GEOLOGY AS PART OF A COLLEGE CURRICULUAL 41 



the very largeness and indefiniteness of the facts are in the way 

 of the use of physical geography for the exercise of the finer 

 and more exact functions of observation. The disciplinary 

 value of classics and mathematics is to a considerable extent 

 derived from this quality, the precision with which the words or 

 figures kindle like ideas. So long as the object of the training 

 is to teach the knowledge of ideas and how to use them, classics 

 and mathematics are the simplest and purest means of develop- 

 ing a liberal education. The addition of sciences to the college 

 course is not because of the usefulness of the knowledge of 

 things thus to be gained, but because the language of the sciences 

 is essential to call forth the observation and the exercise of the 

 accompanying mental operations. 



When it comes to dealing with the ideas associated with par- 

 ticular sense-observation, where form or motion can not be 

 expressed in simple mathematical terms, language can not com- 

 municate a new idea or kindle it in another mind with precision. 

 It is necessary by some means to recall or to present the object 

 itself to the student. In the teaching of science this point is of 

 great importance, and much of the unsatisfactoriness of science- 

 teaching is doubtless due to failure to note it. No circumlocu- 

 tion of words can arouse in another or communicate to him the 

 idea appropriate to a sensation he has never felt. The blind 

 man whose eyes are opened sees men as trees walking. 



In the use of science for elementary training (and the train- 

 ing is elementary until the student is capable of investigating 

 and interpreting the facts and phenomena of a science directly) 

 that science is the better which deals with objects which are sim- 

 ple, common and easily observed. Such is geology in some of 

 its aspects. Every time the student walks in the countr}' he 

 sees the facts discussed in the text-book or by his teacher ; and 

 from attention to those with which he is already familiar he can 

 be readily led to observe and give attention to others and to 

 analvze those alread}- in his mind by properly directed questions. 



In the field of geology are found the ready means for the 

 exercise and development of observation and thought. The 



