32 M. Dove on the theory of the Variations 
nomena over a considerable portion of its surface, as to enable us 
to take a general view of their course over the whole globe; the 
result of those endeavors has even exceeded what was hoped for, 
as besides the information obtained respecting regions where our 
knowledge was most defective, fresh light has been thrown on 
those with which we had supposed ourselves already completely 
acquainted. 
Meteorology commenced with us by the study of European 
Europe were equally true of the temperate and cold zones of the 
earth in all longitudes, and if tropical America in like manner 
afforded a perfect example of the tropical zone generally, it would 
been first cultivated; but this is not the case, and a too hasty 
generalization has led to the neglect of important problems, while ) 
others less important have been regarded as essential and placed | 
in the foremost rank. It was necessary that the science should 
be freed from these youthful trammels, and this needful enfran- 
chisement has been effected by the Russian and by the English . 
system of observations. Russia has done her part in fresingy the ' 
meteorology of the temperate and cold zones from impressions : 
derived exclusively from the limited European type; and Eng- 
land, which by its Indian stations had undertaken for the torrid 
zone the same task of enlarging and rectifying the views previ- 
ously entertained, has besides, by its African and Australian sta- 
tions (Cape of Good Hope and Hobarton ), opened to us the south- 
ern hemisphere, and first rendered it possible to treat of the 
atmosphere as a whole. [ will now endeavor to show the import- 
ance of being enabled to take such general views, selecting as 
an example the annual variation of the barometer. 
The study of the annual barometric variation had long been 
singularly neglected, while the diurnal barometric variation had 
' had devoted to it an attention quite disproportioned to its subor- i, 
dinate interest in reference to the general movements of the at- } 
mosphere. This otherwise incomprehensible mistake is excused 
ie 
the diurnal variation had manifested itself with great distinctness 
and regularity in tropical aang it naturally presented itself as 
an object of interest in Europe also. The annual variation, on . 
the other hand, is inconsiderable, both in Europe and the aw 
parts of America; and thus, while atmospheric phenomena were t 
pee gi as facts of which the Ladders ity alone was to be 4 
ed, without seeking for physical causes, it was natural 
1omenon, in which opposite effects resulting from two 
canes. counterbalance each other, should altogether 
‘Tt is, ‘more r cable that no ee 
a 
