Earthquakes, Damage, and Prediction: the Spanish Seismological Service, 1898-1930
The creation and development of the Servicio Sismológico Español (1906-1930) clearly illustrates the complexity of the organisation of seismological networks in Spain during the Restauración and the reign of Alfonso XIII. A unique combination of technical advances, seismological knowledge and the need for safety and seismic prediction gave rise to the emergence of both state and private observatories, an important aspect of the process of scientific modernisation after the Spanish-American war of 1898. This paper aims to show how the engineer Eduardo Mier y Miura (1858-1917) played a key role in the foundation of the Servicio, despite the fact that some of his decisions and contributions were highly criticised by the next generation of seismologists. Figures such as Vicente Inglada, José Galbis, and Alfonso Rey Pastor carried out a complete reorganisation of the Servicio. These events did not stem from the well-known regeneracionismo movement which took place at the turn of the century, but were rather the result of internal dynamics.