http://gsahist.org

ABSTRACT DEADLINES ARE FAST APPROACHING

Our Division and HESS are sponsoring sessions at two different GSA Section Meetings next year, both the Northeastern and Southeastern Sections. If you have any questions about the sessions, please contact the conveners - email addresses are given below.

Please, Gather your abstracts while ye may, for time is really flying... (apologies to a much better poet than I!)

The first deadline is for the Northeastern Section meeting:

Northeastern Section, GSA •  42nd Annual Meeting  • 12-14 March 2007 
University of New Hampshire • Durham, New Hampshire
Abstract Deadline December 5, 2006

The 2007 meeting of the Northeastern Section of the Geological Society of America will be hosted by geoscientists from the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, Dartmouth College, the Geological Society of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Geological Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey. The meeting will be at the University of New Hampshire's Holloway Commons and adjacent Memorial Union and Huddleston Hall, in downtown Durham. We will meet just upstream from the Great Bay estuary of seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine.

24. History of Geological Ideas and Understanding of the Northern Appalachians.
Sponsored by GSA History of Geology Division.
William R. Brice, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown [wbrice@pitt.edu +1-814-269-3950]

This session will focus on our understanding and interpretation of the geology of the northern Appalachian Mountains and on the people who developed these ideas.

To submit an abstract, please visit:

http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/northe/07nemtg.htm and

http://www.unh.edu/esci/negsa2007.html.

The second deadline that is fast approaching is for the Southeastern Section:

Southeastern Section, GSA

56th Annual Meeting                        Abstract Deadline December 12, 2006

29-30 March 2007 • Savannah, Georgia

The 56th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America is shaping up to be an outstanding overview of hot research. We expect geoscientists from the region to come together to share the latest advances and discoveries in their field of expertise. With several symposia, topical sessions, a wide range of discipline sessions, field trips, and workshops, the meeting will have something for everyone who has an interest in the geosciences and geoscience education.

The historic district of Savannah is a fabulous location for a meeting, with many restaurants, Irish and English brew pubs, and amazing art, architecture, culture, and history within walking distance of the convention hotel (the Hyatt Regency Savannah on the Historic Riverfront). Come fall in love with the city's hospitality and savor its quirky personality. Let Savannah's mystique capture your spirit and entice your heart.

29. Native Sons, Adoptees, and Welcome Visitors: Geologists in the Southeast. Co-sponsored by GSA History of Geology Division.

Julie R. Newell, Southern Polytechnic State University, jnewell@spsu.edu
George E. Webb, Tennessee Technological University, gwebb@tntech.edu
Oral

The history of geology in the Southeast provides insight not only into the development of the region's science, but also into the history of the region itself. Because of its roots in the natural history tradition, geology displayed "colonial" characteristics in the Southeast until the mid-20th century, characteristics reinforced by efforts to make use of geological knowledge to expand the region's economic base. The papers included in this session not only discuss the variety of individuals involved in these geological pursuits, but also suggest the diverse contributions made by geologists in the development of the Southeast.

30. Geology and Girl Scouting: Historical Connections and Current Opportunities. Co-sponsored by GSA History of Geology Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division.

Julie R. Newell, Southern Polytechnic State University, jnewell@spsu.edu
Tamie J. Jovanelly, Berry College, tjovanelly@berry.edu
Oral

From its very beginnings, Girl Scouting in the United States has been shaped by individuals with scientific training and has offered young women opportunities and encouragement to explore the natural world. This session will provide historical perspective on the role of earth sciences and earth scientists in the development of the Girl Scouts of America. It will also include examinations of the earth sciences content in the badges currently offered through Girl Scouting, and the resources available for helping young women earn these awards and expand their interest in earth sciences. It is especially appropriate that such a session be held in Savannah, the birthplace of American Girl Scouting.

To submit an abstract, please visit: http://www.geosociety.org/sectdiv/southe/07semtg.htm

Please submit an abstract for one or all of these Division sessions; support your Division.

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PHILADELPHIA GSA - ROUSING SUCCESS!!!

Our thanks to Gary Rosenberg and everyone else who helped arrange the Division field trips and the wonderful sessions we had at the meeting. Truly a great time was had by all. And, of course, we must extend a very warm thank you to our overseas visitors who came and shared their ideas and conversation with us. We also celebrated two anniversaries; 30 years for our Division and 25 years for the History of Earth Sciences Society.

PRE-MEETING FIELD TRIP - The meeting started with Gary Rosenberg and Sally Newcomb's "Behind-the-Scenes" field trip to the American Philosophical Society, The Library Company, and the Academy of Natural Sciences where we were shown, among the many exciting items, original copies of works by Steno and Agricola, one of the original notebooks of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and fossil collections that had belonged to Thomas Jefferson. At the APS we saw an original letter from Charles Darwin to Charles Lyell. Granted this might not, in itself, be too unusual as many letters passed between the two men, but attached to this letter was Darwin's own sketch of the title page of The Origin of Species... And to add the frosting on our marvelous tour, as were having lunch in the historic library of the Academy of Natural Sciences, we were taken into the vault and shown an original edition of William Smith's geologic map. All in all, it was quite a day!! Our thanks must be extended to our guides and hosts at the three institutions for taking the time to make the various items available for us to see, and to Gary and Sally for arranging such a great time for us all.

