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).


Light gives light, to light discover—”ad infinitum.”
ST. LOUIS, (Missouri Territory,)
North America, April 10, A.D. 1818
TO ALL THE WORLD!
I declare the earth is hollow, and habitable within; containing a number of solid concentric spheres, one within the other, and that it is open at the poles 12 or 16 degrees; I pledge my life in support of this truth, and am ready to explore the hollow, if the worldwill support and aid me in the undertaking.
JNO. CLEEVES SYMMES
Of Ohio, Late Captain of Infantry.
N.B.—I have ready for the press, a Treatise on the principles of matter, wherein I show proofs of the above positions, account for various phenomena, and disclose Doctor Darwin’s Golden Secret.
My terms, are the patronage of this and the new worlds.
I dedicate to my Wife and her ten Children.
I select Doctor S.L. Mitchill, Sir H. Davy and Baron Alex. de Humboldt, as my protectors.
I ask one hundred brave companions, well equipped, to start from Siberia in the fall season, with Reindeer and slays, on the ice of the frozen sea: I engage we find warm and rich land, stocked with thrifty vegetables and animals if not men, on reaching one degree northward of latitude 62; we will return in the succeeding spring.
J.C.S.
[Capt. Symmes is said to be a very respectable man, a man of intelligence, and really sane in mind. He is diligently employed in forwarding his scheme, and it is reported that “upwards of twenty persons have actually engaged in the expedition.”]
About Shawn P. Wilbur 2702 Articles
Independent scholar, translator and archivist.