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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Referee's report by George Howard Darwin, on a paper 'The seismic effect of tidal stresses' by Richard Dixon Oldham

Reference number: RR/16/216

Date: 07 May 1904

Description

Sectional Committee: Physics and chemistry

If it had been titled "a statistical examination of earthquakes with respect to Solar time and seasons of the Year", it might with some modification have been accepted. As the work has been done he thinks it should be placed on record in some way. The method of studying these statistics is largely governed by theory, much of it faulty or inadequate, and it may be doubted whether the enormous labour has been well applied. He does not think they can accept the proof of tidal influence on earthquake frequency until all the series are examined for lunar periodicity, and are show to exhibit it in far more marked degree than solar periodicity. The author shows that there is apparently some tendency to solar periodicity, but he explains why he does not believe that the author has established the connection with tide-generating forces. Discusses the theoretical considerations which have governed the author's treatment of the statistics. He thinks it best to confine himself to pointing out how the investigation seems unsatisfactory. To indicate improvements to the method would make the report too long and might introduce 'controversial matter'.

In a letter dated 6 May 1904, addressed from Newham Grange, Cambridge, to the Chairman of the Physics Committee, he regrets having to make an unfavourable report and would have no objection in communicating with the author or Professor Judd. Notes this is a subject to which Dr [Charles] Chree has paid very particular attention and suggests his remarks are sent to Chree.

[Not published]

Endorsed on verso as received 9 May 1904.

Reference number
RR/16/216
Earliest possible date
07 May 1904
Physical description
Report on paper (type A) and letter on paper
Page extent
7 pages
Format
Typescript
Manuscript

Creator name

George Howard Darwin

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Citation

George Howard Darwin, Referee's report by George Howard Darwin, on a paper 'The seismic effect of tidal stresses' by Richard Dixon Oldham, 07 May 1904, RR/16/216, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/rr_16_216/referees-report-by-george-howard-darwin-on-a-paper-the-seismic-effect-of-tidal-stresses-by-richard-dixon-oldham, accessed on 23 April 2025

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  • Referee Reports

    This collection contains reports on scientific papers submitted for publication to the Royal Society. Started in 1832 when the system was formalised, it is a record of the origins of peer review publishing in practice.

    Dates: 1832 - 1954

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