Record

RefNoMA
LevelSeries
TitleMeteorological Archives
CreatorThe Royal Society
Date1706-1915
DescriptionManuscripts of meteorological observations, with magnetic surveys and tide tables. The series contains 394 sets of results in all formats from tables to diaries, in all sizes from single sheets to runs of several volumes and from all areas of the world. This type of record has been solicited by the Society during several periods of its history. Its own observations until 1843 (when the duties were transferred to the Royal Greenwich Observatory) are recorded in 16 volumes for the period 1827-1843 (MA.230-249). Various other manuscripts cover the information gathering done by the Meteorological Committee.

Includes MA.154 observations sent by Michael Faraday to the Royal Society.
LanguageEnglish
Extent394 sets of results, 111 bound volumes, 54 boxes of loose papers.
FindingAidsIn Card Catalogue by name of observer and location of observations. Later entries are kept together under the title 'Meteorological Archives'
AccessStatusOpen
AccessConditionsNo photocopying
AdminHistoryThe Meteorological Archives collection was created in 1839 as the result of an order by the Meteorological Committee of the Royal Society which stated in a report of 21 Novemeber 1839 that: "the archives of the Society should be searched for meteorological observations, which when found should be stored separately" see report at MM/14/38. Meteorological observations have been solicited by the Royal Society during several periods of its history. In 1723 James Jurin appealed for observations via the 'Philosophical Transactions' and from 1725 instruments were sent to foreign observers to assist in this process. The resulting observations were abstracted in the 'Philosophical Transactions' by William Derham, Geroge Hadley and others, but are preserved entire in this series (though some also appear in other series including classified papers and early letters). The Royal Society kept its own observations for the period 1774-1843 from which date the duties were transferred to the Royal Greenwich Observatory. In the mid 19th century further impetus was given to such information gathering by the Meteorological Committee, and many of the manuscripts date from this time
RelatedMaterialThe National Archives, BJ 7 Fitzroy Papers; Using information provided by a paper finding aid, enhanced descriptions have been added to the online catalogue for 1011 files (BJ 7/60-1070). This private paper collection traces the early history of meteorology and contains vital information on historical weather conditions, which could help predict current weather patterns and the impact of global warming. Catalogue completed December 2011.
RelatedRecordMM/14/38
Image

Meteorological Archives

Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA8218Faraday; Michael (1791 - 1867); natural philosopher1791 - 1867
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    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

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