SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 12,3 



Oceanology* 



BY SIR JOHN MURRAY, K. C. B , EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. 

 (.Abstract of Lecture before the Academy and the Los Angeles Ebell, October 17, 190L) 



The ocean was long regarded as unconquerable by man. The 

 poet, Byron, expressed this sentiment when he wrote : 

 "Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain; 

 Man marks the earth with ruin — his control stops 

 with the shore. ' ' 



And yet man has not been content to admit his lack of mas- 

 tery over even this mighty power in nature. So completely 

 has the science of marine engineering overcome the obstacles 

 of the deep that I think we may safely claim that vessels are 

 now afloat capable of resisting the onset of any storm which 

 can occur at sea. 



The methods of study are probably familiar to many of you, 

 but some will be interested by a .brief description of the work 

 of an expedition and the means adopted, to secure accurate 

 evidence for the upbuilding of a science of oceanology. The 

 principal observations include : soundings to determine depth 

 over the ocean bed, from which to construct maps of its topog- 

 raphy; the recording of temperatures at varying depths; the 

 collection of samples of mud by dredging over the floor of the 

 ocean, and the gathering of animate forms for purposes of 

 study of the effect of pressure, temperature and other condi- 

 tions of environment. 



For each and all of these, instruments have been constructed 

 which are well adapted to their uses. Soundings are taken 

 with light strong wire; or with hempen rope, at the end of 

 which are attached sinkers, sometimes of three or four hun- 

 dred weight, surrounding a heavy iron tube in which is placed 

 a registering thermometer, miuI a greased cup for getting mud 

 from the sea bottom. ITsually a registering pressure gauge 

 is also provided, and a Avater bottle designed to collect from 

 the lowest stratum. Bottom dredging is performed in a dif- 

 ferent manner. The line is played out for several miles from 

 the rapidly moving steamer, so that it does not settle deeply, 

 then it is allowed to drop gradually to the ocean floor and is 

 dragged slowly to scrape up nuul and such life as may there 

 exist. 



The maximum depth of the ocean, which is really local and 

 near the nev/ possessions of the United States, in the Indian 

 Ocean, is less than six miles. About five miles is the greatest 



*The editor of the BuHetin resrets that he ha.s been unable to submit 

 either the proof or the MS. of this abstract to tiie lecturer. Believing 

 that he has quoted accurately as to principles, nevertheless, this respon- 

 sibility rests wholly with the editor. 



