The Constitution of the Inorganic Soil Colloids

In opening a round-table discussion of the constitution of inorganic soil colloids, I wish to present certain postulates (in the sense given by Webster: "To postulate is to lay down or enunciate an assumption without proof) and to present, in very brief outline, certain bases for the assumptions made, after which I hope those who discuss the matter will confine themselves to the citation of experimental or theoretical grounds for assenting to or dissenting from the postulates. This procedure should then result in the segregation of those points upon which there is general agreement and those for which the evidence is adverse. There should also result from the discussion suggestions for investigations which will produce evidence for or against those assumptions which are not adequately supported. It is not too much to hope that the net result should be more systematic research on soils and a clearer mutual understanding by each of the other's problems. Some of the postulates may be regarded as almost axiomatic. Probably some may be regarded as generally accepted now, and possibly some may be regarded as quixotic.