462 Analyses of Books, [Dec. 



dian, and the lamp applied at A, the compass placed on A B 

 deviated to the W about 55° ; when placed over the elbow B D 

 it deviated 90° ; and when placed in the middle of B C, it was 

 inverted. I am, dear Sir, yours truly, 



Thomas Stewart Traill. 



Article XIV. 



Analyses of Books. 



Meteorological Essai/s and Observations, By J. F. Daniell, FRS. 



In declaring meteorology to be yet in its infancy, nothing is 

 less intended than to convey a reproach against the cultivators 

 of that promising and interesting field of science ; for it must be 

 remembered, that the instruments by which it is explored, are 

 either altogether of recent invention, or have only of late been 

 rendered, by improved construction, and the estabHshment of 

 formulae for correcting their still unavoidable errors, susceptible 

 of that degree of precision which is essential to accurate results. 

 It is a field, indeed, from which there cannot be a doubt that, at 

 some remote period, a rich harvest will accrue of knowledge 

 most important to the interests of mankind, and exalting still 

 higher the dignity of man, as the only being, to whom it is per- 

 mitted to understand the laws by which the universe is governed, 

 and, out of seeming confusion, to educe a system of magnifi- 

 cent extent and of perfect order. Every one, therefore, is enti- 

 tled to share in the glory of this great achievement who either 

 gives a distinct view of what is already known, and points out 

 what remains to be explored ; or who increases the delicacy and 

 correctness of the instruments of investigation ; or, by patient 

 and multiplied observations, supplies data for general principles. 

 But to estabhsh such principles, there will be required a most 

 extensive co-operation among observers in almost every part of 

 the habitable globe, and an unceasing watchfulness over atmo- 

 spherical phenomena for a long succession of years, if not of 

 ages. 



Among the most important objects to which the constant 

 attention of the meteorologist requires to be directed are the 

 fluctuations of our atmosphere as. to weight, temperature, and 

 moisture, at any particular spot, and at various elevations ; the 

 changes that take place in the distribution of its general mass 

 giving rise to winds both regular and inconstant ; the precipita- 

 tion of its aqueous contents by the commixture of masses of air 

 of different temperatures ; and the influence of various causes 

 upon spontaneous evaporation. From the vapours that float on 

 the surface of the earth, he raises his view to higher regions, 



