Proof that we Live Inside of the Globe

Koreshans' Startling Claim That Their Theory Is Demonstrated 
by Experiments and Surveys - Scientific Revolution to 
Follow.
from Chicago Sunday Times-Herald, July 25, 1897

Advocates of the theory that we are living on the inside of 
a hollow shell 8,000 miles in diameter, instead of on the 
outside of a convex globe now claim to be able to satisfy 
all who have asked for proof of the correctness of the 
theory.  This strange astronomical system known as the 
Koreshan astronomy or the cellular cosmogony was originated 
and founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed of Chicago, and during the 
past twenty-five years has succeeded in making a large 
number of converts to the belief that all the popular 
theories concerning the character of the universe are 
fallacious, resulting from the failure to properly interpret 
observations of the most common phenomena of the heavens and 
the scope of our horizon.  In the promulgation of the 
Koreshan system the discussion of the shape of the earth is 
revived: it is the most radical departure from the usual 
theories known to the world today - it is a complete 
antithesis.  Consequently the methods pursued in the new 
cosmogony and the conclusions reached therefrom are 
decidedly revolutionary.

With the entire system reduced to a pivotal and specific 
test, and with the plans for making that test, a company of 
experimenters were sent on an expedition last December to 
Naples, Fla. where there is a straight coast for a number of 
miles, to practically apply the principles of the newly 
discovered means of testing the earth's contour.  The work 
of the experimenting staff of the Koreshan theory is of 
interest to all from the simple fact that never before in 
the history of the world has such a geodetic work been 
executed.  Whatever might be thought of the results of the 
series of surveys made on the Florida coast, the one fact 
remains that at least the plan is unique and original, 
seemingly embodying a number of simple geometrical 
principles which have been for some reason entirely 
overlooked in the usual lines of scientific research and 
geodetic survey.

The experiments and survey on the gulf coast were under the 
direction of Professor U.G. Morrow of Chicago, who has from 
time to time supplied The Times-Herald with a report of the 
facts observed and results obtained, and now gives a final 
summary of the results of his investigations, which if 
accepted will revolutionize science.


Propositions of the Koreshans

The main question involved constituting the basis of 
operations in the new geodesy is:  Will an absolutely 
straight line surveyed in two directions from the vertical 
point of a perpendicular, and at right angles to that 
perpendicular, extend into space, the earth curvating away 
from that line, or will the lines converge to the water's 
surface at two points like the chord of a concave arc?  It 
is claimed that this is the most direct means possible for 
determining whether the earth is rounded or convexed at its 
surface, or concaved as the inside of a hollow sphere, and 
if the experimenters have correctly applied the principles 
involved they have succeeded in making the first direct test 
of the character of the surface upon which we live.

On account of atmospheric refraction, the rays of light and 
vision are bent out of the true rectilinear direction, and 
consequently cannot be employed as a practical test.  The 
apparatus used, called the rectilineator, is a mechanical 
contrivance for the purpose of forcing a straight line.  The 
whole plan of the survey is clearly illustrated in the 
accompanying diagram, which explains itself.  The survey 
began with the apparatus at an altitude of ten feet above 
the water's surface, making the basis of the figure eight 
miles instead of six, as first proposed.

If the earth curvates convexly at the ratio of eight inches 
to the mile, in four miles from the middle of the straight 
line chord or from the given perpendicular, the surveyed 
line would be twenty feet from the convex arc - the line 
would be that distance above the water at the end of the 
survey.  On the other hand, if the earth curvates concavely, 
as the Koreshans claim, the line would come in contact with 
the water.  Their object was to demonstrate that the line 
would "run into the water."  They declare that the line 
surveyed on the gulf coast terminated in accordance with 
their expectations, in the water at the distance of four 
miles from the given perpendicular.


