Turnbull Library magnet to science historians

Press, 21 February 1978, Page 16

Turnbull Library magnet to science historians

PA Wellington An Australian professor, Dr D. Branagan, says the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington has become a magnet to science historians from across the Tasman.

that Stutchbury influenced the early theories of coral rock formation, but, a modest man, held back to let others of less note claim the glory. Now, using Stutchbury as the subject of a book, Dr Branagan has set out to prove the geologist’s discoveries and ensure that he receives due, if posthumous, credit.

Dr Branagan, from Sydney University, said that Australia had no comparable library so well organised. “Until now people have been saying that if you want to study the history of science you have to go to Europe, but there is plenty of material here, particularly at the Turnbull,” he said.

“He was a more competent scientist than these better known. He just did not push himself,” said Dr Branagan. Stutchbury took part in

The Turnbull Library had an important research role to play, he said. This would develop on a course parallel with the increasing interest in the history of science.

Dr Branagan has already been half-way round the world in quest of research material on a littleknown English geologist, Samual Stutchbury, only to end his search at the Turnbull Library. His interest lies in a unique set of Stutchbury notes, unearthed in the library archives. Dr Branagan believes

the 1825-1827 Pear! Fishing Company voyage, which brought the Rev. William Williams, an early missionary, to New Zealand.

Most important, he said, was that the geologist, who drew a cross-section of the Bay of Islands, might have influenced Darwin and his theories of evolution.

Dr Branagan expects to spend several weeks at the Turnbull Library before flying home to piece together the remaining facts for his book.