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In answer to Peter Pesic's query via Juergen Rendel about Humbolt
The device that Humbolt used was probably a cynanometer. This consists of
a
series of strips each painted with a different shade of blue and numbered.
The observer stands with his back to the sun (so that the strip is
illuminated by sunlight) and matches one of the strips to the sky before
him, noting down the number on the strip.
I have read that Saussure, the Swiss scientist, used this device in his
investigations in the Alps. I guess Humbolt, who would have known of
Saussure, also used the device, but if so he does not mention it in Cosmos
Vol 1 (which is all I have to hand of H's writing).
John Naylor
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