One hundred years ago
FLORENCE was greatly alarmed by an earthquake at 9 p.m. on May 18th, which, though it did not throw down buildings in the city, destroyed many in the neighbouring villages. In one place a church fell in upon the worshippers, crushing or maiming great numbers. So great was the alarm in this city itself that the wealthier inhabitants ordered out their carriages, not for flight, but for residence, till the danger of shocks was overpast. The earthquake was felt in Greece also, where seven villages are said to have been destroyed. It is said that Vesuvius is making a new crater; but it does not appear that the observers of Southern Italy, with all their centuries of experience in shocks, have discovered any forewarning sign. We wonder whether it would be possi- ble to obtain one by sinking very deep pipe-wells in selected places. The causa causans of shocks, must be the effort of super-heated steam to escape, and it is at least conceivable that means of let- ting it escape might be found perfect enough to act as a warning a little in advance. Even ten minutes would be something.
The Spectator 25 May 1895
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