Notes on some Earthquakes in India

Abstract

On 5th July we had the pleasure of listening to the paper on the “Calcutta Earthquake” of 12th June 1897, by Mr Heath, B.A.It occurred to me that the Royal Society might be pleased to have a narrative account from one of its Fellows, by following up the subject. There is nothing scientific in this paper, and it is brevity itself; at the same time it may be interesting, as the facts are from personal experience of some earthquakes during my residence in India of nigh quarter of a century.Mr Heath observed casually that a portion of the spire of the (Episcopal) Cathedral at Calcutta had fallen, and from the news papers I read that many of the public buildings, such as the High Court of Judicature, the Museum, and many others, were badly injured. If any one would like to see photographs of these buildings before injury took place, I thought it might be of interest to place my albums at the disposal of the President; so that, after the meeting is over, I could, if required, turn up the pages—But, to my subject.After the lapse of forty-one years, I read in a paper recently that the centre of the volcanic disturbance which has caused so much destruction in different parts of Bengal is definitely ascribed to a spot in the Bay of Bengal. I have always hoped that an experience which I had many years ago might some day be made clear: that pleasure, I think, I have at last attained.