Preparation of the Report.
17
On commencing to arrange the materials thus accumulated,
it was found, as might have been anticipated, that most
of the observations were devoid of much scientific value,
chiefly owing to the absence of recording instruments in the
area shaken, partly on account of the want of knowledge as
to what to observe, and partly on account of the alarm into
which the inhabitants were naturally thrown and which
prevented any definite observations being made at the time.
In order to lose no observation which might prove of value,
it was therefore thought desirable to make further appeals
before the damaged buildings had been completely repaired,
and before the recollection of the event had, with the lapse
of time, become too indistinct to be reliable. Accordingly,
at the Club meeting held on May 24th, a preliminary sketch
of the progress of the work was given, and it was pointed
out what kind of observations were most likely to be of use,
and again in ' Nature' of June 12th (vol. xxx., p. 145) I
made an appeal for further scientific information. In
addition to these efforts to obtain trustworthy observations
while the subject was still fresh in memory, by the kindness
of our member, Mr. F. H. Meggy, of Chelmsford, the
following set of questions, drawn up by Mr. White, was
circulated throughout the county, by means of the ' Chelms-
ford Chronicle' (May 24th), and other local papers :—
1. Whether the disturbance was violent or slight in your
neighbourhood.
2. If any sounds premonitory to or accompanying the
shock were heard, and their nature.
3. Atmospheric conditions, temperature, barometric
readings.
4. In the case of stoppage of clocks, the exact time and
direction of swing of pendulum and of pictures or other
suspended objects (bearings of the walls, &c).
5. Whether sufficiently forcible to set bells ringing or to
dislodge articles of furniture, open doors, &c.
6. Duration of the oscillation in seconds, if noted (as
approximate as possible), and whether more than one shock.
7. Did any shower follow the earthquake, or was any
special wind-current noticed ?
8. Full details as to effect upon springs.
C