When Archibald Liversidge first arrived at Sydney University in 1872 as reader in geology and assistant in the laboratory, he had about ten students and two rooms in the main building. In 1874 he became professor of geology and mineralogy and by 1879 he had persuaded the senate to open a faculty of science. He became its first dean in 1882.

In 1880 he visited Europe as a trustee of the Australian Museum and his report helped to establish the Industrial, Technological and Sanitary Museum, which formed the basis of the present Powerhouse Museum's collection. Liversidge also played a major role in the setting up of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, which held its first congress in 1888.

This book provides a fascinating history for anyone interested in Archibald Liversidge, his contribution to crystallography, mineral chemistry, chemical geology, strategic minerals policy and a wider field of colonial science.

If you are interested in this title you might also be interested in The Liversidge Research Lectures: The Royal Society of NSW Series 1931–2000 which can be viewed at https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/LIV/issue/view/727