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Balancing act at the STRIP

17 August 2005

A new display of weighing instruments at the Monash Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct highlights the simple beginnings of the modern research that takes place at the precinct.

Mrs Nicola Williams with display pieces.

'A Question of Balance' is a display of weighing instruments from the Faculty of Science collection.

The display was commissioned by Dr Elane Zelcer, executive director of the Monash STRIP, at the suggestion of collection curator Mrs Nicola Williams.

The collection, initiated by Mrs Williams, includes apparatus crafted in the Monash workshops in the early 1960s and consists predominantly of measuring equipment.

Mrs Williams, who has been building the collection since the early 1980s, conceptualised and constructed the display to enhance the atmosphere of the STRIP at the Clayton campus.

Displayed in UV protective glass cases, the instruments are installed on either side of the main entrance.

They include one of only two known assay balances, crafted in 1898 by Colonel Robert Law of the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint, and a bread scale acquired from the NSW Consumer Affairs Trade Measurement Laboratory.

Mrs Williams said she felt both pride and delight in having pieces from the collection on display.

"'A Question of Balance' raises awareness of the basic technology foundations behind the ultra-modern research that takes place in the STRIP labs," she said.

"It also shows the importance of the history of science and the beauty of old instruments.

"Having the pieces on display in such a great space allows for maximum exposure, which was always the point of the collection."

She is currently working on a large display for the Hargrave Andrew Library, which will include a telescope owned by Sir John Monash.