The following is from _Herapath's Journal_ on the effect of the
earth's rotation on locomotion: 'Mr Uriah Clarke, of Leicester, has
called our attention to an article in the _Mechanic's Magazine_, by
himself, on the influence of the earth's rotation on locomotion. It is
well known, that as the earth revolves on its axis once in twenty-four
hours, from west to east, the velocity of any point on its surface is
greater nearer the equator, and less further from it, in the ratio of
the cosine of the latitude. Mr Clarke says: "Some rather important
conclusions in relation to railway travelling arise out of the view
now taken. The difference between the rotative velocity of the earth
in surface-motion at London and at Liverpool is about twenty-eight
miles per hour; and this amount of lateral movement is to be gained or
lost, as respects the locomotion in each journey, according to the
direction we are travelling in from the one place to the other; and in
proportion to the speed will be the pressure against the side of the
rails, which, at a high velocity, will give the engine a tendency to
climb the right-hand rail in each direction. Could the journey be
performed in two hours between London and Liverpool, this lateral
movement, or rotative velocity of the locomotive, would have to be
increased or diminished at the rate of nearly one-quarter of a mile
per minute, and that entirely by side-pressure on the rail, which, if
not sufficient to cause the engine to leave the line, would be quite
sufficient to produce violent and dangerous oscillation. It may be
observed, in conclusion, that as the cause above alluded to will be
inoperative while we travel along the parallels of latitude, it
clearly follows, that a higher degree of speed may be attained with
safety on a railway running east and west than on one which runs north
and south." There is no doubt of the tendency Mr Clarke speaks of on
the right-hand rail, but we do not think it will be found to be so
dangerous as he says. It will be greatest on the Great Northern and
Berwick lines, and least on the Great Western.'