| RefNo | MS/603/8/100 |
| Previous numbers | 1438 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Milne, Shide Hill House, Shide, Newport, Isle of Wight, to [Joseph] Larmor |
| Creator | Milne; John (1850-1913); British geologist and seismologist |
| Recipient | Larmor; Sir Joseph (1857-1942); Irish theoretical physicist |
| Date | 1 January 1899 |
| Description | He thanks Larmor for his suggestion, but it does not explain why preliminary tremors travel at rates of 6-12 kilometers per second. The velocity of big waves is constant at 2.75 kilometers per second. If each travelled around the world, then each observing station should get two sets of diagrams, but they don't. He explains that prelimary tremors reach their highest velocity at the centre of the Earth, while big waves are distortional and not affected by pressure. He gives a sketch of the waves from a seismograph, noting the relationship between the two wave types and why the preliminary waves have a longer duration, illustrated by a sketch. Milne has discussed this with [Oliver] Heaviside, who 'does not seem to see it'. He aks Larmor to think of a theory to fit the leading facts. [Cargill Gilston] Knott has some good ideas which he is turning into a paper for the Philosophical Magazine at Kelvin's request. Milne laments having to work in a damp stable as a headquarters for 25 stations, believing there will be a breakdown if they don't get out of the place soon. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7131 | Milne; John (1850 - 1913) | 1850 - 1913 |