The Mode of Observing the Phenomena of Earthquakes

Abstract

Forwarded by Dr. John Marshall.

HAVING seen in NATURE, of the 28th ult. (p. 414), your remarks, on the uncertainty of the evidence to be obtained from a narration of the subjective impression of movements of the earth and surrounding objects, in obtaining information with regard to earthquakes, and that you also remark that, “possibly, some evidence on this subject might even now be obtained,” I venture to say that I was in a first storey room of Wickham Place, near Witham, Essex, during the earthquake that occurred somewhat severely in part of Essex a few years back; and that I was sitting against a partition wall, facing a window to the east, during the whole time of its duration. A hill about 1½ miles away formed the horizon, the outline of which passed across this window about half way up, from my point of view. I saw this outline apparently rise up to the top of the window, and sink down again, a displacement which, if it had been due to the movement of the hill itself, must have meant a great deal; but although this was really due, no doubt, to the motion of the house itself, yet the appearance was so deceptive that it produced entirely the idea, at the time, on my senses, that it was the hill that moved.