The Washington times., 1901-09-15


The magnetic observatory in connec-
tion with the Naval Observatory is still
regarded as somewhat a useless ad-
junct, owing TO the fact that the cleo
trio railroad which runs in the vicinity
causes entire disarrangement of the
delicate in strument used to record the
variations in the magnetic currents of
the earth.
The Importance of magnetic observa
tion and research is constantly becom-
ing more prominently recognized and
other countries have begun to estab
lish observatories for the purpose of
conducting such Investigations. 1t ap
pears somewhat strange that the Unit
ediStates should be deprived of possible
scientific discoveries of the highest in
terest and Importance because of a pri-
vate corporation.
An authority on the subject of mag
netic currents while discussing them
q day or two ago, said:
The far-reaching import of an ade
quate knowledge concerning the mag
netic currents, their variations, etc, it
Is impossible to eXaggerate. Consult
the old seaman on the main cause of
collisions at sea: he will tell you the
needle of the compass. influenced by
one of those magnetic disturbances,
the cause of which is unknown, has set
the mariner astray. The latter may
trust to his compass and disregard the
temporary variation, which is the SAT-
ing that the needle is unreliable, he
will steer in what he imagines is his
true course, and, a trifling mistake at
first may carry him miles out of his
way. This, on an ocean in which the
path of vessel is as distinctly mark
ed as roadway on land, means prob
able disaster, and such danger could
be obviated by a knowledge of those
mysterious magnetic influences the om-
nipresence of which we only now real
ize in vague sort of way.
Magnetic observations have so far
been considered in their all-important
bearing as necessary to safe navigation
in woodruff ships, and in a far higher
sense as indispensable to that of the
iron or steel ships which now
cover the ocean, the magnetic charts
hitherto generally required for these
purposes being those on which normal
lines Of equal values have been given;
bat something more is now needed.
Conservation In comparatively recent
years has shown that not only are there
large regional magnetic disturbances
extending over large areas of land, but
thatin moderate depths of water where
the largest ship can navigate freely,
the land below is also found to have
considerable areas of local magnetic
disturbance which, If not allowed for,
may in thick or foggy weather lead
ships into danger by seriously disturb
ing their compasses.
The United States has done excel
lent work in the past in producing
charts OF isomagnetic lines. or charts
inPwhich the chief local magnetic dis
tUrbances are recognized, and the full
results of observation recorded The
magnetic surveys of Kicker and
in the British Isles, of Morean
in France, OF Rijckworsal in Holland.
and elsewhere, have thrown consider
able light on the magnetic conditions of
those countries. but there remain whole
continents 10 be covered by the observ-
er
1.-THE direction. too. of the .somag-
netics, from the deep sea to the dry
land of the coasts is an extension of the
nation, but one which affects the safe
ty of navigation as well as the question
that has been raised, whether the wa
ter areas of the globe are, as a whole,
more OF less magnetized than the land
areas
"The points of interest in the ques-
tion of regional magnetic disturbance
are not confined to the magnetician, or
to the mariner, for the geologist cannot
afford to neglect the valuable informa-
tion the magnetic needle affords. Thus
Kicker and Thorpe have
since made a second and more elabor-
ate survey of t.'e British Isles, their
of 1890 that the kingdom can
be divided into magnetic districts in
which the relations between the direc-
tion of the disturbing forces and the
main geological characteristics are SO
as to be worthy y careful
statement and further investigation,
not only holds good, but has received
''The mining engineer is deeply in
in knowledge of the decli-
nation of the magnetic needle. Charts
of normal lines are of great use to him
above or below the earths
surface, but especially below when he
has no other guide. To such n one a
knowledge of regional magnetic dis
turbance as deduced from surface OBJ
servations is most important. as it tells
him when he is in the neighborhood of
rocks. the disturbing effects
of which on his compass needle may be
far greater in the depths OF his mine
and turning it into a treacherous guide.
And now, looking at the subject in
its direct relation with the practical
work of the Naval Observatory, who
will say, in this great maritime nation,
that the work OF magnetic observers,
even if solely to facilitate navigation,
and insure safety at sea, is not worthy
Of the fullest consideration?
But there is, besides, a vast field of
enquiry for the observer of terrestrial
in unraveling the secrets of
the earth considered as a magnet. and
the ceaseless change of its magnetic
condition which the needle tells US of,
for which no immediate practical re-
suit can be foreseen, yet is worthy of
the attention of the ablest physicists
and most advanced mathematicians
For instance, the unusual heat of