buyhercandy:

imjustlikeme:

(via monkeytypist:fluffynotes) :

Maslen’s map of the mythical inland sea of Australia.
In the early 19th century, with the majority of the non-coastal areas of Australia still unexplored, the commonly held misconception was that central Australia must have an inland sea and major river system.

The belief was at its highest following the publication in 1827 of ‘The Friend of Australia’ by a retired East India Company employee, Thomas J Maslen. His map, or at least the inland sea, adjoining river and the labelled locations of ‘Australindia’ and ‘Anglicania’ parts,
are pure fantasy. Maybe it would have helped his accuracy if he visited Australia.

The true picture of the outback geography emerged over the next couple of decades.

I had never known of this map’s existence until just recently. The Mitchell Library of NSW has a small flash presentation showing the river and sea filling up.

Now that would be awesome.