witness sea journeys and trace the mobile life of seafarers and souvenirs. For a fortnight in May 2015, the Dome Gallery became an architectural large scale compass, with the circular floor marking the intersection of its latitude and longitude (37 º 49'21" S 144º 57'03"E). Over these two weeks the Dome Gallery was inscribed with marks recording journeys made by seafarers, recording destination and departure ports, home lands and waterways, and in doing so making visible a small segment of the global patterns of seafaring. Custom-made souvenirs designed for the installation are given to seafarers as gestures of welcome and a memento of their visit. The souvenirs originating in Poland continue their journey by sea, to destinations beyond the Dome becoming part of the global network of seafaring, with an invitation for seafarers to record their future journeys using QR code scanning technologies. It is hoped that by releasing the 200 limited edition souvenirs accompanying the seafarers the mobile life of souvenirs and seafarers will also become visible. Like messages in bottles they leave our shores, becoming ambassadors, representing the Dome Gallery at the Mission to Seafarers, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Australia’s red soil and vegetation, and carrying memories of visiting Melbourne." The Mission has always been open to the community and has a tradition of hosting cultural events: shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals.Small flyer in PDf for the art installation by artist Margaret Woodward at the Mission to Seafarerscultural events, norla dome, mso, 2015, art installation, margaret woodward -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Cambridge pH Meter, Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd, 9-6-1946
This pH meter was made in 1946 by Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd. in London. The company was founded in 1881 and the owner eventually became Horace Darwin, the youngest son of the famous scientist Charles Darwin. It is a portable version that can be used on-site in many different situations. A similar instrument was used by the Chemistry Department of what is now the University of Cambridge. The science of pH measurement began in the 1910s and was further developed in 1926. The pH meter is an electronic scientific instrument used to determine the pH measurements of a solution accurately; the amount of acid and alkaline in it This measurement can have many other applications helping to maintain the appropriate balance for a particular result. For example, it can measure the pH of pharmaceutical medications, soil, swimming pool water and hair shampoos. This Cambridge portable electronic pH instrument was made in 1946 by a company specialising in scientific instruments. It is an early example of much smaller devices used today in many different fields including medicine, and the preservation and conservation of shipwreck artefacts. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village's Curator uses a pH meter today in the conservation process of a historic cannon that was recovered from the 1839 wreck of the vessel 'Children'.Scientific instrument, electric Cambridge Portable pH Meter in a polished wooden box with compartments, fold-out doors, and leather carry handle. Includes blue covered Instruction manual with a 'Certificate of Test' inside, and chemicals. Electrodes mounted in compartment. The lid is separate from the base, attached by pins and hinges. A plate inside the lid gives instructions for 'Preparation for Use'. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Company, London, in 1946.Printed on plate: "Cambridge Instrument Co. Ltd, 13 Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1' Certificate dated: "6-3- 46" (1946)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ph meter, cambridge scientific instrument co. ltd, horace darwin, cambridge university, ph balance, scientific instrument, ph measurement -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Souvenir - Cup, Margaret Woodward, 2015
Margaret Woodward is a an artist and an an associate professor of design at Charles Sturt University. Artist statement: "The Sea is All Around us is a multi-layered event which creates a memorable experience for those visiting the Dome Gallery and the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands. The event acknowledges and raises awareness of the often difficult and dangerous working lives and journeys of seafarers by making visible their role in transporting commodities, materials and objects to and from Australia’s shores. This installation at the Dome Gallery in the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne’s Docklands marks the third stage of an ongoing research project which seeks to reveal the ‘social life’ of souvenirs. Beyond their representational role souvenirs also trigger intangible, affective qualities – reminders of journeys and places, new associations with tastes, sounds and people, and thereby becoming objects which focus and hold memories. This installation invites seafarers and visitors to