| Description | Birt informs Lord Northampton that he was currently investigating the phenomena of atmospheric waves with the support of the British Association, but has faced drawback from the search of meteorological observations.
Birt describes the system of observation which meteorology requires for its advancement. It is a cooperative system in which the points of the earth’s surface must be numerous, but points of observation should not be confined to terrestrial surface but must extend to the oceans. Birt refers to John [Frederick William] Herschel’s work in meteorology.
Birt argues that meteorological observations can be kept by any scientific body or private observer, but only the government can offer official assistance such as naval and military services. Birt references the letter he wrote to Dr [John] Lee of Hartwell House in which he described his system of national observations, and is sending a copy of the letter to Lord Northampton for consideration. Birt intends to send letter on the subject to the Duke of Wellington, and the Earl of Auckland. After further communication with Herschel and Dr Lee. Birt includes extracts from Herschel’s reply, as well as Dr Lee’s comments on Herschel’s remarks.
Birt refers to the similar difficulty Colonel William [Reid] faced in 1838. Birt includes an extract from pages 378, 398 and 430 of Reid’s first edition on the laws of storms. |