John Michell

John Michell was an 18th-century English geologist and scholar known for his pioneering contributions to seismology. He is best recognized for proposing the idea of using the intensity of earthquakes to determine the distance of their epicenters. Michell developed a method to categorize seismic events based on their effects on structures and people. His insights laid foundational work for understanding how earthquakes generate waves that travel through the Earth, helping future scientists develop more sophisticated models for studying seismic activity. Michell’s work significantly advanced the understanding of earthquakes long before modern technology emerged.