'Dr William Branwhite Clarke (1798-1878) was one of the key figures of nineteenth century Australian science, his meteorological studies and geological field investigations of New South Wales being of special note. Clarke maintained almost 40 years of correspondence with hundreds of people interested in the natural and scientific world and is known to have received or written almost 900 letters in total. He wrote over 700 journal and newspaper articles, and scientific papers including the article 'Plain Statements and Practical Hints Respecting he Discovery and Working of Gold in Australia'' (Introduction)