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Message from John I. Bleasdale D.D. to Melbourne to Sir Henry Ayers - 6 Jany 1873
Is there professorship of National Science, Chemistry applied to agriculture and mining in new University
reply paid for -
Reply
It is intended to establish a Chair for Geology and Minerolgy, Chemistry and Agricultural Chemistry.

This item contains references to: establishment, University of Adelaide

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Melbourne 7 Jany 1873
Dear Sir Henry,
Accept my best thanks for the information sent by telegram & the trouble you took about it.
My reason for asking it was with a view to applying for the chair of natural science. The inclosed(sic) testimonials which I got together two years ago, when the "old identities" of Otago were advertising for such a professor will tell you how I stand in the estimation of our best scientific men here, and Rev. W. B. Clarke the Geologist in Sydney.
The professorship can add nothing to either my social position or pay:- but at the end of 22 years in Victoria I feel the want of a complete change of scene & in part, occupation also. I cannot, however, afford to travel, - nor to live idle. It seemed to me at the time that Otago would afford
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the required change:- and I meant to have taken it out in this way. I am, & then was, entitled to two years' leave of absence. Had I succeeded in my application, I should have said at once that I accepted it on condition that if I did not give satisfaction at the end of 12 or 18 months they might give me notice & provide a better man; or one more to their liking. There were 32 candidates and I was informed by the secretary that I ranked second. Of course the successful gentleman was a Scotchman, with the title of Joh. D:- To all but one member of the council I was unknown.
I would now say the same to the authorities of your new University. It would suit both the University and myself that I should take two years leave of absence in the first instance: as you will soon perceive. No man can teach Geology & applied as well as theoretical Chemistry & Minerology without specimens, - in fact a museum at his back. By not severing my connection with Victoria for two years, I can have all the advantages of effecting exchanges of specimens & models, which my trusteeship of our great scientific institutions affords me
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under the act of incorporation. In other words I could add to our collection while gathering characteristic specimens for instruction in Adelaide. I would then propose to accept the Chair (if elected) for two years:- but if the Governing body were dissatisfied with me or I were with them at the end of 18 months I would release them on six months notice and consider myself at liberty give them the samekind of notice so as to leave plenty of time to provide a substitute.
My name is pretty well advertised in South Australia:- and I need hardly say that I number among my friends and acquaintances nearly all the best men of the Country. Of course, I would throw myself heartly into the duties of the Chair:- and not that alone, (for they would be little more than recreation to me) but to solving a few problems of real interest in Mining and Agriculture.
I may add that I have by me the finest collection, public or private, of characteristic gems & gem-stones, in these colonies:- a working laboratory: an extensive library of scientific works on Geology, Minerology & all branches of Chemistry. In fact if the Authorities of the
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University would rent a decent sized cottage I could be at work in two months or less after the Chair is established. I converted some old police barracks here two years ago, into laboratories & classrooms for less than 100 pounds, that suffice completely for larger classes than one may hope to see in Adelaide for years to come. Were I among you I should consider it my duty to afford any instruction in my power to miners & agriculturists, who might seek special information on given subjects, just as we are doing here at the Industrial Museum. Of course I would not accept of any clerical charge whatsoever. I want rest and change of scene. As to any fear of my setting the University in a blaze through being a R. Catholic:- that is adequately answered by the significant fact that I owe all my many honorable appointments to non Catholic statesmen here:- and am the only clergyman of any denomination holding such trusts & appointments in this Colony.
You will I trust excuse me for troubling you with this lengthy communication:- but I do not know who the University Authorities are: and I presume that either in your public or private capacity you are one of them.
And with warm remembrance of your attention to me when in Adelaide
believe me yours faithfully
John J. Bleasdale D. D. F. G. S

