“For the Minerva”

Date

6-10-1812

Newspaper

Raleigh Minerva

Page and Column

Page 4, Column 1 and 2

Newspaper Location

Raleigh, North Carolina

Serial Number

693

Abstract

Long article on earthquake theory.

Transcript

FOR THE MINERVA. Messrs. Editors, Professing no 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 somewhat novel, 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. Whether these tremors are agitations of the earth, no person as yet seems to have discovered. Either relying on the old theories of subterranean fires, air confined in the bowels of the earth, &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 defined in all the various ways which the sublime and beautiful cold 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 underwent 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 been suffered to sleep without attempts at elucidation. Yet have those attempts been satisfactory? Are Philosophers assured that the cause is subterraneous? are the evidences of the fact as yet adduced by writers, sufficiently conclusive as to the combination of any known substances acting and reacting upon each other, in such 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 excepted, have force by any union and operation whatever, at the same instant to set a whole comment in commotion. Perhaps the generally are fully confirmed in the opinion, that the electric fluid is the momentum and primary object 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 unit 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 and matter adjacent, that it can not escape unless a vent or aperture is given to it? Perhaps not, else there never could be but one shock from the same place occasioned by the quantity of fluid collected there. Whereas, when these phenomena happen, several shocks have followed in succession; of course 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 there so compressed as that when the operations of nature set it in motion, it should spring forth dismembering every particle of matter in its way, and 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 confined is constantly escaping, and instead of its action encreasing, continually diminishes. It appears to me there are not sufficient grounds for the subterranean confinement, and that it passes with the same ease nearly 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 [unreadable] 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 economy of itself and the surrounding atmosphere may be duly managed, no other conjecture as to its collecting in the earth, is fairly [unreadable]. The little I have read [unreadable] 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 shook 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 subterraneous fires entirely exploded: the friction and concussion of other sort of matter [unreadable text].Then if the cause is electricity is it subterraneous or atmospheric? After one or two observations, I shall leave the subject to philosophers, and those who are more competent to give a maturer examination. Does not the ordinary [unreadable text] agitations in the earth, and all [unreadable] Would not the same cause if increased man; fold, probably produce shocks in the earth sufficient to bear the appellation of an earthquake, though without much noise accompanying them? Many [unreadable] have supported the opinion with [unreadable] and [unreadable] that repulsion, the opposite of attraction, is only attraction [unreadable] in a different direction, and not a separate principle. May not electricity make [unreadable] sometimes change its direction and by accounting all its forces and by combining with the several known properties of air assume energy sufficient, to shake a [unreadable], without producing any sensible change in the feelings of animals, who by probability are not subjects of its influence? The common [unreadable] will dash into atoms, the most impervious rocks, trees, castles, yea, all the monumental pride of [unreadable], 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 gun powder 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 whose diameter is about ten or fifteen miles. May [unreadable] electricity by uniting with the several properties of each of the elements, assembled in the atmosphere, and each property 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 one object, I shall not at present trouble my reader with further queries. 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.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS