An Essay on Dew, and Several Appearances Connected with It. FIRST MENTION OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT? INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR

WELLS, William Charles

Verlag: London: Taylor & Hussey, 1814

Beschreibung

First edition, inscribed by Wells, of this classic of meteorology in which Wells is perhaps the first to understand the action of water vapour in clouds as a 'greenhouse gas' (for which water vapour is much more effective than carbon dioxide). "It would take too much space to follow all of Wells' ingenious experiments, but his conclusionscan be stated. The cooling of the Earth's surface, andof the bodies that accumulate dew, is the result of radiation to space. This radiation is always going on, but can be largely interrupted by clouds; and in the daytime it is overbalanced by the radiation to the Earthe from the Sun" (Middleton, A History of the Theories of Rain (1965), p. 189). Wells' book was also a pioneering work in environmental science. "Wells's researches on the subject were of major importance in the development of the science of ventilation, particularly in its relation to relative humidity and the influence of the latter on the comfort of the occupants of factories, ships, theatres, etc. Wells was physician to St. Thomas's Hospital, London, from 1800 until his death" (Garrison-Morton 1604). Provenance: INSCRIBED on title 'To Henry Cline Esq / from his friend / the Author'. Henry Cline (1750-1827) was president of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was also a political radical, associated with leading supporters of the French Revolution. Cushing W131 (p. 195); Blocker, p. 416; Norman 2199; Waller 12191 (2d ed.). 8vo, pp. [iv], 146, uncut (library stamp on title). Original boards, rebacked retaining original printed paper spine label (a bit worn at extremities). Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers ABE-1674825174314

Bibliografische Details

Titel: An Essay on Dew, and Several Appearances ...

Verlag: London: Taylor & Hussey

Erscheinungsdatum: 1814

Einband: Hardcover

Zustand: Very Good

Auflage: 1st Edition