We all know of the Beaufort Scale used to describe wind strength. Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), first a sea captain, and later the official hydrographer for the British Admiralty, indeed had a hand in developing it. But much less than one would think.
The Beaufort Scale, most commonly presented as a number from 0 (no wind) to 12 (hurricane) is based on the effect the wind has on common objects (smoke, leaves, umbrella, water surfaces, etc.) rather than a rigorously empirical measurement. This has the advantage that it can be easily communicated (a digit) and understood (what will this wind do).
Scott Huler’s book, “Defining the Wind”, entertainingly describes the author’s search for the origins of the Beaufort Scale. Much of the story is linked to other histories of world exploration of the late 1700s-early 1800s. Beaufort indeed recommended Charles Darwin to serve as the naturalist on Robert Fitzroy’s round the world journey on The Beagle.
Beaufort was obsessed with observing things. I have become infected. I have added a barometer app to my iPhone (1010.5 hPa and falling). This morning I ordered a remote thermometer and hygrometer. I have started a logbook.
Maybe I can substitute a more intense observation of my immediate surroundings for time spent doomscrolling on the phone. Seems worth a try.