DIVISION SESSIONS - The Sunday all-day Steno Topical session (co-sponsored by HESS, and the Paleontological Society), "From the Scientific Revolution to the Enlightenment," was equally as interesting as the field trip as we had scholars literally from around the world, as well as from the US, sharing their insights on pre-paradigm thinking about geology, including the work of Robert Hook and impact of Steno on geology and the world of science beyond. A special highlight was the appearance of Dr. August Ziggelaar, S.J. (Copenhagen, Denmark), the Jesuit scholar who in 1997 translated Steno's student notebook for the first time into English. Our other visitors included; Toshihiro Yamada (Chiba, Japan), Gian Battista Vai (Bologna, Italy), Ezio Vaccari (Varese, Italy), Elsebeth Thomsen Hanken (Tromso, Norway), Troels Kardel (Holte, Denmark), Frank Sobiech (Paderborn, Germany), Irena Malakhova (Moscow, Russia), and Jens Morten Hansen (Copenhagen, Denmark). It was a remarkable accomplishment that our Chair, Gary Rosenberg, was able to assemble the world's leading Steno scholars in one place at one time; truly a historic gathering. In addition, on the Sunday we were treated to other papers ranging from Benjamin Franklin, Thoreau and the geology of New England, the Romanic Era of Britain, and all the way to Charles Peirce's philosophical writings of the 19^th Century based on Galileo's writings in the 16^th and 17^th Centuries. What a day it was!

Gary Rosenberg wishes to express his thanks to the History of Geology Division for its financial support, the first bestowed from the Mary C. Rabbitt Fund, which helped defray the travel costs for our overseas participants. Also he thanks the GSA International Division, The Paleontological Society, and anonymous donors for their generous contributions which further helped defray expenses for the overseas participants. Also Gary and the Division thank Ms. Tania B. Coffin who underwrote the cost of the evening reception and dinner for our foreign visitors.

The general session on Tuesday included a delightful series of papers ranging from the history of the Wissahickon to how geological features figured in the battle at Gettysburg and at Washington's battle of Brooklyn Heights in 1776.

POST-MEETING FIELD TRIP - Finally on Thursday, Roger Cuffey led a field trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield. There the participants were able to see for themselves how the geology of the two main ridges, Warfield/Seminary (Confederate troops) and Cemetery (Union troops) controlled the battle, and they viewed the killing ground were over 155,000 men clashed over a three-day period. No one can tour this battlefield and not be moved by what happened there in July 1863. Our thanks to Roger and Jon Inners for making this a great trip.

RECEPTION - Our Division/HESS reception and anniversary celebration was a great success, and thank you to all who brought items for our raffle. Quite a few people went away happy, not just because we were offering free beer and food, but they took home some wonderful items as well. We toasted the 30 years of the History of Geology Division and the 25^th Anniversary of the History of Earth Sciences Society, both wonderful milestones for our organizations and for the history of geology in general (see GSA Today, October 2006, p. 38-39).

LUNCHEON - The main highlight of our annual luncheon was the awards ceremony, and this year we had a special surprise, at least for two people in the audience.

MARY C. RABBITT AWARD - The Darwin scholar, Sandra Herbert, received the Rabbitt Award for 2006. Dr. Herbert was in England at the time of our meeting and could not attend, but she was represented by Drew Alfgren and Eric Brown. Please check the web site for the citation by Michele Aldrich and Dr. Herbert's acceptance¹. Also, we extend additional congratulations to Dr. Herbert for her book, Charles Darwin, Geologist, has received the History of Science Society's "Suzanne J. Levinson Prize" presented for the best book on the history of life sciences and natural history for 2006. ^1. http://www.geosociety.org/aboutus/awards/06speeches/rabbitt.htm

THE STUDENT AWARD - This year our Student Awardee was Alistair Sponsel who is a Ph.D. candidate in the Program in History of Science, within the Department of History, at Princeton University. His advisors are Angela Creager and D. Graham Burnett in the Program in History of Science, Princeton University. Alistair was presented with a check for $500, and his paper, Core Drilling at Bikini and Eniwetok Atolls, 1947-1952, was presented at the Tuesday general session.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - As part of the Secretary-Treasurer's report, Bill, added an extra note, a new name had been presented to and approved by the Division membership and by the GSA Council for our Distinguished Service Award. And all of this was carried out with great care and in confidence. As a result of all our efforts, we were able to announce that from henceforth our award will be known as the: Gerald M. and Sue T. Friedman History of Geology Distinguished Service Award. The announcement came as a complete surprise to Gerry and Sue. The look on their faces when the announcement was made was wonderful. Bill thanks the Division members and the GSA Council for keeping our secret. The Division could think of no better way to express our thanks to Gerry and Sue for all their many contributions to the history of geology than by naming our Distinguished Service Award in their honor.

Robert Ginsburg, University of Miami, received the first Gerald M. and Sue T. Friedman History of Geology Distinguished Service Award. Kennard Bork presented the citation, given below and on our web site:

            "When most geologists think of Robert N. GINSBURG, they think of a world renowned carbonate sedimentologist, and a friend and savior of coral reefs. When his students think of him they recall (1) infamous “death marches” across the Andros Island tidal flats, (2) a guy who will save a few research dollars by having them risk life and limb carrying a boat down a steep slope so as to avoid a launching fee, and (3) a smiling mentor who asks them to perform at the highest levels, while he shows the way through probing questions and his own hard work. But what do we, in the history of geology, think of Dr. Ginsburg as a contributor to our discipline?

