Hello Fran. You can have two babies born to the same mother from the same pregnancy at different dates. Very rare & I wouldn't expect the first baby to live in 1884 but miracles do happen. The second baby could've been born at say 42 wks, even 44 wks & the first at 36 wks, strange but has been known. Non identical twins of course. I would ask the registrar to check the original register to check all details esp date are correct first. You may never know for sure but it's a good story for your family history. Cheers. Annie > Fran Best <simplythebest3@bigpond.com> wrote: > > Thanks Shirlee, I do have both their birth certificates: Albert Wm July > 2 > 1884 Reg No 17679 > > > Arthur Wm May 5 1884 Reg No 12676 died Oct 13 Reg No 12648 aged 5 > months > buried > Melbourne Cemetery > > Beginning to think there has been a mistake by someone as seems strange > 2 > births very similiar names so close would be impossible > > Thanks so much for all you have done > Regards Fran