How the Surveys Were Made

Along the line surveyed were fixed stakes every eighth of a 
mile upon which the altitude of the "air line" was 
registered as the survey progressed in order that 
measurements might be made, and afterward referred to, of 
the distance of the line above the water's surface.  In this 
way it was proposed to determine whether or not the line 
approached the surface at the proper ratio, and the claim is 
made that upon no other kind of a surface than the concave 
could such relations and figures be observed and obtained, 
the lines approaching the surface in about the ratio of the 
calculated concave curvature.  At the end of the first mile 
the "air line" was eight inches nearer the surface than at 
the beginning; second mile, about thirty-two inches; third 
mile, six feet, while at the end of four miles the line came 
in contact with water.  Also at every eighth of a mile the 
ratio was along the same lines of progression.  The results 
for even miles showing the aggregate result for the measured 
altitude of the line for the stations intervening.  From 
these figures it may be seen that the ratio of concavity 
determined by these measurements very closely approaches the 
estimated curvature of eight inches to the mile.  The ratio 
of descent of the line, the increases in the angles of 
deviation from the horizontal at stations of test with the 
levels, the length of the line surveyed from the beginning 
to point of extension into the water, as well as the 
direction of the plumb line at the various points, in 
consideration of the principles involved and the apparatus 
employed, all declare, it is claimed, the fact of the 
earth's concavity.


Scientists Challenged to Open Contest

It can easily be imagined what an impetus such scientific 
tests would give to a system if they were true.  If it were 
admitted that the results of this survey so definitely 
define the direction of the earth's curvature as to entitle 
them to credence by the scientific world, the Koreshans 
would have a weight of evidence that would render that 
position impregnable.  The future will reveal the validity 
or the fallacy of their claims, and judging from the line of 
work planned by the scientists of the new school they are 
not anticipating leaving the field to the criticism of the 
scientific world.  Upon the strength of the results of the 
work of the expedition the founder of the system issues a 
general challenge to meet the advocates of the prevailing 
system, not merely in discussion, but in open contest upon 
the field of operations and experimentation.  Corroborative 
of the results of the unique surveys, they claim to have a 
long line of facts of observation upon the surface of water 
itself, and the force of visible and tangible facts must be 
admitted to posses more weight with the people in general 
than platform arguments.

Concerning their attitudes toward the leaders of modern 
scientific thought, Professor Morrow says: "If the 
scientific  men of the world today are as willing to test 
the truth of our propositions and results and results of our 
geodetic work as we are to meet them is demonstration of the 
premise of the Koreshan system, no difficulty will be 
experienced in speedily settling the question.  We hereby 
extend to them the opportunity of demonstrating the earth's 
convexity and to destroy our premises or to establish the 
basis of the Koreshan cosmogony, and thus overthrow all 
conclusions of modern science.  In this we are not clamoring 
for dispute, but inviting an impartial test of the facts.


Easily Susceptible in Decision

"There is not another issue before the world today in which 
the principles can be so specifically stated and pivoted 
upon one point of test, nor so susceptible of absolute 
decision, as this one concerning the concavity of the earth; 
because the water's surface cannot be changed, and no method 
of solving the question is so obviously certain as the one 
formulated in the Koreshan system, the results of which are 
now proclaimed to the world.  We have employed a unique 
apparatus in the survey of an air line terminating into the 
water's surface as we proposed and anticipated before 
undertaking the survey.  We employed a process of extension 
of a right line concerning which there can be no question.  
We eliminated the elements of refraction of light and 
incurvation of visual lines, as well as the effect of 
perspective foreshortening, but mechanically forcing a 
straight line, and thus settled the matter beyond dispute.  
The work was laborious, requiring much time and patience as 
yet the scientists have not been forcibly made aware of the 
weight of the evidence obtained.  We were confident in the 
beginning of our work and from consideration of the 
principles involved and the results which would inevitably 
follow, that we were projecting the greatest and most 
important geodetic survey of the nineteenth century.

"The importance of an undertaking is always measured by its 
ultimate results.  On such a basis, we place the importance 
of our geodetic survey over against all the efforts of 
scientific men to determine the earth's shape, with all 
their appliances and apparatus of the very finest 
workmanship.  We are not discrediting the geodetic work of 
the world: such efforts have their value, but the sequel 
proves that they are not of paramount importance.  We are 
simply comparing success with failure - we have succeeded in 
accomplishing that for which they have labored for 
centuries, by the application of direct means of determining 
the earth's true shape.  The great wonder of the hour, the 
startling fact now manifesting and forcing itself upon many 
rational minds is that outside of the ranks of recognized 
scientists there should develop a line of scientific work 
that eclipses all the efforts of the vast army of scientific 
experiments the world over.

