Summary

In 1896, Colonel Fawcett took a course to gain admission into The Royal Geographic society and be recognized a Society-approved explorer. He studied under Edward Ayearst Reeves, the chief instructor of surveying. Fawcett exemplified incredible natural ability right away, showing a predisposition for handling the society's odd techniques and devices such as theodolites, which measured the angle between the horizon and celestial bodies. The course instilled Fawcett with a need to record every sensual input during an exploration, a lesson he would practice the rest of his life during his forays into the Amazon. Fawcett learned about the harsh practicalities of survival, “everything from how to make pillows out of mud to choosing the best pack animals” (71) in the wild. He learned about dangerous beasts, diseases, and tribes, along with how to interact with indigenous tribes- and how to kill if necessary...