The article, "Diamonds Through the Decades: A Review of South African Production," describes the first thrilling "diamond rushes" and the industry's rise from the small muddy deposits discovered by prospectors to enormous pipe mines and dyke swarms, many of which remain in production. Today, Wilson writes, offshore mining is a growing industry. Marine deposits contain substantial quantities of valuable stones; diamond companies may well look to the coast in the future.

Also in this issue, Geotimes looks at how the science and math curricula of American schools compare to those of other countries. The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) gathered and analyzed data about the status of science education, looking at textbooks, curricula, and student test scores worldwide. In their article, "Focus in School Science: An International Comparison," P. Jakwerth, L. Bianchi, W. Schmidt, and C. McKnight, discuss the sometimes disappointing results.

The study determined that although eighth-grade students in the United States fared slightly above the international average on the science achievement test, and did especially well in the geoscience areas, there is still a troubling lack of focus in the classroom. Comparing American textbooks to Japanese textbooks, the authors conclude that not enough attention is given to the most emphasized topics and that too many topics are covered. Similarly, teachers give a relatively small amount of time to each topic, sacrificing depth for breadth. Both the international data and a parallel study in Minnesota suggest that more focused instruction is the key to "world-class" achievement in science.

The third feature article, "New Harmony: The Great Scientific Experiment," by Donald Haney and David Rice, documents the geologic and historic legacy left at New Harmony, Ind., by David Dale Owen and William Maclure. In 1825 Maclure and Scottish social reformer Robert Owen (David Dale Owen's father) set out to establish a settlement at New Harmony with the aim of promoting universal happiness and studying natural history. When the initial experiment failed, geologist David Dale Owen continued to work out of New Harmony, pursuing scientific research and conducting many of the nation's early geologic surveys. Owen, Maclure, and their fellow scientists are credited with helping to "expand the frontiers of American science." The granary that served as their laboratory still stands; a restoration project now under way will make the site a permanent testimony to their contributions.