50 REPORT—1904. 
The harmonisation of results obtained from seismometry relating to 
the probable nature of the interior of the world with the requirements of 
astronomy, geodesy, the revelations of the plumb-line and the thermometer, 
together with various branches of physical, chemical, and geological 
research, constitute inquiries of profound interest. 
Surface warpings of the earth’s crust due to lunar or tidal influence or 
the variations in load which accompany changes in meteorological condi- 
tions may not only have a bearing upon earthquake frequency, but also 
may throw light upon the variations in flow and the rise and fall of 
subterranean waters, the escape of gases, and even perhaps assist the 
meteorologist in his forecasts of the weather. 
As illustrative of the practical outcome of seismological investigation 
the following may be mentioned :— 
From observations on the destructive effects of earthquakes, the 
knowledge obtained respecting the actual nature of earthquake motion, 
and from experiments made upon brick and other structures, new rules 
and formule for the use of engineers and builders have been established. 
In Japan and other countries these have been extensively applied in the 
construction of piers for bridges, tall chimneys, walls, ordinary dwellings, 
embankments, reservoirs, &c. Inasmuch as the new types of structures 
have withstood violent earth-shakings, whilst ordinary types in the 
neighbourhood have failed, it may be inferred that much has already been 
accomplished to minimise the loss of life and property. These investiga- 
tions have yet to be extended. 
The application of seismometry to the working of railways, particularly 
in Japan, has Jed to the localisation of faults on lines and alterations in 
the balancing of locomotives. The result of the latter has been to decrease 
the consumption of fuel. 
Records of the unfelt movements of earthquakes indicate the time, the 
position, and, what is of more importance, also the cause of certain cable 
interruptions. The practical importance of this latter information, 
especially to communities who may by cable failures be suddenly isolated 
from the rest of the world, is evident. The many occasions that earth- 
quake records have furnished definite information respecting disasters 
which have taken place in distant countries, correcting and extending 
telegraphic reports relating to the same, is another indication of the 
practical utility of seismic observations. Seismograms have frequently 
apprised us of sea waves and violent earthquakes in districts from which 
it is impossible to receive telegrams, whilst the absence of such records 
has frequently indicated that information in newspapers has been without 
foundation, or at least exaggerated. The localisation of the origins of 
world-shaking earthquakes, besides indicating suboceanic sites of geological 
activity, have indicated positions where the hydrographer may expect to 
find unusual depths. They have also shown routes to be avoided by 
those who lay cables. 
In addition to the above, a great proportion of which relates to what 
may be called the field work of seismology, there are many subjects bear- 
ing upon the same science which remain to be investigated within the 
walls of a laboratory ; and as it seldom happens that any one research 
fails to suggest new departures, the work of to-day implies new and 
extended investigations in the future. 
