Liversidge, Archibald

Born in England, Liversidge studied at the Royal School of Mines (1867-1870), Royal College of Chemistry and University of Cambridge which awarded him an honorary degree, Master of Arts, in 1887. The University of Glasgow awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 1896. He was elected honorary member of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain in 1877 and Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1882.

The University of Sydney appointed Liversidge foundation Dean of the Faculty of Science in 1883 (refer to Senate minutes 4th July 1883). The University Senate had appointed Liversidge "Reader in Geology and Assistant in the Laboratory" in 1872, and in 1874, "Professor of Geology and Mineralogy and Demonstrator of Practical Chemistry" (refer to Senate Minutes June 1872, 4 February and 4 March 1874).

In 1877, Liversidge became the first appointee to the William Hilton Hovell Lectureship in Physical Geography and Geology at the University (refer to Senate Minutes January, April and June 1877, and Benefactor's Book 1870-1901 page 49). In 1882, the Hovell Lectureship was given to the newly appointed Professor of Geology and Physical Geography, W J Stephens (refer to University Calendar).

In the early 1880s, Liversidge took over Professor John Smith's duties in chemistry. The University Calendar 1881-2 describes Liversidge as "Professor of Chemistry and Mineralogy". Following a resolution of the Senate meeting of 15 December 1890, mineralogy became the responsibility of T W Edgeworth David on his appointment to the Chair of Geology and Physical Geography in June 1891. Thus, the University Calendar 1891 records Liversidge as Professor of Chemistry.

Following his retirement from the University, Liversidge was appointed Emeritus Professor (refer to Senate minutes 2 December 1907). He returned to England and, during the 1914-18 War, undertook work for the Board of Scientific Studies - regarding the census of mineral and other resources of the British Empire - and for the British Admiralty's Board of Invention and Research Air-ships Subcommittee.

While at the University, Liversidge received several Royal Commissions including appointments to the NSW Commissions for the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878, the International Exhibitions in Melbourne, Amsterdam and Calcutta 1880-1883 and the Indian and Colonial Exhibition in 1885. He received many awards for his collection of minerals and geological specimens at various International Exhibitions. In 1882, he was appointed to the Royal Commission of inquiry into noxious and offensive trades of Sydney.

In 1875, concern over the safety of Sydney's water supply led the Sydney City and Suburban Sewage and Health Board to commission Liversidge to analyses samples of Sydney's water. In 1876, Queensland sugar cane planters consulted Liversidge on a fungal infestation of their crops. In 1878, Liversidge reported on technological and industrial museums in Europe for the NSW Government.

Other NSW Government appointments included chairmanship of a Committee of Inquiry into Powder Magazines and Hulks in 1906, and Trustee of the Australian Museum. Liversidge was one of 3 members of the Committee of Management of the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum of NSW; this was involved in the establishment and early administration of the Museum, now the known as the Powerhouse Museum.

The foundation of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science in 1888 is attributed to Liversidge. For a list of Liversidge's publications between 1873 and 1908, see "Bibliographic Record of The University of Sydney 1851-1913" pages 50-56, published by the University in 1914.

References used for this administrative history and not cited in the text: Archives P8 and, regarding Liversidge's degrees, letters received from Christ's College Cambridge in Mar 1993 and University of Glasgow in Dec 1992 (in University file 45/0114).