_General observations on the Theory of Concentric Spheres, with a few
suggestions to the Congress of the United States, to authorize and fit
out an Expedition for the discovery of the Interior Regions; or, at
least, to explore the northern parts of the continent of America._
Of the many various and conflicting theories which have been advanced,
relative to the form, structure, and motion of the earth, the theory of
Concentric Spheres deserves to rank as one of the most important: for,
should it hereafter be found correct, the advantages resulting to the
civilized and learned world, must cause it to stand pre-eminent among
the improvements in philosophy. The habitable superfices of our sphere
would not only be nearly doubled; but the different spheres of which
our earth is probably constituted, might increase the habitable surface
ten-fold.
That such may be the construction of the earth, every law of
matter with which I am acquainted, seems to admit, at least of the
possibility; the different appearances of the other planets render it
probable; and the various concurring terrestrial facts existing in the
arctic regions, to my mind, render such a conclusion almost certain.
And further, that matter and space are never uselessly wasted, is an
axiom, not only of sound philosophy, but of natural religion, and of
common sense.
Many of the theories which have been advanced respecting the earth, are
vague and uncertain, and will remain so forever; being predicated on
deductions drawn from certain premises that can never be established
with certainty; consequently they must rest wholly on the strength of
the arguments drawn from the premises, as they are not susceptible of
being demonstrated by experiment. Not so with the theory of concentric
spheres. Its correctness admits of ocular demonstration. The interior
of the sphere is declared accessible, and the whole extent capable
of being accurately explored; thereby establishing the theory, or
disproving and putting it at rest forever.
The celebrated Dr. Halley, in the year 1692, in his attempt to account
for the change of the variation of the magnetic needle, advanced a
novel hypothesis, as respects the internal structure of the earth. He
supposes that there is an interior globe, separated from the external
sphere by a fluid medium; or that there may be several internal
spheres, separated from each other by atmospheres, and that the
concave arches may in several places shine with a substance similar
to that which invests the body of the sun, producing light and heat
for the accommodation of those internal regions which he alleges may
possibly be inhabited by animate beings.[45]
However, he suggests no idea of Polar Openings, nor of any
communication from the outer surface to those interior regions;
consequently their existence must have remained forever a matter of
mere conjecture.
We find that Dr. Halley, in the wisdom of his philosophy, believed
those internal regions to be lighted, though situated many thousand
fathoms beneath the surface, and without any aperture to communicate
light from without. Why not, then, believe that the interior of the
spheres, according to Symmes's theory, may be lighted, when he lays
down such vast openings at either pole for that purpose?
Euler was also an advocate for the theory of Dr. Halley. He believed,
with him, that the earth is hollow, with a ball, or nucleus, included
in the centre; he, however, differed from Halley as to the nature of
the nucleus. Halley believed it to be constituted of the same materials
of the exterior crust of the earth. Euler believed it to be a luminous
body formed of materials similar to the sun, and adapted to the purpose
of illuminating and warming the interior surface of the crust, which
he supposed might be inhabited equally with the exterior surface. He
fancied that this luminous ball had no rotary motion, and that the
outer shell revolved around it. However, neither he nor Dr. Halley
left any opening by which the internal regions could be explored; their
existence was therefore left to rest on vague hypothesis.[46]
These different theories, however extravagant they may appear to us,
were believed and supported by those men, whom we must acknowledge
were among the most learned of the age in which they lived; and among
the mathematicians in Europe they have yet some warm supporters. Why
not then give Symmes's theory of open poles, and _concentric spheres_,
a serious investigation, the correctness of which is so much more
probable, and the demonstration of its truth or falsehood so much more
practicable? At all events a _voyage to the polar regions_, with an
eye to the accomplishment of Symmes's purpose, might be productive
of incalculable advantages to the cause of science in general. With
respect to astronomy and geography, it would afford many new lights,
and perhaps discover and establish many new principles, not thought of
at this day.
