Background
Newbery was the fourth son of William Boxer Newbery, born near Livorno (Leghorn), Tuscany, Italy.
Newbery was the fourth son of William Boxer Newbery, born near Livorno (Leghorn), Tuscany, Italy.
When quite young he emigrated to America, and ultimately graduated as Bachelor of Science at Harvard University. After leaving Harvard, Newbery studied at the Royal School of Mines, Jermyn Street, London, and in 1865 was appointed analyst to the Geological Survey of Victoria—an appointment which he held until 1868, when the department was abolished.
In 1870 he was appointed to Superintendent of the Melbourne Industrial and Technological Museum and Analyst to the Department of Mines. He additionally assumed the role of Instructor in Chemistry and Metallurgy at the Museum Laboratory. In 1881 he was created Companion of St. Michael and St. George Newbery collected food samples and analysed them for contaminants in his laboratory, laying the foundation for the prevention of adulterated foods of 1905.
Newbery died at home in Hotham Street, East Street Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria on 1 May 1895.
The town of Cosmo Newbery, Western Australia is named for him.
Newbery was a member of the Royal Society of Victoria and was Honorary Superintendent of Juries and Awards at the Melbourne International Exhibition (1880).