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The Russian Government have published no fewer than fourteen volumes, containing the observations made since 1840;* and the British Government has also published three volumes, commencing at the same date.t These volumes, illustrated with numerous plates, containing drawings of the instruments and diagrams, have been liberally presented to the principal scientific individuals and institutions, both in the Old and the New World.

shall soon be in possession of a body of facts, | purposes, in which he made many interesting which cannot fail to lead to the most im- observations on the irregular motions of the portant generalizations. needle. M. Kupffer, too, at his request, made corresponding observations at Kazan in 1825 and 1826; but having been carried on without any previous concert respecting the days and hours of observation, "it was only," as M. Kupffer observes, "by accident that the irregular motions of the two needles were shown to be simultaneous." Magnetic and meteorological observations have, since that time, been made in Paris, and though magnetical stations were established at Montrouge, St. Denis, Vincennes, and St. Cloud, yet the various functions of the great British and Russian establishments have not been discharged at these institutions.

Our readers will, no doubt, have noticed with surprise that Paris is not in the list of cities where a regular Magnetical and Meteorological Observatory has been erected, and in communication with the English and Under these circumstances the subject of Russian establishments. No French savant Meteorological Observatories was brought appeared at the Göttingen Conference, and before the Academy of Sciences, early in the in so far as we know, no attempt was made year 1853,* by the Minister of War. He by the Academy of Sciences to solicit for addressed a letter to the Secretary of the such an undertaking the support of their Go- Academy, requesting instructions respecting vernment. When we consider the talent the erection of Meteorological Observatories and energy of the members of this distin-in Algeria. In this admirable letter he inguished body, and recollect their great timates to the Academy the intention of the achievements in every other department of Government to establish, "in several localscience, and the pecuniary aid so liberally given by the French Government for every object of public utility, we confess that we are unable to account for their apathy in standing aloof from a movement in which we should have expected them to have taken the lead. Circumstances, however, have recently occurred, which, if they do not enable us to obtain a solution of this problem, at least throw some light upon its elements.

After Humboldt's discovery of what has been called "Magnetic Storms," or disturbances of the magnetic needle exhibited simultaneously at great distances on our globe, and his proposal to erect " Magnetic Houses" in different parts of the earth, his friend, M. Arago, so early as 1823, erected, in the Garden of the Observatory of Paris, a small building, intended exclusively for magnetical

*Annuaire Magnétique et Météorologique du Corps des Ingénieurs des Mines de Russie, ou Recueil d'observations Magnétiques et Météorologiques faites dans étendue de l'Empire de Russie, et publiées par ordre de Sa Majesté l'Empereur Nicholas I., et sous les auspices de M. Le Comte Cancrine, Chef-duCorps des Ingénieurs des Mines, et Ministre des Finances, par A. T. KUPFFER, Directeur des Observatoires Magnétiques des Mines de Russie, et Membre d l'Académie des Sciences de St. Petersbourg. Imperial 4to.

Observations made at the Magnetical and Meteorological Observatory, at Toronto in Canada, printed by order of her Majesty's Government, under the superintendence of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL EDWARD SABINE, of the Royal Artillery. London, 1845.

ities differing in geographical position, in soil, in height above the sea, and in climate, small observatories for the purpose of regis tering the temperature of the air, of the ground, and of springs, the pressure of the atmosphere, its hygrometrical state, the fall of rain, the direction and force of the winds, the storms, and the optical and electrical phenomena of the atmosphere." With the advice of the Governor-General, and Dr. Guyon of the Military Board of Health, the localities proposed were,

In the Province of Algiers. Algiers, Milionati, Teniet-el Haad, Orleansville. Province of Oran. Oran, Tiaret, Tlemcen, Sebdou.

Province of Constantine. Bone, Constantine, Batna, and Biskara.

The information requested from the Academy related

1. To the nature of the observations to be made.

2. The kind of instruments required.

*In January 1853, a Meteorological Society was established in Paris. M. Bravais, a Member of the Institute, and a distinguished meteorologist, to whom we owe a most interesting volume on Haloes, was its first president. The British Meteorological Society, under the able direction of Mr. Glaisher, its secretary, had been established about three years before.

