'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎35] (138/496)

It will thus be seen that the primary forces which give birth to ro
tating storms in motion, are derived from those which are generally
admitted by modern philosophers to support the trade-wind on one
side, and the equatorial band of westerly winds on the other. These
are the assignable causes which come within the scope of our observa
tion, and appear to be fully adequate to the production of all the phe
nomena hitherto noticed during storms of a revolving nature origi
nating within the tropics.
Suggestions on the means of avoiding Storms on the Western Coast of
India .—Having pointed out the perils attendant on these whirling
tempests, it may naturally be expected that some observations should
be made on the means of avoiding them. However, very great cau
tion is necessary in laying down arbitrary rules for the guidance of
men who are unacquainted with the principles on which they are
founded. We again repeat opinions published on a former occasion,
that those who may turn to such works as these “ in the expectation
“ of finding an easy and obvious method of escape from difficulties
“ hitherto nearly insurmountable, without any effort of the under-
“ standing or exercise of the judgment, will be disappointed.” Our
object has been to point out the nature of these storms, and if Com
manders of vessels will only make themselves thoroughly acquainted
with this, abstract instructions will be an unnecessary appendage to
the subject. The question, in fact, appertains to Government and ship
owners, on whom must ever devolve the real responsibility of not aiding
in the extension of knowledge regarding storms, and making it in
cumbent on all their employes to know something of the matter.
No human foresight can always guard against misfortunes, for cir
cumstances, of so complex a nature, and so disastrous in their results
as to baffle the efforts and ingenuity of the ablest and best of naviga
tors, will no doubt occur too frequently ; yet, if any means can be
shewn of averting even a tithe of the loss of life and property caused
by tropical tempests, they merit inquiry and a fair trial, instead of
being treated as mere theories that cannot be reduced to any practi
cal purpose.
Apart from the infrequency of typhoons on this coast, especially
m Apiil, that on the Malabar coast, by pursuing an unusual direction
and impinging on the Maidive and Laccadive Islands and shoals
on one side, and west coast of Ceylon and India on the other, was
fraught with perils oi no ordinary kind, and even if such a visitation