242 THE MECHANICS OF THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHEKE. 



putation with the appropriate numerical data. At any rate such pos- 

 sible process would assume that in the anticyclone, at a certain height 

 above the ground, exactly the same pressure and the same temperature 

 prevail as at less altitudes above the base of the cyclone, since the pro- 

 jection of the curve of condition in this case must possess a double point. 



These few examples, given only in their outlines, will suffice to enable 

 one to realize the varied and useful applications that the method of 

 graphic presentation here developed is capable of. By a further com- 

 pletion and development of the numerical side this method will give 

 not only an excellent auxiliary means for the discussion and evaluation 

 of existing data of observation, but above all will afford an indication 

 as to the direction towards which materia) is to be collected in order to 

 afford a deeper insight into the thermodynamics of the atmosphere. 



If anything should seem especially suited to enable us to recognize 

 the importance of the method of consideration here developed, it is the 

 abundance of questions that press upon us at the first step we take iu 

 this way and that can at present be scarcely enumerated. 1 am think- 

 ing now, not only of the further development of theoretical conse- 

 quences, therefore especially of the meaning of the thermal changes that 

 occur in the atmosphere (especially the application of the second 

 theorem of the mechanical theory of heat to these processes which may 

 be developed in subsequent communications), but also, above all, of the 

 stimuli that are to be derived therefrom to the observations of mountain 

 stations, and especially in balloon voyages. For the latter it is full of 

 meaning, that in thermodynamic investigations the knowledge of the 

 altitude above the sea can be entirely dispensed with and that it is en- 

 tirely sufficient if we know the simultaneous values of the pressure, 

 temperature, and moisture. 



