| RefNo | MA/16/1 |
| Previous numbers | MA.16 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Meteorological observations at Feldhausen, South Africa, by John Frederick William Herschel |
| Creator | Herschel; Sir; John Frederick William (1792 - 1871); astronomer and mathematician |
| Date | 21-22 June 1836 |
| Description | Thirty-two hourly observations, commencing at noon on 21 June and continuing to midnight on 22 June [Summer solstice]. With columns for: observation number; time by astronomical reckoning; barometer readings in inches and decimals; temperature measured by mercury in the barometer; dry and wet external thermometers; records of solar radiation by actinometer, with timings of the observations; wind direction and force; blue sky; and remarks on the general state of the weather.
Headed: 'Hourly Meteorological Observations for the June Solstice of 1836 made at Feldhausen near Wynberg, Cape of Good Hope, by Sir John F.W. Herschel.'
An extended note below the main table gives some details of the instruments employed: 'The Barometer being brought to correspondence in its readings with the Royal Society's standard corrected for capacity but not for capillarity, not for temperature or height above the sea level. The thermometers are all brought to correspondence with a Standard by Newman (superintended by Mr. Daniell) which was found to be in exact agreement with the Standard of the Royal Society...' The note ends 'Turn over', but there is no continuation. Endorsed [p.2]: 'Meteorological Observans. Cape of Good Hope 1836.' With a large inscrition: 'Table'. |
| Extent | 2p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| Dimensions | 380x232mm. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8238 | Herschel; Sir; John Frederick William (1792 - 1871); mathematician and astronomer | 1792 - 1871 |