lOO 



NA TURE 



\_yune II, 1874 



the dry and wet bulb hygrometer will, 'from its great 

 simplicity and on the whole very satisfactory working, 

 continue to be the most suitable instrument to put into the 

 hands of ordinary observers for observations of the hu- 

 midity of the atmosphere ; and since the dew-point, elastic 

 force of vapour, and humidity are not directly observed 

 by this instrument, but are only deductions from the ob- 

 servations, it is most desirable that the methods of re- 

 ducing the observations be the best attainable. The 

 tables at present in use, while tolerably good for the 

 temperatures ordinarily observed in this country, are 

 very inaccurate for times of great drought and heat. 

 Indeed it is essential to the development of this important 

 branch of meteorology that the tables for the reduction of 

 the hygrometric observations be submitted lo a thorough 

 revision, since reductions by different methods now in 

 use give in extreme cases, from observations of the 

 same air, dew-points differing fully 2o°'o from each other. 

 Extensive experiments and observations are also re- 

 quired in order to ascertain the conditions of a good 

 position for the anemometer, to devise some means for 

 comparing velocity anemometers, and to determine the 

 relation of the velocity of the wind to the pressure which 

 it exerts. These important practical questions, of which we 

 are at present altogether ignorant, can only be adequately 

 investigated at an observatory devoted to researches in 

 physical meteorology. 



In order to complete the preliminary meteorological 

 survey of the earth's atmorphere and surface it is indis- 

 pensable that measures be taken to obtain observations 

 from the less frequented regions of the ocean, from 

 Arctic and Antarctic regions, large portions of British 

 America, South America, Africa, and Polynesia ; as well 

 as observations of underground temperature obtained 

 by improved methods at greater depths and from a more 

 extended area of the earth's surface than have hitherto 

 been made ; and observations of the temperature of 

 lakes at the surface, at great depths, and at their outflow. 

 Till this be done our knowledge of terrestrial physics must 

 be very imperfect. The extent of the British depen- 

 dencies, the regions into which British commerce pene- 

 trates, and the readiness British " exiles " show to forward 

 meteorological inquiries, point out fhat it is mainly to 

 Great Britain we are to look to fill up the present blanks 

 in the meteorology of the globe. 



In working out the great national question of local 

 climates it is absolutely indispensable that uniformity as 

 regards instruments and methods of observation be se- 

 cured at the different stations. This many-sided problem 

 admits of different methods of treatment according as 

 the inquiry is directed to agriculture, commerce, public 

 health, or any of those other interests or pursuits which 

 are more or less influenced by weather and climate. In 

 investigating local climate in these relations new lines of 

 inquiry must be set on foot. The nature and importance 

 of some of these inquiries may be illustrated by referring 

 to two lines of research recently taken up by the Scottish 

 Meteorological Society, and noticed in Nature at the time. 

 It is proposed to inquire into the influence of the sea on 

 climate, particularly the extension inland of this influence, 

 which has so marked an effect on animal and vegetable 

 life and such important bearings on the national pros- 

 perity, by establishing strings of stations from different 



points on the coast, and extending from the sea-shore to 

 about two miles inland. It is further proposed to investi- 

 gate certain of the more important practical problems — 

 such as the relation of wind-force to the barometric gradient 

 — by thickly planted storm-stations, radiating in lines ia 

 various directions from Edinburgh. 



If meteorology is to be built on the solid ground of 

 rigorously attested facts, it is imperative that measures be 

 taken for the prosecution of such lines of investigation as 

 those now indicated. To those who have given any con- 

 sideration to the matter it is unnecessary to add that in 

 no other way can the m.eteorology of the British Isles be 

 placed on a thoroughly sound and satisfactory footing. 



With reference to the means by which these physical 

 and climatic researches in meteorology are to be carried 

 on, it may be suggested whether, considering the local 

 influence and knowledge which are absolutely essential 

 for the successful prosecution of inquiries into local cli- 

 mates, it would not be the best as well as most economi- 

 cal course for the Government to avail itself of the assist- 

 ance of the Meteorological Societies. On the other hand, 

 the physical researches we lave indicated, together with 

 storm warnings, ocean meteorology, and some other de- 

 partments of climatic meteorology beyond the power of 

 Societies, can only be undertaken by the Government. In 

 the future development of the meteorology of the British 

 Isles, the co-operation of the INIeteorological Societies 

 with the Central Department is necessary, each having its 

 own separate sphere of action, and each being to a large 

 extent dependent on the other. 



RECENT FRENCH GEOLOGICAL WORKS 



Principes dc Geologic Transfoniiistc. Bar Gustave 



Dolfuss. (Paris, Savoy, 1874.) 

 Elements dc Geologic ct dc Palcontologie, Par Ch. Cont- 



jean. (Paris, BailH^re et Fils.) 



'""T'HESE two recent French publications connected with 

 J- Geology we propose to notice briefly together. In 

 M. Dolfuss's earnest and suggestive little book another 

 proof is given of the way in which the views of the 

 Evolution School are permeating the minds of the rising 

 generation of students in every branch of Science. If we 

 may judge of the author from a periis.al of his work, he 

 is an enthusiastic pala;ontologist_ who, drinking at the 

 fountains of Darwinism, seeing clearly enough the ten- 

 dency of modern thought, and full of dreams about the 

 great future of his favourite science, has with the eager- 

 ness of a neophyte rushed forward to preach the creed 

 which he so firmly believes. Whether or not this surmise 

 be a true one, the book has much of the earnestness, 

 ambition, vagueness, and inexperience of an early literary 

 venture of an aspirant to fame. The real downright 

 earnestness of the writer is one of the best features of the 

 book. But we imagine that this quality would not have 

 been impaired by a little delay in publication. The 

 historical summary shows how limited is the author's 

 range of reading. He speaks, for example, of Mutton 

 having attributed everj-thing in geology to the action of 

 fire — an utter misconceptiim and misstatement of the 

 doctrines of the great philosopher. 



He very properly claims for Constant Prevost a high 



