Earthquakes and Luminous Phenomena

Abstract

IN vol. xiv., No. 6, 7, and 8, of the Bollettina della Societa Sismologica Italiana, we find a very long paper by Dr. Ignazio Galli on the collection and classification of luminous phenomena observed at the time of earthquakes. After an introduction, he considers that which might be excluded and the difficulties first met with in the formation of a catalogue of the phenomena he discusses. The illustrations which he gives of luminosities and other strange phenomena which have appeared at or about the time of earthquakes are 148 in number. The date of the first is 89 B.C., and the last March 30, 1910. These descriptions occupy 184 pages. The various luminosities are classified under more than twelve heads, and to these are added the number of times that earthquakes have been associated with vapours, smoke, and odours of sulphur Or bitumen.