Her Majesty's Ship "Investigator" enters the Polar Sea, 1850.-Is frozen up in the Bay of Mercy.- Lieut. Pim from the "Resolute" brings tidings of relief. Results of the Voyage. Comparison of Meteorological Tables at Mercy Bay, with those of Newfoundland. Magnetical and Meteorological Observations at Greenwich for 1845.-Recurring Inquiry into the supposed influence of the Moon upon the Weather.-Mr. Howard's Cycle of Eighteen Years— The Metonic Cycle, or Lunar Period of Nineteen Years, investigated.-Herschel's Weather Table.- Important effects of the Wind, and its action on the Barometer and Thermometer.-Its relation to Heat. -Winds of the Tropics.-S. W. Winds transformed Meteorological Registration and Delineation.-Explana- tion of the Delineation prefixed.-Connection of the Barometer with the Wind.-The Gale at Greenwich quiescent at Orkney. - Greenwich and Orkney The Greenwich Observations the type of Excellence.— General Remarks upon Light.-Black and Coloured Rain. The Corposant, or Holy Light.-Luminous Snow Storms.-Lightning, Electricity, and Mag- PREFACE. WITH respectful diffidence I venture to submit to meteorologists, and to the general lovers and admirers. of the phenomena of the atmosphere, the ensuing pages. The work may be considered, in part, as a compilation of facts; and secondly, as a record of opinions. I The facts are indisputable; but the opinions are not infallible. The facts are derived from scientific sources of eminence and established reputation. have freely availed myself of the observations of many eminent men, and rely on the merits and ability of their labours for the favourable reception of the present work; and to hope for less would be to detract from the value of their reputation. It may appear to some that I have diminished the dignity of science by the introduction of extraneous matter and irrelevant remarks. But I have endeavoured to treat the subject in a somewhat popular manner, and, to render the matter plain, have indulged in a style, perhaps rather too diffuse and discursive; hoping that some of the remarks may be acceptable to the general reader. The atmosphere is such a boundless field of research, and teems with such amazing diversity of matter, that a vast multitude of minds may expatiate on its attributes and explore its domains. There are departments requiring investigation, suited to almost any and every taste. Any new thought may invite attention, and bring an accession of students to meteorology, and increase our knowledge of it. I am disposed to consider the atmosphere in a more exalted point of view, and with higher attributes, than is usually conceded to it. I regard it as a primary organic compound, and having almost vital powers, and if not absolutely possessing life, yet being the breath of life. It has all the chemical constituents or materials assigned to the organic compounds, as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen in the vapour, and carbonic acid gas. |