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Weather Instrument Used on Darwin's BeagleAdmiral Fitzroy (1805-1865), as commander of HMS Beagle, participated in the DarwinExpedition from 1834-1836. In addition to his naval career, Fitzroy did pioneer work inthe field of meteorology. The Beagle's instrumentation for the Darwin Expeditionincluded several chronometers as well as barometers, which Fitzroy used for weatherforecasting. The Darwin Expedition also was the first voyage under sailing orders thatthe Beaufort wind scale be used for wind observations.

One type of barometer used by Fitzroy was a storm glass. Observing the liquid in thestorm glass was supposed to indicate changes in the weather. If the liquid in the glasswas clear, the weather would be bright and clear. If the liquid was cloudy, the weatherwould be cloudy as well, perhaps with precipitation. If there were small dots in theliquid, humid or foggy weather could be expected. A cloudy glass with small starsindicated thunderstorms. If the liquid contained small stars on sunny winter days, thensnow was coming. If there were large flakes throughout the liquid, it would be overcastin temperate seasons or snowy in the winter. Crystals at the bottom indicated frost.Threads near the top meant it would be windy. Take a look at the notes Fitzroycompiled on use of the barometer and thermometer.

Here are instructions for constructing a storm glass, described by Pete Borrows inresponse to a question posted on NewScientist.com, attributed to a letter published inthe June 1997 School Science Review.

Ingredients for Storm Glass

2.5 g potassium nitrate2.5 g ammonium chloride33 mL distilled water40 mL ethanol10 g camphor

Dissolve the potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride in the water; add the ethanol;add the camphor. Place in corked test tube.

Mark Ford, who has been making storm glasses for years, e-mailed me to add thatman-made camphor, while very pure, does contain borneol as a by product of themanufacturing process. His experience is that the synthetic camphor doesn't work aswell as natural camphor, perhaps because of the borneol.

Mr. Ford advises dissolving the nitrate and ammonium chloride in the water, then thecamphor in the ethanol. Next, slowly mix the two solutions (adding the nitrate &ammonium solution to the ethanol solution works best). It also helps to warm thesolution to ensure complete mixing. Mr. Ford never uses a cork, preferring to seal themixture in small glass tubes.

No matter what method is selected to construct a storm glass, the reader is advised touse proper care in handling the chemicals.

Fitzroy's Storm Glass

Chemistry

The premise of the functioning of the storm glass is that temperature and pressureaffect solubility, sometimes resulting in clear liquid; other times causing precipitants toform. The functioning of this type of storm glass is not fully understood. In similarbarometers, the liquid level, generally brightly colored, moves up or down a tube inresponse to atmospheric pressure. Certainly temperature affects solubility, but sealedglasses are not exposed to the pressure changes that would account for much of theobserved behavior. Some people have proposed that surface interactions between theglass wall of the barometer and the liquid contents account for the crystals.Explanations sometimes include effects of electricity or quantum tunneling across theglass.

Italian mathematician/physicist Evangelista Torricelli, a student of Galileo, invented thebarometer in 1643. Torricelli used a column of water in a tube 34 ft (10.4 m) long. Stormglasses available today are less cumbersome, easily mounted on a wall.

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A beautiful hand crafted Storm Glass.

The glass dome measuring 80mm (3.2inches) in diameter and 140mm (5.5inches) high is fixed to a polishedmahogany base giving it an overall height of150mm (6 inches).

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The Storm Glass byWeems and Plath$129.99 $98.95 Captain's Price!

Available in Brass or ChromeBrass - ES 55 01 01 6

Qty 1

Hook Sold Separately

This mysterious weather predictor has been used since 1750. Admiral Fitzroy, the famous sailorand meteorologist, used the Stormglass aboard the HMS Beagle during his historic voyage withDarwin.

After 250 years, how the Stormglass works is still a mystery, but it isbelieved that it has to do with the electromagnetic changes caused byweather and sun storms. The appearance of the crystals inside theglass indicates changes in the weather.

The sealed glass chamber that holds the crystals is encapsulated in abeautifully crafted brass cylinder. It can be displayed freestanding ormounted to a boat bulkhead or wall using an optional mountingbracket. Available in polished brass or chrome.

Dimensions: 1.65" x 5.75"Weight: 15.7 oz.

The appearance of the crystals inside the glass indicates changes in the weather.

From Left to right Forecast

1. Fernlike crystals are building up Cold andstormy

2. Fernlike crystals are disappearing Warmer3. Star crystals are falling down Frost4. Crystals all over Rain

5. Clear liquid Fair andDry

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Admiral Fitzroy's Storm Glass

LARGE Type

Torka社(ドイツ）製

20,790円

(左側 )マホガニー色仕上げ 在庫ございます (右側）オーク色仕上げ 製造終了品

サイズ幅 11cm×高さ 46cm

化粧箱入り

弊社取り扱いの天気管のうち最も豪華な、保護ガラス付きの木製ケースに入っています。その姿だけでも、インテリアとして魅力的です。

右側にStorm Glassが、左側には寒暖計が並んで取り付けられています。

また、盤面下部にはStorm Glassの見方が説明されています（英文)

盤面にはStorm Glass Barometerと書かれていますが、いわゆるバロメーターではありません。

ご贈答品にも好適かと存じます。

Torka社による商品説明

Bring a piece of Old World, 19th Century, into your home with the Admiral Fitzroy Storm Glass & Thermometer. Thiselegant, functional conversation piece will reveal forthcoming weather changes as the camphor crystals transform within thefluid. The Storm Glass was invented by British naval officer Admiral Fitzroy, (1805-1865), and his experiments proved thatcamphor distinctly reacts to changes in the electrical current in the air and in the wind direction. The camphor reacts innumerous distinguishable ways with the two extremes being: clear fluid - nice weather; feathery fluid - stormy weather.

