410 T. W. VAUGHAN RESEARCHES ON SEDIMENTATION 



stitution, the only way the results of multiple-lined research can be di- 

 rected to the solution of a particular problem is either by the compilation 

 of the results of dissociated studies or by enlisting the cooperation — as a 

 rule, the voluntary cooperation — of specialists. Under a system of volun- 

 tary, mostly unremunerated, cooperation, it is usually — in fact, nearly 

 always — impracticable to hold a group of specialists together until the 

 desired result is assured. The fundamental basis of continuity of work, 

 which is definite association with an established institution, is lacking. 

 Under present circumstances, the desirability of the establishment of an 

 institution for the coordinated study of sediments and sedimentary proc- 

 esses in the broadest practicable way is obvious. 



An attempt is now being made to bring about the realization of this 

 aim, and the members of the committee that I have the honor to repre- 

 sent trust that we shall have the support of the geologists of the country. 



Conclusion 



In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the purpose of the investigation of 

 sediments as a part of the history of the earth. Such work does more 

 than supply the foundation for stratigraphic geolog}^ — it includes strati- 

 graphic geology. It tries to reconstruct the geography of the earth for 

 each of the successive periods of the earth's history since sedimentation 

 began ; to ascertain the boundaries of land and sea ; to trace the rises and 

 the sinkings of the continents, the growth and the destruction of moun- 

 taitis, and the waxings and the wanings of the seas; to reconstruct the 

 climates and the physical features of the lands of the past and to populate 

 their surfaces with the life that then existed; to bring before our vision 

 the seas of the ages gone by, so that we shall see what was happening in 

 them and know the old oceans, with their currents, their temperatures, 

 their depths, the composition of their waters, and the organisms that in- 

 habited them. It tries to bring back the reality of what was long ago 

 and follow the changes that have taken place on earth. 



These investigations are the counterpart of researches into the physical 

 constitution of the earth and into the forces that express themselves in 

 the raising and lowering of continents, the building of mountains, and in 

 the intrusion and extrusion of certain parts of the earth's crust as molten 

 matter. If we would know the earth, the two kinds of research must 

 advance hand in hand. 



