Editorial 



With this number we present to the readers of the Journal 

 two able articles on geologic classification and nomenclature. 

 It is expected that these will be followed by others representing 

 different points of view. In the opening numbers of the next 

 volume we hope to offer a series of very carefully matured 

 articles on the classification and nomenclature of minerals and 

 rocks, by some of our foremost petrographers. It is hoped that 

 these discussions will receive the thoughtful consideration of 

 progressive geologists and petrographers. The importance of 

 revising our present systems of classification and nomenclature, 

 if systems they may be called, is equaled only by the impor- 

 tance of thorough preliminary scrutiny of the proposed substi- 

 tutes, lest we impose on ourselves new systems scarcely less 

 infelicitous than the old. A critical and deliberate circumspec- 

 tion, attended by full discussion, may well be followed by the 

 adoption of the improved systems by those who have become 

 convinced of their merits, if full liberty to follow the old 

 practice is unreservedly accorded to the unconvinced and to 

 the constitutionally conservative. It is doubtful whether we 

 should try to force new systems into usage by legislative pro- 

 cesses, but concerted adoption by those who have the courage 

 of their convictions will go far towards securing the desired end. 



T. C. C. 



633 