"Nothing can now impede the progress of the Koreshan system:  
It is invincible.  The world cannot long withstand the 
forces of the absolute truth, having for its foundation the 
indisputable facts of the greatest discovery of modern 
times.  The facts we have observed and the lines we have 
surveyed demonstrating the earth's true form, are 
susceptible to test.  We challenge contradictions, but our 
challenge will have to be answered upon the field of contest 
in the many lines of experimentation through which we have 
observed the facts we announce to the world."


A Great Revolution Would Result

The Koreshan scientists have taken the question out of the 
realm of discussion concerning various astronomical and 
cosmographical phenomena and placed it at least in an effort 
at demonstration.  They claim that if the earth is really 
concave it places the usual explanation of the character of 
the orbs above the movements of the sun, moon and stars 
entirely on the side of absurdity, and the habitation of the 
planets impossible, because in such case, all phenomena 
would have to be interpreted in accordance with the ground 
or foundation from which astronomical calculations are made 
- the arc of the earth's curvature.  It can readily be seen 
that if that arc should be concave instead of convex, the 
immense distances attributed to the planets and other 
heavenly bodies would have to be set aside and the stars 
brought to within a comparatively short distance above the 
concave arc.

It may be asked, what is the difference if the world is 
concave - in what way does it interest the public?  In the 
event of success on the part of Koreshanity, many popular 
theories would be revolutionized.  No other system ever put 
forth in the world has affected such decidedly radical 
changes in the channels of human thought and life as would 
result from general acceptance of the premise of the hollow 
globe theory and its resultant conclusions.  It would turn 
the scientific mind into newer channels of investigation, 
reveal newer laws, and clear away numerous mysteries 
concerning cosmical form and function.  Every domain of 
thought and investigation would be invaded by the new 
processes - in short, a startling, appalling and world-wide 
revolution would necessarily follow if it were proved beyond 
a doubt to the general mind that the universe is a great 
cell or shell containing forms of the highest realm of 
being, as well as all the stars, planets, sun and moon and 
atmospheres.  Nothing could be more startling to the mind 
today than a vivid conception that the laws of universal 
existence and perpetuity have been discovered and all 
mysteries of the universe revealed through the knowledge of 
the earth's form and the relation of all its parts.


Koreshan Science and Theology

How would it affect the popular theology - what has 
astronomy to do with a concept of the Creator?  All through 
the ages past astronomy and theology have gone hand in hand.  
All systems of theology have undertaken to incorporate an 
idea of creation and consequently the nature and extent of 
that which has been created.  Wherever changes have been 
made in general astronomical systems they have resulted in 
changing the popular beliefs concerning theology and the 
processes by which the world was created and its existence 
maintained.  The Koreshans say that if we admit for a moment 
that the modern scientific theories are untrue the 
conclusion is inevitable that to whatever extent the 
teachers of theology have been influenced by a false 
scientific theory, to that extent they have been led astray 
concerning the Creator; in such case they would understand 
neither the Creator nor his works.  The influence of the 
prevailing system of science has been universal.  Perhaps no 
one has attempted to form a mental picture of the remote 
habitation of deity which the usual astronomical theory 
imposes without attempting to form some idea as to distance 
- the mind has endeavored to reach out into infinite space 
to touch the heart of the Creator, it has wandered into a 
great circumference of space.  Koreshans maintain that God 
is the center and heart of creation instead of being its 
circumference.

