483 



The advancement of the study of meteorology was with 

 Mr. Kirwan a favourite object, and he devoted to it much 

 attention. Adopting the formula of Mayer, he constructed a 

 table showing the temperature of every latitude between the 

 Equator and the Pole, and endeavoured to show that it was io 

 accordance with observations. 



In his essay on " the variations of the atmosphere," he stu- 

 died the subject of temperature as affected by elevation, and 

 other correlative topics of high interest ; and was one of the 

 first to suggest, as a means of improving meteorological science, 

 the establishment of corresponding societies in different parts 

 of the world, pointing out the important results to be anti- 

 cipated from a combined system of observation. In connexion 

 with his meteorological labours, it will not be out of place 

 to mention that he published " Thoughts on Magnetism," 

 his views in relation to the aurora borealis, a design for an ane- 

 mometer, which has been praised by Howard, and numerous 

 other papers on subjects of minor importance. 



Dr. Pickells, in conclusion, observes : " With every dispo- 

 sition to celebrate his worth, it would, after all, be presumptuous 

 to deny that the task of rendering full justice to merit so 

 varied and transcendent will still await and solicit the execu- 

 tion of a-more competent hand. Meanwhile departed genius 

 will not disdain this humble tribute at its tomb. Thirty 

 years* have now elapsed since that tomb closed upon the 

 remains of the illustrious Kirwan, but his memory cannot 

 fade with the lapse of time. The gratitude of mankind will 

 attes* his services ; and history, in tracing the progress of 

 those sciences which he cultivated, and to the prosecution of 

 which by others he gave so powerful an impulse, will perpe- 

 tuate to late posterity the honours of his name." 



* Dr. Pickell's paper was first read before the Chemical Section of the 

 British Association for the advancement of Science, in Cork, in the year 

 1843. 



