of the Barometer near Edinburgh. 183 



mean temperatures, the coldest has the smallest oscillation *. 

 We know that in ascending above the level of the sea, they dimi- 

 nish together, the curve of temperature being probably asymptotic, 

 whilst that representing the oscillation would appear to cross the 

 axis at a certain height. At present, I have confined myself to 

 arriving at a generality of the first degree ; the higher degrees, 

 which will embrace the element of temperature, will probably go 

 far towards an explanation of the cause, with which that element 

 is certainly nearly concerned. But we must be contented to wait 

 in the mean time for additional data. 



19. I have done perhaps as much as can be expected from a 

 solitary observer towards fixing the minute quantity correspond- 

 ing to this latitude. It is from public and learned bodies alone 

 that we can look for registers of perfect regularity, combined 

 with precision as to the hours of observation. I look with san- 

 guine expectations towards the establishment of such a one by 

 this Society. Strange though it be, I believe we may safely affirm, 

 that Great Britain does not at this moment produce a register 

 worthy of the present advanced state of meteorology. Scotland, 

 by her geographical position, is well situated for unfolding many 

 important phenomena of Nature, and, amidst the disadvantages 

 of her inconstant sky, offers some peculiar recommendations to 

 the zealous observer both in meteorology and magnetism ; but 

 of these it has been her misfortune to meet with few or none. 



* Thus Konigsberg, though in a lower latitude, appears to have a smaller oscil- 

 lation (see 6.) than Edinburgh ; but then the temperature appears to be only 

 43 F. (Astronomische Nachrichten, Feb. 1823), while that of Edinburgh is 47. 

 It must be hardly necessary here to observe, that, supposing the mean temperature 

 of a place known in a function of the latitude, my formula admits of a direct corn- 

 comparison with' the temperature (t) at the level of the sea. Thus, if Dr BEEWSTEK'S 



formula of t = 81.5 cos be employed, my formula becomes x at* 6 ; a being 

 a new coefficient. 



A a 2 