This unique wall hanging unit offers a storm glass tube and a room thermometer encased within a beautiful wooden displaycase with a glass face. Details of how to read the storm glass, taken from the original directions by Admiral Fitzroy, areprinted on the inside of the instrument. Available in your choice of an oak or mahogany finish. Temperature Range 0°F to120°F (-15°C to 50°C), Length 18 1/4", Width 4 1/2", Depth 2 1/4".

なお、寒暖計の目盛り（華氏側）に、4つの英文表記があります。

製造元に問い合わせましたところ、これは昔の寒暖計に普通に見られる表示で、それぞれの温度に関連するものを表しています。

Blood Heat: 血温（体温) 98.6 º F. Sum Heat: 夏の暑さ。夏の日の平均的な気温 78 º F. Temperate: 厚からず寒からずの中間的な気温 58 º F. Freezing: 氷点 32 º F.

この表示とそっくりなものが、現在江差町教育委員会様が所蔵する古い天気管に漢字で書かれています。

本商品は最終生産品となりました。

ご注意本計器の動作原理は解明されておりません。 天気予報に実際役立つかどうかは保証いたしかねます。 主に気温の変化に影響を受け、結晶の変化をお楽しみいただくことは出来ると思います。 弊店では、あくまでもインテリアとしてお楽しみいただくことを目的に販売させていただきます。

天気管の取り扱い説明はこちら

天気管は通信販売でもお求めいただけます。全国へゆうパックにてお届けいたします。

天気管の通販はこちらからどうぞ

お問い合わせはメールでどうぞ

天気管の画像付き掲示板をご用意 いたしました お求めいただきました天気管の結晶 の様子などご報告ください

江差町教育委員会所有の天気管について

弊店を御紹介いただいております サイト「天気管の謎」へのリンクは こちら

訪問販売法に基づく表記はこちら

Stormglass - это "склянка для предстказания погоды",очень древний инструмент, который нетрудноизготовить самостоятельно (3.5 г камфары, 2.6 гселитры и 1.8 г нашатыря растворить в 71 г хорошего(?) спирта. Такая порция рассчитана на пробиркудлиной 12 дюймов и шириной в 3/4 дюйма). В пробиркеобразуются красивые кристаллы, которые то растуту тораспадаются. Сравнивая вид кристаллов с таблицейможно очень просто и точно предсказать погоду.Однако как эта штука работает и в чем секрет"предсказаний" никто до сих пор не знает.

Штормглас – легенда или реальность? >>Загадочная ампула >>НАБЛЮДЕНИЕ ЗА РАБОТОЙ ПРИБОРА “STORMGLASS" >>

P.S.Если все что пишут - правда, то предлагаю заменитьметеоспутники на склянки, может тогда метеорологисмогут предсказывать погоду :)

Разместил: admin на 16/08/2005 (15 Прочтено)

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Научный взгляд: Элетронный микроскоп своимирукамиХотите увидеть атомы собственными глазами?Энтузиасты публикуют инструкцию в картинках поизготовлению собственными силами электронногомикроскопа.

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Разместил: admin на 16/08/2005 (8 Прочтено)

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Sergey P.Fediaev

Russian

Observation Over Work of the Device "STORM GLASS"INTRODUCTION

The time of the device's invention is approximately 17-18 centuries, the most probableplace - England. The inventor is unknown, probably he was certain self-taughtalchemist. Who knows, maybe he had mixed substances for some purpose, but seeing,that camphor has dropped out in sediment he thought, that the solution was spoiled.After that he wanted to pour it out, but something distracted him and he forgot aboutit. However in some time he has looked at a jar and has seen that the solution is not inthe same condition any more, then he started to make observation and paid hisattention for that.

It is interesting, that though such devices already have been made in 1725 in England,nobody knows till the present days how this device works. The message about thisdevice I have read in a magazine " Young technician for skilful hands " N1, 1989, but Ipaid attention to this article only in 1995.

And I had read about this device earlier in the novel "'20,000 Leagues Under the Sea "by Jules Verne, there was such device aboard of "Nautilus". I was interested by thisinformation and I decided to make such device myself. I start to search for informationabout substances included in it, I tried to define a type of chemical reaction, and then Ihave assumed that thin fields play a role in work of the device. I came with the device toA.A. Shpilman and, before I had informed him about my guesses, I has heard from himthe same assumption. How I saw, he has known about this device for a long time, but hejust didn't have time to assemble it.

