42 Procccdinqs of the Ohio State Academy of Science 



for an actual rhythm in the energy of the world of which he 

 dimly sees but the part of a part." 



But recent time has shown that most geologists do not agree 

 with him. And it is very interesting to see how different 

 geologists, from widely separated points of departure in actual 

 field work are led on to speculation regarding the deeper problems 

 of geology. Willis, from stratigraphic study of the folded Ap- 

 palachians, and Ulrich and Schuchert, from the study of Cincin- 

 nati fossils, go on step by step to the consideration of problems 

 of continental development. While Chamberlin, starting with 

 his field studies on the Pleistocene, is led by the logical neces- 

 sities of his work to frame a more satisfactory theory of the 

 cause of glaciation and still further to an all-embracing theory of 

 the origin of both atmosphere and the earth which carries it. As 

 of old all roads led to Rome, so it seems as if today all lines of 

 field work, followed to their logical end, lead to speculation as 

 to the larger processes of geology. 



I believe that this is best, this combination of detailed field 

 and laboratory study with speculation ; best both for the science 

 and the individual. The field studies furnish both the problems 

 for speculation and the control over it, while geological theory 

 stimulates field study by pointing directions of profitable en- 

 deavor. And I believe too that a division of thought between 

 detailed studies and speculation on the larger processes of the 

 science is most stimulating to the individual. Certainly all of us 

 have derived both pleasure and profit from the broad range of 

 vision which the newer generalizations have opened up. 



