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The leader's instructions continue and include a proposed return route east of the Overland Telegraph Line with attempts to be made to search for clues to the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt who had disappeared without trace in 1848. The instructions also set out how the daily diary of the expedition should be maintained.

The Elder Scientific Exploring Expedition was financed by Sir Thomas Elder and managed by the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch). Its purpose was to explore western South Australia and into Western Australiafor pastoral lands and mineral resources. These were essentially the last unexplored parts of the continent. Each member of the expedition was given a handbook of instructions with directions for every particular of his duties. The handbook was compiled by the Society's Council which included GW Goyder the Surveyor General and Sir Charles Todd who had supervised the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line. Other members of Council were also experienced in the bush and in exploration. They also drew upon the publications of the Royal Geographical Society (London) who had been guiding and advising explorers since 1831. The handbook would provide advice for almost all contingencies, except the personal conflicts that affected the expedition.

Elder, Thomas, Sir, 1818-1897

Lindsay, David, 1856-1922

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-