"_Knowledge is power_," and so far as an individual acquires a
knowledge of literature and science, above his contemporaries, so far
does he possess a power and influence over those among whom he resides.
So does a nation, when she becomes characterized for the acquisition of
knowledge in the sciences and the arts. Those nations which have made
great and important advances in the improvement of science, or in new
discoveries, have acquired a pre-eminence of character and standing,
among other nations of the world.
The United States of America, having assumed a respectable station
among the nations, is fast advancing in wealth and power. Her
territories are stretched over a vast extent of country; and her
population is increasing with a rapidity unprecedented. We are already
looked up to, by other nations, as a people of very considerable
importance; and as having made a successful experiment in politics and
government, which politicians had before considered impracticable.
Ought we not then, as a nation, (paying some attention to the progress
of science and knowledge,) to hold out inducements for the progressive
improvements, and useful discoveries of our own citizens?
While the English, the Russians, and the French, are making great
exertions for the purpose of discovery, and the advancement of science;
will America remain idle and inactive? Will she adopt the unwise policy
that individual enterprise ought to be let alone? Other nations act
differently; and they have long been directing their researches towards
the acquisition of a more perfect knowledge of our globe: and such
exertions have always been considered as the most glorious actions
on record in the annals of their history. By so doing, they have not
only been amply rewarded themselves, but have benefited the world at
large, by the acquisition of important information respecting the
before unknown parts of it, and by the improvement of science. Will
America then sit by inactive and contented, while she is surrounded
with plenty, and enjoying a situation most enviable in the career
of nations? Let us rather encourage than shackle the genius and
enterprising spirit of our own citizens; and not act like an avaricious
miser, who directs all his thoughts to the calculation of dollars and
cents. Had this "let alone policy," been pursued by the nations that
have sent out ships of discovery, what would have been the situation of
the world at the present day? Bounds would have been set to the great
field of philosophy, and the arts and sciences must have flourished
only within a circumscribed sphere. In vain might the revolving planets
have forced upon the minds of mankind their beautiful order, motions
and attractions;――the extensive continent of America, must yet have
remained a gloomy wilderness; and the wild flowers have bloomed upon
her fertile plains, only to be crushed by the foot of the unlettered
savage.
If we take a retrospective view of the world, for some centuries back,
we shall find the knowledge of the most scientific nations, bounded
by a circumference of two or three thousand miles. At length a few
enterprising individuals, aided by their governments, made extensive
discoveries:――A Columbus discovered the vast continent of America;
and subsequent navigators discovered the extensive countries of
New-Holland, New-Zealand, and numerous islands in the Pacific ocean and
South sea. All of these now disclose to us, that what was formerly
believed to constitute the whole habitable world, is but a spot, one
little corner, in the parts known at this day. Even yet, a vast portion
of our globe remains unexplored. Why then should we contribute nothing
towards the attainment of the grand pursuit of nations? We, who are
destined, I hope, one day to stand as the first nation under the
sun――Why should we fold our arms and sit inactive, while that little
spot Great Britain, is making such efforts to explore those regions?
It would not be an unwise policy, for the American government to
foster and encourage such noble workings of genius. It can in no way
be inconsistent with the present policy of our government, that an
expedition should be fitted out to explore the polar regions; but, on
the contrary, it would bespeak a spirit of liberality, and a desire to
promote scientific enterprize. It is neither against the constitution
nor laws of our country; we are now at peace with the world; taxes
are comparatively trifling; the situation of our country at present
affords a most favourable opportunity for the accomplishment of the
undertaking. It is one of such importance too, as will justify the
use of money and men; while the honour of the discovery of a New World
would be its reward.