            "The fact that we are celebrating our own “Rock Star” as the first winner of our Division’s Gerald M. and Sue T. Friedman Distinguished Service Award speaks volumes. Bob Ginsburg is one of those “idea persons” who constantly generates important concepts for the good of the order. Probably the most visible of his productive brainstorms is the “ROCK STAR” series of biographies, produced by the Geological Society of America and appearing in GSA Today. The series has been a major success since its inception in 1995. It has demonstrated the power of historical vision to educate a readership, while illuminating major contributors to geology’s past, in a non-hagiographic manner.

            "Another legacy from the fertile mind of Robert Ginsburg is the idea of our highly successful History of Geology student receptions. They bring younger people into our fold, through the enticement of genuine camaraderie. You will notice that Bob is a senior person with a young mind. He is constantly attuned to teaching and involving others in exciting endeavors.

            "With youthful thinking often comes a sense of humor. Why not have University of Miami students celebrate a dour 18th-century Scotsman by sporting brightly colored tee-shirts? And why not carry the light-hearted concept to staid GSA meetings, as Bob did in New Orleans a decade ago, when many of us wore campaign buttons celebrating James Hutton?

            "Along with joviality, Bob has a serious drive to inform. While Chair of our Division in 1995, he generated a fine symposium on James Dana and the founding of the American Journal of Science.

            "This being the History of Geology Division, I should offer just a few tidbits concerning our honoree's past. He is a Texan, transported to Illinois for undergraduate training at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and then graduate work at the University of Chicago (Ph. D., 1953). He has been associated with the University of Miami, Florida, specifically the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, since the mid-1950s.

            "Without seeking out the levers of power, Bob seems to find himself deeply involved with the inner workings of organizations. He has been a significant force within GSA. I should report that Bob has served as a member of GSA Council, as Annual Meeting Co-Chair, and on numerous committees, such as those on Penrose Conferences, Nominations, Young Scientists, Honorary Fellows, and our Division’s Mary C. Rabbitt Committee. He has even served on a GSA Committee on Committees (a “meta-committee”). Outside of GSA, he was a long-time member of the U. S. National Committee on the History of Geology. One might say that he is “committed.”

            "I know that these citations should be brief, but I tried to obtain some “tell-all tales” from students that would illuminate our honoree’s true nature. Alas, my spies just say things like “He has inspired and amazed me every moment that I have known him” or “Everyone has a very high opinion of him.” Boring stuff! One scary story is that his students “live in terror of his displeasure”! Just like authors of “Rock Star” sketches! I could, of course, tell you about his occasional requesting of input after the “in” has been “put,” but in fact, one of my spies celebrated his amazing memory. Also applauded was a key attribute that we are acknowledging today -- he is “an incredibly wonderful mentor.” And we mustn’t forget his ability to soft-talk others into doing things. Like convincing a pilot of a major airline to fly low over Yucatan so his students could see the karst -- OR cajoling professional geologists into writing informative historical articles.

            "In sum, a student said it best: “He is truly one of a kind and it is an honor to work with him.” Please applaud the distinguished service of Robert N. Ginsburg."

                                                                        Kennard Bork.

The Response from Robert N. Ginsburg:

"First I want to thank Ken Bork for his deft and perceptive citation, a model that combines both my contributions and my warts with his special wit. And like all thorough historians, Ken did the necessary research from primary sources and spies from the ranks of my students and associates along with his own inside experience as an author of a Rock Star Profile and member of the editorial committee.

"Our Division is a like an open extended family that maintains strong connections even though we only meet annually. Becoming a member is as easy as participating in a barn raising, you just turn up and take a place where needed. When I became a member I noticed that the Division needed younger members; how to attract them was the problem. The Rock Star Series was my first answer thanks to the encouragement of Léo Laporte. By focusing on the formative years in the lives of distinguished earth scientists, I thought brief profiles would provide encouragement to young scientists and might also inspire an interest in history of geology. Now I am especially proud that nearly 30 profiles have appeared in GSA TODAY and are on line waiting patiently to be discovered by wandering web surfers. None of those brief biographies could have appeared without the special efforts of the authors to whom we are all grateful. These authors deserve special recognition for their thorough research, but also for accepting with patience the often numerous suggestions of the editorial committee. I am one of the leaders in providing excessive advice to authors, as Ken Bork so gently explained. During the first decade of Rock Star profiles, the Editorial Committee included Léo Laporte, Ken Bork, the late Ellis Yochelson, Robert H. Dott, Jr., Gerard Middleton, Michele Aldrich, Peter von Bitter, James Natland, and Jerry Winterer.

"My interest in our Division’s outreach to young scientists also led to the idea of hosting a reception for students, again a collaboration with Léo Laporte. Thanks to the leadership and involvement of our members, that event is thriving. It involves a winning combination of food, drink, conversation and door prizes. Another example of how our 'family' can join together in outreach.

"I am especially pleased and proud of this recognition from our HoG family. You have not only permitted me to initiate outreach activities, but enthusiastically joined in making them successful. I am indeed honored to be the first awardee of the Friedman Distinguished Service Award named for my longtime friends and colleagues Gerry and Sue Friedman. I extend my appreciation for this Award to the Nominating Committee and the Management Board, and especially to one of our family’s matriarchs Michele Aldrich."

                                                                    Robert N. Ginsburg

Our Division thanks to the review committee: Charles Byers (Chair), Ellis Yochelson, Gerry Friedman and Dennis Dean.  [Note-This was the last of many contributions to our Division by Ellis Yochelson.]

DIVISION BOOTH - This year, as always, our Division shared a booth with HESS and we want to thank all the volunteers who helped make sure we had someone in it to talk about the two organizations and recruit new members. Bill has some one-page brochures advertising the Division which can be used to attract new members. Please tell him how many you need and he will send them to you.

