Vol. 6, 1920 
PHYSICS: R. H. GODDARD 
493 
On the whole the observations here reported confirm the conclusion 
that environmental conditions play an important part in the determina- 
tion of the bodily form of the adult. It is obvious, therefore, that ex- 
planations that take into account only hereditary causes cannot satis- 
factorily account for the observed phenomena. This is particularly true 
of stature and weight, which appear extremely variable in the same 
lines of descent, according to the environmental conditions in which the 
individuals live. 
THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE ROCKET IN WEATHER FORE- 
CASTING 
By Robe^rt H. Goddard 
Department of Physics, CivArk Coi^lege 
Communicated by C. G. Abbot. Read before the Academy, April 27, 1920 
Most Desirable Conditions for Obtaining High Altitude Data for Weather 
Forecasting. — It is well understood that the pressure, temperature, wind 
velocity, and moisture content, which obtain at the top of the troposphere, 
i.e., at the 10 km. level, would be of much importance in weather fore- 
casting; making possible the prediction of surface conditions many miles 
distant from the place of observation. 
The data would obviously be of greatest value if obtained simultaneously 
at a number of separated stations. If this were done, an accurate weather 
map, representing conditions at a definite high elevation could be made, 
and compared with that representing surface conditions. Such a high 
altitude weather map would also be of obvious importance in aviation. 
It is evident that the time of ascent should be as short as possible, not 
only in order that the data for the various stations should be obtained 
simultaneously, but also in order that drifting by the wind, and the conse- 
quent difficulty of recovery of the apparatus, be reduced to a minimum. 
The descent should also be as rapid as possible, for the same reasons, with 
proper arrangements to prevent damage on landing. 
It would also be desirable, although not essential, that the instruments 
remain at, or near, the 10 km. level for from one to five minutes. 
In short, then, the most desirable method of obtaining high altitude 
data for weather forecasting, would consist in the sending of instruments 
to the 10 km. level daily, from a number of stations, the ascent and de- 
scent being as rapid as practicable; provision further being made, if de- 
sirable, for maintaining the instruments at this level during an appreciable 
interval of time. 
The Rocket Method as a Means of Realizing These Ideal Conditions. — 
Although the ordinary rocket has a vertical ran.s^e of but a few hundred 