I apprehend that we only lack confidence in our own abilities,
to perfect and explain many things not dreamed of by the ancient
philosophers. We are inclined rather to undervalue our own efforts;
and, like our former opinions on manufacturing subjects, think we
can never appear to advantage, unless dressed in a coat of foreign
manufacture. It appears to savour of the doctrine, that no new opinion
or proposition can merit attention, or be adopted, unless it come from
a European source. Had the proposition of concentric spheres, or a
hollow globe, been made by an English or French philosopher, instead of
a native of the United States, I very much question, whether so large a
share of ridicule would have been attached to its author and adherents.
It may be replied, that the idea of a world within a world, is absurd.
But, who can assert with confidence, that this idea is, in reality,
nothing more than the imagination of a feverish brain? How is it shown
that such a form does not exist? Are there not as strong reasons for
believing that the earth is constituted of concentric spheres, as the
court of Spain, or any man in Europe, had to believe that there was an
undiscovered continent? Has not Captain Symmes theoretically proven
his assertions of concentric spheres and open poles, and embodied a
catalogue of facts, numerous and plausible, in support of his opinions?
And who has confuted his assertions? I _dare_ to say, that none can be
found, who _can_ fully disprove them, and account for the facts which
he adduces as the proofs of his theory. Is there not the same reason
to believe, that the earth is hollow, as there is to place implicit
confidence in the opinion, that the planets are inhabited? And yet the
one has been ridiculed as the wild speculations of a madman, while the
other receives credit among the most enlightened.
If it can be shown that Symmes's Theory is probable, or has the least
plausibility attached to it,――nay, that it is even possible,――why not
afford him the means of testing its correctness? The bare possibility
of such a discovery, ought to be a sufficient stimulus to call forth
the patronage of any government. And should the theory prove correct,
and the adventure succeed, would it not immortalize our nation? The
fame of Symmes, and his native country, would only expire with time!
But, even should the expedition fail in the main object, there would
still be neither loss nor disgrace. If the interior world have no
existence but in Captain Symmes's imagination, would it be a matter
worthy of no consideration to explore the northern parts of our own
hemisphere? In the attempt, we might discover something of great
importance――in chasing a phantom, we might hit on a reality――in
searching for the "unknowable," discover what has hitherto been
unknown; some new islands; some undiscovered sea; some north-west by
west passage, or inlet; some new phenomenon of nature; some hitherto
unknown inhabitants of the polar regions; nay, even the pole itself.
And would it be a matter of no consequence, that a citizen of our
own country should first stand on the axis, and plant the stars and
stripes of our own country beneath the polar star? And should this
be effected, will not the glory and honour our nation would acquire
thereby, be worth the expenditure? No one, I hope, will say that it
would not be worth it all, ten times told. But in case _this_ should
fail, would it be a matter of no consequence, to explore the northern
parts of our own continent, and fill up the blank on the map of the
northern hemisphere? This, in my humble opinion, is far from being
impracticable. A steam vessel might run from the mouth of the Oregon
river, and proceed along the north-west coast of America through
Behring's Straits, round to the Atlantic; or, if impeded by ice, a
party might pursue their journey on foot, with sledges, on the ice,
and along the coast quite round to Hudson's Bay. The accomplishment
of this, I deem no chimera. The writer of this, for one, (and he has
no doubt Captain Symmes, and a sufficient number of others) would
volunteer to accomplish the enterprise. And should such an expedition
be authorized and fitted out by the government, rest assured, if they
did not penetrate the interior of our sphere, or plant the American
standard beneath the _great Northern Bear_, they would at least furnish
a correct map of the coast of America, from the mouth of Oregon round
to fort Churchill;――or make the snows of the north their winding sheets.
Within a few years, several expeditions have been fitted out for the
purpose of discovery, by different nations in Europe, and particularly
by the English. Ross, and Parry have visited the arctic regions; and
Parry now is out on his third voyage, as though there were some hidden
mystery there, which the English government is anxious to develope.
