This is a miniature book and container which was known as ‘the Smallest English Dictionary in the World’. It is a copy of a Dr Johnson dictionary. It was intended to be worn as a locket and sold with an accompanying magnifying glass. It was an advertising feature for the Pears Soap company. This item has no local significance but it is a very interesting one, showing the type of novelty adornment popular in the late Victorian era. This is a miniature book with a red leather cover and 384 pages. The name of the book and the name ‘Pears’ are stamped in gilt on the covers. The book is enclosed in a silver-coloured metal container with a thickened glass window in front to view the title of the book. The glass acts as a magnifier. The container has a hinged closing device. It has a ring at the top to attach the item to a chain or belt. The container is much rusted.Front cover of book: ‘Bryce’s English Dictionary’ Back Cover: ‘Pears’ bryce’ english dictionary, warrnambool, dr johnson dictionary

Hardcover titled 'The Comprehensive Johnson's Dictionary'. Publisher - W. Innes, 31 S. Hanover Street, Edinburgh. C1854. Book has black hard cover. 1) Various signatures of George D Guthrie, Sydney 1853. Victoria April 27 1854, Melbourne 1854 in black. 2) Miss Jane McColl (in pencil) Her Dictionary 13th July 1868 - The fairest and best of her set . . . Etc. 3) 'The word facetiously comprises all of the vowels' - in pencil. C1854. Note from Ella D Servill saying the book was formerly owned by George Duncan Guthrie and given to her Grandmother (a daughter of Hugh McColl). Written on white paper. Typed note on yellow card of inscriptions in the book.Dr Johnsonbook, book, the comprehensive johnson's dictionary, w. innes, george d guthrie, miss jane mccoll, thomas nelson and sons