CONTRIBUTIONS TO A IIISTOKY OF AMERICAN STATE 

 GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SURVEYS 



edited an[> compiled by 

 George p. Merrill 



Head Curator of Qeology, United States National Musruiii 



ALABAMA/ 



FIRST GEOLOGICAL SLTIIVEY UNDER MICHAEL TUOMEY, 1S4S-185G. 



Organization. — Upon the appointment in 1847 of Michael Tiioniey 

 to the professorship of geology in the University of Alabama it was 

 made a part of his duty to spend a portion of his time, not exceeding 

 four months of each year, in making such explorations in connec- 

 tion with his department as the trustees might consider to be for 

 the advantage of the State. Such extracts from his reports to the 

 trustees as were considered of general interest were published from 

 time to time in the newspapers of the city of Tuscaloosa. 



In January, 1848, the State legislature made recognition of these 

 efforts by appointing Professor Tuomey state geologist. The follow- 

 ing is the text of the act : 



Wliei-eas Michael Tuouiey, professor of mineralogy, geology, and niu'iit-ultural 

 (rhemistry, in the University of Alabama, is required by an ordinance of the 

 board of trxistees of the university to devote a portion of his time and labor in 

 )uakiug geological explorations and examining into the natural resources of 

 the State ; 



And whereas it would be both interesting and useful to the general assembly 

 and to the people to examine the reports which he may make from time to time: 

 Therefore, 



Be it resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives of Alabama, in 

 General Assembly eonvened, That JNIichael Tuomey, professor of geology, etc., in 

 the University of Alabama, be, and he is hereby, appointed State geologist. 



Be it farther resolved, That said State geologist be, and he is hereby, required 

 to lay before the general assembly of the State, at its biennial sessions, and as 

 often as fi-om time to time may be thought expe<lient. a full report of his geo- 

 logical surveys and explorations, and his examinations into the mineral and 

 other natural resources of this State. 



^ See also Geological Surveys in Alnhnmn. by Prof. E. A. Smith, .Toiirnal of Geolot;y. 

 vol. 2, No. 3, 1804, pp. 275-287. 



