Past President's Corner Words from Past Presidents

Jim 0. LewisHGS President, 1968-69Reprinted from the HGS Bulletin, VoL 11, 1969, No. 10, p.3
The question arises more frequently, 'What is the limit of authority of the "Geologist?" "What is the limit of authority of the Geophysicist?" Todays "GEOLOGIST" is a specialist in many particular aspects of geology. Many of these, because of the nature of the geological problem, are studying the physical characteristics of the "ROCKS" of the earth.
A "GEOLOGIST" using an electric log, or suite of electric logs, is using information that is a result of measuring the physical properties of a formation through its response to electricity. A "GEOLOGIST" using a velocity log is study- ing the physical properties of a "rock" with respect to sound impulses. A "GEOLOGIST" using a core analysis is studying the physical properties of a core. A "GEOLOGIST" making a complete Mineralogic report is studying the physical properties of a particular mineral. This list could continue for many pages. The point to be made is that Geologists study physical properties of the Earth. Any of the above are certainly within the limit of authority of a "GEOLOGIST."
In a recent article entitled "What's New in Geophysics," the following were listed among the innovations now used by the "GEOPHYSICIST":
"Systems used at well site which give readings of effective porosity, quantitative lithology, permeability index, hydro- carbon identification, mineral-deposit location and evalua- tion, quantitative definition of oil and gas in place, and productivity of oil and gas." The "Bore-Hole Televiewer" is also listed as an innovation in geophysics to show bedding planes, cracks and fractures. Even "Photogeoloe' utilizing new photographic emulsions is now a new geophysical tool.
Has "GEOLOGY" become "GEOPHYSICS" or has "GEOPHYSICS" discovered "GEOLOGY"?
The publication of the American Geological Institute, "GeoTimes," has many advertisements of instruments available for measuring the physical properties of rocks.
By definition "GEOLOGY" is the study of the earth. There are no limits as to the methods used to gather the information required for this study.
We have many societies that are recognized as being representative of a "Specialized Group of Geologists. ' These groups consider themselves geologists with a specialty.
Today's "GEOLOGIST" should realize that there are no limits imposed on the "authority of the Geologist in the study of the Earth." The only limits are those imposed by the "area of specialization of the individual geologists)
I am proud to bear the Professional Title of "GEOLO- GIST." By necessity I have my specialization, but first, last, and always "I am a GEOLOGIST."
Fred Schall, Jr,HGS President, 1969-70What I remember best from my term as HGS president is organizing a flight to attend the joint meeting of the AAPG and British Geological Society in Brighton, England. We chartered a World Airways plane, which was filled with geologists from Texas and Louisiana. All but five seats were taken! The plane landed in Amsterdam, from which the passengers were responsible for finding transportation to cross the Channel to England, and returned to Houston from London.
Also, Michel T. Halbouty was made an honorary member of the society.
Robert L, (Bob) MusslewhiteHGS President, 1970-71Other than routine duties, most of the officers' efforts during my term as HGS president were devoted to preparation for the annual AAPG convention in Houston. The subcommittee for the convention was chaired by J. 0. Lewis. Many members contributed to this endeavor. The convention was headquartered at the Shamrock Hotel and was both well attended and a financial success because of the HGS membership.
Macinnes S. NewbyHGS President, 1971-72During my term as president there were no great issues or problems that I can recall. I have two recollections though that give a little perspective to how far we have come-beneficiahy I believe.
At the time of my election it was said that I was the youngest president to serve the Society-and I was 42 years old at the time. Since then, there have been many elected far younger than that who have served with distinction. Another indication of maturity I feel is the inclusion of so many women in our society and their contribution to our society and profession. We, of course, had a few "lady geologists" and I refused to refer to them as "token members." To mention a few, I remember women such as Alva Ellisor, Martha Lou Broussard and Evelyn Moody that have been great contributors to the society. Today, we have many.
I remember an incident that might give a little perspective. More often than not we had no women members present at our monthly evening meeting that was held downtown at the Houston Club. I had just heard a good story, which looking back now, was definitely sexist. At that time I did not even know what the word meant. During the cocktail hour that preceded the dinner and talk, I looked around and saw no women present. After the meal as I was making the announcements I told the story. As I finished it, behold, I saw in the audience a solitary woman whom I had not seen before. I was very embarrassed. To this unknown lady I offer a belated apology.
Today we have a vibrant Society with a broad spectrum of membership. We have both young and senior, male and female, and a broad ethnic base. We have come along way on our seventy-fifth birthday and have a Society of which we can be proud.
Ben SorrellHGS President, 1973-74Highlights of my term as president of the Houston Geological Society include the forming of our first environmental committee headed by Jim Stone. Our committee joined the Environment Coalition of the City of Houston in order to have geological input on decisions being made by this group.
Interest was high on the potential of the offshore Atlantic states and a paper was presented to HGS. However, subsequent drilling has been very disappointing. There was interest in Florida, also, but drilling has been banned. HGS published a "Position Paper" concerning the need for leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf at a hearing on January 30, 1974.
Dr. M. King Hubbert, eminent world geologist, gave a talk on World Oil Reserves. He was famous for his bell curvet pertaining to oil reserves and by implication the life of oil companies. His prognostication was that 80% of world oil would be used up by 2023 - how does that sound now?
The highly successful independent George Mitchell talked on "The Nation's Need for the Independent Explorationist" As he was also in the real estate development at that time and owned 67,000 acres within a 50 mile radius of Houston, do you think he may have made a good investment?
This was a critical year in which Energy Bill S-2589 proposed a rollback of crude oil prices. A letter which I sent to members of congress objecting to this bill was approved by our executive committee. Subsequently, this bfll was vetoed by the president.
Al Raasch headed the Academic Liaison Committee and had a very successful year with geologists visiting the Houston area schools.
The HGS budget was $16,490 and membership was about 2000. The GCAGS had a successful meeting at the Shamrock Hilton in 1973. Registration was $22.00.The fall Shrimp Peel and beer was $4.50.
Finally, concluding my term we had the famous playwright, Tom Barber, author of "The Geology of Dimwit County" favored us with the one-act play "Two Heads are Better Than One." All critics acclaimed this with great hilarity