Also, we had left over several copies of the color Steno poster we used at the booth. These are suitable for framing and will make a great item to hang on your office wall, which will lead to questions, and then you can recruit new members!! If you would like one of these fine posters (8.5" x 11"), contact Bill. Of course a contribution to the Operating Fund would be most welcome, but not required, in return for the above item!!

DIVISION BUSINESS

ELECTIONS - Congratulations to Yildirim Dilek (Miami University-Ohio), our new Second Vice-Chair. Welcome, Yildirim, to the Management Board. Yildirim has been active in the Division for several years, including being the co-organizer, with Sally Newcomb, of our Ophiolite Symposium held at the Boston GSA in 2001. Julie Newell is our new Chair, and Steve Rowland is now the 1^st Vice-Chair. Bill Brice continues as Secretary-Treasurer-Editor for another year. His term will be completed in 2007.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE - 2007 Chaired by James Dawson (2007-2009), Will Parcell (2007-2008), and Dan Merriam (2007). Please contact Jim and volunteer to serve as an officer in our Division, or if you know someone you feel will be willing to serve, then send in your suggestions; to dawsonjc@westelcom.com.

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AWARD FUND GUIDELINES

The Mary C. Rabbitt Fund Guidelines Committee (Bill Brice, Robert Ginsburg, and Robert Dott, Jr.) submitted their report (see below) to the Management Board and to the Membership at the luncheon meeting. These guidelines are for using the income from the Award Fund. It was agreed by those present that as these guidelines should not be part of the formal By-Laws, but approved as guide as to how the income should be used. Therefore, these were adopted, but subject to change as needed. Here are the guidelines as they now stand:
 

AWARD FUND GUIDELINES-NOVEMBER 2006

Guidelines for use of income generated by the History of Geology Division's Award Fund (herein referred to as The Fund) which is part of the GSA Foundation.

1.  As mandated by GSA Foundation, withdrawals each year cannot exceed 5% of the total Fund balance two years in the past, i.e., funds available for 2007 are based upon The Fund balance in 2005.

2.  In order to increase The Fund's principle, each year 15% of the available income is to be left in, or returned to, The Fund and the Division will use only 85% of the maximum amount available. [Note - This amount may be determined by the GSA Foundation.]

3.  The remaining available income (85% of the yearly maximum) should be used for special purposes, including, but not limited to, the Division's awards (plaques, certificates, etc.), some meeting subsidy for awardees (e.g. registration, luncheon, etc.), the $500.00 student award, student travel award(s), subsidy for invited speakers on a selective basis (for both the annual Chair's Special Division session and/or any other proposed topical session), especially for overseas participants. These guidelines for expenditures obviously must be adjusted according to the available funds in any given year. The priority, however, should be: 1. Cost of Division awards, including the $500.00 student award; 2. Rabbitt and student awardees limited expenses - luncheon and registrations, limited travel allowance; 3. speaker travel assistance; 4. other expenses as necessary. Written requests to use the income, including a detailed budget, will be submitted to the Fund Committee at least three months before the funds are needed. Emergency funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4. The responsibility for approving the use of the income from the Fund will rest with a Fund Committee of three persons working with the Division Secretary-Treasurer. The members will be appointed from the Division membership in good standing by the Division Chair and approved by the full Management Board (Division Officers). The Committee will be chaired each year by the senior member. The Committee members shall have three-year rotating terms, with a new person appointed each year. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms, but can be appointed again after three years. The first appointed three-person Committee will have one person with a one-year term, one person with a two-year term, and one person with a three-year term. The Chair, with approval of the Management Board, is responsible for filling the vacancies on the Fund Committee, which, after the first year, will be one new person each year.

Please address comments to Bill at: wbrice@pitt.edu.

FINANCES 

Operating Fund       Balance, 30 September 2006                          $3,365.94

            This is before the expenses from the Philadelphia meeting have been deducted.

Award Fund              Balance, 30 September 2006                          $198,335.00

            This is before the expenses from the Philadelphia meeting have been deducted.

Thus for the moment our Division is financially sound, but after all the expenses from the meeting have paid, our Operating Fund will be quite low. We need to generate some new members to help build our dues income. 

MEMBERSHIP        As of August 31. 2006, our Division had 349 members; always room for more. If we all tried to recruit at least one new member during the year, we could quickly double our numbers. So please work on your colleagues and have them join our Division.

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History of Geology Division Necrology

In addition to Ellis Yochelson, our Division lost the following members. We extend our condolences to the families of the following:

Maurice E. Kaasa, Jr.                     Johnson City, NY 

Jack A. Simon                                Urbana, IL                          December 17, 2005

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DENVER GSA - 2007

It is not too early to begin thinking about the 2007 meeting in Denver. Julie is planning a great session for us. Here is a sample so you can begin to prepare your abstract:

TITLE: Exemplars and Exceptions: Using Individual and Group Biography to Understand Critical Issues in the History of Geology

Biographical studies are an important component of our understanding of the history of geology. Geology, like all human endeavors, is the work of a particular individual or group of individuals in a particular time and place. The very best of such biographical work uses the particular to help us see and understand broader patterns in areas such as the development of ideas, the practices of geology, and the cultural or political roles of geology. These patterns are made visible by studies of both exemplars and exceptions-those whose lives embody the pattern being explored and those whose lives make these patterns visible by violating them and triggering consequences.

