The records consist of letters, drafts and memos to and from the University Association which was constituted in 1872 to promote the establishment of a university in Adelaide. The Association's aims were to secure further members and financial support, appoint professors and lecturers, arrange classes and to establish the university formally by Act of Parliament.
The records include state government matters and correspondence with solicitors, Knox & Thrupp. Some of the correspondence appears not to be related to the University.

The records consist of correspondence and applications forms for membership of the University Association which was constituted in 1872 to promote the establishment of a university in Adelaide.

The records primarily consist of receipted accounts from various companies for advertising, stationery and printing. There is also a detailed account for legal services provided by the University Association's solicitors, Knox & Thrupp and a printed estimate of expenses envisaging the establishment of six schools, four Chairs and thirteen lecturers.

At the first meeting of the University Association held on 7 September 1872, a list of names was compiled whose consent to act on the Committee it was considered desirable to obtain.

The records consist of acceptances from eleven of those listed including F.G. Waterhouse, Marshall MacDermott, Dr J.M. Gunson, W. Eggers, Sir John Morphett, Dr A. Campbell, J.H. Angas, Charles H. Pearson, Edwin Gordon Blackmore, Reverend Charles Hall and the Governor of South Australia.

The records consist of correspondence with South Australian Government officials and the Agent General regarding issues around the development of the Act of Incorporation for the University of Adelaide. There is also discussion on the State Government's financial and other contributions to the establishment of the university and investment of the Hughes gift. A copy of The Associations Incorporation Act 1858 is included.

In 1872 Walter Watson Hughes announced his intention to give £20,000 for the promotion of a university. In the deed of gift it was agreed that the money was to endow professorships. When further donations were slow to eventuate, Hughes suggested the money be applied to other educational projects and he left Adelaide early in 1873 taking no further part in the establishment of the university.

The records consist of correspondence regarding conditions of the Hughes endowment and the appointment of the Hughes Professors, Reverend Henry Read and Reverend John Davidson. There is also a letter and typed transcription dated 1962 titled 'Notes for Consideration on points desirable to be laid before Mr. W.W. Hughes".

At the University Association Executive Committee meeting held on 17 July 1873 it was reported that a suitable room for evening classes could be obtained in Queens Chambers, Pirie Street for a cost of 12/6 per week inclusive of gas light and cleaning.

The records consist of correspondence with the land broker regarding the letting agreement and the Association's acceptance.

The records consist primarily of accounts and receipts for printing of stationery and advertising in regional papers including the 'Border Watch', 'Northern Argus', 'Southern Argus' and 'River Murray Advertiser'. There are also receipts for payments made by the Association to Reverends Read and Davidson. Also included is a SA Gas Company Return which does not appear related to the University Association or the University of Adelaide.

The records consist of applications for professorships from Isaac J. Symmonds and Dr. Ulrich Hubbe and a request for the return of testimonials from C.H. Barton of Cox's Creek. There is also a series of references for Thomas Fisher in application for a position at the Port Adelaide Post Office which appear to be unrelated to the University.

The Victorian Legislative Assembly requested the University of Melbourne Registrar to supply a Return showing details of expenditure of an item in the balance-sheet of the University for the year 1873. The return gives the name of every person who received payment, describes the office filled, and the nature of the services rendered to the University.

Reverend John I. Bleasdale of the Industrial and Technological Museum, Melbourne, first wrote to the University of Adelaide in 1873 submitting an application for appointment as the Chair of Chemistry & Mineralogy (see Item 15). This envelope contains a follow up application and letter to the Chancellor which were submitted to the University Council for consideration, but appears to have been unsuccessful.

The correspondence relates to various University Association membership and meeting enquiries including the resignation of John Howard Clark and John H. Barrow. There are also letters regarding a committee established in London for the purpose of raising contributions towards the University's establishment, application material from C.H. Barton of Cox's Creek for a professorship and a list of students attending the first classes held by Reverend Henry Read in Latin and Greek.

The correspondence relates to a variety of issues including reports on classes held by Revs. Read and Davidson, accommodation for classes, the passage of the University Act, the Elder gift of £20,000 and the payment of promised subscriptions.

The documents include receipted accounts, statements and balance sheets detailing salary payments for Professors Read and Davidson and other expenses incurred by the University Association. Balance sheets show expenditure, income and bank accounts for the period 1873 to 1874 as well as details of donations and subscriptions received by the Treasurer for 1874. There is also a printed copy of the Annual Report of the proceedings of the University of Adelaide, from the appointment of the first Council in 1874 to the end of the year 1875.

The correspondence to and from Reverend John I. Bleasdale of the Industrial and Technological Museum, Melbourne, regards his approach to the University Association seeking application for the Chair of Natural Sciences which was placed before the Association Council. No further action was taken, however, as the Act of Incorporation had not been passed. Rev. Bleasdale contacted the University again in 1874 (see Item 11).

The documents include correspondence from the University Association lawyers, Knox & Thrupp, regarding the granting of Crown Land for the site of the University. The advice indicates that the situtation was unclear and complex. Also included are two maps of the North Terrace site which contain handdrawn amendments.

The item consists of twelve copies of a 7-page printed booklet titled Abstract of Minutes of Coucil. It provides a summary of Council minutes from its first meeting on 11 December 1874 until 22 September 1875 which detail the activities of the University during its first year of operation.

The documents consist mostly of letters from the Office of the Minister of Justice & Education to whom the University was instructed by the Governor to address all government correspondence. They relate to issues regarding the North Terrace site for the University, country land grants, Thomas Elder's gift of £20.000, as well as a dispatch from the Earl of Carnarvon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, regarding recognition of science degrees. There is also correspondence with the Council of Education containing a draft scheme of scholarships for South Australian students.

The correspondence is addressed to the Registrar of the University and provides details of the classes held by Hughes Professors Henry Read and John Davidson including names of students. They also discuss current and future arrangements for classes and include reference to textbook requirements along with a suggestion they be allowed access to the Parliamentary Library.

The records include detailed accounts for various purposes including advertising, printing and stationery. These are mostly confirmed by the Registrar and receipted as paid.
There is also correspondence relating to the Hughes and Elder bequests, receipts for Professors Read and Davidson's salary payments and official, audited balance sheets for 1875.

The records consist of correspondence on a variety of subjects including the appointment of Professors Lamb and Tate. There is also a copy of the University of Adelaide Annual Report for 1874-75 and an attendance list of Council members.