“Earthquakes”

Date

2-28-1812

Newspaper

Raleigh Register

Page and Column

Page 3, Column 2.

Newspaper Location

Raleigh, North Carolina

Serial Number

655

Abstract

Synopsis article for the December 16, 1811 earthquake from the National Intelligencer. Reports from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Clinton Hill, Illinois,( 2 miles north of Belleville, Illinois. Notes that the earthquake was felt as far north as Charleston, New Hampshire. Also included is a felt report for a December 6, 1811 earthquake at Gosport, England.

Transcript

FOR THE REGISTER. MESSRS. EDITORS, Neither possessing any extraordinary skill in science, nor presuming to reason either practically or theoretically upon the phenomena of nature with that knowledge and clearness which is attained by men who have devoted years to these studies, yet if, by way of enquiry, I can induce some among the learned to enter into a speculation, new at least to me, every object for myself will be accomplished. During the last winter this country experienced the shocks of several EARTHQUAKES, which, though felt slightly here, gave considerable alarm in many other parts of the continent. Whence these tremors and agitations of the earth, no person as yet seems to have discovered. Either relying on the old theories of subterranean fires, confined air, &c. or content with witnessing the effect without being solicitous as to the cause, Philosophers appear to have devoted little attention to the subject. This can scarcely be accounted for. The great exertions of human power and genius since the invention of letters, have been depicted in all the various ways which the sublime and beautiful could suggest. The mighty conflicts of contending armies-individual magnanimity-personal bravery-christian resignation and fortitude, maintained through every difficulty-have been described minutely: The phenomena of perception and intellection, have undergone the strictest examination-the secrets of nature in many instances developed, and matter analyzed.-These, and much more, have the ingenuity and learning of Philosophers made plain to the understandings of mankind. Nor has the cause of Earthquakes slept without attempts at elucidation. Yet, have these attempts been satisfactory? Are philosophers assured that the cause is subterranean? Are the evidences of the factors yet adduced by writers, sufficiently conclusive as to the combination of any known substances, acting and reacting upon each other in such a manner as to produce that sublimely august effect called an Earthquake? It seems scarcely probable that any substances with which we are acquainted, the electric fluid expected, have power by any union and operation whatever, at the same instant to set a whole continent in commotion. Perhaps the generality are fully confirmed in the opinion that the electric fluid is the momentum and primary agent in this phenomenon. If so, in what manner does it unite with other subterranean bodies, so as apparently to dislodge each cohering particle within the sphere of its movements? But does it unite at all? From all that we know of this fluid, it seems subtile and wandering-impatient of restraint, disclaiming connection with other substances-with ease dives into the recesses of each element, and escapes again with the same ease.-But does it collect at any time in vast quantities, in some cave of the earth, and is so confined by the surrounding earth of matter adjacent, that it cannot escape, unless a vent or aperture is given to it? Perhaps not; else there never could be but one shock from the same place, produced by the quantity of fluid collected there.-Whereas, when these phenomena happen, several have followed in succession, of course in every instance produced by the same cause. Now, from the subtile, elastic nature of this fluid, whenever a vent is once given to it, it would appear that the whole must escape from that place-hence but one Earthquake at that time.-But perhaps this matter cannot be confined at any time in the bowels of the earth, and then so compressed, as that when the operations of nature set it in motion it should spring forth,dismembering every particle of matter which, but for the attraction of gravitation, would fly off into infinite space. It is well ascertained that this fluid will attach itself to some bodies in preference to others; yet experiments prove that the quantity continued for a time is continually escaping, and instead of its action increasing, it constantly diminishes. It appears to me there are not sufficient grounds for crediting the subterranean confinement-that it passes with nearly the same ease through all parts of the earth, as in the element where it appears most active. How is this fluid generated? Is the earth filled with it, or is the atmosphere more properly its active sphere? It would seem to me, that if the earth does not in the first instance generate and throw out the fluid, in order that the econonomy of itself and the surrounding atmosphere may be duly managed, no other conjecture as to its collecting in the earth is fairly tenable. The little I have read comparatively on the theories of earthquakes, leaves me but a small field for their examination, and the one I am now about to propose, may long since have been recognized by philosophers. It is however new to me, and I am indebted for the idea, to two ingenious medical gentlemen with whom I had the pleasure of spending a few hours not long since: That the cause of Earthquakes is entirely Atmospheric. The thought struck my mind forcibly. Not however being in the habit of examining subjects of this sort, proofs were not so instantaneous; yet its plausibility, I think, is not unfounded. I consider the doctrine of subterranean fires entirely exploded-The friction and concussion of other kinds of matter, equally groundless. Then if the cause is electricity, is it subterranean or atmospheric? After one or two observations, I shall leave the subject to Philosophers, and those who are more competent to give it a maturer examination. Does not the ordinary phenomenon of thunder create violent agitations in the ground and all bodies within the reach of its influence? Would not the same cause, if increased many fold, probably produce shocks in the earth sufficient to bear the appellation of an Earthquake, though without much noise accompanying them? Many Philosophers have supported the opinion with force and ingenuity that repulsion, the opposite of attraction, is only attraction acting in a different direction, and not a separate principle. May not electricity, in like manner, sometimes change its direction, and by accumulating all its forces, and by combining with the several known properties of air, assume energy sufficient to shake a Continent, without producing any sensible change in the feelings of animals who by probability are not subjects of its influence? The common thunder clap will dash into atoms the most impervious rocks, trees, castles, yea all the monumental pride of man, though the same shock would scarcely break the skin of a man or a beast of the field, notwithstanding it might deprive them of life. But there is generally some noise preceding the shock of an Earthquake-The atmosphere is commonly in a perfectly still state. Now if the cause is subterranean, what connection is there between the atmosphere and the lower parts of the earth, so as to affect the former before the surface of the earth begins to move? It is a maxim in philosophy, that like causes produce like effects. It cannot mean, however, that though the effects are similar, that they are obliged to conform in every particular. A small quantity of gunpowder will blow a ball a certain distance with a certain force. A larger quantity, set in motion by the same small spark, produces an effect tremendous and awful in the extreme. The thunder peal bursts from the clouds, causing a vibratory motion in the earth and every thing upon it, within a compass of territory of about ten or fifteen minutes diameter.-May not electricity, by uniting with the several properties of each of the elements assembled in the atmosphere, and each properly set in motion by the principle of mobility peculiar to it, in some reasonable way create a vibratory motion in many miles of territory, and the effect thence be denominated the shock of an Earthquake? As brevity was my object, I shall not at present trouble my reader with further queries tho' many more might suggest themselves. Should, however, this theory look like dreaming, my youth and partial knowledge of the properties of bodies, will, I trust, plead some excuse for the infringement of time in this communication. Raleigh, June, 1812.

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