We have made an experience irradiating the device by thegenerator of "axion field" (GAF) (see. A.Shpilman "TheGenerator of axion field", "Free research" N3/95, N5/95, N2/96and photos) during 5 minutes from the distance of 2 sm. Wenoticed that the structure of sediment has changed, it has startedto dissolve partially.

In some time the device has returned to an initial condition.

Returning home, I started to carry out a series of experiments, thereport about which I offer to your attention.

The description of devices and course of observationsThree devices have been made for realization of experiments - two experimental and thecontrol one.

The composition of devices includes camphor spirit, potashsaltpeter (KNH3), chloride ammonium (NH4CL) in the ratio

4:1:1 and distilled water. The amount of substances was takenaccording to the information of the "Young Technician..."magazine, and it was re-count concerning 10 % solution ofcamphor. Resulting solution was divided into two parts and it was

filled up into devices 1 and 2; the control device 3 was made earlier and the volume of theresulted sediment in it was more, than in experimental devices. However the structure ofdeposits keeps similarity.

Till 26.11.95 an irradiation was made by GAF and by photoflash two times a day in themorning and in the evening, at that the devices varied.

In the morning the first one has irradiated by GAF, and then the second device - by thephotoflash, in the evening - conversely.

After 26.11.95 the irradiation by the photoflash was stopped, because the picture did notchange, in the case there were not any changes of weather. The beginning of observation data- till 2.12.95. After stopping of irradiation by photoflash one of devices (N367) was used ascontrol one in addition to basic control device. The main control device was assembled onone the basis of hygrometer (the device for definition of humidity), consisting from dry andmoistened thermometers.

Results of "S.G." observations and brief characteristic of weather were also registered in thetable 2 times a day. The phases of the moon also were registered in the diagrams and thetables. In November, after finishing of observations, the rose of winds with the averagesketches of the most typical indications of the "S.G." was made. The indications weredistributed concerning the direction of wind, and also concerning the state of theatmosphere's conditions. The indications of the control device were shown in the tableconcerning the directions of the wind. Till 03.12.95 irradiation by GAF was made during 5minutes from distance of 2 sm., after 03.12. - during 10 minutes.

Results of ObservationsThe observations for the control "S.G." was made from 20.10.95 to 06.12.95 Theexperiments were carried out from 02.11.95 to 06.12.95. However the complete informationabout the work of the device we could not receive and the experiments would be continued.Nevertheless it was possible to find out the following: the condition of devices ischaracterized by seven degrees of camphor's crystallization:

1. Friable porous mass pointed to calm clear weather.2. The flakes were characteristic for southern and east winds at dry cloudy weather first andfor western, southwest at less-cloud and clear weather with strengthening of a wind.

"Mass" "Flakes" "Needle"

3. Crystals in the shape of needles took place at prevalence of southern and western winds,cloudy and overcast weather with strengthening of a wind.4. Crystals as a shape of small fern's leaves occured at northern and western strengtheningwinds, carrying atmospheric precipitation or frost.

"Leaf" "Twig"

"Starlet" The indications of "STORMGLASS"

5. The large branchy crystals like palm-leaves were met only 2 times in experimental devices.It happened on the 2-nd and on the 11-th of November. In the first case there were snow

showers, on the 11-th of November there was a blizzard. In the second case the blizzard wasfor the second and third days. On the 2-nd of November there was a first quarter of the moon,on 11-th - full moon.6. Starlets. It seems that leaves were the increased beams of a star, they have similarstructure. The size of starlets were from 0,1 to 0,7 mm, they had eight beams. They tookplace on 20.11.95 at the clear sky, southeast wind; on 25.10.95 - during snows withstrengthening of southwest wind in the control device and on 06.12.95 in the device ¹ 367 atless-cloud weather and southwest strengthening wind. First two cases were during the newmoon, and the third one - during the full moon. The starlets were noted on 13.11.95 too, inthe last quarter of the moon, at a southern wind during a blizzard. The blizzard also tookplace in a day. There was a snow in 7 days after 20.11.95

The indications of "STORM GLASS"

7. Dots. They were met once in the control device during the new moon at clear weather withweak western wind. They were accompanied by "leaves" below them. For the 3-rd day it wasthe snow. The dots, probably, were the simple and very small starlets.

The "leaves" have dropped out in the control device on 20.11.95 during the first quarter of themoon at strong western wind and snow. Volume, occupied by them, has reached 17-18milliliters. For the 3-rd day there was a fog, then the hoarfrost, and on 03.12.95 was the snow,on 06.12.95 temperature of air was sharply lowered. Cloudiness has sharply decreased, therewere noted the stratus clouds of a high layer and iridescent circles around of the Sun.

These supervision were made on the control device basically.

At irradiation of the experimental device by the generator of axion field during 5 minuteswere noted reduction of volume and more rarely - shape of crystals. Volume has decreasedon 0,2-0,3 ml, and density of filling - on 10-50%. The change of the shape of crystals wasnoted in 8 cases. The restoration of structure occurred for 10-15 minutes after irradiation byhalves. Complete restoration - for 25-30 minutes.

