Meteorological Observations and Essays. - [THE FOUNDATION OF METEOROLOGY]

London, W. Richardson, 1793. Cont. hcalf, professionally rebacked in old style with raised bands. orig. gilt title-label preserved. XVI,208 pp. Light yellowing to leaves, scattered brownspots. Front-and end-papers brownspotted. First edition of Dalton's first book. In chemistry Dalton was the founder of "The Atomic Theory" (A New System of Chemical Philosophy 1808-27) and with his "Meteorological Observations" and supplementary lectures he laid the foundation of modern meteorology, establishing the cause of air's homogeneity and formulating the law of partial pressures. In the attempt to give solid experimental bases for his studies, Dalton laid the foundation of future atomic theory, beginning an experimental inquiry into proportions of different gases in the atmosphere. (PMM p.157). - A.L. Smyth No. 1.