FUTURE OF GEOLOGY IN EDUCATIONAL FIELD 361 



for geological research. To teach the public is as necessary as to teach 

 the selected group. This popular education has proceeded far in medi- 

 cine and in chemistry, with the result that funds and personnel for re- 

 search are relatively easy to obtain. In geology the impression seems to 

 prevail that the preparation of an interesting article for the press, or of 

 an elementary text-book, is a task for inferior minds. 



2, The attitude of the public toward the teacher is unfavorable for the 

 development of research workers. As an aid in procuring a larger and 

 better crop of scientists, geologists are justified in magnifying the value 

 of the teacher. It seems somewhat incongruous that honorary degrees 

 and membership in learned societies are denied to the man whose chief 

 qualification is eminence in teaching. 



3. More men and better men would doubtless choose geology for a 

 career if the idea were prevalent that interpretating the history of the 

 earth was a field of activity which justified the use of the full powers of 

 the best-trained minds. Many men prefer "service" to "wealth," and are 

 attracted by congenial though difficult tasks, provided those tasks appear 

 likely to contribute to the welfare of their fellow-men. When geology is 

 commonly looked upon as a "man's job" the recruits will not be wanting. 



C. Geological societies may advance research by giving thought to the 

 improvement of teacliing. The Geological Society of America was founded 

 for "the promotion of the science of geology in North America," but the 

 training of geological workers appears to have been considered outside 

 the ^cope of its interests. Proposals that the teaching of geology receive 

 some attention at our annual meetings fomid little favor with the program 

 committee until the war had revealed the insufficiency of workers and the 

 apathetic attitude of the public. With the belief that teaching of geology 

 is an important conditioning factor in research, I am recommending to 

 the Society the appointment of a standing Committee on Geological 

 Instruction. • 



