Summary

William Branwhite Clarke medal awarded to Frederick McCoy in 1881. The medal was struck in Sydney, New South Wales.

The Clarke medal was established in 1878 to commemorate the work of the Reverend William Branwhite Clarke, pioneer geologist. Awarded by the Royal Society of New South Wales for work in natural science, it is the oldest of the Australian scientific medals. It was first awarded to Professor Sir Richard Owen. (Australian Academy of Science web site www.science.org.au/awards/aasmedal.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 11/11/2003.)

William Branwhite Clarke was Geological Surveyor of New South Wales in 1851-53, and reported on the southern and northern goldfields of the colony. He was a member of the Anglican Clergy and a leading scientific figure in colonial New South Wales. (University of Melbourne Bright Sparcs web site http://www.asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P000312b.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 24/9/2003.)

Obverse Description

Bust of Clarke 3/4 right; around, WILLIAM BRANWHITE CLARKE M.A. F.R.S.; below, 1878; in small letters below left of bust, J.S. & A.B. WYON

Reverse Description

Within wreath of Australian native plants, FOR / RESEARCHES / IN / NATURAL / SCIENCE; around, THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES . SYDNEY .

Edge Description

Inscribed, FREDERICK Mc COY, F.R.S. 1881

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