Abstract
DR. R. H. RASTALL1 probably does not intend us to take too seriously his criticisms of geological and palæontological terminology, but his statement that “popular geology is being killed by pedantry” cannot be allowed to pass unchallenged. It is not very clear from his article whether he refers to the increasing refinement of modern geological studies or to the attempts to incorporate such details in elementary courses for students. He comments on the “enormous number of zones and sub-zones now recognized in several systems”, but as he does not appear to question the validity of the subdivisions it is not clear what procedure he would suggest. That many such tables of zones are unsuitable for presentation to elementary students is accepted by most teachers of the subject, but these tables reflect an extension of knowledge, and Dr. Rastall agrees that against this “nothing can be said”. Geology would indeed be a strange science if all its more recent advances could be incorporated directly into elementary courses.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
NATURE, 151, 294 (1943).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
TRUEMAN, A. Terminology in the Geological Sciences. Nature 151, 447 (1943). https://doi.org/10.1038/151447a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/151447a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.