participate in a global project which aims to witness sea journeys and trace the mobile life of seafarers and souvenirs. For a fortnight in May 2015, the Dome Gallery became an architectural large scale compass, with the circular floor marking the intersection of its latitude and longitude (37 º 49'21" S 144º 57'03"E). Over these two weeks the Dome Gallery was inscribed with marks recording journeys made by seafarers, recording destination and departure ports, home lands and waterways, and in doing so making visible a small segment of the global patterns of seafaring. Custom-made souvenirs designed for the installation are given to seafarers as gestures of welcome and a memento of their visit. The souvenirs originating in Poland continue their journey by sea, to destinations beyond the Dome becoming part of the global network of seafaring, with an invitation for seafarers to record their future journeys using QR code scanning technologies. It is hoped that by releasing the 200 limited edition souvenirs accompanying the seafarers the mobile life of souvenirs and seafarers will also become visible. Like messages in bottles they leave our shores, becoming ambassadors, representing the Dome Gallery at the Mission to Seafarers, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Australia’s red soil and vegetation, and carrying memories of visiting Melbourne." The Mission has always been open to the community and has a tradition of hosting cultural events: shows, concerts, exhibitions, festivals.Orange enamel and teal mug created for the art installation by artist Margaret Woodward at the Mission to Seafarers. On one side it is decorated with a compass and a latitude and longitude; on the opposite side, a leaf, a QR code on the bottom takes you to the website.Written at the bottom of the mug: Please scan to map the journey of this souvenir * www.sensingtheremote.net *2015cultural events, norla dome, mso, 2015, art installation, margaret woodward -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Soap, Benger Enterprises, Pearson's celebrated pumice sand soap, 1970s
Pumice sand soap is used to clean and/or restore a variety of materials and structures, as well as soiled hands.Two blocks of pumice sand soap in original wrappings (one damaged and roughly repaired)"Pearson's celebrated pumice sand soap" printed in black on orange paper wrappingsoap, sand soap, pumice soap -
Greensborough Historical Society
Tool - Garden Fork, 1950c
... Used to break up soil in gardening...Used to break up soil in gardening garden fork garden ...Used to break up soil in gardeningGarden fork, four steel tines bolted to wooden shaft and wooden handle gripgarden fork, garden equipment -
Greensborough Historical Society
Tool - Pickaxe, Pickaxe head
... Medium sized pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil...Medium sized pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil ...Medium sized pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil in digging, shaped like a mattock, but having both ends pointed. Iron pickaxe head, medium size, (no handle)pickaxes, tools -
Greensborough Historical Society
Tool - Pickaxe, Pickaxe head
... Large pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil in digging...Large pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil in digging ...Large pickaxe head. Used for loosening the soil in digging, shaped like a mattock, but having both ends pointed. Iron pickaxe head, large, (no handle)pickaxes, tools -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Tools - Hand Augers - small x3
Used by turning the auger around to create a round hole.Used by residents of the Kiewa ValleySmall steel hand auger tools with a wooden handle. Used for digging more shallow holes eg. gathering soil samples and making post holes -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Ploughshare
The ploughshare cuts grass and soil loosening or turning the soil before sowing seed or planting. Ploughs were drawn by oxen and horses. Now drawn by tractors.Farmers in the Kiewa Valley used ploughs before tractors became available.Formerly KV 060. Made of steel and a component of a plough. It is the cutting or leading edge of a mouldboard which closely follows the coulter wen ploughing. Attached picture shows the ploughshare as part of a plough. Ref. Farmyard Relics by Ken Arnold Page 49ploughshare, agriculture, farming crops -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Textile - Tray Cloth
Probably used for carving roast at table by covering table cloth to prevent soiling of the table cloth.White cotton cloth embroidered with the word 'carver' and carving fork and knife.manchester, table linen, handcrafts, needlework -
Clunes Museum
Tool - GOLD CRADLE & PANNING DISH, JAMES ESMOND, CIRCA 1850
