Symmes's Theory of Concentric Spheres / Demonstrating that the Earth is hollow, habitable within, and widely open about the poles

by James McBride; John Cleves Symmes

CHAPTER VI.

Facts tending to illustrate and prove the existence of a mid-plane-space, situated between the concave and convex surfaces of the sphere.

According to Symmes's Theory, each sphere has an intermediate cavity, or mid-plane-space, of considerable extent, situated between the convex and concave surfaces of the sphere, filled with a very light and elastic fluid, rarified in proportion to the gravity, or condensing power of the exposed surfaces of the respective spheres: and also, various other less cavities or spaces between the larger or principal one, and the outer and inner surfaces of the spheres, each filled with a similar fluid or gas, most probably partaking much of the nature of hydrogen. This fluid is lighter than that in which the sphere floats; and has a tendency to poise it in universal space. The spheres, in many parts of the unfathomable ocean, is believed to be water quite through from the concave or convex surfaces to the great mid-plane-space, and probably the earthy or solid matter of the sphere, may in many places extend quite through from one surface to the other, tending, like ribs or braces, to support the sphere in its proper form. Such a formation of spheres appears to be supported by various facts and phenomena; amongst the most prominent of which are Volcanoes and Earthquakes. Many volcanic mountains burst out and burn for ages, discharging from the bowels of the earth immense quantities of lava, pumice, and various substances of various kinds. Some of these mountains have been burning for thousands of years, at least as far back as the records of history have been made known to us.

Had the earth, at its formation, been a solid globe, four times as hard as hammered iron at the centre, and gradually lessening in density towards the surface, we must admit that it would still be solid matter. Governing ourselves by these principles, how can we imagine that such immense caverns, filled with combustible matter, as would be necessary to supply those volcanoes from time immemorial, could have existed? However, that they do exist is certain, which I think is in no way more easily accounted for, than on the plan of a mid-plane-space, or of spaces, filled with a certain hydrogenous gas, which being much lighter than atmospheric air, if there should be any small aperture or crevice extending from the surface to the space beneath, the gravity of the outer part of the sphere pressing on it would occasion a portion of this gas to escape through the aperture; and as it comes in contact with the oxygen of the atmosphere would take fire and occasion those tremendous explosions which we know do sometimes take place and cause those mountains to burn for years, until the cavity which supplied the volcanic matter, becomes exhausted; or until some shock or convulsion consequent on the burning, may have loosened rocks or earth of the denser part of the sphere, which falling into the aperture, choke it up. Hence the gas ceasing to escape, the volcano would cease to burn, until some shock or accident should again open the aperture.

The elastic fluid, with which the mid-plane cavities are filled, being forced out into the common atmosphere, the greater degree of gravity would condense and set free its latent heat or caloric, and be resolved into its original base, somewhat as coal-gas, out of the tube of a gas-light apparatus, yields up its latent heat by condensation. Hence steam burns when mixed with coal-gas.

If the earth be a solid globe, I am at a loss to account for the principles on which earthquakes occur. Long before I heard of Symmes's theory, or perhaps before it had an existence in the mind of man, when reading accounts of earthquakes, it appeared to me altogether unaccountable, that such violent concussions could take place in one part of the world, and not be felt throughout the globe. It appears altogether inconsistent, that one part of a solid piece of matter, would be shaken so violently, without affecting the whole mass. We are informed by authentic history, that whole islands, and vast sections of country, have been sunk by earthquakes, and never more heard of. On the other hand, islands which are now inhabited, and productive, have been raised, apparently, from the bottom of the unfathomable ocean. How such things occur, I am unable to divine. If the globe be solid, on what principle could a large portion of its surface, which is said to be lighter than the parts beneath, sink into a dense medium? How could a heavy mass, lying a thousand fathoms deep at the bottom of the ocean, rise, and be suddenly elevated above the surface of the water, when all below is so compact, and governed by an opposite and immutable tendency? It appears to be a solecism in nature.

The writer had once an opportunity of witnessing some of the effects of earthquakes. It was his fortune to be on the Mississippi river in the year 1812, at the time when that country was so violently convulsed with an earthquake. He saw and heard innumerable explosions, as though a large quantity of air had been confined in the bowels of the earth, and, seeking vent, rushed out with a tremendous sound; forcing up considerable quantities of sand through the apertures, in many instances mixed with black muddy water, and a substance resembling stone coal, or carbonated wood, which emitted a strong bituminous odour, when exposed to fire.

At one place the river was stopped in its course a short time: the water rose to a considerable height above its common level; and, on the west side of the channel of the river, there was a counter-current for a few minutes of an astonishing velocity. So great was its force, that for some distance the cotton wood and willows on the margin of the river, were either prostrated or bent up the stream; and their branches looked as if they had been dragged a long way on the ground. The waters of the river soon subsided, and flowed in their natural direction.