Scientific Writings of Joseph Henry ...Smithsonian institution, 1886 - Meteorology |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
action ætherial medium amount of heat appear ascending atmos atmosphere atoms attraction ball body bulb carbonic acid charged cloud column condensation condition conductor connected continued cooled cubic foot degree diameter diminished direction discharge distance earth effect elastic force electroscope elevation equal equator equilibrium exhibited experiment fact feet give given glass globe greater Gulf of Mexico Gulf Stream hence inches inches of mercury increase indicated induction intensity lamp lard oil latent heat latitude light light-house liquid lower magnet matter mercury metal meteorology moisture motion mountain observations ocean oxygen pass perature phenomena plant portion pressure principles produced quantity radiation rain rays regions repulsion result side Smithsonian Smithsonian Institution sound space specific gravity sperm oil storm stratum substance sufficient suppose surface take place temperature tend thermometer tion tricity tube upper vapor vessel weight whole wind wire
Popular passages
Page 421 - The next improvement was made by myself. After reading an account of the galvanometer of Schweigger, the idea occurred to me that a much nearer approximation to the requirements of the theory of Ampe're could be attained by insulating the conducting wire itself, instead of the rod to be magnetized, and by covering the whole surface of the iron with a series of coils in close contact.
Page 292 - Hare attributed the violent upward motion of the air in tornadoes to a peculiar electrical state of the atmosphere in which, while the air was highly positive, the earth was negative, and the bodies carried up were repelled from the earth and attracted by the cloud, as in the case of the dancing figures between the two plates, one of which is connected with the prime conductor of an electrical machine and the other with the earth. We think, however, with Mr. Espy, that electricity is altogether a...
Page 397 - ... future ages. The Greek architect was untrammelled by any condition of utility. Architecture was with him in reality a fine art. The temple was formed to gratify the tutelar deity. Its minutest parts were exquisitely finished, since nothing but perfection on all sides and in the smallest particulars could satisfy an all-seeing and critical eye. It was intended for external worship, and not for internal use. It was without windows, entirely open to the sky, or, if closed with a roof, the light...
Page 427 - I was the first to prove by actual experiment that, in order to develop magnetic power at a distance, a galvanic battery of intensity must be employed to project the current through the long conductor, and that a magnet surrounded by many turns of one long wire must be used to receive this current.
Page 240 - ... cirro-cumulus; and lastly, a composite form, resulting from a blending or confusion of the others, under the name cirro-cumulo-stratus or nimbus. 1. Cirrus, consisting of parallel or diverging fibres, extended by increase of material in any or in all directions. 2. Cumulus, convex or conical masses, increasing upward from a horizontal base. 3. Stratus, a widely extended continuous horizontal sheet, 4. Cirro-cumulus, generally known as " mackerel sky," consisting of small rounded masses, disposed...
Page 384 - Now it will be found, as we shall presently show, that the action of a pointed conductor is purely passive. It is rather the patient than the agent; and such conductors can no more be said to attract or invite a discharge of lightning, than a water course can be said to attract the water which flows through it at the time of heavy rain.
Page 219 - In the explanations we have thus far given we have spoken of the increase of the repulsion of the atoms of water by an increase of heat. By this we mean the increased tendency which they have to separate from each other with a force which resembles simple repulsion, but which, if we adopt the vibratory theory of heat, will be due to the increased intensity of the oscillation of the particles. We have also employed the usual term latent heat...
Page 437 - ... Europe ; but I do not think the sober sense of the more intelligent part of the community would be in favor of this plan ; on the contrary, it would be considered a premature and foolhardy risk of life. It is not in human sagacity to foresee, prior to experience, what simple occurrence, or what neglect in an arrangement, may interfere with the result of an experiment ; and therefore I think it will be impossible for you to secure the full confidence of those who are best able to render you assistance...
Page 118 - The consumption of internal power does not however stop with the development of the young animal, as it does in the case of the young plant. "The young animal is in an entirely different condition : exposure to the light of the sun is not necessary to its growth or its existence: the chemical ray by impinging on the surface of its body does not decompose the carbonic acid which may surround it, the conditions necessary for this decomposition, not being present. It has no means by itself to elaborate...
Page 529 - After an almost uninterrupted period of excellent health for fifty years, I awoke on the 5th of December at my office in the Light-house Depot in Staten Island, finding my right hand in a paralytic condition. This was at first referred by the medical adviser to an affection of the brain, but as the paralysis subsided in a considerable degree in the course of two days, this conclusion was doubted, and on a thorough examination through the eye, and by means of auscultation, and chemical analysis, Dr.