Storm bottle

[ParaHandy]

In Renaissance times it was often regarded as a quasi-magical device which, by its constantly varying crystalline formations, gave advance warning of impending atmospheric disturbances; not surprisingly it was much sought after by seafarers of the period and indeed has since then sometimes been fitted as an adjunct to mercurial barometers.

The contents of the Bottle consists of a carefully prepared mixture of special salts combined with a liquid of which the principal ingredients are pure alcohol, distilled water and camphor, the proportions of each in the total being a carefully guarded secret! The end result is a clear liquid with suspended particles which alter in their formation, character and shape from day today, apparently spontaneously but mainly influenced by temperature.

Experience is required in interpreting these changes but some guidance in this regard has been preserved in company with the formula, as follows:

Clear liquid .................................. Bright conditions
Small Crystals at base of tube ........ Frost in winter
Dim liquid .................................... Moisture or rain
Dim liquid with small stars ............... Thunder storms
Large flakes ................................. Heavy air
Threads in upper portion ................. Disturbance or wind
Small dots .................................... Low visibility or fog

It is stressed that the indications of the instrument provide only a general guide to weather conditions and it should be remembered that, to obtain meaningful results, the Storm Bottle should be mounted in a location where it can “sense” the true atmosphere, that is to say away from artificial sources of heat such as radiators or fires or perhaps out-of-doors in a covered porch.

On occasion it may occur that, when the Bottle is unpacked, the liquid remains clear and the crystalline particles do not appear even, after a period of an hour or two has been allowed to elapse. Of course, this may reflect atmospheric conditions at the time but it is suggested that, to render them visible, the glass tube first be gently shaken and then be placed in a vertical position inside a refrigerator for approximately one hour; the particles will then materialise in the liquid and thereafter slowly attain characteristics appropriate to the prevailing environment of the instrument.

with help from the Barge Association ....

[ljs]

If it falls off its mounting and lands in yer mug, is that a storm in a teacup?

[claymore]

Jings Para
Ye've excelled yersel

Whitrafekhae ye bin oan?

[Alan_D]

I thought this was going to be an advert for a handy device for when it's too rough to leave the helm to use the heads ....

[claymore]

Para has a catheter

[Old_Glow_In_The_Deep]

What you need is one of these!

[ash]

I seem to remember, as a youngster, I used a hacksaw to create a small hole in the glass of a big lightbulb. Somehow I managed to fill the bulb with water, and then hung it up outside. The theory was that if a small bead of water could be seen then it was going to rain. I don't remember how accurate it was or how robust.

Ash