Dated April 21, 1853.

3. The manner of observing and of dis- left for future consideration, as if the Com covering errors.

4. The hours of observation.

5. The Tables for facilitating certain calculations; and

6. The schedules for recording the obser

vations.

mission set no value upon having in Algiers magnetical observations corresponding with those made in the observatories of England, Russia, and Germany. In reference to the times of observation, the Commission condemn and reject the common system of ob serving only twice or thrice a day, and As soon as the advice and instructions of point out the necessity of hourly observathe Academy were received, the minister tions. For this purpose they propose that pledged himself to take immediate steps each observatory should have a director and "for organizing this new service in Algeria." two assistants, who should be exempt from Upon the receipt of this letter, the Aca- all other duties either public or private, and demy appointed MM. Regnault, Poillet, that the observatory at Algiers should be also Becquerel, and Mathieu as a commission, to an astronomical observatory. The Commisdraw up the necessary instructions for the sion also express their wish that the five obserguidance of the administration of war; but vatories of Algeria should be placed in rela from causes which we cannot comprehend, tion with five French observatories establishthe commission did not obey the orders of ed, three on the coast opposite to those in Afrithe Academy, and thus lost an opportunity ca, namely, at Marseilles, Port-Vendres, and of advancing the interests of meteorology, Antibes, and two or three in the interior, and carrying out the views of the other Academies in Europe and America.

having a certain symmetrical position with the corresponding ones in Algeria, so that a comparison could be instituted of simultaneous observations made in similar conditions on both sides of the Mediterranean.

More energetic in the cause of science than the Academy or its commission, FieldMarshal Count Vaillant, Minister of War, and a distinguished member of the Acade- In referring to the instruments and methmy, addressed another letter to the secreta- ods of observation, the Commission assert, ry on the 12th of November 1855, soliciting that the plan of registering the observations the instructions for carrying on meteorolo- photographically, which we owe to our coungical observations in Algeria, which had trymen, Mr. Ronalds and Mr. Brooks, have been requested by the administration of done no more than to excite our hopes, and This letter was referred to a new com- that they are neither sufficiently simple nor mission, consisting of MM. Mathieu, Pouil-sufficiently correct to be proposed for the let, Elie de Beaumont, Duperrey, and Lau- observatories in Algiers. The Commission gier, who proceeded to the task assigned omits to notice the methods of registration them, and gave in their report on the 10th by clocks which were proposed in England, December. and hold out the highest hopes of success.

war.

The report gave rise to a sharp discussion in the Academy, which possesses a high degree of interest, and of which we are enabled to give a correct account to our readers. In place of recommending the establishment of twelve observatories, and the excellent system of observation suggested by the Minister of War, the commission proposed only five localities, three on the coast of Algiers, Bone, and Oran, and two at a distance from the sea, one of them being at a considerable elevation. The observations which they recommended were limited to

After the report was read, a scene took place among the academicians so unusual and painful, that the Abbé Moigno was induced to say, that "he would have given much not to have been present at it." M. Le Verrier maintained that the report of the Commission failed in its object, and was calculated to prevent the establishment of observatories in Algeria. To demand hourly observations, and three special observers for each station, appeared to him most unreasonable; and he thought that observations made every three hours, requiring only one, or at most two, observers, would be suffi

1. Temperature and the distribution of cient for all practical purposes. He protestheat.

2. Atmospherical pressures.

3. Humidity of the air.

4. Rain, snow, and hail.

5. Direction and intensity of the wind. 6. The state of the sky.

In this list magnetical, electrical, and optical observations are wholly omitted, and

ed against the opinion, that the system of photographic registration was useless, and he referred to the observations made at Kew and Oxford with Mr. Ronalds' instruments as a formal refutation of it. Field-Marshal Count Vaillant took the same view of the subject as M. Le Verrier. He pronounced the plan of the Commission to be inadmissible by the administration; and he justly re

marked, that in seeking for what was best, this distinguished nobleman. In referring we often render impossible what is good.

