Temporary Sections Research Articles

On collophane in Thames gravel

In mid-1949 the London Natural History Society set up a committee to investigate and record temporary geological sections in the London area. Among the earliest to be dealt with was the excavation in flood-plain gravel for the foundations of the Concert Hall for the Festival of Britain (1951). Samples of 100-200 grams were taken from two sandlentieles for heavy mineral investigation, and material from one of these, passing 60 mesh and washed by laevigation, yielded, on separation by means of a bromoform-benzene mixture of density about 2"73, an assemblage with abundant garnet, tourmaline, zircon, and kyanite, very occasional staurolite, cassiterite, and fluorite, and moderately abundant collophane.

Geological Photography

IN the report of the Annual Conference of Delegates of Corresponding Societies of the British Association (vide NATURE, vol. xxxix. p. 187), reference is made to the proposed appointment of a Committee to collect and register photographs of localities, sections, or other features of geological interest in the United Kingdom. Several Societies have already attempted local photographic surveys, but the need is felt to secure uniformity of action by all the Societies interested, and to arrange for the photographs to be available for teaching and other purposes when needed. In order that steps may be taken to arrange for the practical working of the proposed scheme at the forthcoming meeting of the British Association at Newcastle, I am desirous of invoking the kind aid of those of your readers who have interested themselves in the photography of local geological features (especially of typical and temporary sections) in favouring me with the following information:— (1) A list of photographs already taken, illustrating given localities or sections; and (2) The names of local Societies, or persons who are willing to arrange for a photographic survey for geological purposes in their district.