20 



brooks: applied geology 



problems. A close analysis will make it evident that the line of 

 demarcation between the fields of pure and applied geology is in 

 a large measure arbitrary. The collection today of a new group 

 of facts or the determination of new principles relating to pure 

 science, may result to morrow in their application to industrial 

 problems. Mr. Gilbert has recognized two fields of geologic 

 research, the one embracing the study of local problems of strati- 

 graphy, structure, etc., the other, the general problems of geo- 



Fig. 1. Geologic publications, state and federal appropriations for geologic 

 work, and percentage of total number of states supporting geologic work for 

 the years 1886 to 1909 



logic philosophy, and has shown that both may yield results of the 

 highest industrial importance. As David Paige has expressed it : 



There indeed can be no antagonism between science and art, between 

 theoretical knowledge and its economic application. The practical 

 expression of a truth can never be divorced from its theoretic conception. 



If, in spite of what has been said, the two fields of science are to 

 be differentiated, applied geology may be defined as the science 

 which utilizes the methods and principles of pure geology to supply 

 the material needs of man. 



