Manchester Memoirs, Vol. lix. (191 5), No. \%. \J 



stars, Luminous balls, Thunder and Lightning, Aurora 

 borealis, &c. 



Most men who have cultivated the Physical Sciences 

 with success, have had their attention drawn to this 

 branch in an especial manner. Indeed it is not surprising 

 that this should be the case, from the interest which every 

 one must feel in the state of the weather, not only as it 

 influences their own health and comfort, but as it affects 

 the enjoyment of society at large. 



Meteorological Journals are now kept in almost every 

 part of the globe where Natural Philosophy is cultivated ; 

 and it is to be regretted that we have not observations in 

 all parts of the globe ; as facts and observations form the 

 most stable bases for Theories on this or any other sub- 

 ject of Philosophy. — For instance, the late warm and dry 

 Summer, &c, &c. 



I began to register my Meteorological Observations 

 38 years ago, and have continued them to the present 

 time. The Aurora borealis was a principal cause to 

 induce my commencement of a register. This splendid 

 phenomenon was of frequent occurrence at that time, and 

 afforded me great scope for investigation for 4 or 5 years 

 at Kendal. Since that period the phenomena have been 

 rare in this part of Europe. 



On leaving Kendal I published a small volume of 

 meteorological observations and essays ; the chief merit 

 of which (if it have any) consists in explaining the two 

 great causes of wind — and in describing the observations 

 of the Aurora borealis so as to lead to a theory of this 

 wonderful appearance. — In the succeeding years I have 

 published occasional Essays in the Memoirs of the Literary 

 and Philosophical Society of this Place on meteorological 

 subjects. 



Abundance of light has been thrown on the nature of 



