From the time that the Geological Survey was established in1835, its officers tramped the country, entering informationon topographic maps, and colouring them according to the determinedrock types, so that - through the preparation and publicationof maps - the essential tools for elucidation of the geologicalstructure and history of the United Kingdom were prepared (orconstructed), and much information was gathered of economicsignificance. By and large, the team of surveyors worked systematicallyacross the country from the SW northwards, though some preferencewas given to regions of commercial significance, with importantmineral deposits. The task was a large one, which even now isnot complete. It posed difficulties in that geological theories,and stratigraphic subdivisions, were altered during the courseof the work; and sometimes there were differences of factual,methodological or conceptual opinion between the Survey officersthemselves and in relation to the ideas of 'amateur' geologists- which according to the accepted terminology of the time mightinclude anyone from impecunious collectors such as John Boltonto university professors such as Sedgwick, Nicholson or Lapworth.This terminology may seem odd today, but certainly it was theSurvey staff who earned their money by the making of geologicalmaps; and they were in the field for much longer stretches oftime each year than were the 'amateurs'. Indeed, one way oranother, they were at it all the time. So they regarded themselvesas the 'professionals'. On the other hand, they might sometimesbe
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