EMERSON LOVING CUP 
41 
EMERSON GEOLOGICAL LOVING CUP 
By Charles Keyes 
One of the most felicitous events in the history of the Geological 
Society of America took place at the recent Amherst meeting. 
The occasion was the celebration of the 78th birthday of Professor 
Benjamen Kendall Emerson, and the presentation by the mem¬ 
bers of the Society, of a large and beautiful silver loving cup 
as token of their deep appreciation for his long and valuable 
services to American geology. It was meet that the presentation 
should be made at Amherst. There could hardly be more fitting 
time and place to extend to him the Society’s affections, appreci¬ 
ations and congratulations. 
Amherst is Professor Emerson’s home town. For nearly half 
a century he serves well and faithfully Amherst College and its 
near neighbor Smith College. He is a teacher of exceptional abil¬ 
ity, of inspiring presence, and of cultured personality. One of the 
most active geologists of his times, his laboratory and work-shop 
is the all out-doors. He is one of the original fellows and found¬ 
ers of the Geological Society, serving as its President in 1899-1900. 
Few are the meetings of the Society, since its organization 35 
years ago, that were not graced by his commanding and picturesque 
presence. 
Presentation of the loving cup occurred at the annual dinner 
of the Society on Thursday evening, December 27, 1921. The 
occasion was gracefully presided over by Prof. James F. Kemp, 
of Columbia University, one of Professor Emerson’s old students, 
and President of the Society. The presentation speech was ap¬ 
propriately given by Dr. John M. Clarke, another distinguished 
Emersonian student of 1877, and now State Geologist of New 
York State, and Director of the New York State Museum. In 
joyous mood Dr. Clarke spoke substantially as follows: 
“The worker in Science, if his hand has touched the altar, is a creator 
