As any reader knows, this blog and its author are anal about thermometers and weather conditions in general. While reviewing one of the products we carry, the Fitzroy Storm Warning Indicator, I reviewed it with Wikipedia for more information of interest.
First, we all know that the indicator was used by Mr. Fitzroy, the captain of Charles Darwin’s ship, the Beagle, on the journey. The storm indicator proved to be reliable as a barometer at that time. Go to Wikipedia to this information. Once you are there (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_glass) read about Fitzroy and the Storm Glass Indicator and then for the truly adventurous, follow the discussion tab and find literally 100’s of pages regarding weather activity.
The great mystery of the Storm Glass is what is actually in that liquid that changes color and lights up the different chrystals foreshadowing the future weather with relative accuracy. Apparently there are different opinions of what the mixture should be, the good captain of the Beagle’s formula is listed here:
distilled water, ethanol, potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, and camphor
So does this formula work and how is it viewed in today’s world of digital communication and scientific calculations and even satililates helping with the forecasting and tracking of storms in the middle of the world’s oceans. Check out the links and find out how this “magical” devise helped keep sailors alive and ship still floating.
The Storm Weather Indicator does work, but at the time and even today how it works is the biggest question? Anybody get an idea on what the magic may be, drop a line and we will publish all theories. Need more info, go to the link listed above.
Clear weather’s acomin’
Weatherwizard
andthetemperatureis 