ON MAGNETICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 37 
to outweigh any which might be derived from more perfect instrumental 
forms. Neither should I recommend the discontinuance of the Balance 
_ Magnetometer where (as at Toronto) it has given good results. I would how- 
-_ ever propose to add the Induction Inclinometer as an additional means of de- 
termining the variations of the third element, if in any case it has not been 
already furnished; and for the observation of the absolute declination and 
absolute intensity, I have suggested a form of instrument (the Zheodolite 
Magnetometer) which appears to combine exactness with facility of manipu- 
lation. Of the two latter instruments I send printed descriptions. To these 
I would propose to add a self-registering apparatus for recording the disturb- 
ances of the declination, which should reach a certain limit, constructed on 
Professor Wheatstone’s fertile principle of employing the force of a closed 
electrical circuit; and it would be easy to contrive it so as to distinguish 
positive and negative deflections on the record. 
In Meteorology, self-registering instruments (on Prof. Wheatstone’s prin- 
ciple, or some other) will probably soon supersede all other means of obser- 
ving. It will of course be desirable that each observatory which is to remain 
in operation should be furnished with such instruments as soon as their most 
convenient form shall have been determined. If to these be added an appa- 
ratus for the observation of atmospheric electricity, on the principle of that at . 
Kew, the equipment would probably be adequate to the present demands of 
meteorological science. 
I fear I have been somewhat prolix, and have only to add, that you are of 
course at liberty to make use of the foregoing suggestions in any manner you 
may think expedient. 
Believe me to be, dear Sir, yours very faithfully, 
/ H. Luoyp. 
X. John Phillips, Esq., to Lieut.-Col. Sabine. 
1 Islington Terrace, Kingstown, March 8, 1845. 
Dear Sir,—1. The objects to be sought for in observations of magnetical 
and meteorological phenomena appear to be the following :— 
a. Observations coincident with the local occurrences of unusual or unex- 
- plained phenomena, such as meteors, rotatory storms, remarkable hail- 
storms, &c. 
B. Observations to detect the laws of extensive disturbances in magnetical 
and meteorological elements, for in all such cases laws must be presumed 
to exist, and may probably be detected and determined. 
y- Observations to determine precisely the laws of general periodical oscil- 
lation and progression, whose ordinary aspect is known or supposed, such 
as daily oscillation, annual oscillation, and secular variation. 
In reference to all these points, it appears to me that the observatories already 
established should be continued. There can be no question that these objects 
are worthy of continued effort; that they are not yet fully attained, but are 
in progress of being attained by the steady employment of the present ob- 
__servation-power ; and that to cease this effort when the laws of phenomena 
are only just beginning to appear, would be quite unworthy of the scientific 
spirit which dictated this great combination. 
2. I am not aware that the establishment of the magnetical and meteoro- 
logical observatories has yet had any great effect in stimulating private experi- 
mental research. This may be in part attributed to the very slight degree in 
_ which the peculiar character of these establishments has become known to 
the public by their published fruits. It appears to me, however, that it is 
