In my last few posts I discussed how libraries inspire a tremendous sense of promise, but without it being clear what exactly is promised or what libraries need to do to fulfil their promise, whatever that may be. The relationship between what libraries promise and what they actually do has become problematic in a way … Read more
18 February is International Asperger’s Day, which aims to increase awareness of the significance of Asperger syndrome for individuals and the community. It also highlights the challenges of those trying to understand the often-misunderstood syndrome and cope with a condition that manifests itself in a wide variety of forms. Asperger syndrome is one of the … Read more
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the wide array of products and chemical concoctions we use at home and work every day, you will be fascinated by The Chemical Formulary – an amazing collection of formulas for producing domestic and industrial products. The Chemical Formulary’s title page describes it as “a condensed collection of … Read more
At the beginning of 1949, a 17 year old student challenged the Department of Public Instruction in a way that illuminated public attitudes and initiated controversy, expressed in the country’s newspapers from Brisbane to Broken Hill and from Townsville to Tasmania. In January 1949, the Department of Public Instruction awarded John Hinton Quinlem, a student … Read more
Recently I was asked to research the history of buildings at the corner of Adelaide and Wharf Streets in Brisbane, where the Christie Centre is currently located. Fortunately, I knew this corner well as I used to work opposite the site. I remembered that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was located there, and that they … Read more
The 1870s saw a great rush to mine alluvial tin in a place called Quart Pot Creek on the Darling Downs. This rural locality, 170km south-west of Brisbane, is now known as Stanthorpe, named after the Latin word for tin, stannum. Geoscience Australia records that Tin (Sn) is one of the few metals that has … Read more
The opening of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane on 29 November gives us reason to look at the extraordinary life and achievements of this great lady. Phyllis Dorothy McGlew was born in Sydney on 13 March 1894. When she was young, her family moved to Adelaide, where she studied medicine, graduating in … Read more
Frew Park, a 3.5 hectare parkland developed on the site of the former Milton Tennis Centre, is due to open in December. The park’s redevelopment will include the new Roy Emerson Tennis Centre, with six tennis courts, a rebound wall, kiosk, and lounge and administration facilities. In a nod to the site’s history, a new … Read more
The romance of the beautiful pearling luggers of the Torres Strait is captured in the photographs and resources held by State Library of Queensland. The luggers were gaff-rigged ketches constructed of wood, and many have continued to sail for more than 60 years. Typically measuring 15 to 20 meters in length, with low waists and … Read more
14 November is World Diabetes Day (WDD), raising global awareness of this growing health threat, its treatment and prevention. Frederick Banting and Charles Best conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1921, and WDD is celebrated annually on 14 November, which marks Frederick Banting’s birthday. WDD is an official United Nations … Read more