He initially began his research work in morphological crystallography and the chemistry of minerals in Australia. In 1911 he visited several European museum collections whereat he reported in 1912.[1] In 1916 he published the crystal measurements and drawings of 45 mineral species in Australia.[2] He later concentrated on the research field of vertebrate palaeontology. When fossils of a second Meiolania species were discovered on Walpole Island, he published a revision of the whole genus in 1925.[3] After the death of Robert Etheridge, Junior (1847–1920), Anderson become appointed director of the museum which he stayed until his retirement on 31 October 1940.