Abstract
IN connection with seismological investigations, Italy is the possessor of a prestige which we trust will grow. It was the first European country in which the study of earthquakes received special recognition and Government support. It systematised seismometry, and through M. di Rossi published the Bollettino del Vulcanismo Italiano, which, I believe, was the first journal ever issued which dealt specially with hypogenic activities. The work commenced in Italy was extended in Japan, and at the present time every civilised country in the world has established earthquake observatories and recognises the scientific and practical importance of what is now a new science. From the knowledge we now possess of earthquake motion new rules and formulæ for the use of builders and engineers have been established. These have been extensively applied, and we see that the new types of structure withstand violent movements, while ordinary types in their vicinity have failed. The new science has already justified its existence by thus minimising the loss of life and property. A side issue of seismometry has led to the localisation of faults on railway lines and to alterations in the balancing of locomotives. The result of the latter has been to reduce the consumption of fuel.
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MILNE, J. The Observatory at Messina . Nature 85, 515–516 (1911). https://doi.org/10.1038/085515a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/085515a0