Historical information

This book prize was awarded to Theophilus Heugist Serjeant in the fifth form for first prize for arithmetic. Theo enrolled at Ballarat College in 1884 at the age of 12. Theo's brother, Alfred George Serjeant, also enrolled at the same time at the age of 17. In the original register parent/guardian is listed as R.M Serjeant and their residence as Yarrowee Hall.

Significance

Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936.

Physical description

Bound in brown calf with black and gilt decorations on front cover and black decoration with college crest embossed on back cover. Six raised bands on spine with gilt lettering on second compartment and the remaining compartments with gilt decoration. Slight detachment of spine with foxing on pages. Gilt edged pages, black and white illustrations throughout. 624 pages.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: college crest/ Arithmetic/ Fifth Form,/ First Prize./ Awarded to/ Theo. H. Serjeant/ Christmas, 1887.