Some Contributions of William Morris Davis to Geography in America

Some Contributions of William Morris Davis to Geography in America VERA E. RIQDON University of Nebraska When William Morris Davis accepted his first position at Harvard he possessed some training in many sciences , but was not a specialist in any field. Inasmuch as he was required to give instruction in geology and meteorology he was forced to develop his own methods. His methods and materials in the following years came into general use throughout the countiy . Davis' works in the fields of geoloby and physiography have become known in every inhabited continent on the globe, but many of his less spectacular, though equally valuable, cotributions are often unappreciated even in his own country. Davis was the pioneer in school and college work in meteorology. His teachings and writings were probably the most potent force in establishing instruction in some seven thousands of public schools and nearly mree hundred colleges and universities. The report of the notable Committee of Ten of the National Educational Association in 1892 embodied many recommendations which Davis had made earlier in lectures before educational associations, and in various articles written for educational journals. These were concerned largely with the improvement of methods of teaching geography and with the introduction and expansion of physical geography in the high schools and the provisions for the continuity of geography from the primary grades through the university . Papers in which Davis outlined in detail his definition of the science of geography and his classification of geographic factors are evidence that Us philosophy of the subject included both physical and biological factors. However, he was so busy developing the physiographic phases that he was often accused of ignoring the ontographic , or organic, phases, Davis always emphasized the value of a precise terminology . and accordingly , tested, and through scientific journals, disseminated scores of technical terms which have become some of the most effective tools in geographical literature. Present-day students who glibly discuss intrenched meanders, mature topography, peneplains, monadnocks, and river piracy should be interested In examining the wealth of literature in which Davis first presented and defended these and innumerable other terms. Davis' integrity of intellect which is so clearly revealed in all his scientific writings carried over into his religion. These were epitomized in his Hector Maiben lecture before the A. A. A. S. in Boston only a few weeks before his death. (36) ...