Abstract
THIS account of the province of South Australia, from its discovery to the end of 1892 was, the preface informs us, written under the authority of the Government of the Colony. It may therefore be taken as an authoritative work of quite a different and a better kind than the many descriptions of Australia that have appeared during the past few years. The physical features, fauna, flora, climate and meteorology are fully described, and the story of the explorations of the interior of the continent is full of interest. There is a chapter on the agriculture of South Australia, and one on the minerals in which the province is so wonderfully rich. Those familiar with the history of education in South Australia will remember that prior to 1874 the colony did not possess a university. It was in 1872 that an endowment of, £20,000, given by Sir W. W. Hughes, was applied to the founding of two professorships—one for classics and comparative philology and literature, and the second for English language and literature and mental and moral philosophy. Science was benefited shortly afterwards by a like donation from Sir Thomas Elder, to found a professorship for mathematics and another of natural science. The same benefactor gave £10,000 for the establishment of a medical chair in 1883, and £1000 for evening classes; and the Hon. J. H. Angas gave £6000 for the creation of a chair of chemistry, and £4000 for the establishment of scholarships and exhibitions. Though the Adelaide University was incorporated in 1874, the present University buildings were not opened until 1882. The School of Mines and Industries, as it is officially designated, was opened in 1889, and has steadily increased in influence and usefulness since then.
The Province of South Australia.
By J. D. Woods With a Sketch of the Northern Territory, by H. D. Wilson. Pp. 446. (Adelaide: C. E. Bristow, 1894.)
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The Province of South Australia. Nature 51, 221 (1895). https://doi.org/10.1038/051221a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/051221a0