Tools of the Trade

Many basic geological techniques have passed the test of time, but modern scientists have equipment that was not available or widespread in the 1920s.  Although cars had become a popular commodity by that time, other modes of transportation such as trains were still commonly used.  Likewise, photographic equipment was less cumbersome than it had been several decades before, but museums still relied on trained personnel to capture high quality images.  Early twentieth century researchers relied on maps, compasses, and measuring sticks instead of GPS, which wasn't available until 1993. In fact, the maps that archaeologists, geologists, and others use today were still in the process of being created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) through scientists such as Goldring.  

Geologists and paleontologists still take handwritten notes, make measurements, and peer at rocks and fossils with lenses.  Take a look at the images below for some artifacts that don't seem too out of place today.

Paleontology in the 1920s
Tools of the Trade