PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK OP THE DEPARTMENT OP GEOLOGY. 6 



OUTLINE. 



SECTION A. — SYSTEMATIC GEOLOGY. 



Considering geology not merely as a science treating of the compo- 

 sition and structure of the earth, but as one which comprises as well 

 its origin and history, one whose aim it is to " trace the progress of our 

 planet from the beginning of its separate existence through its various 

 stages of growth down to the present condition of things," the section 

 begins with a consideration of: 



I. THE EARTH IN ITS COSMICAL ASPECT. 



In this first primary division the earth is represented as a planet and 

 compared with other members of the solar system. This is, of course, 

 done only by means of models and illustrations of various kinds. 



II. THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH— GEOLOGY. 



This second primary division, which comprises the science of geology 

 as ordinarily understood, is divided into four subsections, each of which 

 is capable of further subdivision. These subsections are : 

 I. Geognosy: A consideration of the materials of the earth's sub- 

 stance. 

 II. Dynamical and Physiographical Geology : The agencies and meth- 

 ods of geological change. 



III. Structural Geology: The architecture of the. earfch'a crust. 



IV. Stratigraphic or Historical Geology. 



SECTION B. — ECONOMIC GEOLOGY. 



This section treats the subject from a purely economic standpoint, 

 and iu it are exhibited only such substances as are of value either in 

 their natural condition or on account of the useful materials they may 

 be made to yield. It is divided into two subsections, viz : 

 I. The Geographic Series. 

 II. The Systematic Series. 



