36o SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— C. 



geologists have been reluctant to press the claims of their subject, but 

 recently attention has been drawn to the desirability of including it, at least 

 as an optional subject, in the courses of senior and secondary schools. 



The teaching of geology may be justified alike on cultural and on utilitarian 

 grounds. It is claimed that some knowledge of the outlines of geology is 

 an essential part of a liberal education, for some of the most profound 

 changes in thought have resulted from the growth of the science ; on the 

 other hand, most of the raw materials of industry are obtained from the 

 earth's crust and it is urged that applications of geology are not fewer than 

 those of other sciences. 



There are many reasons why geology is particularly suitable for intro- 

 duction into schools. It is typically an observational science in which 

 equipment is less expensive than in almost any other science, although 

 much simple experimental work can be introduced. It affords opportunities 

 to develop a scientific outlook even in those who do not carry their study 

 of science to a higher stage ; once an interest has been aroused it often 

 lasts beyond school days, and adds to the enjoyment of holidays and travel. 

 A pupil knowing nothing of other sciences may make a beginning with 

 geology, yet this subject has so many contacts with every science that it 

 forms a natural part of any scheme of general science. 



Geology has particular claims for introduction into schools situated in 

 areas which may be called ' natural geological laboratories ' as well as into 

 schools from which many pupils proceed to. posts concerned with mining, 

 agriculture, building and engineering. Suggestions for school syllabuses 

 are embodied in the Report just prepared by a Committee of Section C ; 

 it is urged that these should allow great elasticity and that the character of 

 the school area should determine the arrangement and bias of the course. 



Prof. H. G. A. HiCKLiNG, F.R.S. 



Geology and geography differ in their ultimate aims, but a very large 

 proportion of their factual basis is common. Both are concerned with the 

 form and distribution of the materials of the earth's surface, and equally 

 with the nature, action and results of all the forces which are in daily 

 operation upon and beneath it. The map gives a false impression of a 

 static world. The movements of water and ice ; the effects of rain, wind, 

 and frost on the soil ; the results of the growth of vegetation on the surface 

 and of its removal ; the changing coastline and its causes ; the effect of 

 earthquakes and of volcanic activity ; climatic changes and their effects — 

 these and countless other natural operations are fundamental data for the 

 geologist and geographer alike. Human activity and development is 

 conditioned by the present operation of these geological forces and by the 

 results of their former actions. There can be no delimitation of the spheres 

 of geology and geography in a proper presentation of the earth in its relation 

 to man. The further civilisation progresses the more intimately are human 

 relations involved with the results of geological processes. 



For the reasons just indicated the demand for geologists is increasing. 

 Minerals formerly unknown or regarded as mere objects for museums 

 become vital raw materials. An ever-increasing range of metallic ores, 

 rare earths and other mineral substances is brought into industrial use. 

 The search for oil alone must occupy the attention of a very large body of 

 geologists for a long period. There must be an unceasing demand for new 

 sources, while the exploitation of each known field requires constant 

 geological supervision. Prospecting for copper, tin, gold and other 

 resources is now conducted on a scale not formerly contemplated. Methods 



