International Science 1

Abstract

IN an address delivered to the British Association at its Belfast meeting in 1902 I expressed the opinion that meteorology might be advanced more rapidly if all routine observations were stopped for a period of five years, the energy of observers being concentrated on the discussion of the results already obtained. I am glad to say that meteorologists have taken this remark as being meant seriously, and its echoes still reach me from distant parts of the earth. They disagree with me, but their disagreement is of the apologetic kind. I do not wish to retract or to weaken my previous statement, but merely to qualify it now to the extent that it is only to be applied to two-dimensional meteorology. There is a three-dimensional meteorology as far removed from the one that confines itself to the surface of the earth as three-dimensional space is from a flat area. Three-dimensional meteorology is a new science, which at present requires the establishment of new facts before their discussion can properly begin. The extension of our range of observations by kites and balloons is of comparatively recent origin. Mr. Archi (2) bald in this country was one of the pioneers of meteor-ological investigation by means of instruments attached to kites. In the United States Mr. Rotch, having established a separate observatory, succeeded in convincing scientific men of the great value of the results which could be obtained. M. L. Teisserenc de Bort, who established and maintained an observatory for dynamic meteorology at Trappes, near Paris, rendered similar services with regard to “pilot“ or unmanned balloons carrying autographical instruments. The aéronautical department of the Royal Prussian Meteorological Institute, with Dr. Assmann at its head, under the direction of Prof. von Bezold, also made a number of important contributions in the early stages of the work. Prof. Hergesell, of Strassburg, similarly made numerous experiments, and chiefly through the efforts of those whose names have been mentioned, and more especially Prof. Hergesell, an international agreement has been secured by means of which kite and balloon ascents are made in several countries on the first Thursday in each month, and on three consecutive days during two months of the year. A large station for aeronautical work was recently established at Lindenberg, near Berlin, where kites or balloons are sent up daily for the purpose of securing meteorological records. The greatest height yet reached was during the ascent of November 25, 1905, when by means of several kites sent one after another on the same wire, the upper one rose to an altitude of 6430 metres, almost exactly four miles. Owing to want of funds this country could until recently only participate in this work through the individual efforts of Mr. Dines, who received, however, some assistance from the British Association and The Royal Meteorological Society. The reconstruction of the Meteorological Office has made it possible now for Mr. Dines's work to be continued as part of the regular work of the office, and further stations are being eslished. Mr. Cave carries out regular ascents at his own expense at Ditcham Park, and through the cooperation ofthe Royal Meteorological Society and the University of Manchester, assisted by a contribution for apparatus from the Royal Society Government Grant Fund, a regular kite station is being established on the Derbyshire moors.