Photograph - Edward J. White, First Assistant Astronomer, Melbourne Observatory, 1873

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A Photographer Melbourne, Australia
B Person Depicted South Yarra, Australia

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Photograph - Portrait of Edward J White, 1873

Summary:: Portrait of Edward J. White, First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory. Portrait taken in the Portrait Rooms of Paterson Brothers, 8 Bourke Street East, Melbourne, on 23 September 1873.
Description:: Carte de visite sized photograph.
Statement Of Significance:: Edward J. White (1831-1913) was First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory. White joined Williamstown Observatory as assistant astronomer in 1860, moved to Melbourne Observatory when it was established in 1863, and remained as First Assistant Astronomer until his retirement in 1892.

White was responsible at the Observatory for the main transit observations, both to establish local standard time, and for preparation of star catalogues of southern hemisphere stars. He also undertook most of the detailed mathematical work required to reduce each observation and determine its precise position for the star catalogues.

White resided in one of the two houses built for the astronomers adjacent to the Observatory near St Kilda Road; Government Astronomer Robert Ellery lived in the other. Even after he retired in 1892, White continued to reside in the house until his death, the rent deducted from his pension. He continued to undertake work for the Observatory on a casual basis, continuing work on reducing star observations for publication.
Description Of Content:: Portrait of Edward J. White, First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory. Portrait taken in the Portrait Rooms of Paterson Brothers, 8 Bourke Street East, Melbourne, on 23 September 1873.
Acquisition Information:: Donation from Karen White, 2009

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	105 mm (Height), 62 mm (Width)

More information

Themes this item is part of:	Melbourne Observatory Collection, Science & Measurement Collection, Mapping the Stars at Melbourne Observatory
Primary Classification:	ASTRONOMY
Secondary Classification:	Research
Tertiary Classification:	portraits
Inscriptions:	Rear of photo stamped: 'Photographic Artists Paterson Brothers. Portrait Rooms, 8 Bourke St East, Melbourne'. Handwritten inscription: 23rd Sep. 1873'.
Format:	Photograph: Sepia
Photographer:	Paterson Bros (Photographers), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1873
Person Depicted:	Mr. Edward White - Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia, 1873
References:	Diary of Edward J. White, 1850-1913, State Library of Victoria, MS 13122. Robert Ellery, Presidential Address, 8 July 1872, Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, v 10, 1870-73.