USED TO OBTAIN ALLUVIAL GOLD THE DESIGN OF THIS EQUIPMENT IS MOSTLY BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF THE WAY HEAVY MINERALS ARE CONCENTRATED IN ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS. THE PROSPECTING DISH IS USED WHEN WORKING WITH SMALL AMOUNTS OF STONES & CLAY WHILE BIGGER JOBS THE CRADLE OR BANJO IS MORE EFFICIENT. THE GAUZE OF MESH IN THE SIEVE IS VARIABLE. THE CRADLE OR BANJO IS USUALLY SET UP AT RIGHT ANGLES TO A SHALLOW CREEK OR WATERHOLE WITH THE OPEN ENDS TOWARDS THE WATER.1 WOODEN CONSTRUCTION MADE BY HAND WITH GAUZE FILTER IN UPPER SECTION TO SEPARATE QUARTZ ROCKS, SAND AND SOIL. A HANDLE ON BOX LIKE CONSTRUCTION IS USED TO ROCK THE CRADLE WHICH IS MOUNTED WITH ITS ROCKERS RESTING ON WOODEN BEARERS. .2 PANlocal history, mining equipment, mining -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Codling Collection 01 - Wodonga's Second Police Station, c1980
Miss Olive Codling was a Foundation Member and a Life Member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Many of her prize-winning photos are held in the Society Collection. She also held a range of roles and committee positions in a wide range of Wodonga community organisations. WODONGA'S SECOND POLICE STATION - This building was located on the west side of High Street near the railway line at the corner of High Street and Bond Street. The building in the background was the Bond Store which was later repurposed to become the Court House. This Police Station, which began operation on this site c1905, had originally been the house of the customs officer. It had a front office and a Sergeant's and an Inspector's office as well as 2 barrack rooms and a laundry at the rear. In the backyard was a blue stone cell block and a night soil toilet, as well as a stable used previously for horse and carriage. Opposite the police station was a boarding house which supplied meals to prisoners. This police station was in use until its move to Elgin Street, Wodonga in December 1967.This photo collection is significant as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the 20th century.Two black and white photos of the 2nd Police Station built in Wodonga with the former Bond Store in the background.high st wodonga, police stations wodonga -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white prints, Orroroo, Student Activities, 1970
All photographs appear in the Student Magazine "Orroroo" 1970Students engaged in various activities. (1) Eating refreshments in an Orchard, possibly on an excursion. (2) Chemistry class. (3) Working in the Orchard extracting tubes of soil. (4) Pruning fruit trees using metal and wooden ladders. (5) Tea break. (6) Working in the Plant Science Laboratory. On reverse, "Rhododendron leaf analysis." (7) Working in a glasshouse.students, activities, excursion, chemistry class, orchard, pruning, fruit trees, tea break, glasshouse, student magazine, orroroo, science projects, soil analysis -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white prints and negatives, Students in Class, c. 1950
Enlargement. of black and white photograph B91.172 Chemistry class. R.D.M. Soil Indicator colour chart on table and substances in test tubes. Front row: Margot George, Peter Smith. A further enlargement (B92.564) was used in the Centennial Display. Same students in B91.174.Inscribed, Students in Class Room Burnley Gardens B19-1238. Similar Negs B19-1237. Dup B87, B19-1239. Dup B88, B19-1240. Dup B89."r.d.m. soil indicator, colour chart, test tubes, margot george, peter smith, students in class, chemistry class -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph - Photograph - Reproduction, c.1870s
This photograph shows a piece of gold mining equipment identified as a mine winch, possibly an air winch cylinder of 1870s RG Ford's Patent design. Throughout the history of mining for gold and other precious materials, the windlass or winch (pictured) was used to bring up buckets full of soil from the bottom of a mine. This soil was then searched for gold/metals before being relocated to a different area. Due to the size and complexity of this particular piece of equipment, this winch may have been used to raise and lower mine carts to the entrance of the mine (often used in coal mining) and could have been used in raising cages up and down (acting as elevators) containing miners if the mine was particularly deep. The actual use of this particular item in the Beechworth locality is undocumented but these are some possibilities based on the use of these pieces of equipment in other mining locations. Mining can have a largely detrimental impact to the environment and therefore, the study of machinery like the one depicted in this photograph can help researches to reconstruct the methods and technologies used in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This particular item appears to have been removed from it's original site where it would have been used to assist with mining. It is possible that this photograph has been taken for recording purposes or as part of a machinery exhibition. Prior documentation records that this piece of equipment had connections to the Rocky Mountains Mining Company. Today, the Rocky Mountains Gold Mining company is famous in Beechworth for having been instrumental in the creation of the Rocky Mountain tunnel. Construction for this tunnel began in 1859 when a group of 12 men blasted a 400ft long tailrace though the rock beneath the town