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To All the World: I declare the earth is hollow and…

“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 twelve or sixteen degrees. —J. Cleves Symmes of Ohio, late Captain of Infantry, April 10, 1818; quoted in Sprague de Camp…” quote by Umberto Eco
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““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 twelve or sixteen degrees. —J. Cleves Symmes of Ohio, late Captain of Infantry, April 10, 1818; quoted in Sprague de Camp and Ley, Lands Beyond, New York, Rinehart, 1952, x””

Umberto Eco

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A speculative claim that Earth consists of concentric habitable spheres, open at the poles.

In simple terms: An old theory suggested a hollow, layered Earth.

Key Takeaway

Consider the historical context of scientific ideas.

Themes

science history speculation geography mythology

Mood

curious skeptical

Type

historical informative

When to use this quote

  • historical literature
  • science education
  • creative writing
  • museum exhibits

Key Concepts

Hollow Earth theory polar openings

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do such ideas persist?
  • How does modern science refute them?
A Different Perspective

The theory lacks empirical evidence and is outdated.

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