1. Brush , S.G. 1978. The temperature of history 45–60. New York has noted the role of problems of ‘planetary physics’ in the development of the theory of heat in D.S.L. Cardwell describes the development of a ‘cosmology of heat’, particularly in early nineteenth century studies of radiation and conduction, inFrom Watt to Clausius: the rise of thermodynamics in the early industrial age(1971, Ithaca, New York), especially pp. 89–120. J. Cawood examines another aspect of the development of ‘cosmical physics’ in ‘Terrestrial magnetism and the development of international cooperation in the early nineteenth century’,Ann. sci.,34(1977), 551–587. For a more general discussion of the importance of meteorology, geophysics and physical geography to early nineteenth century natural philosophy, see S. F. Cannon's account of ‘Humboldtian science’ inScience and culture: the early Victorian period(1978, New York), especially pp. 73–110. On p. 81 of this book, Cannon suggests that the passage from Humboldt'sPersonal narrative(quoted in section 2 below) prompted the first measurements of the solar constant. However, I have not found any evidence that Humboldt immediately influenced Pouillet, Herschel or Forbes's research on solar radiation.
2. Humboldt , A. and
Bonpland , A. 1814–1829. Personal narrative of travels to the equinoctial regions of the new continent … Vol. 2, 57–58. London (trans. H. M. Williams) 7 vols. This is a translation of A. Humboldt and A. Bonpland,Voyage aux régions equinoxiales du nouveau continentes… (3 vols., 1814–1825, Paris).
3. Daniell , J.F. 1827. Meteorological essay and observations 207–249. London