Five Fascinating Finds in the Archives and Special Collections

Archives and Special Collections at the University of Galway is home to a wide range of material spanning centuries of history. While many visitors are familiar with our larger collections, our smaller archives and unique items within our special collections are just as fascinating.

This post highlights items from smaller collections across a range of subjects dating from the eighteenth to the twentieth century.

1   Atlas of Anatomical Drawings (1859)

Printed in 1859 in Dublin, this Atlas of Anatomical Drawings presents the work of Wilson, Carpenter and other medical educators of the nineteenth century. The volume includes 28 detailed coloured plates displaying anatomical drawings, each corresponding to a handwritten description earlier in the volume.

The volume was donated to the library by Professor Seán and Mrs Frances Lavelle. It provides a striking example of how anatomy was taught in nineteenth century.

1    Wheatstone’s Harmonic Diagram (1824)

Sir Charles Wheatstone was a physicist and inventor best known for his invention of the “Wheatstone Bridge,” an electrical circuit used to measure unknown electrical resistance. Alongside his work in physics, Wheatstone was also involved in the world of music, selling, repairing and even inventing musical instruments.

Wheatstone created this ‘Harmonic Diagram’ in 1824. The device uses a rotating wheel turned by a red ribbon around a central ivory pin to reveal relationships between major and minor keys and the sharps and flats in their key signatures. The degrees of each scale are shown by the numbers at the edge of the wheel.

In this image, the key of A major is shown, and the three sharps in the key signature appear through the small window.

1    Ration Book and Rationing Records (1943-1951)

Issued by the Department of Industry and Trade in 1951, this unused ration book belonged to Kathleen Joyce of Galway. Inside, printed instructions explain how to use coupons for goods like bread, sugar, flour, butter and tea.

In 1943, the Department of Supplies issued a pamphlet titled, Leaflet explanatory of clothes and footwear rationing, describing clothing allowances for men, women and children. This item is accompanied by a retailer’s record sheet from 1946, used to track stock and sales of flour and bread.

1    Éire an tSeana Shaoghail (1918)

Published in 1918, Éire an tSeana Shaoghail lists the feast days of the Irish saints. The text is presented as a facsimile of calligraphy and is decorated with striking illustrations and designs, protected by a floral tissue page inside the cover.

1     Moll’s Map of Connacht (1728)

In 1728, cartographer Herman Moll produced an Atlas of Ireland using ink and colour washes. Moll’s maps are valued for their accuracy and artistry as the first maps to precisely depict Ireland's road network. This archive includes Moll's maps of Connacht, Galway, Clare and Limerick.