John Cleves Symmes and the Hollow Earth

In 1818, John Cleves Symmes (1779-1829), nephew of the Ohio pioneer of the same name, announced to the world that the earth was hollow, in habitable, and accessible at the poles. He was not the first nor the last hollow earth theorist, but he was certainly among the most interesting, in part because he advanced his theories during when polar exploration was an active concern.

Symmes presented the bare facts of his “theory of concentric spheres and polar voids” in a short piece (reproduced below) entitled Light gives light, to light discover—”ad infinitum.” Responses varied from scorn to enthusiasm, even willingness to join his proposed expedition. Symmes’ theory was debated in 1824 in the pages of the Cincinnati Literary Gazette—on his “home field”—and the editors of that paper noted that Symmes’ local reputation and character added some weight to his speculations. The issue of March 20, 1824 contained the following introduction to a response by Thomas J. Matthews [coming soon]:

The very amiable private character of Capt. Symmes; the reputation which he acquired in the army as a brave and active officer, and the exclusive devotion of all his time, talents and property to the-propagation of his new doctrines, have excited a degree of attention and sympathy towards him in this city, which, in many instances, induces a belief of the truth of his theory; and that his opinions are treated with undeserved neglect and contempt by the learned, and by our government. Capt. Symmes’ arguments are such as require no scientific knowledge for their comprehension; while those principles of science which have long been considered as the most firmly established, are in opposition to them—but are not generally understood, except by men of liberal education. For the purpose of exhibiting the real merit of Capt. Symmes’ theory and making the reasons of the neglect of it intelligible to all, Mr. T. J. Matthews has been induced to deliver the lecture of which the publication is commenced in this number.

Matthews’ rebuttal was not, however, the only series contributed in the Gazette in response to Symmes’ theories. Three pieces also appeared, under the title “Symmesonian,” purporting to be an exchange with one of the inhabitants of the Earth’s interior. You’ll find these posted further down the page. They’re worth a look for a variety of reasons, some of which have very little to do with questions about the Earth’s core. Note the concern expressed about the treatment of Native Americans (13 years after the Battle of Tippecanoe), and the humorous comments on English and American national character. But, first, here is John Cleve Symmes’ (or Jno. Cleeve Symmes’) 1818 announcement, as it appeared in Niles’ Weekly Register, Jun 20 (pg. 294).