2 OLD.iAM : CATALOGUE OF INDIAN EARTHQUAKES. 



When completed in this way, a few copies were printed and distri- 

 buted to several public offices and private individuals, more especially to 

 the principal officers of the Public Works Department, with a request 

 for any additional information which the records of their offices might 

 afford. From a few, valuable additions were received, which have since 

 been embodied in the catalogue. 



While convinced that, if we desire to reap any harvest of accurate 

 results from the cultivation of this difficult but promising portion of 

 terrestrial physics, we must carry our investigations to a much more 

 advanced stage than merely cataloguing the phenomena, I still think 

 that much information can be gained from such lists. And as they 

 have never before been attempted for the Indian Empire (with the 

 exception of the admirable summary for 1842 by Baird Smith), I have 

 devoted some time to the following- catalogue. I am conscious of its 

 deficiencies, notwithstanding the care given to its preparation. In fact, 

 no such lists can be rendered satisfactory by individual efforts ; they 

 necessarily demand the co-operation of many. I would ask for aid 

 from any who may have it in their power to contribute information. 

 And with a view to a continuance of similar returns for future years, 

 I will feel indebted to any one who will communicate to me the facts 

 regarding any earthquake which they may experience within the limits 

 of British India or its dependencies. 



For the curious and valuable information regarding several of the 

 earthquakes which occurred in the earlier centuries of our era, the 

 pages of Al Macin and Abul Faraj have been consulted. But I am 

 specially indebted to H. Blochmann, Esq., for his invaluable aid in 

 tracing out the interesting histories of these striking phenomena. He 

 has ever been most willing to give me the full benefit of his extensive 

 reading and acquaintance with oriental literature, and I fear I have more 

 than once been induced, by his own readiness to assist, to trespass on 

 his valuable time more than I wished. 



The catalogue is only brought up to the end of the year 1869. 

 ( 164< ) 



