Telescope
1850-01-01/1850-12-31
History Trust of South Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Part of the Historical Relics Collection, this telescope is significant for its connection with South Australia’s exploration history.
This long-scope telescope comprises two brass cylinders fitted inside (another) wooden cylinder. A smooth dark leather casing covers the wood and is stitched along the length. Shutter of brass plates protect the lens by sliding across for access. On the inner cylinder is inscribed 'Parnell & Son,/London/Day or Night. There is no indication of the telescope's strength. There are several decorative bands of brass either side of the leather casing. This is a form of refracting telescope used for terrestrial use. Movement of the internal cylinders determines the clarity of the object in vision. Further information on refracting telescopes is in the object file.
- Title: Telescope
- Date Created: 1850-01-01/1850-12-31
- Provenance: This telescope was used on the successful John McDouall Stuart expedition across Australia. John McDouall Stuart was the first European to successfully cross Australia from south to north and back, from Adelaide to Van Diemen Gulf. Stuart and his ‘companions’ completed this crossing in 1862. Stuart had undertaken five previous expeditions, two of which were attempts to cross the continent. Following Stuart’s successful exploration South Australia gained control of the Northern Territory and established a settlement at Darwin. Stuart’s crossing directly influenced the later route of the Australian Overland Telegraph Line, which in 1872 connected Darwin to Port Augusta, and thus Adelaide, and allowed faster communication between Australia and the rest of the world.
- Subject Keywords: exploration, colonisation
- Rights: History Trust of South Australia, CC-0, photographer: Rachel Harris, Bit Scribbly Design
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