Curiosities of Science, Past and Present / A Book for Old and Young

by John Timbs

TO TELL THE APPROACH OF STORMS.

The proximity of Storms has been ascertained with accuracy by various indications of the electrical state of the atmosphere. Thus Professor Scott, of Sandhurst College, observed in Shetland that drinking-glasses, placed in an inverted position upon a shelf in a cupboard on the ground-floor of Belmont House, occasionally emitted sounds as if they were tapped with a knife, or raised a little and then let fall on the shelf. These sounds preceded wind; and when they occurred, boats and vessels were immediately secured. The strength of the sound is said to be proportioned to the tempest that follows.