It is not likely that they would have fitted-out, and dispatched
four successive expeditions, merely to view Ice-bergs and Esquimaux
Indians. As for the discovery of a north-west passage to the East
Indies, it cannot be their sole object, as the continent of America
has been explored by land to seventy-two degrees of north latitude;
and, according to the old theory, beyond that latitude the seas are so
incumbered with ice as to render their navigation extremely difficult,
if not impracticable; from which, I am induced to believe, that they
have discovered something in those regions which indicates a state of
things different from that heretofore believed to exist.
Under the protection of the Russian government, Kotzebue, and Baron
Wrangle, have been engaged in similar enterprizes, and although these
different attempts have afforded considerable light on the subject,
yet they are rather calculated to awaken than satisfy curiosity. Many
of the facts, however, which are urged as proof of the theory of
concentric spheres, have been confirmed or corroborated by the personal
observations of those skilful navigators. But so long as they lack
confidence in the theory, it can scarcely be expected they will make
the discovery; the winding meridians which they will pursue, when
intending to proceed straight forward, will keep them bewildered among
the ice, along the circle of the verge, or finally bring them out
towards the exterior surface of the sphere, no wiser than when they set
out.
As yet, we are more indebted to other nations, than our own, for a
knowledge of the continent of America. A knowledge of the north-west
coast is interesting to the civilized world at large; but to none more
so, than the United States; and I humbly think, that the honor and
interest of this confederated Republic, are more deeply involved in
this subject of making discoveries in the northern seas, than any other
nation's can be.
Should a voyage of discovery be undertaken by our government, it is
hoped that the northern coast of the continent of America will, at
least, be examined. The undertaking would not only redound to the fame
of our country, and to that of the individual entrusted with the
enterprise, but must be productive of immense advantage to our commerce
and national prosperity; and carry our "star spangled banner" among a
people with whom the civilized world, as yet, have had no intercourse.
The prosecution of such an enterprise would be attended with no very
considerable demands on the treasury; the employment of one or two of
our ships of war, now in commission, for the object, would cause little
additional expense. But, even admitting that a few thousands, or even
hundreds of thousands, would be necessary; of what importance is it,
when weighed against the magnitude of the object to be accomplished?
Could our public vessels be better employed, than in surveying our
north-west coast, and in discovery? Our naval officers would rejoice
on seeing opened to their view a new path to fame, independent of the
acquisition to their nautical experience. Many of our brave and skilful
navigators would be proud of an appointment in such an enterprise; many
naturalists and men of science, would cheerfully, at their own expense,
if necessary, accompany such an expedition. And although we may not
expect such an enterprise to be accomplished to the full extent of
Captain Symmes's anticipations, and those who believe in his doctrines;
yet, as Americans, we cannot but wish that the theory, which has been
first advanced by a fellow-citizen, should be countenanced by our own
government, and tested by the citizens of our own country.
FOOTNOTES:
[45] The application which the Dr. makes of this structure of the
earth is this: that the concave sides of the spheres are made up of
magnetic matter; that they revolve about their diurnal axes in about
twenty-four hours; that the outer sphere moves either a little faster
or a little slower than the internal ball; that the magnetic pole, both
of the external shell and included globe, are distant from the poles of
rotation; and that the variation arises from a change of the relative
distances of the external and internal poles in consequence of the
difference of their revolutions. [See life of Dr. Halley.]
In Rees' Cyclopedia, under the article 'ring,' is the following
sentence; by which it appears that Kepler first suggested the earth
to be composed of concentric crusts. "Kepler, in his Epitom. Astron.
Copern. (as after him Dr. Halley, in his enquiry into the causes of the
variation of the needle, Phil. Trans. No. 195.) supposes our earth may
be composed of several _crusts_ or _shells_, one within another, and
concentric to each other. If this be the case, it is possible the ring
of Saturn may be the fragment or remaining ruin of his former exterior
shell, the rest of which is broken or fallen down upon the body of the
planet."
[46] Maclaurin, in his fourteenth chapter of the second volume on
Fluxions, investigates the theory of Dr. Halley at considerable length;
and in conclusion, appears to consider the existence of a hollow globe
as very possible.