The storm glass, also known as a camphor glass, was invented before the beginning of the 17th century. It consists of an airtight glass tube containing a mixture of water, ethanol, camphor, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride, in which crystals form and dissolve again depending on the weather conditions. It was mainly used by sailors to predict weather changes.
The storm glass was made famous by Admiral Robert Fitzroy, on whose ship HMS Beagle Charles Darwin travelled and made his groundbreaking discoveries. Together with Darwin, he worked out the interpretation of crystal growth during this almost five-year voyage.
The storm glass is said to allow predictions to be made over a period of approximately 24 to 36 hours.
One possible cause for the changes in the crystals is thought to be so-called sferics, impulsive long-range electromagnetic waves that are caused by thunderstorms, for example.
Scope of delivery:
- Glass bulb, base made of lacquered wood: height approx. 16.5 cm, diameter approx. 3.2 cm, base 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Detailed explanations of function, history and operation
- Sturdy foam/cardboard packaging
Note: The Fitzroy storm glass is made of thin glass. For this reason, it is not a toy for children!
