Meteorological Essays and Observations
Cambridge Library Collection - Physical Sciences Series

By the early nineteenth century, meteorologists were equipped with plenty of useful devices: barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and any number of variations thereon. But the nature of these instruments was not wholly understood. While it was possible to take accurate measurements with a barometer, what physical process made the mercury move? What exactly is atmospheric pressure? And how can one measure sunlight? Ranging from wild theories of gravity-resistant air particles to the latest experiments in altitude, chemist and physicist John Frederic Daniell (1790?1845) presents his answers in this collection of essays. First published in 1823, this enlarged second edition of 1827 includes his work on the climate of London, the effect of atmospheric conditions on human health, and suggested improvements for the design of a new hygrometer. Daniell later became the first professor of chemistry at King's College, London, and foreign secretary of the Royal Society.

Preface to the second edition; An essay upon the constitution of the atmosphere; Part I. On the Habitudes of an Atmosphere of Perfectly-Dry Permanently-Elastic Fluid; Part II. On the Habitudes of an Atmosphere of Pure Aqueous Vapour; Part III. On the Habitudes of an Atmosphere of Permanently-Elastic Fluid, Mixed with Aqueous Vapour; Part IV. Examination of the Particular Phenomena of the Atmosphere of the Earth; An essay upon the construction and uses of a new hygrometer; An essay upon the radiation of heat in the atmosphere; An essay upon the horary oscillations of the barometer; An essay upon the climate of London; Meteorological observations made at Madeira, Sierra Lione, Jamaica, and other stations by Captain Edward Sabine, R.A., F.R.S.; Meteorological observations in Brazil, and on the equator by Alexander Caldcleugh, Esq.; Remarks upon the barometer and thermometer and the mode of using meteorological instruments in general; Barometrical experiments upon heights; Meteorological journal; On the trade winds, considered with reference to Mr Daniell's theory of the constitution of the atmosphere, in a letter from Captain Basil Hall, R.N., F.R.S.; On evaporation as connected with atmospheric phenomena; On climate considered with regard to horticulture; On the oscillations of the barometer; On the gradual deterioration of barometers and the means of preventing the same; Addenda and notes; Index.