others. The second consists of a few remarks, and scientific reflections which the learned may excuse, since I only put forward what I have learned from them, and the ignorant not despise, for, according to Cicero, they who illustrate and exalt the inventions of others, effect no less good than they who invent a science.
2.
On the 16th December 1857, which was preceded by a series of fine days, at a quarter past five, Italian time, a vertical shock of earthquake, lasting about twenty seconds, succeeded by an undulating shock of greater intensity and duration, excited the terror and occasioned the flight of the inhabitants of Potenza, who, at that hour, were almost all asleep. We say that the first shock was vertical, and the second undulating, because so they appeared to us and others; but many affirm the direct contrary, and the truth may lie with both parties, for the same contradiction is manifested in the reports of the other communes in the province, and in places still further distant, for it is impossible accurately to describe sensations at such a time of confusion. However, it is certain that the undulation was so strong and violent, that in some rooms objects were whirled round, or at least it occasioned a dizziness which led persons to fancy that they beheld everything in motion.
Signor D'Achille Bosica, Intendant of the Province, Counsellor in the Supreme Court of Justice, (although he had escaped with difficulty, and undressed, his house falling and the doors incapable of being opened from the sinking of the walls,) displayed a courage on that night equal to the occasion. He hastened first to the prison to quell the disturbance there, and provide for the public safety. The Royal Attorney-General shortly afterwards arrived with the same intention, so that the Intendant was at liberty to proceed to the hospital, where he was the means of relieving eleven women who had been buried beneath the ruins. He next addressed words of consolation and encouragement to the assembled crowds, and his gentle affability, the more acceptable in time of misfortune, was of great use in calming their minds amidst the general consternation. We had to deplore the death of but twenty-two persons, among whom Paola Catenazzo, who, to save
VOL. II.N