to the report of the commission, Count VailHad the discussion been confined to those lant represents it as so discouraging, as to be parties whose opinions were not irreconcila- only to them a dead letter, seeing that they ble, it would have excited but a local inter- had neither observers nor funds at their disest. M. Biot, however, abusing the privi- posal to carry its conclusions into effect. lege of age, ventured to attack both parties, "Is it true," says he, "that in a new country and to depreciate the discoveries and la- like Algeria, conquered yesterday, and pacibours of those eminent individuals in other fied to-day, we require observations more countries who had devoted themselves to precise than those which have been made in meteorological research. After mentioning Europe; and that unless they reach this the great meteorological establishments in precision, they will be useless in reference Russia and in other countries, and character- to the purposes of colonization, the kinds of izing the published results of their gigantic culture to be introduced, the health of the labours as large and very expensive quarto army, and of the natives and other inhabitvolumes filled with cyphers, he dares to say ants? We do not believe it; and in support that neither in Russia nor anywhere else, has of our opinion, it will be sufficient to menany REAL fruit been obtained from these costly tion a few facts. This year the cotton crop publications. They have produced nothing has been very satisfactory in one of the profor the advancement of meteorological science; vinces of Algeria, very moderate in another, and in consequence of the want of a special and very bad in a third. These differences, object, and the nature of their organization, which always have a money value, and which they can produce nothing but masses of dis- lead either to the prosperity or ruin of the jointed facts, materially accumulated, and agricultural colonists-do we not know what without any useful purpose in view either for produced them in 1855, and what may protheory or its applications. And as if he duce them still? It is neither the mode of questioned the good faith of the distinguished culture, nor the attention paid to the plant, men who have devoted their lives to meteor- nor even the nature of the soil;-it is simply ological studies, he adds, "and from their the time of the rains in the provinces of failure in discovering general laws, they have Algiers, Oran, or Constantine. When the flattered themselves with the hopes of prac- cotton has reached a certain stage of its tical applications. In all this we still find growth, it must not be drenched with water. nothing but illusions; and I add, that it could If it rain then, it is wholly lost. How imnot be otherwise. Permanent meteorological portant then is it to the colonist to know observations, such as are at present estab- beforehand, without having to make experilished and carried on, and such as it is pro-ments himself which might lead to his ruin, posed to institute in Algeria, are not only if in such and such a locality he must sow unfit to throw light on the fundamental questions of scientific meteorology, but still more so, to furnish data which can guide the vegetable physiologist in his studies, or the practical agriculturist in its applications."*

The

sooner or later, and whether his crops shall be exposed to be burned by the winds of the desert, or drowned in the floods of unseasonable rains. What can direct him in this matter, except a series of observations, even These observations, as unjust as they are though incomplete, provided they extend unkind, in depreciating the noble and disin- over a sufficient number of years." terested labours, both of private individuals Count then states, that "they have recently and public bodies, excited every where strong received a species of cotton, which ripens in feelings of disapprobation. The violent sortie a comparatively short time; that. it must be of M. Biot, as the Abbé Moigno calls it, tried in localities where the rain takes place formed a painful contrast with the address soonest; and that therefore it is of the of Field-Marshal Count Vaillant, which the greatest importance to learn from meteorsame writer justly characterizes as "equally ological observation where such places are." wise and elegant," and as "a fine model of After pointing out the value of a knowledge good sense, dignity, and moderation, and of the weather in a sanitary point of view of true and useful science which every per- for the army, he justly asserts, "that in son must admire." To this well-merited carrying on military operations, we can no compliment we cheerfully add, that we have personally witnessed on other occasions the talent, and modesty, and amiable conduct of

* Comptes Rendus, &c., 31st December 1855, vol. xli. p. 1180. M. Le Verrier, who replied to M. Biot, has not yet published his Observations.

longer neglect the indications of meteorology. In one part of the regency of Algiers, there is every chance of good weather if the campaign is begun at a particular time; while in another province there occur at the same time a number of days of rain and storms. To determine such points," he adds, “there

is no need of hourly observations, or of gical service of Algeria, to fix upon the best results which are correct to the tenth de- localities for these secondary observations, cimal."* and to determine, at the same time, the ob

