Notes on Railroad Accidents by Charles Francis Adams makes no pretense whatsoever of being
either an exhaustive or a scientific study of the subject to which it relates. It is on the
contrary merely what its title signifies -a collection of notes on railroad accidents.
Excerpt: In the case of railroad disasters however a striking exception is afforded to this
rule. The victims of these at least do not lose their lives without great and immediate
compensating benefits to mankind. After each new horror as it is called the whole world
travels with an appreciable increase of safety. Both by public opinion and the courts of law
the companies are held to a most rigid responsibility. The causes which led to the disaster are
anxiously investigated by ingenious men new appliances are invented new precautions are
imposed a greater and more watchful care is inculcated.