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Melbourne, 28 January 1873
George Young Esquire,
Secretary of the University of Adelaide.
Sir,
I believe you are not entirlely unaware that I have intimated an intention of applying for the Chair of Natural Science in the new University of Adelaide.
I now do myself the honor of respectfully submitting a formal application through you to the governing body for that Chair:- ie. Geology, Minerology.Chemistry, theoretical and pratical, applied to mining and agriculture,in their several branches, I must claim the indulence of the Council for placing before them the testimonials which I got together & submitted two years ago to the Council of the new University of Otago, when I was an applicant for a like Chair. On that occasion I ran a good- second, I am informed, though known to but one member of the Council.
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When I applied for the Natural Science Chair in Otago University, I had no great concern whether I won it or not as the accounts I received of the austerity of the climate were not prepossessing:- still it was due to the August who formed the Council that my application should be not only full and respectable in itself, but also be backed up by testimonials of my fitness and ability, from our men in their several departments of science.
Accordingly then I went first of all to professor Mc Coy of our University, who holds the chair of natural science, and asked him what he thought of my fitness and ability; knowing that my duties in the University would be the same as his own. His reply is the first in the pamphlet. This gentleman and I have not always been the best of scientific friends, but we never alowed(sic) scientific differences to a place between us personally.
Organic matters, certain branchesof botany, enter into the duties of the Chair, so I sought the opinion of Baron Von Mueller,and it will be found at pp 9 & 10.
Mining generally, and minerology were among
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the qualifications especially asked for in the professor:- consequently I asked the opinion of our learned and indefatigable Secretary of Mines.
Optics in relation to minerals, special appliances of that science to the microscope & spectroscope; the whole science of Crystallography, the knowledge & use of goniometer etc would form a necessary part of Education to be imparted by the professor, so I communicated with Mr. Ellery our Astronomer to the Government, and, I trust you will read with pleasure his opinion at p. 11.-
Assaying and "red hot chemistry" would naturally have to be taught as far as their ptinciples are concerned and for a testimonial on that head I consulted Mr. Foord assayer to the Royal Mint. Vide p. 12.-
But above all Geology & Minerology claimed, in my mind a very high place in any modern University: & for a testimonial I am proud to say I could refer to the Revd W. B. Clarke of Sydney, Geologist to the Government and without doubt the ablest man in that science in these Australian Colonies. His letter is couched in the language of a friend indeed.
In addressing gentlemen to whom I was quite unknown I thought a character for pratical common sense and a knowledge of men & the affairs every day life would be of advantage - so I asked the opinion of a gentleman with whom during many years I have been closely associated in public matters Sir Redmond Barry; to whose vast exertions the public here owe so many intellectual advantages - such as the Public Library; and the opinion of men like him are not sown broad cost. -
The other testimonials are from the president of the
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Medical Society, and Dr. A. C. Brownless, Vice Chancellor of the University; and speak as to what I have been doing to help medical science as occasion offered.
Now it is not my intention to sever my connection with the public trusts here, - but to obtain two years' leave of absence. Firstly because I am entitled to that leave. Secondly, - that if I am not liked by the Council, or am dissatisfied myself I may give or receive six months notice after the first 12 or 18 months - so as not to embarrass the University. Thirdly, because by retaining my trusteeship of the Public Library, Museums etc. I can easily effect exchanges, & procure or borrow models, specimens, etc. etc. as needed. And without them it is impossible to illustrate effectually the lectures.
On his return the Revd professor Rud(?) will be able to tell the Council, better than I can what I have been doing for chemistry and geology & minerology here, and the uses to which I turned some old police barracks; making them into laboratories class rooms etc; & the success which is attending these efforts.
I have by me all the essentials of a working laboratory such as Muffle(?) furnace, Balances, all kinds of blowpipe apparatus, Microscopes, Chemicals, etc. etc. etc. and without any doubt the finest and most complete collection of gems, both cut and in the rough, to be found anywhere in these colonies - and their associated minerals. All these things and many others I can bring with me if appointed; as well as a complete library of scientific works.
Regarding remuneration - it is far below that given in our University (viz £1,000,and a house) yet it is sufficient - and as nearly as possible the same
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as I now know.
It may be asked why I seek a professorship in a new University, - at any time a risky matter, - when I have all I could wish for at home? I can only reply that I want rest and change of scene:- and I know from personal observation no people & no place to please me so much as South Australia. I have on every occasion that I have visited Adelaide enjoyed both the climate and the society most keenly.
My profession as a R. C. Priest ought not to stand in my way. As to my private and public character as a priest I may say I have lived in the one house with my Bishop for 18 years & and (sic) been his private secretary for 13 of them. I was never accused of being a fire-brand.
Regarding my public and private life outside of clerical matters, I may add that I have at all times mingled freely with men of education & science:- that I owe nothing to any of my own church as such; that the long string of honors & confidences conferred on me by successive Governments of different shades of political creed has been conferred without any seeking of mine. My being a priest & the only clergyman of any denomination on so many Royal Commissions, on the Trusteeship of the public Library & Museums, & Chairman of the National Museum:- and holding from year to year an annual free pass on all the Government Railways; a Member of the Central Board of Health, one of seven under an act of the Legislative, has called forth no adverse
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criticism from any party lay or clerical.
I forward for the information of those who may wish to know something more about my doing several fugitive essays & pamphlets. Two only of them do I desire you to take care of viz the book of newspaper excerpts and the six papers on Colonial Gems. I have no other copy of these two.
I may add that if I be elected, I shall not take any public clerical duties whatever. I repeat I want rest. It will be all the holiday I require to devote my whole attention to my duties as a professor of those branches of science in which I have so long found interest and recreation.
Of course I should subscribe and faithfully keep the statutes & regulations of the University so far as they concern the Professor of National Science.
Without wishing to trespass on the deliberations of the Council, I would consider it a great kindness if I could be informed whether there is any insuperable obstacle to my appointment, as in that case I will at once withdraw & make my arrangements in another direction. I would however most respectfully submit that man of my social standing, education, and public character, are not be met with every day, nor even at all, unless for very high remuneration.
I may add that it is immaterial at what time the duties of the Chair are to commence - now or next year. What I seek to know is the disposal of it one way or another: as on that will depend my retaining or dispersing by art(?) Union my fine collections.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your most obedient servant
John J. Bleasdale D. D. F. G. S

