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The instructions for the leader of the Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition continue with details of the permanent waters discovered by the explorers John Forrest and Ernest Giles in the 1870s. The handbook of instructions gives details of the shipment of further supplies that would be forwarded to Geraldton, Margaret River and Tennant Creek. This indicates the vast area of Australia the expedition was supposed to cover.

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 Australia for pastoral lands and mineral resources. These areas 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

The Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition, 1891-2: confidential report North Adelaide: Corkwood Press, 2003

Facsimile edition of the handbook of instructions for the Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition, together with A study of incompatibles by K. Peake-Jones Adelaide : Royal Geographic Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch, 1991

Peake-Jones, Kenneth The branch without a tree: the centenary history of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (South Australian Branch) Incorporated, 1885 to 1985 Adelaide: Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, South Australian Branch, 1985

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