In December I irradiated the device during 10 minutes. Thus the changes occurred not in theupper layer as usual, but in underlying layers. Volume of a layer we conditionally consider as1-2 ml. Thus the changes of density of sediment were more notable, instead of changes ofvolume. When I irradiated one device by GAF, and another one by photoflash in thebeginning of experiments, there were a change of a condition of the device and fluorescence

of a sediment and solution (this is earlier determined property of camphor) at an irradiationby photoflash. However, when I have removed the 2-nd experimental device further from the1-st one, only fluorescence has kept.

This fact allows assuming that change in the device can be caused not only by axion's beam,but also by induced field.

Plan of the further researches includes a break with the purpose of complete restoration of acondition of devices. Then will be a month with 10-minute irradiation, and in the further - thevariations with ratios of constituent substances and their concentration. The purpose of a newseries is to change sensitivity of the device. The outcome of this experiment can result in anopportunity of detection of the induced fields. It can help to determine objectively theirborders.

Camphor's propertiesCamphor is monoterpene ketone, contained in etheric oilsof camphor laurel, in some breeds of coniferous trees,absinthe etc. It is possible to get synthetic camphor fromturpentine. The properties of synthetic camphor aresimilar natural one.

Camphor's crystals are colourless, with an original smell;it seems bitterish at first, and later - with freshening taste.It dissolves in the organic solvents well, but bad in water.

With increase of temperature the solubility increases too. It fluoresces in ultra-violet light. Itis applied in engineering as phlegmatizer of smokeless gunpowder, for manufacturinf offilms, repellent. This substance is used in medicine for stimulation for nervous, respiratoryand cardiovascular actions, for abatement of muscular pain, it also can raise vigour. Theproperties of camphor's medical action are insufficiently investigated; there are inconsistentitems of information. In small dozes the influence is imperceptible, in large dozes it hasaction similar with narcotic. The spasms are possible; the paralysis nervous andcardiovascular systems of mammals can be caused too. In view of inconstancy of influencethis remedy undesirable for applying as a cardiostimulator, in these cases Cordiamin orCorazol work more surely.

Ketones. RCOR’, class of organic compounds containing carbonyl group, >C=O, connectedwith two identical or different hydrocarbon radicals. It can be obtained by oxidation ordehydrogenation of secondary spirits etc. methods. The solvents, for example acetone,methylethylenketone, cyclohexanol. As the not sated compounds, ketones showactivity in reactions of hydrogenation and replacement. So at hydrogenation they, at thepresence of metal catalysts, attach hydrogen and turn to secondary spirits.

RCOR’+H2 ® RCH(OH)R’

At interaction with PCl5 the atom of oxygen is replaced on two atoms of chlorine.

The terpenes, natural hydrocarbons of the formula (C5H8)n. There are monoterpenes (n =

2), sesquialteral terpene or secviterpenes (n = 3), diterpenes (n = 4) etc. They are applied inperfumery, manufacturing of medicinal preparations, lubricant oils etc.

Probably, reaction in "S.G." proceed in three stages.

1) (NH4)+Cl-+K+(NO3)-=(NH4)+(NO3)-+K+Cl-

2) (C5H8)2-+O2-+K+Cl-+(NH4)+(NO3)-=(C5H8)2+Cl-(NO3)++K+(OH)-+(NH3)0

3) (C5H8)2ClNO3+KOH+NH3=(C5H8)2OCl+KNO3+H2

(Continuation in N3/96)Translation of M. Dvoretskaya

We express our gratitude to mr. James D Mann for taking part in preparing of this article.

Thematic ContentsCONTENTS

Sergey P.Fediaev

Russian

Observation Over Work of the Device "STORM GLASS"(Continuation, the beginning in N1/96)

We continue the conversation which was began in N1/96. There were made two devicesfor these experiments. One was marked as O2GI and it had points across 0.1 ml. Iirradiated it by the generator of "axion field" (GAF). Another one was marked as

N367. These devices were filled with the same solution:

Camphor alcohol 10% - 40 ml.

Potash saltpeter (KNO3) 4.2% - 10 ml.

Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) 2.7% - 10 ml.

The solution was divided into two parts.

Irradiation of the device O2GI by the device GAF took place during 10 minute it has resultedin a little bit unexpected outcomes. In the case of irradiation during 5 minute there werechanges in the top layer of sediment, but now there were changes in underlying layers. Thecharacter of changes was the same as in the first case that was reduction of volume or stageof crystallization.

The new experiment consisted in the following. I have doubled volume of NH4Cl in the test-tube O2GI either in the # 367 volume of KNO3, keeping initial concentration of solutions. Inthe both test- tubes the dregs has appeared, then it began to precipitate. But in the first test-tube it was considerably slower than in the second one. After an irradiation of both test-tubesby GAF during 5 minute volume of sediment has not appreciably changed, but density hasinsignificantly decreased. This process was more appreciable in the first test-tube.

