GEOLOGY, n. The science of the earth's crust --to which…
““GEOLOGY, n. The science of the earth's crust --to which, doubtless, will be added that of its interior whenever a man shall come up garrulous out of a well. The geological formations of the globe already noted are catalogued thus: The Primary, or lower one, consists of rocks, bones or mired mules, gas-pipes, miners' tools, antique statues minus the nose, Spanish doubloons and ancestors. The Secondary is largely made up of red worms and moles. The Tertiary comprises railway tracks, patent pavements, grass, snakes, mouldy boots, beer bottles, tomato cans, intoxicated citizens, garbage, anarchists, snap-dogs and fools.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Satirically defines geology as a catalog of human waste and folly, mocking scientific pretensions.
In simple terms: Geology humorously listed as trash.
Critique pretentious expertise.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- everyday observations
- humor writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does labeling waste as geology reveal?
- How does satire expose arrogance?
May offend geologists.