Walter Howchin (1845-1937)
Papers 1865-1921

MSS 92 H853p

Biographical Note

Walter Howchin was born in England in 1845 and developed an early interest in Geology. He migrated to Australia in 1881 and spent several years as secretary of the Adelaide Childrens' Hospital before taking up a position as geology teacher at the School of Mines. In 1902 he was appointed Lecturer in Geology and Palaeontology at the University of Adelaide and continued teaching for 19 years. He was awarded the title of Honorary Professor in 1918. His contributions to geological knowledge, especially of the glacial period, earned him an international reputation and respect.

These items were bequeathed to the Library by Professor Howchin. They were formerly scattered throughout the collection and were brought together in October 1984.

Additional papers by Howchin can be found in the manuscripts collection of Sir Douglas Mawson.

Contents Listing

1.  Notes of a voyage from London to South Australia on board the Harbinger. August to December, 1881.  7 leaves.

2.  List of daily positions and distances travelled for above voyage.

3.  Advertisement and passenger regulations for the sailing of the Harbinger. 1881.  2 leaves, printed.

4.  List of quarter-plate and half-plate negatives of photographs of geological interest taken by Howchin in South Australia.  38 leaves. Photocopy of original exercise books.
[Original lists and photographs to which they relate are held by the South Australian Archives]

5.  Notes relating to the foraminiferal content of formations in the north of England.  1865-1890.  99pp.

6.  Wooden box (10 x 7 x 5 cm) containing 7 Eozoön Canadense fossil specimens, plus small handwritten note by Howchin about its receipt from Sir J. W. Dawson.  Also, small handwritten note from Dawson, 2 p., 1897 (Donated to the Library by the Geology Department c2017.)

See also bound volume of pamphlets and articles on aborigines collected by W. Howchin in the University Collection, 572.994 A154.