Luke Howard, On the Modification of Clouds

Robert Clark (The Literary Encyclopedia)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.07: English Writing and Culture of the Victorian Period, 1837-1901.
Vol. editors: Gillian Fenwick (University of Toronto), Jessica Gossling (Goldsmiths College, University of London)

Domains

Meteorology & Climatology

Dates

First circulation or publication Dec 1802

Places

England (Country of Origin)

Resources

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In this short paper of 32 pages, Luke Howard (q.v.) presented his typology of clouds, which was to become the global standard used by meteorologists throughout the world. Howard’s typology was a notable advance on the ideas recently presented by Carl Linnaeus (1707-78), and the earlier scheme advanced by René Descartes (1596-1650).

Howard’s typology offers succinct definitions of three types of cloud, and four mixed types of cloud:

1. Cirrus

1. Cirrus

Parallel, flexuous, or diverging fibres, extensible in any or all directions

2. Cumulus

2. Cumulus

Convex or conical heaps, increasing upward from a horizontal base

…

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413 words

Citation: Clark, Robert. "On the Modification of Clouds". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 02 June 2017 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=35414, accessed 16 April 2024.]

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