Foe almost 140 years geological education at the University of Alabama and the work of the Alabama Geological Survey have been closely tied together. The Survey and the University utilize overlapping personnel and at times in the past have shared the same space. They are so intimately related that they have one coordinate history.
As the first director of the U.S. Geological Survey Clarence King had significant influence on the development of American geology. From his first professional work, in 1863, until he died, in 1901, King was a leading figure within the American geological community. Although he was always interested in geology, King's career reflects personal concerns that had little, if anything, to do with science. Some of these personal factors and personal values can be identified. Examining them provides insight into the complexity of scientific careers in the late nineteenth century.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation that predate American Ph.D. programs are an underutilized source of information on the geology of Tennessee, and on other geological topics. The nature of early doctoral research is briefly described and four pioneer dissertations, submitted in M.D. programs, are reviewed. The first dates from 1822 and the last from 1840. Each has continuing academic value, but must be viewed within the context of nineteenth century culture.
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