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SEEKING A VOLUNTEER - Due the increasing complexities of organizing the annual meeting activities at GSA, i.e., doing both the academic sessions and the logistics of setting up for the reception, the meeting rooms, and the booth, the Management Board feels that the duties should be divided. The Division Chair would continue to work at organizing the academic sessions, selecting topics, getting speakers organized, etc., while the logistical side of the planning should be done by another person. That person, a Meeting Coordinator, will work closely with the Chair and the Secretary-Treasurer and preferably, should be someone who is willing to continue in the role for several years, hence not one of the officers. For the Denver meeting Steve Rowland has volunteered to do that work for us, but we need someone to assume those duties and who is willing to do the logistical work for several years. Based upon past experience, it will take at least two meetings to become familiar with all the ins and outs of organizing the catering, getting tables and chairs for the booth, etc.

Hence we are seeking a volunteer from our members to assist the Division in this very important role. If you are willing to help, please contact Steve so you can work with him setting up the Denver meeting. Thanks.

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MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ELLIS YOCHELSON

Ellis Yochelson loved celebrating anniversaries of institutions and organizations. Whether it was the Diamond Jubilee and soon the centennial of the National Museum of Natural History, the sesquicentennials of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution, or the upcoming 25^th anniversary of the History of Earth Sciences Society, he was always prodding the powers that be to publish a book, hold a symposium, throw a party, and celebrate the rich history of that organization.

Ellis also spent his entire career mentoring younger geologists. He and Sally always provided a free place to stay and delicious food and warmth at their home in Bowie, Maryland, while Ellis dispensed career advice, encouraged budding paleontologists to get out in the field, and nagged everyone to publish early and often.

Imagine how delighted his three children, Jeff, Abby, and Chip, were to learn that there is a way to memorialize Ellis’s contributions in both these areas. The Paleontological Society will be celebrating its centennial in 2008. Ellis had been a member of this organization for his entire professional life and served as the Society’s President in 1976. The Paleo Society’s major campaign for the centennial is to raise an endowment for the Student Research Fund. We know Ellis knew about the centennial plans because he had written a check to the Paleo Society just days before he died – and it was a princely sum for the notoriously fiscally conservative Ellis. We have established a special fund in Ellis’s memory. Once the fund reaches $10,000, a grant will be awarded annually in his name. Perhaps future generations of paleontologists will ask “Who was Ellis Yochelson?” and the answer will amaze them.

The Paleontological Society is a non-profit corporation registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Enclosed is my check for __________________________ for the Centennial Fund Named Award for Ellis Yochelson.

Name:             ________________________________________________________

Address:          ________________________________________________________

                        ________________________________________________________

Checks should be made payable to The Paleontological Society with a notation of Centennial/Yochelson in the corner. Please mail your contributions to:

Dr. Mark E. Patzkowsky, Treasurer, The Paleontological Society, Department of Geosciences

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-2714

Questions? Email Mark Patzkowsky at mep12@psu.edu or Abby Yochelson at ayochelson@hotmail.com
     

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN ELLIS’S MEMORY

Note from Jack W. Hess, Executive Director, GSA

Dear Division Chairs: Subject: GSA Grants Voting Rights to all Members

At the April GSA Council meeting, Council approved combining various membership categories. One of the outcomes of combining our Student Associate and Student Member categories (which will take place after the last Division's election) is that our undergraduate student members will have voting rights in GSA elections. Additionally, it was approved to grant voting rights in GSA elections to our Affiliate members ... resulting in all GSA members having the right to vote in GSA elections.

In light of these changes in members' voting rights, which are now reflected in GSA's bylaws, please amend your own Division Bylaws accordingly to be consistent with GSA's.

Thank you. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Jack

[Please consider the above the first notice of a modification of our Division By-Laws. This change will take place after the next newsletter notice (January). Given that the change is minor and mostly administrative, there does not seem to be any need for a general ballot to be taken. Bill]

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ROCK STARS - Our Division, under the watchful eye of Bob Ginsburg, has produced a total of 29 "Rock Stars" in the past 11 years; four in 2006. This has proven to be a very popular series and all members are encouraged to submit their favorite "Rock Star" for consideration. Our thanks to the review committee assisting Bob, Gerry Middleton, Robert Dott, Jr., Jerry Winterer, Ken Bork, and Peter von Bitter; and the various reviewers who have worked on the individual articles. Below are the Guidelines for our "Rack Stars" series. These are also on our Division web site.

Guidelines for the Preparation of ROCK STAR Profiles

Rock Star articles are published by the Geological Society of America in GSA Today. A complete set is maintained at the GSA web side (www.geoscience.org under “History of Geology Division”). Their purpose is to provide a two-page profile of a notable geoscientist whose contributions have influenced the development of our specialty. The emphasis is on their early life, the circumstances of choosing geoscience, and their early career history. The Series is under the supervision of an editorial committee, whose membership is approved by the GSA History of Geology Division. Final copy editing is carried out by GSA editors.

Prospectus: Authors wishing to prepare profiles should first provide a one-page prospectus of the proposed profile, which should be sent to the Chair of the Rock Star editorial committee (Robert Ginsburg: rginsburg@rsmas.miami.edu). It will then be circulated to members of the committee for review and approval. The proposal should state why the subject is a suitable Rock Star and what sources are available for the profile (e.g. obituaries, biographies, archive information, etc). Potential Rock Stars should have been deceased for at least ten years, and the emphasis in the series has been on North American geologists. Authors who would like further advice can contact one of the committee members.

