The history of the British Meteorological Office to 1905
This thesis covers the first half century of the British Metorological Office and events leading to its foundation. After an introductory chapter the narrative describes how growth of marine transportation led to awareness of possible benefits from knowledge of wind patterns. Moves to collect marine weather statistics worldwide were supported with reluctance by Britain, but eventually resulted in the foundation of a new Department of the Board of Trade devoted to collection of marine observations. Robert FitzRoy, its first head, later transformed this work into provision of the world's first operational weather forecasting system. After FitzRoy's death an investigation into the Department was followed by a complete re-organization that replaced it by a Meteorological Office under the control of an unpaid supervisory Committee (later a paid Council) financed by an annual grant. The subsequent evolution of the Office is described. Its relationships with other bodies were not always smooth, nor was its development rapid, but it laid a foundation for what was to follow. The Office's story impinges upon many aspects of the contemporary scene and is set within their context. The reaction of Treasury to its financing
Burton, James Michael Crowther
History
The history of the British Meteorological Office to 1905. This thesis covers the first half century of the British Metorological Office and events leading to its foundation. After an introductory chapter the narrative describes how growth of marine transportation led to awareness of possible benefits from knowledge of wind patterns. Moves to collect marine weather statistics worldwide were supported with reluctance by Britain, but eventually resulted in the foundation of a new Department of the Board of Trade devoted to collection of marine observations. Robert FitzRoy, its first head, later transformed this work into provision of the world's first operational weather forecasting system. After FitzRoy's death an investigation into the Department was followed by a complete re-organization that replaced it by a Meteorological Office under the control of an unpaid supervisory Committee (later a paid Council) financed by an annual grant. The subsequent evolution of the Office is described. Its relationships with other bodies were not always smooth, nor was its development rapid, but it laid a foundation for what was to follow. The Office's story impinges upon many aspects of the contemporary scene and is set within their context. The reaction of Treasury to its financing
history british office cover british office event_lead foundation introductory narrative describes growth marine transportation lead awareness possible benefit knowledge wind pattern collect marine weather statistic worldwide support reluctance britain eventually result foundation_new department board_trade devote collection marine observation first head later transform work provision world first operational weather system death investigation department follow complete organization replace office control unpaid supervisory committee later pay council finance annual grant subsequent evolution office describe relationship body always smooth development rapid lay_foundation follow office story upon many_aspect contemporary scene set_within context reaction treasury financing