Gents Mag 1811 part 2 p.113

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	Gentleman's Magazine 1811 part 2 p.113
clouds   terminology
	Names for Clouds The new Nomenclature of Clouds explained. Mr.URBAN, July 12. WITH a view to assist your Meteorological Readers in affixing to the various clouds which are continually presenting themselves to the eye, their proper technical names, according to the new nomenclature, which I have adopted for my journal, I have procured from my ingenious friend Mr. Luke Howard, of Plaistow in Essex, some rough, but accurate sketches of different modifications, which I shall trouble you to engrave (See Plate II.) To the generic names of clouds which relate only to their modification, I have added certain specific names, calculated to express their particular shape, figure, or manner of arrangement; which are circumstances quite different from their modifications: at the same time I must remind the reader, that clouds, in passing from one modification to another, often remain for some time in an intermediate state; and it is then impossible to class them at all. Figures 1. 1. represent Cirri; the large one to the right hand is called Cirrus Comoides, from its appearing like a distended lock of hair; the straight lines which constitute the cloud on the left have suggested the propriety of calling it Cirrus linearis. The former of these, when it prevails, usually indicates windy and unsettled weather; it is in many parts of the country called Mares Tail, and in Lincolnshire Sea Tree. In giving specific names to the Cirrus it must be observed, that its metamorphoses are so numerous as to preclude the possibilty of giving a distinct name to each of them. Sometimes it appears like an erect feather, at others loose friges hang from a confused mass of vapour; it frequently looks like a confused bundle of threads, and is then termed filiformis; often it forms beautiful network, consisting of light transverse bars or streaks, intersecting each other at right angles; it is then called reticularis. Figs. 2. 2. represent a light dark Cirro Cumulus; these circumstances depend only on the relative situation of this cloud with respect to the sun; the nubeculae constituting this cloud, vary something in size and aggregation. Fig. 3. is a dark Cirro Stratus seen near the horizon. Fig. 4. is the Cirro Stratus Cymoides; a variety which is often seen before storms. The Cirro Stratus is a cloud varying much in figure: when it is composed of long parallel bars, it is called Striatus; when finely undulated, Undulatus; when it gives the idea of the fibres of a muscle, Myoides; when a large continuous sheet, Planus; this often exhibits the halo, &c. I must refer your Readers for more particular Definitions and Observations of Meteorological Terms in your Magazines for March and May. Fig. 5 represents a Cumulus; the common cloud of fair and settled weather, when it appears alone; when it looks rocklike and mountainous, it is called Petroides; in this stage it frequently changes into Cumulo Stratus. Sometimes the Cumulus seems composed of numerous roundish tubercles, and is then termed Tuberculatus; when divided into loose fleeces, Floccosus. Fig. 6. exhibits Cumulo Stratus, which is a compound cloud, and its formation is most frequently the result of the operation of two or more modifications on each other; lone streaks of the Cirro Stratus may be seen as it were permeating rocky Cumuli; and the consequence is the formation of Cumulo Stratus, which generally precedes Nimbification, and is very prevalent before thunder-storms, when it often forms beautiful and picturesque skies; as it approaches to Nimbus it increases in density, and exhibits various tints as its irregular edges happen to catch the Sun's light; Cirrose fibres extend from its top and form a crown, and at last it resolves itself into rain. After the storm has spent itself, the several modifications which preceded it may again be seen occupying their several stations in the atmosphere. That these effects are produced by the agency of electricity there can be no doubt, after the experiments and observations of Signor Cavallo, Mr. Howard, M. Van Mons, and others. Indeed varieties in the electric state of the atmosphere appear to be the causes of all the diffrent modifications and species of cloud. To me the subject of atmospheric electricity seems of great importance; for I cannot help thinking that the degree and kind of influence which the atmosphere exercises in the production
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