The Mechanics: These profiles are required to fit into a two-page spread in GSA Today. To keep within those two pages, the character count (available in all word-processing programs) for the text should be approximately 10,000, including spaces between words, and blank space after headers. A profile with two column-width images should be no more than 1700–1800 words, including the title, author’s name and address, acknowledgments, figure captions, and references. For details, see the example calculation in the Appendix. Please include headings in the text, for they make articles more readable.

With the first draft, three or four photographs should be submitted, from which the Committee can choose two. A short (25-word maximum) caption should be included for each illustration. The series is aimed at younger geologists and students in the hope of providing inspiration and role models. Accordingly, preferred photographs are from the early careers of our subjects, and especially ones showing the subject doing something geologic in the field or laboratory. The manuscript should be submitted in electronic form, preferably in Word or rtf (for either Mac or PC). It should be sent as an attachment to Robert N. Ginsburg, Chair of the Editorial Committee rginsburg@rsmas.miami.edu. For questions about format, contact Kristen Asmus KAsmus@geosociety.org. Kristen supervises the final copy editing for GSA TODAY.

The First Draft: When a Prospectus has been approved, one committee member is designated as the R-S Editor responsible for that particular MS, and two other committee members are chosen as referees. The R-S Editor can help the author with advice on preparing the draft profile. The author then prepares a draft of the profile and sends it to the chair, who circulates it for comments to all members of the committee. Based on these comments the R-S Editor recommends acceptance, modification or rejection to the chair, who makes the final decision.

The profile should be written in a simple narrative style, and NOT in the style either of a laudatory obituary or of a scholarly article. In most profiles, only one or two references should be listed. Original archival research is not required, but it is certainly welcome. Where a publication or experience was critical in career development and deserves special explanation, help from colleagues may be needed. Authors should give only minimal information about the Star’s administrative positions and awards.

Insofar as possible, authors should try to address the following questions to some extent: What influences in the subject’s family and early life led him/her to science and geology? What were the turning points in his/her development as a geologist? Who influenced him/her? Certainly the profiles should include the signal accomplishments and influences upon colleagues, students, and our science, but these should not be the main focus of the profiles. Some authors have been lucky enough to have found or discovered a ‘red thread,’ or seminal experience, which connects the Star’s life and accomplishments with his or her early life. For example, Darwin’s cruise on the Beagle or Walcott’s fossil collecting. Many of our older Stars lived when geoscience and life were quite different than they are today, and these differences should be explained in terms that younger readers can understand.

After the first draft has been reviewed, but is in revision, the author should obtain copyright releases of illustrations, if required, and include these with the revised manuscript. Photocopies of photographs are acceptable in the review stage of the manuscript, but for publication, photographic prints or computer scans are required.

Final Draft: Most profiles go through more than one draft (three is normal). After the R-S Editor has approved the final draft, he/she informs the chair, and the R-S Editor or author then forwards it to the GSA editor for copy editing.                

Prepared by the Rock Star Review Committee (Ginsburg, Dott, Middleton, Bork) November 2005.

Appendix: GSA Today Manuscript Sizing

The page width of GSA Today is 43 picas (pi); for two columns, each column is 21.5 pi; for three columns, each column is 14 pi. The total height (depth) for two columns is 113 pi; for three columns, 169.5 pi. In the example below, a column-width figure with a height of 28 pi will occupy 28/113 = 0.25 page. The total number of cha

Figures:   (1) 21.5 pi wide × 28 pi high @ 100% = .25

               (2) 21.5 pi wide × 28 pi high @ 100% = .25

            Total pages for figures:                                                                              0.50     

Character count:

Text: 9600 + 200 for extra space around headers, author credits ÷ 6,500 =           1.50

            Total pages:                                                                                               2.00
 

For further inquiries, please contact: Robert Ginsburg: rginsburg@rsmas.miami.edu.

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UP-COMING MEETINGS

NE/GSA: Durham, New Hampshire, March 11-14, 2007. The Abstract deadline is December 5, 2006

SE/GSA: Savannah, Georgia, March 29-30, 2007. The Abstract deadline is December 12, 2006.

HESS 25^th Anniversary Celebration: Dedicated to the memory of Ellis Yochelson. The society was founded in 1982 by Gerald M. and Sue T. Friedman, and Ellis Yochelson. Next year, on June 24-26, 2007, there will be a meeting in Troy, New York, at the Rensselaer Center of Applied Geology to celebrate that anniversary. At that time, one of the focal points of the meeting will be to commemorate Ebenezer Emmons, a graduate and professor of Rensselaer and father of the Taconic System, and professor of James Hall, another famous Rensselaer alumnus. So mark your calendar now for those dates, submit your 500-word abstract, and help celebrate 25 years of HESS. There will be PowerPoint, 35mm slides, and overhead projection equipment available. So do not feel intimidated if your “PowerPoint comfort level” isn’t very high, at this meeting you can still use your 35 mm slides and overhead transparencies; it is, after all, a history meeting!

ABSTRACT DEADLINE: April 15^th, 2007

Northeastern Science Foundation, 15 Third Street, PO Box 746, Troy NY 12181-0746

www.thesciencefoundation.com                                gmfriedman@juno.com

INHIGEO-meeting in Eichstätt, Germany             (July 28^th to August 5^th, 2007)

The German delegation of INHIGEO is pleased to invite you to the INHIGEO-meeting 2007 in Eichstätt. The conference topic will be: The historical relationship of geology and religion.

