Eptiome of the electro-meteorological and magnetic observations, experiments, etc. made at the Kew Observatory / [Sir Francis Ronalds].

  • Ronalds, Francis, Sir, 1788-1873
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Eptiome of the electro-meteorological and magnetic observations, experiments, etc. made at the Kew Observatory / [Sir Francis Ronalds]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Epitome of The “ Kew Electro-Meteorological ana Magnetic Observations and Experiments,” 8$c. THE principal object of this enumeration of Proceedings at, and relative to, the Kew Observatory during the last five years of my honorary directorship, is to adduce, as briefly as possible, some evidence of a constant desire to promote the views of the British Association in general, and more particularly. First, as regards the well known chief purposes of my going there, viz. the establishment of an apparatus for the correct observation of Atmospheric Electricity; whereby the main¬ tenance of an uninterrupted series of such observations might be insured : and Secondly, in regard to my invention of an efficient system of self¬ registration (by means of Photography) of all meteorological, and ter- restro-magnetical instruments. The first chief purpose had long been deemed a desideratum, and I trust that it has been effected in a satisfactory manner, and that the intended reduction of the five years of uninterrupted electrical observations will not prove a useless addition to the stock of information which has been accumulated by the British Association. The second principal purpose was also deemed an important deside¬ ratum, and although it has not yet been carried to its full application, by reason of insufficiency of funds; (It has hitherto been applied to the at¬ mospheric Electrometer, the Thermometer, the Barometer, and the de¬ clination Magnet only,) yet strict investigation and comparison have shewn that the advances, already made, have been completely successful, and leave no doubt as to the extensive applicability of the system, not only to meteorology and magnetism, but to many other useful purposes. It will be seen that in several other respects successful attempts have been made to improve the means of meteorological investigation. And I hope that a desire to accomplish the ends of all my humble la¬ bours at Kew, with due regard to financial considerations, will be apparent in the little appended digest. But a minor object, which I trust that the general tenor of this state¬ ment will greatly tend to accomplish, is the correction of an erroneous report or impression, still obtaining a certain degree of currency, to the effect that I have been employed at Kew under the direction of other per¬ sons, and not in carrying into effect plans, inventions, and suggestions of my own. Having (when questioned by many distinguished visitors to Kew), in¬ variably claimed the invention or the improvement, and the direction of all that part of the Apparatus and Proceedings referred to below, and which are not mentioned as the inventions, &c. of other persons (or well known old inventions, &c.) 1 cannot avoid taking the opportunity of challenging rigid enquiry into the validity of those claims, and this is done much rather for the sake of guarding against the slightest imputa¬ tion of vile charlatanerie than for the purpose of defending my right to contrivances,&c. which, however useful they may be (or may become) are not such that any person of common experience in affairs of this sort and of common sense, would dream of greatly priding himself upon.