There was more appreciable sediment as a shape of flakes in 0.5 hour after irradiation in thebottom parts of test-tubes. In first one it was approximately 11 ml, and in the second test-tubeabout 10 ml. The next day clean liquid has increased in the top parts of test-tubes, and thesediment at the bottom has become more precisely visible. The dissolution occurred nothomogeneously per all volume, but there was division into layers. When I have moveddevices to a warmer room and the dissolution went faster. I put both devices on the TV set byturn, but I have not noticed any changes because of it. In the process of dissolution ofsediment division on stages of crystallization has become more appreciable. The completedisappearance of dregs in the device # 367 has taken place in five days. The sediment hasmade 7 ml. Irradiation by the device GAF during 5 min. has resulted in that fact that thesediment was divided into layers of 5ml of "flakes" and 2ml of "needles". In the same timethere was about 5 ml of transparent liquid in the top part of device O2GI, 10 ml. of slightly

turbid liquid and 9 ml of sediment. After irradiation the differentiation of sediment on stagesof crystallization has become more appreciable. There was about 4 ml of "mass", 3 ml of"flakes" and 2 ml of "needle".

It was noticed that at change of a stage of crystallization pH varied within the limits from 0.5-1.0 in both devices. The crystals looked less precisely in test-tube with prevalence NH4Cl.

For continuation of experiments the devices were assembled, in one of which there was asolution of recommended concentration (see "Young Technician for Skilful Hands" N1,1989), and in the other one the concentration was counted for 10 % of camphor spirit.

Mixture

Substances Recommended Solution New Solution

Camphor 7.7 ã. (12.2%) 10%

NH4Cl 3.88ã. (6.1%) 2.5

KNO3 5.83ã. (9.1%) 4.4

alcohol 63.78 60

The new devices have started to work in 7 days. pH was defined by indicated papers forphotoreagents. pH of both devices has made 7. After an irradiation by GAF it has changed to6.5. It was rather difficult to determine the exact meaning of that, because a scale fordetermination was rather rough.

In the period from 21.02.96 to 2.03.96 the observation have not brought anything new. Thecrystalline sediment showed to the strong wind and precipitation. On the 25 and 26 Februarythere was snow; on the 28 and 29 of February was hoarfrost. Temperature of air was up to -30°C below.

In March the strong northeast wind basically blew, it was up to 5-6 wind forces. Temperatureof air was up to -25°C below. There was frequent hoarfrost on ground and on trees that time.From 2.03.96 to 7.04.96 the crystals in the shape of "needles" and "leaves" became to gatherin the top part of the control device, their volume was up to 10 ml.

From 2.03.96 to 31.03.96 sediment had rather dense mass, so I even thought that the devicewas deteriorated. From the 1 to the 4 of April sediment in the top part has started to dissolveand was up to 1-3ml. On the 4 of April the sediment almost completely has filled the test-tube. On 4.04.96 from 6.15 am to 6.25 am I observed a complete lunar eclipse. From 4.04 to7.04 sediment now occurred (in the morning), now disappeared (in the evening). Its volumemade 1-2ml. On the 7 and 8 of April there were "dots" and "starlets" which have occupied allvolume from 20ml up to top. On the 9 and 10 of April there were light morning frost on theground, on the 13 and 14 of April there was a rain, on the 15 and 16 - the dense fog, on the 17of April was light morning frost on the ground. While the sediment in the control deviceoccupied the top part of the test-tube, it was in the shape of "twigs" in experimental devices.

The results of observation from 28.02.96 to 7.04.96 allow assuming, that the Moon and Suninfluence on the device "Storm-Glass". By the way, on 24.10.95 there was a complete solareclipse. At that time device "laid in a faint", volume of sediment was less than usual thoughweather was cloudy and on the 25 of October there was snow and blizzard accompanied byground wind, and on the 26 of October was blizzard.

How can influence the Sun and Moon to the device during eclipses? Let's try to consider amutual location of the Sun, the Moon and the Earth at this time.

Gravitational fields of the Sun and the Moon compensate each other, therefore theirinfluence weakens.

The gravitational fields are combined and their action amplifies.

From 4.04.96 to 7.04.96 sediment consisted of three parts: top part with volume of 1-2ml,middle part about 15 ml and bottom one with volume 2-3ml. From 8.04.96 to 13.04.96 therewere 2 parts: top part about 15 ml and bottom part about 1-2ml. From 1.04.96 sediment hasrun up to the bottom of the test-tube. On 18.04.96 sediment has taken on the shape of leaves,its volume has decreased. The wind was southwest, the sky was less cloudy and there was notany atmospheric precipitation.

In March both experimental devices were placed in a ring magnet in turn on some days. Thismanipulation has not given appreciable effect, but it looked like the crystals become morefriable, they have lost legibility, but the stage of crystallization have not changed.

It is noticed that when I opened devices for gauging of pH, they considerably reducedsensitivity for some time. This fact also took place at infringement of air-tightness of devices.It is possible that partial pressure plays a role in their work, which created by steams inside oftest-tube. Maybe because of that fact it is recommended to shake up liquid 2 or 3 times perone year, and the vessel should be sealed or hermetically closed and cover with sealing wax,isn't it? The permeability of a vessel for light or other radiation should be provided withconstant maintenance of a vessel in cleanliness.

