Mastering the basics of weather science, from the ground up.
This revised, enlarged first volume collects foundational essays on the atmosphere, its composition, and the physical forces that drive meteorological phenomena. Drawing on Daniell’s work and editor commentary, it presents a clear, approachable path through early theories of air, humidity, diffusion, and atmospheric electricity, with practical context for readers new to meteorology.
Written for readers who want a solid, historic introduction to weather science, this edition pairs the original insights with updated framing by editors who completed the manuscript after the author’s death. It includes a short memoir of the author and notes on the work’s development, helping readers understand the evolution of meteorology as a discipline.
What you’ll encounter
- A structured overview of atmospheric science, from the constitution of the air to the behavior of vapors and humidity
- Explanations of key meteorological concepts, such as barometric pressure, temperature, diffusion, and currents
- Illustrative discussion of the forces shaping weather, including gravity, heat, and electricity
- Context about how the work was prepared and published, with insights into the editors’ approach
Ideal for readers of historical science, students seeking a foundational text in meteorology, and collectors of classic scientific literature.