“Renaissance of British Mineralogy”

Abstract

MR. FLETCHER'S admirable address on a “Renaissance of British Mineralogy,” of which a report was published in a recent issue of your paper, calls timely attention to the present condition of the science. Mineralogy as a popular study seems dead: the chemists have deserted it for a study of complex organic compounds, so that it has become a mere hanger-on of geology. The science is now not thoroughly taught in any institution in this country, and teachers therefore have no means of acquiring knowledge, in the only really useful way, by working under the acknowledged masters. This is especially the case with crystallography, which must at present, unfortunately, be regarded as a branch of mineralogy. And if they cannot acquire sound knowledge, how can they teach well? I feel quite sure that if the Science and Art Department would institute a summer course for teachers, where they would not have to waste their time over the merest rudiments, but could study practically the methods of crystal measurements, and the higher branches of mineralogical research, it would be largely taken advantage of by teachers and those who intend to become teachers. Failing this, I for one should be glad to know of any institution in this country or in Germany where such instruction could be obtained during the, summer months.