There was not find out anything new from April 18 to May 16. The devices were carried outfrom a magnet. In several days the devices have come in an operating duty and started to fillby distinct crystals. The "twigs" started to occur more often at change of weather.

From the 4 of May to the 5 of June crystals in the shape of "leaves" and "needles" started tooccur and to disappear in the top part of the test-tube of the control device. On the 16 of Mayvolume of sediment in top has amounted to a maximum and has made 7 ml.

From the 4 of May to the 8 of May it appeared in the morning and completely disappeared bythe evening. On the 9 and 10 of May it has been in the morning and in the evening, its volumemade 1-7ml. From the 18 to the 25 of May it appeared only in the morning, but from the 25 tothe 27 of May this fact took place in the morning and in the evening. From the 25 of May tothe 31 of May it has been only in morning and during a day. From the 1 of June to the 5 ofJune sediment in the top part of the test-tube was only in the morning.

From the 4 of June to the 7 of June there was hot dry and less-cloudy weather. A wind wasvery weak (about 1 - 2 numbers) of southern and western direction. In the morning of the 7 ofJune at 7 o'clock in the morning the sediment in the shape of flakes in the bottom hasamounted to 17 - 18 ml, in the top part - about 5 ml. In the top part "leaves" became to fall, inthe middle part "starlets" and "dots" occupied 10 ml. The supervision from the 4 of May tothe 7 of June have shown that if the condition of the device really depended on the Sun,Moon and Earth, but not only from weather, so the solar activity has probably changed thesedays. Whether the influence of stars so essentially or not must get clear up more or less aftera lunar eclipse on 27.09.96 and solar eclipse on 9.03.97. But the new surprises could appear.

For now I can only assume that in the second decade of June are possible: reduction oftemperature, strengthening of wind up to 5-7 numbers, cloudy weather, long rains orhailstones. The prevalence of southwest, western and northeast winds is probable.

(Continuation in N4/96)

Translation of M. Dvoretskaya

We express our gratitude to mr. James D Mann for taking part in preparing of this article.

Thematic ContentsCONTENTS

Sergey P.Fediaev

Russian

Observation Over Work of the Device "STORM GLASS"(Continuation, the beginning in N1/96 and N3/96 )

There were the descriptions of the observations over the device "storm-glass" in the 1and 3 issues of journal in 1996. I offer to your attention the next part of it.

In the 6 of July 1996 one trouble has happened. My daughter has broken the controldevice. I decided to restore the device from the remainders of the solutions, which havestayed from the previous experiences. But before that I have taken the device N367 andhave become to examine the solution with microscope. Previously I have measured pH

and it was 7.

I examined the device with 50-900 magnifications. There were distinctly visible spectralbeams from crystals at small and average increases. At 200 times magnification thestructure of sediment was striped. In process of dissolution in the solvent and at thelarge magnifications the crystals became more and more shapeless and turned intoporous mass. In a dry state some crystals had the round and hexagonal form. It was

impossible for me to get the magnification more than 900 times; I did not havenecessary equipment for that.

The device, which has been created again, turned out disabled because theconcentration of salts had not been kept up. That is why the new variants of the control

and experimental devices were assembled.

Control device:

CamphorNH4ClKNO3

12.5%0.3 gram0.4 gram

Experimental device:

CamphorNH4ClKNO3

10%0.6 gram1.1 gram

Making the first solution I have added camphor (approximately 2-2.5 g), which have beeneduced from the previous solutions and washed out by boil water into 10 % camphor spirit.The dissolution has occurred easy at temperature 28 OC. After, that I have re-counted amountof salts concerning 30 ml and has filled the test-tube.

White curdled sediment, gathered in the middle part of the test-tube, has dropped. There wasmuddy liquid under it and transparent one above it. This device was used as control becauseits structure corresponded to a recommended (standard) one.

Making a new solution the concentration of salts was twice reduced and 10 % solution ofcamphor spirit was taken. White curdled sediment uniformly occupied the whole test-tubeN367.

The purpose of last control device's updating was to approach its structure to the standard oneand to make observations. But the released camphor hardly would be rather pure, and itshumidity has not considered either. That is why the contents of salts would be higher, butcamphor's contents would be lower then recommended one. It can have an effect on accuracyof the indications. The increase of the contents of salts, especially NH4CL, reduced

sensitivity. Camphor's contents influenced on density of sediment. It proved to be true by thatfact that the device with re-counted on 10 % solution camphor was filled with branchycrystals before deterioration of weather, these crystals were not very distinct, but translucentones.

The mixed substances were placed into test-tubes and plugged up by rubber fuses. Thecontrol device was coated with sealing wax. The test-tubes were placed in water withtemperature about 50 OC.

The sediment has been quickly dissolved, risen up and, continuing to dissolve, taken theshape of oil drops. The liquid in the top part of test-tube painted in yellowish color, itsvolume has made 1-2ml. In the control device color was more intensive. At initial addition ofsalts pH was equal 7, now it has made 6.5. In the top part of device N367 was gathered about1 ml of yellowish transparent liquid as the dissolution was completed, and all the rest was adregs of milk color. In the top part of the control device was gathered about 2 ml of yellowliquid, and all the rest was transparent. In some hours a ring of a yellow liquid in the controldevice was painted in reddish color. At decreasing of temperature there was sediment as ashape of flakes, at increasing it was dissolved.

