In 1897, the Division of Physical and Chemical Geology (Systematic and Applied) was created as a part of the newly established Department of Geology, United States National Museum. George P. Merrill, the recently appointed Head Curator of Geology, also assumed the duties of Curator in the new Division. In 1942, the Division was combined with the Division of Mineralogy and Petrology under the latter name.
Curators of the Division of Physical and Chemical Geology (Systematic and Applied) included George P. Merrill,Curator, 1897-1929; Francis Baker Laney, Assistant Curator, 1909-1910; Chester Garfield Gilbert, Assistant Curator, 1911-1913; James C. Martin, Assistant Curator, 1914-1919; Earl Victor Shannon, Assistant Curator, 1919-1929; William F. Foshag, Curator, 1929-1942; Edward P. Henderson, Assistant Curator, 1929-1942.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 218110
