University of Virginia Library

CORCORAN SCHOOL OF GEOLOGY.

Prof. Fontaine.

In this School there are two regular classes—Geology and Mineralogy.

I. Geology.—This subject is taught during the entire session, and three
lectures a week are devoted to it until the examination in Mineralogy, which
takes place usually in the latter part of February; thereafter five lectures a
week are given to Geology until the final examination, which takes place
late in April. The aim of the course of instruction is to give as thorough
an exposition of the fundamental principles of the science as possible, and
to teach the student how to use them in practical work in the field.

Text-book.—Le Conte's Elements of Geology. For Reference: Dana's Manual, and
Lyell's Elements and Principles of Geology. The teaching is chiefly by lecture.

II. Mineralogy.—This subject is studied until the intermediate examination
in February. Two lectures a week are devoted to it. Special attention
is paid to crystallography, as well as to the chemical and physical
properties of minerals. In Descriptive Mineralogy, the mode of occurrence,
the geological importance and relations of the species are made prominent.

Text-book.—Dana's Manual of Mineralogy and Lithology. For Reference: Dana's Textbook
of Mineralogy. The teaching is chiefly by lecture.

The large and carefully-selected collections of geological and mineralogical
objects found in the Lewis Brooks Museum of Natural History (see page
64) afford unsurpassed facilities for the full illustration of the principles
taught. As free access to these collections is allowed the student, he can
find in their study an opportunity, rarely obtained, for gaining a practical
acquaintance with natural objects acquired from various parts of the world,
and chosen for their typical character. These collections are especially useful
to students pursuing graduate courses of study in Geology and Mineralogy.

The Professor, when the number of applicants is sufficient, organizes a
party for Geological exploration. The field work is done in the month of
July, and is entirely optional with the students. Persons engaged in the
study of Geology and Mineralogy may, although not members of the University
class, with the consent of the Professor, and on paying $25 to the
Proctor, join the exploring party.