Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-18
Subjects for Scientists.

To the Editor of The Dispatch:
1 have a subject on hand upon which de-
sire scientific Information. For some time 1
gave thought to the possible consequences
that may result in course of time, or may
already have, though imperceptibly, re-
suited from the tapping of the earth's crust
for petroleum and natural gas. For in
stance we know that gas, if used for infiat-
ing balloon, VIII cause it to rise. The gas
as it escapes through tie hole, is wasted
matter, whether it serves man or not. Now
the billions of feet thus emptied from the
interior of the earth may in some manner
act, or have acted, on the same principle as
gas does in the balloon. In other words, it
might have been the means OF keeping the
earth in equilibrium. In reality the earth
represents a balloon floating in space We
may also ascribe another use to that subtle
and elastic substance May it not have
served as an elastic cushion to cOunteract
the pressure of the atmosphere and keep
the crust from sinking?
1 am perfectly aware of the apparent in
significance of the comparative small
amount of matter taken and destroyed by
mankind from the earth, but the destruc-
tion of these substances has commenced
only recently. What il the population
keeps increasing as it does, and keeps in
venting as it does. and thus plays upon the
resources of earth at the same ratio as it
commenced? Climatic disturbances may
result or have resulted from the wholesale
destruction oil more elements tnan the gas
alone. Petroleum is undoubtedly forced to
tile surface of the earth by interior pressure,
though it may have collected from high
levels and remained in air tight pools or
pockets until tapped. But these are specu-
lations. Petroleum, unlike gas, may not
have the same influence, but it may have a
purpose not known or understood. for be-
ing in the earth. At all events let us i'm
agine the millions of tons and barrels taken
out of the earth and what may vet he takenl
again ask how many billions of tons of
coal have been taken from the earth since it
was first used for fuel? fI234) Now this i'm
measurable weight is certainly worth coz.
sidering when deducted from the original
weight of the earth. Immense as this is, 1t
is but small to what it will be in $50 years
more The whole weight has been reduced
to ashes 1 do not believe in the theory that
natural gas and oil are constantly manufac-
tured down below, no more than coal IL.
Again, think of the enormous bulk in
weight of forests destroyed, not mentioning
their usefulness in relation to climate. etc.
The elements mentioned herein are but
few which are calculated to disturb or lessen
the weight or otherwise interfere with the
order of things in nature. We cannot con-
ceive the more important factors which con-
stantly influence the supposed immutable
of the mighty waters? Here we reduce
mountains of metal and distribute it or spin
it in threads over the surface of the globe.
We have Just begun to add artificial elec-
tricity to that of natures. 1t may be better
for us and the coming generations IL we
never find out natures way of producing it..
These are the principal points Of the SUBJ
ject desire science to explain OF discuss.
UPPER ST.. CLAIR, January 10. c. GRAFF.