1869.] CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS. 113 



believed that this is the earliest available record. The invention 

 of the barometer in 1643, andof the thermometer in 1590, seemed 

 destined to throw new lustre on the progress of the science. As- 

 tronomy it is true has given to the world more lasting and fixed 

 results, for the celestial orbs have undergone but little change ; 

 while the nature of the ever-changing elements is still unfixed. 

 At the present time every nation has its own measure of temper, 

 ature, atmospheric pressure, rain, wind, &c. ; and above all, a 

 point of the most vital importance, each has its own hour for 

 observation. In this way the results obtained are vitiated, and 

 the great aim of modern science, unity of purpose, is lost. Science 

 is knowledge reduced to order, and the object in Meteorology is to 

 obtain a correct knowledge of the cosmical laws which regulate 

 and influence the universe. 



What influence have the sun, moon, and planets on the 

 weather? — is a question which science must answer. 



If the sun and moon have so much influence upon the ponderable 

 fluids in our seas, and great lakes, how much more may they not 

 exert over such an elastic and easily moveable body as our atmos- 

 phere ? Meteorology should embrace the study of such ideas as 

 these, our united eftbrts should tend towards their solution, from 

 which we may hope to gain practical advantage. At all events, 

 if there are impediments to final results, let such be the means by 

 which they will be detected and exposed. 



Observations made either by individuals, colleges, observatories, 

 or nations, must be brought together into a limited space of time. 

 They must each be reduced to one common standard before they 

 can serve the general purposes of science. Self registering instru- 

 ments are the best and most suitable for this object. By means 

 of them the science itself is at once traced and left indelible on 

 the register. They form at the same time a natural measurement 

 of time, space, and amount ; while nothing short of a large area 

 of country will furnish the necessary means and extent of survey. 

 Let our observations, if possible extend beyond the Kocky moun. 

 tains, and this is a matter of much consequence. This chain 

 separates North America, as it were, into two portions. It in- 

 fluences the climate of British America in no small degree, and 

 seems to produce the ebb and flow of the great atmospheric sea, 

 and to absorb our heat and moisture. At least our instruments 

 at this distant point appear to indicate this. 



Another important source of inquiry, especially in reference to 



Yol. I. H No. 1. 



