EDITORIALS. 87 



question invites. It would be presumptuous to assume that the 

 Journal of Geology can cultivate with more than very partial 

 success this field, but it especially irivites contributions of this 

 class. 



Another phase of geology which is thought to stand in much 

 need of active cultivation is found in the clear and sharp analysis 

 of its processes, the exhaustive classification of its phenomena, 

 especially on genetic bases, the development of criteria of dis- 

 crimination, the more complete evolution and formulation of its 

 principles and the development of its working methods. The 

 recent opening of new fields of research and the rapid progress 

 of several new and important departments of the science give 

 peculiar emphasis to this need. The rising generation of geolo- 

 gists, the hope of the science, should be schooled in these 

 latest and most critical aspects of the science. A department of 

 the Journal, entitled " Studies for Students," has been opened 

 for the special cultivation of this field and for its adaptation to 

 advanced students and progressive teachers of geology. Mere 

 elementary presentations of processes and principles are not 

 desired, but searching and critical expositions are solicited 

 suited to the needs of young geologists who seek the highest 

 professional equipment, and to progressive teachers who desire 

 the fullest practicable command of the newest developments of 

 the subject. These contributions may not be without their value 

 to those who have already borne a considerable part of the heat 

 and burden of life's professional day. 



It is our desire to open the pages of the Journal as broadly 

 as a due regard for merit will permit, and to free it as much as 

 possible from local and institutional aspects. It will have the 

 very im.portant advantage of being published under the auspices 

 and guarantee of the University of Chicago, and will be free 

 from the usual financial embarrassments attending the publi- 

 cation of a scientific magazine. This necessarily imposes upon 

 the local editors the immediate responsibility for its editorship. 

 Beyond this, it is hoped that its institutional relationship will 

 disappear entirely in an earnest effort to promote the widest 