Of the importance of meteorological observations to be made, and the times most servations in naval warfare, the Field-Mar- favourable for making them."

shal gives the following interesting example: The report thus modified was accepted -"About a year ago, that dreadful tempest by Count Vaillant, and unanimously adoptwhich broke loose upon the allied fleets in ed, and we may congratulate the scientific the Black Sea, was announced to us from world, that its most illustrious Academy Austria, by the electric telegraph, a long has, in spite of M. Biot, taken its place time before it was felt at Paris. It appears, among the other European and Transatlanthen, that by the aid of the telegraph, and tic institutions, as the patron of meteorolo barometrical observations, we may be ap-gical research. They have not recommendprised several hours, or several days before, ed, however, a system of magnetical obserof great atmospherical disturbances which vations, and have, therefore, left the honour happen at the distance of 1000 or 1500 of establishing them to M. Le Verrier. leagues. How advantageous, then, would This distinguished astronomer, justly appre such a warning be to our coasters and fisher- ciating the liberality and zeal of the Rus men, who are seldom lost excepting when sian, English, and Austrian governments, the storm takes them by surprise! M. Le had directed the attention of the Academy Verrier, who has had the kindness to take to the subject of meteorological observaup this suggestion, and to render it practi- tions so early as the 19th of March 1855, cally useful, has traced the course of the and had addressed to the Ministers of War terrible storm of the 14th November over and of Public Instruction a plan for organdistant countries, and has obtained some izing them. He was, doubtless, incited to very curious facts. If our expectation shall take this step by the illustrious Baron be realized, of predicting such storms, and thus diminishing their ravages, will not this be a great benefit? And who is it that will have conducted us to this fine result? Observers, probably, with more zeal than genius, and instruments more or less defective."

In giving his opinion on the question before the Academy, Prince Charles Bonaparte mentioned the establishment of the Scottish Meteorological Association, under the presidency of the Duke of Argyll, and the secretaryship of Mr. Keith Johnston, and spoke in high terms of the automatic system of registration, and of the zeal of Mr. Airy, Colonel Sabine, and Professor Johnston of Oxford, in carrying on their meteorological observations.

Humboldt, the father of meteorological and magnetical science, who had addressed a letter, dated the 1st of March 1855, to the perpetual secretary M. Elie de Beaumont, urging the establishment and permanent endowment of meteorological observatories* at certain stations throughout France and its colonies, and pointing out the importance of conjoining with them magnetical observations. The plan of the French astronomer was instantly adopted by the two ministers, who authorized immediate measures to be taken "for establishing meteorological observatories at Paris, in France, and in the French colonies, on the largest scale."

On the 21st January 1856, after its discussions had terminated, M. Le Verrier anIn consequence of these discussions, the nounced to the Academy the determination commissioners modified their report in such of the Ministers of War and Public Instruca manner as to admit the value of observa- tion, to found a Meteorological Observatory tions made two or three times a day, and at Algiers, and to make it the centre of magto state that secondary observations, whether netical as well as of meteorological obserdirected by private individuals, or estab-vations. M. Le Verrier, with a well-foundlished by the government, might be advan-ed confidence in the liberality of the admintageously carried on in the principal obser- istration, had previously caused thermomevatories. "It will be the special business," ters, barometers, hygrometers, and magnetthe commission add in concluding their report, "of the directors of the meteorolo

ometers to be constructed; and while the Minister of Public Instruction provided funds for the meteorological instruments, the Minister of War did the same for the magnetical ones. The observers have already received instructions at the Imperial

* La Grenouille du père Bugeaud," says Count Vaillant, "aussi bien que sa casquette, engage encore aujourd'hui le bivouac de nos soldats en Afrique. Ce grand homme de guerre, qui a tant fait pour Algérie ense et aratro, consultait sa rainette avant de mettre *Humboldt characterizes these observatories as ses troupes en marche pour une expédition. Un institutions very intimately connected with the probaromètre, alors même qu'il ne serait pas parfait, ne gress of agriculture.-Comptes Rendus, tom. xl. p. vaut-il donc pas une grenouille ?"

