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Geographical Exploration
I. Introduction

Geographical Exploration, process of conscious discovery by human beings of the world around them. The human species is highly mobile, migrating and travelling to every corner of the globe. In this human beings are not unique. What sets human beings apart from other animals is the ability to discover. Other creatures share humankind’s curiosity; but human beings alone can communicate their discoveries. Human societies acquire a collective awareness of their known world, and the most adventurous have the urge to discover what lies beyond and to return to describe their findings: these are the explorers.

Contributed By:
John Hemming, D.Litt.
"Exploration in the Ancient World", "European Expansion", and "Exploration in the Modern World" in "Exploration, Geographical" were contributed by John Hemming and Shane Winser. Dr Hemming is Director and Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society 1975-96. Author, The Conquest of the Incas; Red Gold; Amazon Frontier; Maraca Rainforest Island; The Search for Eldorado; The Golden Age of Discovery; Monuments of the Incas; and other books.
Shane Winser, B.Sc., Dip.Inf.Sc.
"Exploration in the Ancient World", "European Expansion", and "Exploration in the Modern World" in "Exploration, Geographical" were contributed by Shane Winser and John Hemming. Shane Winser is Information Officer of the Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers). Joint Editor, Expedition Planners' Handbook.
Tim Severin, M.A., B.Litt, D. Litt (Hon)
The "Introduction", "To Explore or Not to Explore", and "Motives of Exploration" in "Exploration, Geographical" have been written by Tim Severin. Author of Tracking Marco Polo; The African Adventure; The Brendan Voyage; The Jason Voyage; In Search of Genghis Khan; and other books.
"Geographical Exploration," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008
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