The devices started to work properly in some days. In the control device the crystal sedimenttook the shape of druse and leaves. Those days, when there were rains or thunderstorm there,the sediment had the shape of flakes and it was dissolved at clear weather. Against of theprevious variants of the device, it was noticed muddling of liquid up to milk color; it seemedto us the accuracy of the device has not suffered.

The device N367 was placed in a ring magnet, the yellowness in the top part almost hasdisappeared in some days, and the sediment has taken the shape of porous mass with bubblesof gas in it.

On the 29 of July the control device was placed in the street, because, being in the room orbetween window-frames the device could give the inexact indications, as it was in conditionswhich were different from condition of weather. However, as it has appeared later, it did notinfluence on device's work.

On the 3 of August a new variant of the device N367 was assembled. In the previous onethere was reduced the contents of salts, and that fact has resulted in deterioration of

sensitivity. In addition, the heating of solution was made in a hermetically sealed vessel,what, probably, has resulted in formation of an orange-yellow oily ring. Probably, thepressure of allocated gas was very important in this. The confirmation to that was that factthat heating was made in open test-tube that time. The sediment, which has dropped out atmixture of substances, was dissolved, but in the middle of the test-tube a foggy ring of lightgrey color was formed. Above this ring the liquid was transparent, but slightly dim; but underthis ring it was transparent, containing bubbles of gas. Nobody knew how to explain it. Thering occupied volume about 1 - 2 ml, in process of cooling it extended, getting muddle theliquid. As moving the test-tube, the movement of the level of the liquid was insignificant, butthe ring was more mobile.

The concentration of substances was re-counted on 10 % camphor's solution, but thevolumetric ratio was broken. There was approximately 0.5-1 ml of salts on it than it wasrecommended. pH has made 6.5.

There was a clear weather, western wind with force about 2 numbers at construction of thedevice. In the device O2GI the sediment has taken the shape of twigs and occupied volumeabout 8 ml. In the control device the sediment at the bottom was as a shape of flakes about 1-1.5 ml., there were 4 ml of transparent liquid in the middle part and then 5-7 ml of starlets andneedles. Then there was a transparent layer with leaves about 1 ml, and there were flakes andneedles higher. Generally in this variant of the control device very often took placestratification of sediment on crystallization's degrees from the lowest flakes up to higherstarlets and dots. But the sediment was more homogeneous in the previous variant. In thebeginning of August the ring has not disappeared, but has turned to a crown with denticlesfrom needles and leaves. On the 7 of August we could notice a transparent tawny ring withvolume about 1 ml in the top part of the device. In the 8 of August the crown has become lessexpressed, its denticles "hid" and turned to needles. The yellow ring became turbid by flakes.

On the 3 of August the control device showed a rain in 3-4 days. Actually, on the 6 of Augustthere was a rain. The rains were also on the 13, 15, 17 and 22 of August. On the 28, 29 and 30of August there was drizzle, turned into a rain.

There was mainly dry cloudy weather in August there with prevail northwest winds. Theatmospheric pressure changed from 702 up to 720 mm and the average indication has made712.6 mm. Monthly average temperature was + 19 OC, its daily average fluctuations havemade 9.2 OC. Monthly average humidity was 84 %, its daily fluctuations was 14.2%.

The strongest excitation of the control device took place on the 4, 11, 12, 15, 20, 22, 25, 26,27 and 30 of August. And the strongest excitation was from the 20 till 22 of August, i.e.approximately one month prior to a complete lunar eclipse. Another very strong excitationwas on the 25-27 of August. The test-tube was almost completely filled by flakes.

From the 27 of August till the 30 of August, probably, the basic influence of a coming nearereclipse began. If till August 30 the excitation lasted about 1-2 days, so from August 30 tillSeptember 3, from September 5 till September 9 and from September 12 till September 16 theexcitation lasted about 3-4 days. The strongest excitations were on the 7 and 8 and on the 28and 29 of September, i.e. three weeks prior to an eclipse and two days after it.

The eclipse was on 27.09.96. At the moment of an eclipse the device was exited and filled byflakes, which were denser in the top part of it. This day there was a dry cloudy weatherwithout precipitation. There was stratus-cumulus cloudiness about 8 numbers; i.e. the skywas on 80 % covered with clouds. A wind was southwest about 2 numbers.

The device was filled by flakes, which were denser in the top part of it with volume about 15ml. Lower of this layer there were scattered flakes and dots, and in the bottom there wasabout 2-3 ml of flakes.

The same picture was before an eclipse. But after an eclipse flakes started to be replaced bycrystals in the shape of "needles" and "leaves", sediment in the bottom and in the middle parthas become to thaw, but sediment in the top part started to decrease in volume too.

In September average temperature has made + 14,3; the relative humidity varied from 63%up to 100 % and on the average has made about 84,7%. The pressure varied from 698 mm upto 726 mm, on the average has made about 713,8 mm.