The meeting will offer a stage to openly discuss, from a historical point of view, this long-standing relationship, which in the past has been sometimes indifferent, sometimes fruitful, and sometimes full of conflict.

Below are some suggested topics:

·   religious interpretations of the nature of the Earth and its history

·   the age of the earth in different religions, cultures and times

·   the (Darwinian) theory of evolution and creation

·   geological research with religious motivation (such as “natural theology”)

·   life and work of geological authors with a religious/clerical background

·   geological institutions (museums, collections) run by religious organisations, etc.

We are sure that you will think of many more aspects of this fascinating topic, and we also hope that you keep in mind that we are talking about religion in general, not just Christianity.

For more details about the meeting please refer to the June issue of the Newsletter.

Deadlines: The second circular is scheduled for December, 2006. The registration deadline is February 1^st, 2007. The abstracts must be sent in by April 1^st, 2007. Manuscripts must be submitted by September 1^st, 2007. 

Organisation Committee: Martina Kölbl-Ebert (Jura-Museum Eichstätt); Martin Guntau (Rostock); Bernhard Fritscher (Munich); Gottfried Hofbauer (Erlangen); Oskar Burghardt (Krefeld)

For more information and to express an interest in receiving additional circulars, please contact: Organization Committee;
INHIGEO-meeting 2007; Jura-Museum Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg; D-85072 Eichstätt (Germany)

FAX +49-8421-89609; E-Mail: Koelbl-Ebert@jura-museum.de

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ITEMS OF INTEREST

Congratulations To: J. David Applegate (USGS), elected a Fellow of the GSA. David is our Division representative on the GSA Council; and to Gerald M. Friedman on receiving the Laurence L. Sloss Award from the Sedimentary Geology Division/GSA. Gerry is a former Chair of our Division, and the History of Geology Division has named the Distinguished Service Award in honor of Gerry and his wife Sue.

The Callendar Effect: The Life and Work of Guy Stewart Callendar (1898-1964)

By James Rodger Fleming (2007) Hardbound, 176 pages

ISBN 10: 1-878220-76-4; ISBN 13: 978-1-878220-76-9; AMS Order Code: CLDR

List: $34.95; Member: $24.95; American Meteorological Society.

This is the untold story of the remarkable scientist who established the carbon dioxide theory of climate change. Guy Stewart Callendar discovered that global warming could be brought about by increases in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide due to human activities, primarily through burning fossil fuels. He did this in 1938! Using never-before-published original scientific correspondence, notebooks, family letters, and photographs, noted historian of science and technology James Rodger Fleming introduces us to one of Britain’s leading engineers and explains his life and work through two World Wars to his continuing legacy as the scientist who established The Callendar Effect.                    

Also available from AMS:

The Papers of Guy Stewart Callendar

Edited by James Rodger Fleming and Jason Thomas Fleming. 2007 DVD. ISBN 10: 1-878220-80-2; ISBN 13: 978-1-878220-80-6

AMS Code: CLDR DVD; Price available upon request.

This research-quality digital archive of Guy Stewart Callendar’s manuscript letters, papers, journals, documents, and family photographs—including extensive weather and climate data—is an essential tool for historians, climate scientists, and other scholars, and a desirable acquisition for libraries.

To order from the AMS, call 617-227-2426, ext. 686, or email amsorder@ametsoc.org. For a complete list of AMS Books, go to www.ametsoc.org/pubs/books

John Phillips and the Business of Victorian Science

Ashgate Press, Burlington, Vermont ($109.95 Cloth).

Phillips was the nephew and protégé of William Smith.

Note from Gregory Good:

Hello everyone, I am passing on this call for papers relating to the IGY, thinking that many historians of geology will not be on the lists that will receive this directly.

Also, let me call your attention to two other upcoming meetings which will include sessions on the IGY. First, the American Geophysical Union will have its fall meeting in San Francisco December 11-15. Sometime during that week there will be two sessions on the IGY. The sessions will mix scientists who participated in it with historians of science.

Second, next July at the meeting of the International Union for Geodesy and Geophysics in Perugia, Italy, there will be four sessions on the IGY.

The exact days and times of these sessions will appear in due time on the respective web sites of the AGU and IUGG.

Yours truly, Greg

Note from Earle Spamer

Dear Dr. Brice:

We have posted a search announcement for the directorship of a new multi-institutional consortium, The Philadelphia Area Center for the History of Science (PACHS). This is a broadly focused academic organization, which will include a high technological presence in its mission.

Please look over and consider re-posting our position announcement, which is at http://www.amphilsoc.org/PACHS.pdf

Kind regards, Earle E. Spamer, The American Philosophical Society, Library Hall, 105 South Fifth Street, Philadelphia PA 19106-3386 www.amphilsoc.org

A Note from Diane Lorenz - GSA Awards

This was in response to an inquiry as to why the Friedman Distinguished Service Award was not included in the GSA posting of award citations/responses.

"Dear Bill: GSA only posts the citation and response to the named Division award, in the case of HoG, that would be the Mary C. Rabbitt Award. Several divisions have more than one 'named' award, however, it is the official award of the Division that gets recognized on the [GSA] website. If we were to put all the division awards up we would have close to sixty citations and responses!"

