The North American Review Volume 143 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886 edition. Excerpt: ... NOTES AND COMMENTS. THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE AND THE CHANCES OF FDTURK DESTRUCTIVE EARTHQUAKES IN THE UNITED STATES. I Must confess to some surprise at the manner in which the great earthquake, which shook the Eastern half of the American continent, has been dealt with by many throughout the country, who have considered it either in its scientific aspect or as affecting the confidence which the inhabitants of the disturbed region can place in its future stability. On the first point, I have been more struck by what has been advanced as known than by the expression of opinions which appear absolutely unscientific. It has seemed as though the admission of " I do not know," which Lagrange long since said that the true man of science must constantly have to make (if he is honestly outspoken), is one which is not too readily made in these days, or in connection with this particular subject. Yet the public can form but one opinion when so many and such diverse opinions are expressed by those to whom it refers for information; and surely it would be far better if the public concluded that men of science were doubtful on this subject because they frankly admitted as much, than that they should arrive at this conclusion because many men of science claimed to know, but all expressed different opinions. The broad fact known to all the world is, that over a region where there are no active volcanoes, and where, although there have been earthquakes, none have hitherto been recorded by which serious destruction has been wrought or loss of life occasioned, a series of shocks have taken place, by which many lives have been lost, many cities have been injured, and one city has been so shaken that more than half of it lies in ruins. All this has happened...