The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-09-07
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL---TUEsDAY, SEPTEMBER T. 1885,

STATE direction of wall and whether
pictures on the wall at right angles
to it were also put in motion. IL the
doors we're closed OF opened, state the
direction of the wall in which they
were Get. In short, almost any TACT,
however apparently insignificant, re-
gsrding this great earthquake will not
come amise, and it is probable that
from the mass of information 80
gathered da'a of great scientifi; value
will be deduced. II is requested
that this Information shall be cent to
the Division OF Volcanic Geological
Survey. II is probable that before
the end OF the year elaborate, though
necessarily rather expensive arrange
ments for the more thorougo observa-
ton and stu y OF &c smic phenomena
occurring in all paris of this continent
will be perfected and put
In operation. These arrangements
have been in progress for a yesr or
more, and the most advanced students
OF this branch OF natural science are
interesting Themselves in the work.
Instruments Of great deicacy, though
eimple in their priuciples OF construc-
ton and Operation, have long been in
use for sutoma ically recording the
earth's movements. Perhaps the best
has for its central feature a disk on
smoked glass, revolved hor zontally by
clockwork. Besides this are horizon
tai pendula, deucately gu pended up
on pivots, caryiog weights OF euffl-
Gent inertia to keep their psndula at
rest, though the stands to which they
are attached may be moved. Each PEN
dulum bears at its extremity pointer,
which being drawn over the smoked
disk as the latter revolvss, marks q
true circle 80 long as the ca tn remains
unmoved, but with the slightest move
ment their course is disturbed end Their
record is seen in waving and jagged
lines aroutd the di k. Two Of tneie
pendula are required for each seis.
mograph-one recording the east ard
west m jvements, aud the other thoss
north and south. This instrument is
too delicate and complex outside Of
the obssrvatoie aud laboratories,
whore 1t can have the attention OF
trained observers, which, 1t is pro-
posed, shall be placed in the hands OF
volunteer observers 10 many parts OF
the country. 1t consists OF vertical
pendulum where points hang over q
cup OF mercury, upon the surface OF
which lies q platinum sloat. A small
depression ia the float receives the
point without making actual conta t
exc 'pt when the mercury is disturbed,
in which event the contact will be
made, completing an electrical circuit
which, by Withdrawing a detent, sets
in motion the machinery OF an ordi-
nary clock. 1t is proposed that only
100 or 200 OF these instruments shall
be sent cut They will record n t
only the beginning OF the earth
quake, bat they will serve alto
the purpo<e OF calling asten-
ton to disturbance which
might o hsrwise escape not'ce and
thus enable the observer TO note ruco
other features as the phenomena may
present. The study OF phen omena in
this kind ia claimed to be of great
value to scient SITS as guide to a
knowledge OF tho Da.ure OF the earth's
interior, aud for it's bearing upon a.
most every branch of physics and
geology.
Special Agent W. E. Speir, OF the
Supervising Architect Office, hos b sen
directed to procesd Immediately to
Charleston to Inspect and report upon
the cend ton OF the 20 ioffice and
United States customhouse Blu ldings
in that city.
Appeals for tents in addition to
those already furnished have been re-
ceived at tho War d psrtment from
Charleston aud Summtrville, s O.
In each care reply was made that
every tent that could pr ssibIy be pro-
cured had been already een'.