Attached is a 3 page printed article titled 'On Preserved Meats: especially with reference to Mr James Harrison's ,ethod of freezing meat' by Rev. John I. Bleasdale, D.D.

This item contains references to: staff

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Adelaide 4th Feby 1873
Resd: Dr. Bleasdale
Melbourne
Revd: and Dear Sir
Your letter of 28th January has been received and will be laid by me before the Council of the University Assocition. This is not intended as any formal acknowledgement, I write to give you the earliest intimation that the papers to which you attach some value and which you ask me to take care of for you have not come into my hands. The only enclosure in your letter was the printed paper "in Meat Preserving", & the ___ paper on Colonial Gems(?) and the Book of newspaper excerpts were not with the letter.
I am not sure that the Council will be in a position this year to establish the Chair for Geology etc(?) etc(?) as contemplated, but I shall be able to speak more definitely on this when sending you an official reply to your letter.
Yours very truly
Geo. Young

This item contains references to: Council, University of Adelaide

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University Association
Adelaide 18th Feby 1873
Revd.Dr.Bleasdale
Melbourne
Revd. Sir
Your letter of 28th January relative to the Chair of Natural Sciences in the projected University was laid before the Executive Council of the Association and I am instructed to inform you that it is not intended to take any steps in connection with that Chair until the Act of Incorporation has been obtained from the local legislature. When in a position to act the Members of Council will give all due consideration to your application and to the testimonials which accompany it.
I have the honour to be
Your very obedt. Servt.
Geo. Young
Hon.Secty

This item contains references to: Council, University of Adelaide

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Adelaide 18 Feb1873
Revd Dear Sir
On return of the steamer 'Aldinga' to our port last Friday your parcel was delivered to me .it had been overlooked by the Captain or Purser on the previous voyage.
I will take every care of the contents and either retain the whole until the Council is prepared to do something in regard to the Natural Science Chair or return to you at any time you wish those papers etc. of which no other copies exist. It is not in my powers to give any indication as to the times when any further appointments may be made, beyond this that I think it will not be during the next three or four months. There is little probability of Parliament meeting earlier and much depends not only on the Act of Incorporation to be obtained but also on the pecuniary provision which it is hpoed that this Legislature will consent to make for the University.
I am
Yours very truly
Geo. Young

This item contains references to: staff appointments