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.

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.

III. Botany.—For the present session (1887-8) the class in Botany,
usually attached to the School of Biology and Agriculture, has been
transferred to this School. The general principles of the science are
taught and the time of the student is mainly occupied in the study,
analysis and determination of flowering plants.

Text-book.—Gray's School and Field-book of Botany.

The large and carefully selected collections of geological, mineralogical,
and botanical objects found in the Lewis Brooks Museum of Natural
History (see page 67), 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
special courses of study in Geology, Mineralogy, and Botany.

The foregoing subjects are taught mainly by lectures. These are
supplemented by portions of the text-books.

In order to give the members of the classes in Geology and Mineralogy
an opportunity to study the method of field work, the Professor,
when a sufficient number desire it, organizes a field party. The University
has hitherto borne a portion of the expense of the party. 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.