Going beyond the mere economic characteristics used by Le Play Henri de Tourville emphasized the « geographical space’s constraints » and their impact of individuals or social groups.
[1] The "nomenclature" allowed comparisons of numerous elements (or variables) within a given society of even internationally, which in turn generated hypothesis that could be tested and determine two types of relations: causality or co-existence.
[2] Much like Joseph Gratry and Maine de Biran, Tourville's philosophy rests on a sociological and scientific basis associated with spiritual and metaphysical elements".
Having escaped any Greco-Roman influence and having gained a culture of migration led by strong leaders, the Germanic people therefore acquired a superior ability in terms of industrial and intellectual arts.
His disciple Edmond Demolins, the author of a noted book on "the origins of Anglo-Saxon superiority", would be the first to derive a concrete educational experience from it, the École des Roches.