The fourth International Geological Congress was held in London in September 1888 under the presidency of Joseph Prestwich. For the first week, meetings were held at the University of London where the main topics of discussion were the classification of the Cambrian and Silurian, the nature and origin of the crystalline schists, and the classification of the Tertiary and Quaternary, as well as a progress report on the geological map of Europe. No formal vote or definitive decision was taken on any of the issues arising. During the following week, there were field excursions to North Wales, West and East Yorkshire, Norfolk and the Isle of Wight.