Diane

A Note from Patrick Boylan - History of Geology Group (UK)

Those who are not Guardian readers and are therefore already trying to recover from choking over their corn flakes when they read today's paper, may like to check out pages 12 & 13 of the Guardian's "g2" magazine section: see:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1946323,00.html

This is a two page spread reviewing in advance of its opening the world's first Creation Museum, being built just outside Cincinnati at a cost of $25 million (of which $22 million has already been donated). As a Leicester [England] resident I'm ashamed to say that this is the latest, and admittedly most spectacular, venture of the Leicester-based "Answers in Genesis" and will present the "science of creation" within Bishop Ussher's 6,000 years biblical timescale. Fitted out with 6000 year old animatronic dinosaurs and even an animatronic evolutionist alongside an animatronic creationist (guess who will win THAT debate?), the Museum is directed by Australian ex science teacher Ken Ham, President of Answers in Genesis, well known here for his regular "Answers" lecture tours around Evangelical churches across the UK .

There is more about the project on the new Answers in Genesis Museum site: http://www.answersingenesis.org/museum/

This promises a 2007 opening and such delights as a "Topiary T. rex" now being grown outside the museum, that donors to the museum will receive a leather-bound limited edition of Ussher's "Annals of the World", and a competition for a $50,000 scholarship to what is called Liberty University.

Patrick

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AWARDS 

Mary C. Rabbitt History of Geology Award

The Mary C. Rabbitt History of Geology Award is presented annually by the Geological Society of America's History of Geology Division to an individual for exceptional scholarly contributions of fundamental importance to our understanding of the history of the geological sciences. Neither the nominator nor the nominee has to be a member of the Division or of GSA. Achievements deserving of the award include, but may not be limited to, publication of papers or books that contribute new and profound insights into the history of geology based on original research or a synthesis of existing knowledge. The award was established by the History of Geology Division in 1981 and renamed in memory of Mary C. Rabbitt in 2005. The award consists of an embossed certificate and a pewter Revere bowl. The deadline for receipt of nominations by the selection committee is February 1st each year. Please refer to the Division web site or the June Newsletter for past awardees. Nominations should be sent to Bill Brice, Secretary-Treasurer, address is given below.

The Gerald M. and Sue T. Friedman History of Geology Distinguished Service Award

This award of the Geological Society of America’s History of Geology Division, created in 2005, may be given from time to time to an individual or individuals, for exceptional service to the advancement of our knowledge of the history of the geological sciences. Neither the nominator nor the nominee has to be a member of the Division or of GSA. The service to the history of geology may include, but not be limited to, the discovery of and making available rare source materials; comprehensive bibliographic surveys; organizing meetings and symposia in the history of geology; exceptional service to the Division; etc. The deadline for receipt of nominations by the selection committee is February 1st each year. Nominations should be sent to Bill Brice, Secretary-Treasurer, address is given below.

Previous Awardees

2006 Robert Ginsburg

 
History of Geology Student Award: The History of Geology Division is soliciting proposals for a student award for the amount of $500 for a paper to be given at the national GSA meeting. This award, established in 2004, is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Mary C. Rabbitt. Consideration will be given to both undergraduate and graduate students. While both oral and poster presentations are acceptable, oral presentations are preferred. Faculty advisors may be listed as second author, but not as the lead author of the paper. The proposed paper may be: (1) A paper in the history of geology; or (2) A literature review of ideas for a technical work or thesis/dissertation; or (3) Some imaginative aspect of the history of geology we have not thought of before.

The award consists of $500 presented at the Division luncheon and the student will present the winning paper in the History of Geology Division disciplinary session. It is open to all students regardless of discipline, provided the proposed paper is related to the history of a geological idea/person/etc. After the applications have been received and reviewed by the Award Committee, the winner will be notified. The winner should then register for the GSA Annual Meeting and present his or her paper at the History of Geology Division disciplinary session. A ticket to the History of Geology luncheon will be provided. The $500 award will be presented at the time the paper is presented, and the student will also be recognized at the annual luncheon. If there are multiple authors, the cash award will be presented to the senior author and further distribution is up to that person.

Proposal guidelines and application forms are available from the Division web site, or if there are any questions about the award, please contact the Division Secretary-Treasurer. All applications and proposed abstracts should be forwarded to the Division Secretary-Treasurer: Bill Brice (address given below) wbrice@pitt.edu.

Due date for proposals and application is May 1 each year so that the proposal content can be reviewed and the selection made for the award in time to meet the official GSA deadline. Also in this way, the GSA abstract, perhaps, can be refined. The Division award committee will make the selection. 

Previous Awardees

   2004   Michael C. Rygel
   2005   Lee J. Florea      
   2006   Alistair Sponsel  

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2007 Division Officers

CHAIR: Julie Newell, Social & International Studies, Southern Polytechnic State University, 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060-2896; (678) 915-7481; Fax (678) 915-4949; jnewell@spsu.edu

FIRST VICE-CHAIR: Steve Rowland, Department of Geoscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4010; (702) 895-3625; steve.rowland@unlv.edu

SECOND VICE-CHAIR: Yildirim Dilek, Department of Geology, 116 Shideler Hall, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056; 513-529-2212; Fax: 513-529-1542; dileky@muohio.edu

SECRETARY-TREASURER-EDITOR: William R, Brice, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Geology & Planetary Science, Johnstown, PA 15904. (814) 269-3950; Fax (814) 269-2022; wbrice@pitt.edu

PAST CHAIR: Gary D. Rosenberg, Department of Geology, Indiana University-Purdue University, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL118, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 274-7468 (Office); (317) 274-7484 (Department); Fax (317) 274-7966); grosenbe@iupui.edu

WEB MASTER: Hugh Rance, 4310 Kissena Blvd, 11 H, Flushing, NY 11355 hughrance@rcn.com

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