HIGGIN, Alfred James ( - 1922)

Chemist, Metallurgist, Lecturer
Ballarat School of Mines (SMB)

Alfred Higgin was born in Manchester, England. He lectured at the Ballarat School of Mines and between 1912 and 1922 was lecturer in Metallurgy at the University of Melbourne.

While at SMB one of Alfred Higgen's role was to give weekly lectures in Elementary Chemistry to eight of the larger Ballarat, Ballarat East and Sebastopol State Schools during the first half of the year. In 1890 he was lecturing in Chemistry at the Clunes Campus of SMB.

The Ballarat Courier reported his death, which occurred on 18 July 1922: 'Former students at the Ballarat School of Mines in particular will learn with regret of the death of Mr Alfred James Higgen, who for the last ten years has been lecturer in metallurgy in the University of Melbourne. Mr Higgin went to Melbourne from the South Australian School of Mines. Previously he was on the staff of the Ballarat School of Mines. At the time of his death he was in England on leave of absence, granted chiefly on the ground of ill-health. His loss will be deeply regretted by his students and a large circle of friends.'

This biography is currently being prepared by Clare Gervasoni, January 2008. If you are able to contribute please send an email to c.gervasoni@federation.edu.au.