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It is argued in this paper that regionalization is a similar process to classification. The terminology and procedures of the two are compared and it is concluded that there is a close similarity except that there is no direct analogy in regionalization with the individual of classification, it is suggested that operationally defined individuals partially overcome this problem. The histories of ideas about the nature and purpose of regional systems and classification systems are briefly compared and again found to be similar. Ten principles of classification derived from the work of logicians and taxonomists are then stated and the methods of constructing regional systems are examined in the light of these principles. It is shown that most of the points revealed by such an examination have been previously discussed by geographers, although they are arguing from different premises. Some of the principles, however, do raise problems which have hitherto received little attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an excerpt of the paper on geographical and historical concepts in American history read at Plenary Session 56th Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in Dallas, Texas.

Delves into the Association of American Geographers in the U.S. Discussion of the organization of the association; Identification of the association's presidents; Analysis of the National Council of Geography Teachers.

Science, broadly speaking, is the systematic investigation of observed phenomena. It is recognized that this investigation may be directed towards one of two distinct and opposable ends. It may be the aim of such investigation to discover and set out specific sequences, temporal or spatial, of objects or events. History and geography are scientific disciplines of this sort. They are sometimes called descriptive sciences. In fact all sciences are descriptive, but the events or objects of the historical-geographical sciences are described as they are encountered in time or space and each datum is unique and not subject to verification. The term natural science, on the other hand, is often reserved for scientific investigation which seeks to classify data and to reduce a wide range of observed phenomena to a brief statement or formula. This formula is termed a natural law. It is, of course, not a law at all as it compels nothing. It is merely a shorthand description of phenomena observed to recur. It is the processual counterpart of the generic concept.

The article informs that the Russian insistence that scientific research have immediate practical application so that it can aid in economic construction, an insistence that seems to misunderstand the role of pure research in scientific development, is reflected in the report on the work of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Academia Sinica, made by J.S. Lee at the first National Congress of Scientific "Workers in Peiping. The academy has thirteen research institutes covering history, archaeology, physics, chemistry, an observatory, a technological laboratory, and preparatory offies for institutes in the fields of psychology, geography and paleontology. Two additional institutes are planned in the fields of geology and paleontology. The academy set up several periodicals for publishing papers and reporting news of scientific activities and achievements in China and abroad. It is promoting the translation of reference books and textbooks. It has several projects going, one of which, engaging a reported 118 specialists, is at work unifying scientific terms.

Examines the role of grasslands and farmlands as factors in the cyclical development of Eurasian history. Origin in the permanent fertility of the irrigated valleys of Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Indus; Sign of fortification about the villages until culture elements from the Near East; Removal of international tensions before making explosions; Treatment of any war.

Points out that geographical materials recording during the closing years of the 18th century and the opening years of the next provide a foundation for a regional reconstruction of the Atlantic seaboard. Viewpoints in historical geography; Inadequacy of geographical materials before the 1790s; Classification of geographical materials into works of organization and sporadic observations.

Focuses on the commercial importance of fog control. Human factor in geography; Effects of fog on history.

The lag in the development of rural sociology in Australia is analyzed in terms of Australia's history, geographical location, and class structure. There are indications that the time is ripe for a more extensive development of sociology and progressive education in Australia. By means of comparing Australia and the United States, the trend for a sociology adapted to Australia is charted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on the impact of the thinking of psychologist Jean Piaget on the English educational system. He also offers speculations concerning the implications of the theory for learning of Piaget in history and geography. The author mentions the last stage of the induction of laws and formation of concepts that constitute between description and explanation. He concludes that the basic ideas in the approach of Piaget generate a helpful account of learning and thinking.

Comments on the article entitled "Geographical-Historical Concepts in American History," by Walter Prescott Webb. View on the perspective of Webb of a geographic historian; Consistency in Webb's evaluation of the region in Great Plains; Remarks on Webb's view of the Plains environment.