Training of a Geologist. — ["(7/^ Hisc. 159 
which to bnild. But if he lacks knowledge of the primary 
principles of the basal sciences he is likely to be a cripple for 
life, although this is not invariably the case. There are con- 
spicuous instances where lack of early training in the basal 
sciences has been largely remedied by unusual ability and in- 
dustry, but this has been most difficult. \Ye should see to it 
that the young men trained in our colleges and universities, 
upon whom we place the degree of Doctor in Geology, are not 
crippled bv the necessitv of making good in later life defec- 
tive basal training. Anv university which gives a man the 
degree of Doctor in Geology with a defective knowledge of the 
basal sciences is wronging the man upon whom the degree is 
conferred; for this man has a right to expect that his courses 
shall have been so shaped as to have given him the tools to 
handle the proljlems-which will arise in his chosen profession. 
It is not necessary that all of the basal work shall be done 
before a man begins his life work, but at least a large part of 
this work should have been done before a man is given the 
certificate that he can do the work of a professional geologist. 
But in any case studies in the basal sciences should not cease 
when the professional degree is granted. Continued studies 
not only in the basal subjects but in cognate branches and even 
those far removed from science should continue through life. 
The geologist finds that however broad and deep his studies 
are in basal and cognate subjects, that he is continually limited 
by lack of adequate knowledge of them. 
In recent years it h<as been a moot question in colleges 
and universities as to when specialization should begin, rather 
implying that when specialization begins broadening studies 
should cease. And, indeed, it is upon this hypothesis that most 
of the discussion upon this subject has been carried on. Some 
have held that specialization should not begin until late 
in the college course, or even rather late in a postgraduate 
course. Others have held that one should early direct 
his studies to special subjects which he expects to pursue, and 
give comparatively little time to other subjects. The argument 
for this latter course is that competition is now keen, and if 
a man keeps in the race he niust begin to specialize early. It 
appears to me that both of Lhese answers are inadequate. j\Iy 
answer to the question is that specialization should begin early, 
