Mastering weather from the ground up: a landmark, practical look at atmospheric science
This classic collection by J. Frederic Daniell blends theory with hands‑on observation. It surveys the atmosphere’s general structure, introduces a simple, accurate hygrometer, and examines how heat, radiation, and pressure shape daily weather. The volume also documents the author’s climate findings for London, along with meteorological observations from Madeira, Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and other tropical and subtropical stations, all enriched by collaborations with Captain Sabine and others.
The essays are arranged to illuminate both concept and method. You’ll find practical guidance on constructing and using meteorological instruments, plus thoughtful discussion of how the sun’s radiation interacts with air, land, and vegetation. The text also includes detailed notes on barometric behavior, temperature corrections, and the interpretation of long‑running weather records.
What you’ll experience
- Clear explanations of atmospheric phenomena and the principles behind meteorological tools
- Step‑by‑step guidance for building and employing a novel hygrometer and other instruments
- Insight into radiation, dew point, and barometer oscillations with historical data and tables
- A view of climate, observations, and method from London and other global stations
Ideal for readers of historical science, weather enthusiasts, and students seeking a hands‑on look at early meteorology and its enduring questions.
Why does mercury move in a barometer? Why do plants require light? And did Pliny the Elder understand the theory behind atmospheric humidity better than the scientists of the early nineteenth century? This popular collection of essays, revised and published in 1827, tackles all these questions and more.