In spite of the fact that the structure of the new control device was differed from former one,the indications of these devices before a lunar eclipse coincide in general.

It is interesting, that in March the northeast winds prevailed, in April southwest ones tookplace more often, in August northwest winds prevailed again, but in September southeastwinds were more often. The device showed a similar picture; i.e. it is possible to consider thatthe influence of lunar eclipses on "storm glass" is established.

However it is necessary to remember, that weather was similar in April and in September.But, all the same, presages and consequences of lunar eclipses in the indications of deviceswere very similar. The following complete lunar eclipse is expected on September 16, 1997from 21.14 to 22.20 on Moscow time.

What will show a complete solar eclipse of March 9, 1997? At 4 hours on Moscow time therewill be the peak of an eclipse.

In October exactly one year will be from the beginning of observation over the "storm glass".At the end of October and in the beginning of November the results of observation will besummed up. Though the indications of the device rather exactly predict weather, neverthelesssome questions are not clear yet:

1. How does the direction of a wind influence on it? The question is caused by that fact that atvarious directions there can be identical indications and on the contrary.2. Why does the shape of crystals change instead of occurs only liquid's turbid? What doesinfluence on a stage of crystallization?

For the answer to this question it is necessary to receive the more detailed information aboutconditions of crystals' formation. You see they are formed not only because of evaporation ofsolutions; probably, any other conditions are necessary. By a word, we still have what to thinkabout.

How do chemical reactions in the device occur?On this question I could not find the answer yet.

At this theme look also in http://id.mind.net/community/orgonelab/xqweathe.htm andhttp://newscientist.com/lastword/answers/lwa296gadgets.html .

Translation of M. Dvoretskaya

We express our gratitude to mr. James D Mann for taking part in preparing of this article.

Thematic ContentsCONTENTS

Storm Bottle Glass

The Stormglass, chemical weather-glass or as we call it,the Stormbottle, is an ancient weather instrument. Thisdevice has been in existence for more than two hundredyears, but the name of the inventor is unknown. Someattribute the honor to an Italian sailor, others say that itwas discovered by accident by alchemists who wereconstantly experimenting with the substances composingthe solution with which it is made. According to AdmiralFitzroy who described them in his "Weather book" in1863, they were introduced around 1750 and were onsale in the shop " Under the Goat and Compasses" onOld London Bridge.

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normalleftquant, Ver 1.02, 21 Mar 03, Copyright (C) 1999-2003, Maritime Park Association.

A Storm Glass was used first inthe 1750’s to predict weatherchanges. The instrument wasused by seamen, who mounted iton the mast of their ship. It wasmeant to be a storm warninginstrument. Our observationstell us that the changes in thecrystalline structure is triggeredby changes in temperature andelectrostatic charges. It is a pitythat the changes in the crystalsare too small indoors to use theinstrument as a reliableforecaster. Still it is a mysteriousand beautiful instrument thatadds historic value.

This reproduction consists ofhand blown hermetically sealedglass cylinder filled withcamphor, alcohol and water. Changes in the weather causedchanges in the crystals. Whenthe weather was fine, the crystalssettled at the bottom. When theweather was foul, the crystalsrose to the top. The famedAdmiral Fitzroy devised a set ofrules for predicting weatherbased on the appearance of thecrystals, which are printed on themounting below the glass.

The instrument measures 12 ½inches high by 5 inches wide. The back is enclosed with a recessedhanger for easy flat hanging. The frame is dark oak colored. Individually boxed.

Item # ST002.009 Suggested Retail $69.95

*Customizing Available on this product

Send mail to info(remove to send)@allivanmktg.com with questions or comments about this web site.Copyright © 2002-2006 Allivan Marketing LLCLast modified: October 17, 2006

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STORMGLASS CHROME WEATHER PREDICTOR 164767GIFTS / CLOCKS,BAROMETERS,WATCHES

Item #: WEM-ES550102

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This mysterious weather predictor has been used since 1750. Admiral Fitzroy, the famous sailor and meteorologist, used the Stormglassthroughout his life, but most notably aboard the HMS Beagle during his historic voyage with Charles Darwin in the 1830 s. After 250 years the waythe Stormglass works is still a mystery, but it is believed that it has to do with the electromagnetic changes caused by weather and sun storms. Theappearance inside the glass indicates changes in the weather. If the liquid is clear, the weather will be fair and dry. If the liquid is cloudy, theweather will be cloudy and possibly rainy. If there are small fernlike crystals building up, the weather will be cold and stormy. When the fernlikecrystals start to disappear, the weather will be warmer. Falling crystals indicate frost. This sealed glass chamber that holds the crystals isencapsulated in a beautifully crafted brass cylinder. It can be displayed freestanding or mounted to a boat bulkhead or wall using an optionalmounting bracket. The Stormglass is available in two finishes, polished and lacquered or chrome plated brass. The Stormglass will give the bestreadings when positioned in a cool place just inside a north facing window or on a boat. It is up to two days in advance and is remarkably good atpredicting extreme weather conditions such as storms as well as fair, dry weather. Weight: 15.7oz Dimensions: 1.65 diameter x 5.75 high

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