Historical information

The Ballarat School of Mines was Australia's first School of Mines, which was established in 1870.

Physical description

Large letter book with rough calf spine and corners, green fabric cover, green marbled end papers, and leather spine labels.

Sample letters are shown below

Melbourne July 20/77
My Dear Maskelyne,
The object of this note is to introduce Mr Barnard the Registrar of the School of Mines at Ballarat to you, and to your Department at the museum as a Correspondent. I presume you still collect specimens all over the world, and from time to time exchange with other museums. The Ballarat School of Mines is subsidized by the State, and is not unlikely to become our chief mining school if indeed it is not that already. As it is in the midst of an interesting geological district it may now and again be able to contribute something rare and valuable even to the British Museum, and on the other hand what is valueless to you may be of greatest use to us. You may place implicit confidence in Mr Barnard who has been connected with the School for years, and is an enthusiast in Scientific matters.
Very Truly Yours
Charles H. Pearson.

Inscriptions & markings

P.E. Day Esq M.A.
London
My dear Sir
I have the pleasure to inform you that I have this day written to Professor Maskelyns of the British Museum asking his help in the way suggested by Professor Pearson in a not of introduction with which he has favoured me, and copy of which is now enclosed.
May I beg you to be so good as to call on Professor Machelyne make arrangement for the shipment of any case or cases of specimens which the may be able and willing to present to the School.
Need I add that your prompt attention to this matter will be much esteemed by
Yours faithfully
W.H. Barnard
Registrar Pro tem