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changes in solar activity, and consequently in the magnetic 
condition of the earth, produced corresponding changes in 
the directions and velocities of the great currents of the 
atmosphere, and in the distribution of barometric pressure, 
temperature, and rainfall. It is therefore evidently very 
desirable to discuss observations made at stations in various 
parts of the globe with reference to the variations which 
take place in solar activity, and thus to determine for each 
station the nature of the changes which take place in the 
relations between the several meteorological elements during 
a solar spot period. 
February 27th, 1872. 
E. W. Binney, F.R.S., F.G.S., Vice-President of the Section, 
in the Chair. 
“Results of Observations, registered at Eccles, on the 
Direction and Range of the Wind for 186.9, as made by an 
Automatic Anemometer for Pressure and Direction,” by 
Thomas Mackereth, F.R.A.S., F.M.S. 
The following anemometric results have been obtained 
from an instrument made by Mr. William Oxley, of Man- 
chester, and which has been exhibited and explained at a 
meeting of this Section of the Society. This instrument 
records by means of a pencil the range which the wind has 
made through the degrees of the compass in 24 hours, and 
the exact point or degree at which the greatest pressure 
took place, as well as the amount in pounds of such pressure. 
From these automatic registrations the mean or general 
direction of the wind for any day is easily obtained, as well 
as the number of degrees of the compass through which the 
wind may have veered. The results presented below are 
for one year only, but it is my intention, as early as possible, 
to present to the Section the results of the subsequent 