of Beechworth. Today, the 800ft tunnel, completed in 1871, is a popular tourist attraction but during the decades of gold mining, the purpose of this tunnel was to divert water away from the main sluicing operations so miners could better access gold and precious materials. The tunnel was used for this purpose for many years, later becoming useful for the Zwar Brother's tannery and currently as an outfall drain for Lake Sambell. This area continued to be mined until the early 1900s. The period when this item was in use is unclear but it is estimated to have been in the 1870s based on the design and appearance of the image. The gold works at the Rocky Mountain Tunnel closed in the early 1920s but the impact of mining remains in Beechworth today and therefore the study of photographs like this one which contain mining equipment can further understanding of mining in this region.This photograph has historic and research potential for study on the gold mining of the Beechworth region and types of equipment used to locate gold after the initial gold rush of 1853-1854 which resulted in the discovery of the surface gold and required miners to dig deeper to access precious metals. The clarity of the photo, and its good preserved condition, means it can continue to be used for research. This photo is part of a collection of six photos all within the Burke Museum Collection which depict mining equipment.Square black and white photograph on card.7793.1beechworth, mining, goldmining, goldmining equipment, beechworth burke museum -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Kidney dishes
Four enameled kidney dishes. A kidney dish (British English) or emesis basin (American English) is a shallow basin with a kidney-shaped base and sloping walls used in medical and surgical wards to receive soiled dressings and other medical waste. The shape of the dish allows it to be held against the patient's body to catch any falling fluids or debris. Various sizes of emesis basins are common in healthcare settings. Aileen and John Ellison Collectionmedical, kidney dish -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BILL ASHMAN COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Typed notes titled 'Growing Plants Without Soil'. Typed on paper with printed letterhead of Howe & Franch Inc. Chemicals. Notes mention containers and method of planting plants for Hydroculture. Also gives the Formula to use in the water, price and size of the bottle of formula. Also mentioned that house plants watered with the formula improve their growth. Broadcast 'Final' written at the top of page.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, growing plants without soil, howe & french inc. chemicals -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BILL ASHMAN COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Five page copy of a broadcast titled 'Growing Plants Without Soil' broadcast 18 June, 1937 in Boston, Mass. Typed on paper with printed letterhead - Chemistry of Today. Mentioned is plant growth, how water is used by the plant, the relationship between plants, dew and rain, fertilisers, chemicals and how to set up a hydroponic system. Broadcast (1) written at the top of the page.sciences, instruments - general, scalebuoy, bill ashman collection - correspondence, chemistry of today, growing plants without soil -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - BENDIGO SALEYARDS COLLECTION: BENDIGO SALEYARDS RELOCATION STUDY - PLANNING REPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
Bendigo Saleyards Relocation Study - Planning Report and Environment Effects Statement for the City of Bendigo by A E Huefner & Associates Pty Ltd in association with Meldrum Burrows & Partners. Book has a light brown cover with black plastic binder spine. Green and yellow pages separate some sections. The front cover has a sketch of a stock transport with a pig, sheep and cattle behind gates. Contents include: Introduction, Summary, Recapitulation on the Feasibility Report which includes The Need for Action, the Site and Existing Uses Adjacent to the Site, The Proposal which includes Concept, Project Description, Components, Siting of Facilities, Land Clearing, Earthworks, Darainage, Buildings and Structures, Roads and Pavements, Services, Landscaping, Soil Profile and Construction Programme. Invironmental Effects which include Visual Impact Dust, Odours, Effluent, Effluent Treatment System, Traffic, Artificial Lighting, Noise, Operational Failures and Nature Conservation Effects. Statutory Planning Considerations which includes Zoning Controls and Suggested Procedure for Initiating I.D.O. Amendment. Appendices are: A.