Social Volcanologist
Perret was acutely aware of the importance of considering the human side of volcanic crises. This is clear from his correspondence, where he shares his concerns for the population of Montserrat.
When Perret first went to Martinique, he did so in response to a period of unrest at Mt Pelee and in hopes of providing some reassurance to the population of St Pierre. With the devastating eruption in 1902 fresh in people's memories, Perret set out to gather data that would provide a baseline for activity and established the volcanological museum as a means to communicate his findings. Perret also published a book which he sold on Martinique.
"For good or ill, humanity has always gathered around volcanic centres, unmindful of the danger. But here at Pelee, in the very theatre of the frightful catastrophe of 1902, it was only natural that a threatened repetition of tragedy in 1929 should have created panic conditions and should have called for the utmost that volcanological science could give in the way of opinion and advice"
These activities all demonstrate Perret's dedication to not only scientific progress, but also to the community in which he was carrying out his work. When Montserrat began to experience intense earthquakes, Perret offered his assistance free of charge and went to great lengths to provide it. He even made a hasty trip up the volcano while the ferry loaded passengers in Plymouth on his way to New York!
Perret frequently spoke about the "human crisis" alongside his reports of changing earthquake intensity, gas composition and temperature. Perret had ambitions to pursue a "larger project" for volcanology, amassing observations from lots of volcanoes to better understand systems and improve our ability to respond to volcanic crises similar to that on Montserrat.
In late 1934, with the safety of the population of Montserrat at the forefront of his mind, and little support from other scientists / institutions (save the Carnegie institution who funded his work) Perret began to feel the strain of such a huge responsibility....see below.
Throughout the crisis, Perret was careful with his choice of words. His reports always contained the essential information and his official reccomendations, but sometimes he added "confidential addendums" through which he communicated some of his more sensitive concerns. Perret wished to inform the public without causing panic. This is a vital skill for modern volcanologists, who can find their words broadcast across the world in an instant!
Perret often praised the population of Montserrat for their resilience throughout the crisis. He was truly embedded in the community on Montserrat during his many visits. He was even made godfather to someone's child in 1935!
This quote from Perret's obituary in 1943 highlights Perret's committment to the social aspects of volcanology:
"Throughout the whole of his investigations Perret has emphasised what may be called the social aspect of volcanological science. Here again a quotation best serves to illustrate his humane point of view.
He says "Instead of endeavouring to suppress it (i.e. the social aspect), I have rather emphasised the practical application of purely scientific observation at critical moments in threatened regions. I am convinced that the human side of this science is sometimes overlooked to the detriment of its own best interests, for under what stimulus could exact data be more intensively sought, or in what manner more effectively gained, than under the imperious necessity of diagnosing eruptive conditions correctly through scientific observation and deduction, thus helping to save human life or preventing enormous economic waste by timely warning."