553.

Observatory, and will soon enter upon their served at these hours. The morning hour, important functions. A complete system of however, when the minimum occurs, is so magnetical observations will now be made inconvenient for voluntary observers, that at the Metropolitan Institution; and with we can hardly expect the observations to be such an example for imitation, we may ex- made. pect to see similar establishments even in For these reasons we trust that hourly Spain, Italy, and Turkey. observations will be made in the French Before entering upon the principal ob- observatories. The expense cannot be ject of this article, namely, to show what very great, but if this shall be considered a has been done, and what we may ex-sufficient reason for excluding them, we pect to do in discovering the laws of the would urge the adoption of automatic reweather, and even in predicting its changes in gistration, either by photography or by the particular years, months, days, and even atmospheric recorder of Dollond, or by hours, we are desirous of calling the atten- horological machinery, which the genius of tion of our readers, and of our friends in French mechanists would soon bring to perthe Academy of Sciences, to certain ques- fection. tions raised in the controversy among its We have been rather surprised that neimembers. As the heat which we derive ther the members of the Commission, nor daily from the sun, is the cause or accompa- those who differed with them in opinion, niment of all changes in the weight and suggested observations on the polarization moisture of the atmosphere, in evaporation, of the atmosphere, made in connection with in the formation of clouds, and in the phe- observations on its blue colour. Changes nomena of the winds, the discovery of its of a very remarkable kind often take place laws is the first duty of the meteorologist. very rapidly, and never fail to be succeeded For this purpose we must determine the by changes in the weather. A secretion of annual, the monthly, and the daily curve vapour, which for many hours never forms of hourly temperature; and we agree with into a visible mist or cloud, will suddenly the Report of the French Commission, that show itself in the polarimeter and distinctly hourly observations should be made in every whiten the pure azure of the sky. The disobservatory. If this cannot be done perma- tance of the three neutral points of Arago, nently, they should be made for at least the Babinet, and Brewster, as they have been first three or four years, in order to obtain called, from the sun, and the point opposite to within certain limits, the two daily hours of him, are distinct indications of the state of the mean temperature, the critical interval, atmosphere, and when more extended oband the time at which the maxima and servations have been made, will, doubtless, minima occur. By assuming the hours of be found connected with other contempomean temperature, and observing the maxima raneous phenomena. and minima, we may by two daily observa

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Before we were informed of the "sortie" tions, obtain in a few years, very correct of M. Biot upon the meteorological band indications of them. Taking the critical that was marshalling against the strongholds interval at 11h 15m, and assuming 8h 45m of the temple of the winds, we had in the A.M., and 8h P.M., as the hours of mean tem- interests of the Scottish Meteorological Assoperature, let us suppose that the tempera- ciation, arranged to give our countrymen ture at these hours is 48.6° in the morn- some account of what had been done, in ing and 49.40 in the evening, the mean their own land at least, and of what might temperature being 49°. It is obvious, be expected to be done in advancing the therefore, that the mean temperature has science and extending its applications. In taken place after 8h 45m. A.M., and after the assertion of M. Biot, however, that 8h P. M., so that in the following year the nothing has been done by meteorological observations should be made at 9h A.M., observations but to expend money,-that and 8h 15m P.M., till by this process we have nothing can be done from the very nature obtained the proper hours. In order to find of their organization, and that the meteorthe daily curve, however, we must have the ologist is but propagating illusions when he hours of maxima and minima, and with holds out to the agriculturist or the mariner these data we may construct by a process any hope of his science being practically to be afterwards explained, the annual hourly useful-in this assertion we felt that an curve of mean temperature. But as the insult was offered to our country and ourtimes of maximum and minimum are not selves, and that it was necessary to vindigiven by the self-registering thermometers, cate truth and check presumption by a simthey should first be obtained from hourly ple narrative of what has been done, of observations, and when these are discontin- what is doing, and of what may yet be acued, the thermometer should be daily ob-complished.

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