- Copy of Tit;e, B - Soil Investigation, C - Acoustic Assessment and D - Suggested Draft Amendment to Shire of Marong I.D.O. Contains a photo of the area - View of the Site, looking South and a number of drawings. Copies of various Council Reports referring to the Saleyards Relocation Project. It has a bright yellow cover and a hard plastic type spine. Mentioned in the reports is the cost to bring the old saleyards up to standard and list of improvements. Reports are as at 16th July, 1984. Mustard coloured book with plastic spine titled Bendigo Saleyards Relocation Study Feasibility Report by Meldrum Burrows & Partners in association with A E Huefner & Associates Pty Ltd and Acil Australia Pty Ltd dated September, 1983. Items mentioned are: Introduction, Summary, Background, Role in Livestock Marketing for the Bendigo Saleyards (Acil Australia Pty. Ltd., Saleyard Relocation: Strategic Considerations, Financial Implications and Conclusion. Appendix 1: Estimation of Livestock Population in Catchment Area. Drawings in Fig 1 Existing Bendigo Saleyards and Surrounding Land Uses, Fig 2 Catchment Area for Bendigo Saleyards 1983, Fig 4.1 Estimated Sheep Populatiuon in Catchment Area 1976 - 77 to 1981 - 82, Fig 4.2 Estimated Cattle Population in Catchment area 1976 -77 to 1981 -82, Fig 3 Possible Saleyard Relocation Areas, Fig 4, Directions from which access to possible Saleyard Locations would be obtained - Estimated percentage of sheep to cattle stock, Fig 5 Possible Saleyard Locations - Northern Area, Fig 6 Possible Locations of Saleyards - Inner West, Fig 7 Possible Locations of Saleyards - Outer West. Considerations were made as to renovate the existing saleyards or to move them elsewhere. Effluent, transport and stock movement, and condition of the yards were a problem.bendigo, council, cattle markets, bendigo saleyards collection - bendigo saleyards relocation study - planning report and environment effects statement, a e huefner & associates pty ltd, meldrum burrows & partners, city of bendigo, state electricity commission, mal styles, bendigo college of advanced education, n j fieldew, pryce goodale & duncan pty ltd, p b swift, shire of marong -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Tool - GOLD CRADLE
Wooden miner's cradle with metal sieve used to separate gold or other heavy minerals from soil and water. Washdirt and water were tipped into the sieve at the top while the cradle was rocked. The oscillating motion washed away sand and fine particles, leaving the gold trapped behind ridges across the bottom. Large rocks and gravel caught by the sieve were discarded by hand. The metal sieve is slig htly damaged.mining, equipment, cradle box -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - VIEWS OF BENDIGO, BENDIGO FLAT AS SEEN FROM WATTLE HILL, 1875 Copy ~1970
Sepia photograph on cream board. Shows Bendigo Flat houses from Wattle Hill. Inscription: Above, 'Views of Bendigo No.34'. Below, 'Bendigo Flat as seen from Wattle Hill'. 'N.J.Caire Photo, Sandhurst'. Bottom, 'Casey & Wenborn Print Forbes & Holmes, Agents', 'This Flat twenty years since, was a busy seen with it's thousands of Diggers, breaking the native soil in search of Gold. The canvas tents then used have long since giving place to more solid and comfortable domiciles constructed of wood and bricks. Nicholas CaireN.J.Caireplace, bendigo, bendigo flat, see, 'views of bendigo' by n.j.caire, prev. ref.: 'mp154' -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Tool - MERCURY BUCKET
Cast iron mercury bucket, used to hold mercury, potentially in the process of recovering minute pieces of gold mixed in soil and sediments. See research page for description of one process of using mercury to extract gold.gold mines, mining equipment, mercury bucket, miners used mercury in a number of ways to amalgamate gold, with each mill or battery operator having their preferred method depending on the nature of the ore. by the late 1850s the most common way of crushing goldbearing quartz ores or consolidated alluvial cements was in a stamp battery. the battery featured heavy iron stamp heads held in a frame, with each head often weighing up to 500 pounds (226 kg) or more (see msv 1880, page 45) (birrell 2005). stamp heads were lifted and dropped by a rotating overhead cam shaft driven by a steam engine or water wheel. ore was fed into a large cast-iron battery box, mixed with a steady stream of water, and pulverised by the stamp heads. in some batteries, mercury was placed in the base of the boxes to amalgamate with freed gold. the violent agitation of the mercury in the mortar box, however, could cause the mercury to break into myriad tiny globules that were carried away by the water with the tailings, thus losing a certain amount of gold in the process (thompson 1867; ritchie & hooker 1997). the water and sand slurry was splashed by the falling stamps from the box through fine mesh screens and onto inclined wooden tables below the mortar box (figure 2). the tables were covered with copper sheets or plates coated with mercury, which caught and amalgamated with a portion of the gold. the grey putty-like amalgam was periodically scraped off the sheets and retorted in a furnace to collect the gold and recover the mercury for reuse. mercury was inevitably lost from the plates, while poor maintenance resulted in further losses of gold and mercury in the tailings. mercury use and loss from gold mining in 19th century victoria. peter davies1, susan lawrence, and jodi turnbull, department of archaeology and history, la trobe university.