GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMIC. A new phrase, peculiar to the United States. although a result of the development of geography as a science in Germany. As yet it is loosely used, and indicates an appreciation on the part of American geog raphers of the work done in the Old NVorld to connect economic facts with geographical con ditions. It is apt to take the form of a mere compilation of facts, especially concerning com mercial products. An American geographer, Professor Keasbey (q.v.), in sympathy with European studies, has recently presented a logical classification of the principles and subject matter of geography. He defines economic geography as "a descriptive study of the natural resources of the earth and their application through processes of production, distribution, and exchange to the satisfaction of human wants." To appreciate Dr. Keasbey's classification it is necessary to indicate briefly the development of departments in geographical study. While Hum boldt first recognized geography as a science, it was due to Ritter that geography took a definite place in the curriculums of German universities. Berghaus, Peschel, and Richthofen laid greater emphasis upon physical geography, but Richthofen distinguished three departments: (1 ) Physical geography; (2) zoogeography and phytogeogra phy; (3) anthropogeography. With Ratzel and his contemporaries interest has returned to the huffian influence—the connection between politics and geography. The present classification in cludes: (1) Mathematical geography, which is dependent upon astronomy, dealing with the earth as a whole and its place in the solar system; (2) physical geography, which draws its conclusions from geology, physics, oceanography, and meteorology, and describes "the superficial properties of the globe, the rigid lithosphere, the mobile hydrosphere, and the circumambient at mosphere;" (3) biogeography, dependent on biology, dealing with the distribution of species, and recognizing the world as adapted to the sup port of life; its divisions are: (a) botanical geog raphy or phytogeography; (b) zoogeography; and (c) anthropogeography. At this point a co ordinating principle for the classification of the facts which show the effect of geographical con ditions upon civilization has not been definitely accepted. Some geographers extend the mean ing of anthropogeography and include all human activities under it. Political and commercial geography are the usual European classifications. In their treatment they ordinarily recognize an economic basis for the facts.
Dr. Keasbey's classification follows out the previous principle of relating each department of geography to some science. Following bio geography should come economic geography, de pendent upon the science of economics. Later may be developed commercial geography, depend ent upon commerce, and political geography, de pendent upon politics. The whole classification he further coordinates by showing that mathe matical geography, dealing with universal phenom ena, and physical geography, dealing with organic phenomena, are cosmic in their purpose; that biogeography deals with organic phenomena, whose principle is physiological, and its purpose vital, based on heredity and adaptation to en vironment; and economic geography treats of super-organic phenomena, whose principle is psychic rather than physical, and its purpose utilitarian. Heretofore, biogeography and eco
nomic geography have not been adequately dis tinguished, and many facts due to economics are still explained by biology. By use of the terms `organic' and 'super-organic' an advantageous dis tinction is made. Organic evolution means the survival of the fittest species, the adaptation to environment by a passive process which pre serves the species and provides for its propaga tion, and which is dependent on the tendency to variability. The subject matter of organic evo lution is the influence of environment upon the physiological evolution. Super-organic evolution is quite different. Its object is the success of the most efficient institutions and depends upon the use of goods. Its subject matter is the effect of environment upon utilization, but it is an ac tive process in which man adapts nature to his needs. The science of economics supplies the principle of utility to explain the satisfaction of human wants, while geography shows the process of utilization. The supply of goods is, to a cer tain extent, limited. Human wants are, however, quantitatively satiable, but qualitatively insatia ble. The efforts of man to supply his wants bring him in contact with the conditions of his environment. As different environments give different potential utilities, there result differ ences in methods of production and manner of consumption, and in the resulting customs, stand ards, and degrees of civilization. When the economic law of diminishing returns sets in, economic ingenuity devises new ways of using the environment. Life must be recognized as a constant struggle of man with outer nature and a competition with his fellow men—a struggle necessarily directed by geographic conditions.
Economic geography does not merely locate mountains and rivers, or describe products, but shows their effect upon civilization. Neverthe less, full and adequate descriptions are required. The following plan is suggested: ( 1 ) General topography, giving boundaries and the natural divisions of a country into economic units, not political divisions; (2) orography, a study of highlands and lowlands and their effects upon climate and products; (3) hydrography, the sea coast, rivers, and lakes, with their facilities for commerce; (4) meteorology or climate; (5) cre matography, including (a) minerals, (b) flora, and (c) -fauna; finally, an historical and contem poraneous description of the country, showing how the people have adjusted themselves to this environment, and what institutions have been developed. In this way the backwardness of Africa, the locations of early civilizations, or the quick development of New Zealand or America by civilized immigrants can be explained.
The claims made for the study of economic geography are 'that it makes economics an exact and concrete science, and serves the cause of education by giving a knowledge of the resources of the earth in their historical application to human wants, by indicating the actual economic evolution, and by making possible the application of abstract economic principles.
The material for study is found in periodicals, scientific and Government reports, compendiums, accounts of travelers, and existing geographies.