INTRODUCTION. -j^j^ 
which should be followed on hoard the vessels of all friendly na- 
tions, and especially of those there present in the persons of their 
representatives. 
XL. Prussia, Spain, the free city of Hamburg, the republics of 
Bremen and Chili, and the empires of Austria and Brazil, have 
since offered their co-operation also in the same plan. 
XLI. Thus the sea has been brought regularly within the do- 
mains of philosophical research, and crowded with observers. 
XLIL In peace and in war these observations are to be carried 
on ; and, in case any of the vessels on board of which they are con- 
ducted may be captured, the abstract log — as the journal which' 
contains these observations is called' — ^is to be held sacred. 
XLIIL Baron Humboldt is of opinion that the results already 
obtained from this system of research are sufficient to give rise to 
a new department of science, which he has called the Physical 
GrEOGRAPHY OP THE Sea. If SO mucii liavo already been accom- 
plished by one nation, what may we not expect in the course of a 
few years from the joint co-operation of so many ? 
XLIY. Rarely before has there been such a subhme spectacle 
presented to the scientific world : all nations agreeing to unite and 
co-operate in carrying out one system of philosophical research with 
regard to the sea. Though they may be enemies in all else, here 
they are to be friends. Every ship that navigates the high seas 
with these charts and blank abstract logs on board may henceforth 
be regarded as a floating observatory, a temple of science. The 
instruments used by every co-operating vessel are to be compared 
with standards that are common to all ; so that an observation 
that is made any where and in any ship, may be referred to and 
compared with all. similar observations by all other ships in all 
other parts of the world. 
But these meteorological observations which this extensive and 
admirable system includes will relate only to the sea. It is a pity. 
The plan should include the land also, and be universal. It is now 
proposed to have another and general meteorological congress ; and 
the initiatory steps, by way of counsel, for calling it together, have 
been taken, both in England and on the Continent. It is to be 
hoped that this country will not fail to co-operate in such a hu- 
mane, wise, and noble undertaking as is this. It involves a study 
r 