Thus it would seem that the popular idea of God has been 
largely influenced by the prevailing theories concerning the 
immensity of the universe and the infinity of space.  If the 
concept of the universe be so radically modified and 
revolutionized as to maintain the limitation of the universe 
to the dimension of 8,000 miles diameter, it is obvious that 
a corresponding change of concept of the Almighty must 
necessarily follow.  Because of this Koreshans say that 
their system of science and their theology are inseparably 
connected and related - that in the discovery of the fact of 
the cellular form of the universe there has come to the 
world a definite knowledge of the laws of creation and 
consequently the laws of perpetuity of not only the universe 
as the effect of causes, but, also the means of existence of 
that cause.  It is claimed that the physical universe is the 
natural and outermost expression of the divine mind, and 
that if the natural universe and its laws are understood 
they unmistakably indicate the character of the mind which 
expresses it.

Koreshans attempt to explain the great mystery of Deity 
scientifically.  Hence the claim that the scientific theory 
of Koreshanity is the foundation or basis of its religion, 
which is claimed to be the revival of the primitive 
Christian system as it was taught prior to the declension 
and apostasy of the church.  Koreshans claim to defend the 
Bible - that the Bible teaches that the world is a hollow 
sphere, the outermost metallic strata being the "firmament" 
of the old Testament - and that the Bible is scientifically 
correct in all its expressions.  They hold that in the 
demonstration of the earth's concavity the inspiration of 
the scriptures is scientifically proved and demonstrated.  
They teach that the two great forms of expression of the 
mind of the Almighty - nature and the Bible - are to be read 
in harmony, because originating in the same divine mind.  
The argument is that nature is the result of cause, and is 
true - a true and tangible index to all knowledge of all 
life in all domains of the universe.

Scientific men are yet on the voyage of discovery and 
research, from which it follows that they have not yet 
definitely located the secret of the great cause of 
existence, nor yet satisfactorily explained the real purpose 
of the world.  The founder of the Koreshan theory claims to 
have discovered that for which the thinking world is 
looking.  If the leaders of the prevailing theories could be 
induced to critically examine the claims to such a 
discovery, or to come in contact with its advocates in open 
field of contest, so that a definite and satisfactory test 
could be made of the facts, as embraced in the possible 
determination as to which way the earth curves, it would 
undoubtedly reveal that either the scientists of today are 
greatly mistaken or that the Koreshans are promulgating the 
rankest and most absurd fallacy of modern times.


What Benefits Would Follow?

What is claimed to be the benefits to be derived to humanity 
through acceptance of such a system?   It is one of the 
doctrines of Dr. Teed, its founder, that there is not a law 
in the universe that man cannot apply to himself when 
understood; that man is a microcosm, or small world, 
involving the functions of the world at large, and that to 
the extent that we mistake or apprehend what are the laws of 
the universe we fail to apply them.  That when man can 
comprehend what are the laws and principles of universal 
construction and perpetuity he can adjust himself to 
universal being and become immortal.  Man is held to be 
mortal and that he will continue to be so until he has so 
applied and fulfilled immutable laws as to overcome death 
and perfect himself mentally, spiritually and physically.  
The very kernel of the system seems to be the claim to the 
discovery of the long sought for "philosopher's stone," the 
science of transmutation, which is looked upon as the key to 
all knowledge.

In accordance with this promise, a great system of organic 
unity of human and divine co-operation is hoped for  by the 
adherents to the Koreshan views.  The laws of universal 
existence are sought to be applied to human affairs in the 
definition of the true science of government and political 
economy - it is claimed to be the beginning of the supreme 
theocracy expected by all Christians to be made manifest in 
what is termed the "second advent," and hence, the man 
originating system of Koreshanity has some personal claims 
as to knowledge of divine law, and consequently a mission to 
perform in the world looking to the establishment of a 
system of salvation of humanity from the present conditions 
of evil and mortality through the institution of a new order 
of life, an organic system correspondingly fashioned after 
the general universal order of the great cellular form which 
is held to incorporate all there is.  Koreshans say many 
people have misunderstood the claims of Dr. Teed.  His 
system is intricate, necessitating study and investigation 
to comprehend his mission: it is insisted by his followers 
that his claims are the rational claims of the true 
scientist.  Those who have been engaged in the work of 
scientific experimentation hold that in the practical proofs 
of the correctness of the Koreshan cosmogony all the 
scientific, religious, ethical and economical principles of 
the entire system are conclusively demonstrated to be true.