The Present State of Geological Terminology
J. V. Howell · Journal of Geological Education · 1959
Preparation of the AGI Glossary of Geology and Related Sciences has provided an opportunity for study of the state of our means of communication among ourselves and to the public. This note attempts to call attention to some glaring weaknesses and to point out means of avoiding future offenses. Criticisms are made of the following procedures: (1) Introduction of new terms to replace old and well-understood words, (2) Redefinition of old established terms, (3) Proliferation of new terms for features or concepts readily defined in simple non-technical words, (4) Use of terms so vague that definitions must always accompany their appearance, (5) Coining of terms containing both Greek and Latin combining forms. Geology has been afflicted with these evils for many years, but great expansion in numbers of geologists and publications of recent years has served to aggravate the condition. While the use of the Glossary should prevent further use of old terms for new things, only careful study of the pertinent liter...