1 86 W. CROSS GEOLOGY IX THE WORLD WAR AXD AFTER 



research is not only an inspiring and beautiful thing in itself, but is 

 essential to real progress in science ? 



Let us turn now to the situation as regards the science of geology. 

 For fifteen or twenty years past there has been an ever-increasing demand 

 for geologists capable of applying the principles of their science to cer- 

 tain practical ends. On the one hand there has been a wonderful devel- 

 opment of the mining industry and the value of the geologist's knowledge 

 of ore deposits;, or his familiarity with the structure of sedimentary rocks, 

 essential in the discovery and exploitation of coal, oil, and gas resources, 

 has been placed very high. On the other hand, the carrying out of the 

 laudable policy of our Government to ascertain and conserve our natural 

 mineral resources and to classify and utilize the public lands in an intel- 

 ligent manner has also called for the services of many geologists. It is 

 perhaps not unnatural that in connection with the development of this 

 public work there has been expression, more or less clearh', of the idea 

 that devotion to research for its own sake is perhaps a form of selfish- 

 ness, as contrast-ed with the utilization of knowledge, which is laudable 

 public service. It is to be feared that this view has been entertained 

 both by Government officials and by many of the scientific men who have 

 become enthusiastic over the new phases of their work. Such a concep- 

 tion fails to recognize the more fundamental truth that scientific re- 

 search is itself a public service of the highest type. 



The conditions of a world war have led to demands on geologists that 

 they should apply their knowledge of certain basal factors to the solu- 

 tion of various problems of economics or political economy, far from 

 their own proper field. Many of these studies have been of great impor- 

 tance and general interest. The results of some of them have occupied 

 a prominent place in the program of our meeting this year. Under the 

 circumstances, we welcome them; but it is clear that they are not geol- 

 ogy. If geologists have been the best qualified experts to handle some 

 of these questions, that fact is a commentary on the undeveloped condi- 

 tion of the science of economics, the system of governmental administra- 

 tion, and the plan of regulating international affairs. The value of some 

 of these new or poorly developed lines of study is so manifest that their 

 prosecution in future is surely to be anticipated. In the interest of all 

 concerned it is desirable, however, to understand clearly that no new 

 branches of geology have been discovered, but rather new applications of 

 information more or less remotely of geological character. It is mislead- 

 ing to speak of "commercial geology," or to extend "economic geology" 

 to cover all branches of economics whicli chance to deal with mineral 

 products. 



