Oceanographic and meteorological instruments

Date

1667

Creator

Unknown, Engraver

Creator - Organisation

The Royal Society, Publisher

Object type

print
engraving

Article identifier

10.1098/rstl.1666.0009

Material

paper
ink

Technique

engraving

Dimensions

width (paper): 240mm
height (paper): 195mm

Subject

Earth Sciences
> Oceanography
Earth Sciences
> Meteorology

Content object

scientific environment & equipment
> instrument

Description

Eight figures to issue 24 of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, including oceanographic and meteorological instruments.

Figure 1 Dipping needle used to measure the angle between the horizon and the earth’s magnetic field. Comprising of a circular dial marked with degrees and suspended from a pendant with a horizontal cross bar and a single needle shaped like an arrow.

Fig 2. Diagram of an instrument for sounding the depth of the sea without a line. Comprising of a large wooden globe and a lead weight below attached with a spring wire. The depth of the sea is calculated on the time taken for the wooden globe to return to the surface of the water. Fig.3-5 show three designs of lead weight, conical in shape with iron crooks.

Fig.6 Meteorological diagram of an anemometer, instrument for measuring wind direction and strength. A quadrant shaped device with a paddle for catching the wind.

Fig. 7 Diagram of a hydrometer, an instrument for measuring the gravity of water, showing a glass tube blown with a double chamber at the bottom comprising of a sphere to act as a float and a vessel for holding quick-silver below and sealed at the top.

Fig. 8 Diagram of an instrument for bringing samples of water to the surface from any depth of the sea. Comprising of a square wooden bucket attached to iron bar with a line at the top and weight at the bottom. Valves on the bucket remain open on the descent into the ocean by the resistance of the sea water and close once the instrument is pulled upwards.

Plate to Directions for observations and experiments to be made by masters of ships, pilots, and other fit persons in their sea-voyages: printed with enlargements and explications of what was formerly published of this kind, suggested by Sir R Moray, partly by Mr Rook [Hooke] published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Vol. 2, issue 24 (8 April 1667) pp.433-448.

Hooke’s paper concerning the observables for making a history of the weather was read at the meeting of the Royal Society on 7 October 1663, Journal Book Original JBO/1/151. Original drawing to fig.6 can be found in the Classified papers of the Royal Society CLP/20/2. Recorded in the Register Book of the Royal Society RBO/3/1 and copied into the Register Book copy, RBC/2/39.

Fig. 2 and 8 were published earlier in An appendix to the directions for seamen, bound for far voyages, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Vol. 1, issue 9 (12 February 1666) pp.147-149. Original drawings can be found in the Classified papers of the Royal Society CLP/20/23 and CLP/20/35 and recorded in the Register Book of the Royal Society RBO/2i/70 and RBO/2ii/60. Further copies can be found in the Register Book copy RBC/2/30 and Manuscripts General MS/776 pp.482-483.

Related fellows

Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703, British) , Natural philosopher

Associated place

<The World>
> Europe
> United Kingdom

Oceanographic and meteorological instruments

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