Amateur-Professional Collaboration in Australian Science: The Earliest Astronomical Groups and Societies.

How Astronomers Focused the Scope of their Discussions: The Formation of the Astronomical Society of Australia

“…13 Although Section A only lasted for five years it was significant as it provided the first chance for local astronomers to come together to discuss and develop their interest in the subject. 14 The Royal Society of Victoria also had a Section A from 1879 onwards. Under the leadership of the director of Melbourne Observatory, Robert Lewis John Ellery, the 40 or so members had interests covering astronomy and the physical and mechanical sciences together with engineering.…”

“…By that time there were a few professional astronomers at Sydney Observatory and at the Lands Department but Section A also included some advanced amateur astronomers such as John Tebbutt from Windsor near Sydney whose prolific scientific output gave him a high international reputation. 12 Another was the bank manager William John Macdonnell who took part in the 1871 Australian Eclipse Expedition to far north Queensland as well as assisted with Sydney Observatory's transit of Venus observations in 1874. 13 Although Section A only lasted for five years it was significant as it provided the first chance for local astronomers to come together to discuss and develop their interest in the subject.…”

From Amateur Astronomer to Observatory Director: The Curious Case of R. T. A. Innes

“…This initiative proved abortive, but if it had succeeded then Australia would have gained its first national, generalist (as opposed to specialised) astronomical society, following in the footsteps of Tebbutt's 1882 Australian Comet Corps (see Orchiston 1982aOrchiston , 1998a.…”

“…During its early years, the new Branch was to prove a cohesive force for the large, vibrant amateur astronomical community in Sydney (see Orchiston 1988bOrchiston , 1998a, but only later did the professional astronomers at the Sydney Observatory become active within its ranks. Innes was elected a founding Vice President, and Gale served as Secretary.…”

“…For the most part, amiable amateur-professional relations prevailed, at a time when amateurs were able to contribute in a meaningful way to forefront research, the popularisation of astronomy and the founding and growth of new astronomical societies (e.g. see Orchiston 1989Orchiston , 1997aOrchiston , 1998a.…”