Summary

Australia Victoria Melbourne
Medal - Geological Society of Australasia Melbourne, Founder's 1885 (AD)
Other Details: Geological Society of Australasia founder's medal, won by Edwin C. Watt, S.M.B., in 1888. The first known attempt to form a geological society in Australia took place in Melbourne in 1852, but this group lasted little more than a year. In 1885, another geological society was founded in Melbourne and was called the "Geological Society of Australasia". This group functioned until about 1907 and faced strong opposition in its early years from the established scientific societies, whose leaders feared that fragmentation would harm the cause of science.

Physical Description

A silver prize medal (38 mm diameter) featuring an image of an erupting volcano. The winner's name is inscribed on the edge.

Obverse Description

At centre a rift valley with active volcano in background, around on raised border, GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

At centre within olive wreath, FOUNDER'S MEDAL 1885

Edge Description

Engraved, WON BY EDWIN C. WATT S.M.B. 1888.

Significance

The first known attempt to form a geological society in Australia took place in Melbourne in 1852, but this group lasted little more than a year. In 1885, another geological society was founded in Melbourne and was called the "Geological Society of Australasia". This group functioned until about 1907 and faced strong opposition in its early years from the established scientific societies, whose leaders feared that fragmentation would harm the cause of science. http://www.gsa.org.au/about/history.htm

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