Air And Rain - The Beginnings of a chemical Climatology

Air and Rain: The Beginnings of a Chemical Climatology by Robert Angus Smith, published in 1872 is considered a pioneering work in the field of air pollution, and a major contribution to the development of modern chemistry. In it, Smith explores the relationship between air pollution and the effects of precipitation on human health and the environment. He examines the sources of air pollution, the changes it can cause in the atmosphere, and the impact these changes can have on climate. Smith also looks at the effects of air pollution on human health, such as respiratory diseases and smog. He discusses the importance of measures to reduce air pollution, such as the use of smokeless fuels and the installation of chimney caps. Finally, Smith considers the relationship between air pollution and meteorology, and suggests how we might better understand the atmosphere and its circulation.

In particular, he studied the impact of industrial pollution on the River Clyde and the surrounding area.

Smith was particularly concerned about the high levels of sulfur dioxide that were being emitted by the many coal-fired factories and furnaces in the region. He noted that the sulfur dioxide was reacting with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, which was falling back to the ground as acid rain. The acid rain was then causing damage to vegetation and buildings, as well as making the River Clyde and other bodies of water more acidic.

Smith also studied the impact of air pollution on human health in the area. He found that the high levels of sulfur dioxide in the air were causing respiratory problems and other health issues among the local population, particularly among those who worked in the factories.

Robert Angus Smith was a Scottish chemist and meteorologist who is considered one of the founders of modern chemistry. He was born in 1817 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was educated at the University of Edinburgh. Smith began his career as a chemist in 1841, working under the renowned chemist Thomas Graham. In 1848, Smith was appointed as an inspector of alkali works, and in 1856 he was named professor of chemistry at the Andersonian University in Glasgow. Smith's most important work was Air and Rain: The Beginnings of a Chemical Climatology, published in 1872. The book was a pioneering work in the field of air pollution, and a major contribution to the development of modern chemistry. In it, Smith explored the relationship between air pollution and the effects of precipitation on human health and the environment. He also examined the sources of air pollution, the changes it can cause in the atmosphere, and the impact these changes can have on climate. Smith died in 1884 in Edinburgh. His work was widely recognized during his lifetime, and he was awarded the prestigious Copley Medal in 1876. He is remembered as one of the pioneers in the field of air pollution and modern chemistry.

Overall, Smith's research on the effects of air pollution on the Scottish landscape was an important early contribution to our understanding of the impacts of industrialization on the environment and human health.

This book was originally from the library of Sir Ernest MacLagan Wedderburn (1884 – 1958) and carries his book plate on the inside left end paper.

This copy is good condition, being extremely clean and well bound. 

Cover Boards - There is some sun fade to the spine and around the edges of the board and some fraying of the spine notably at the top. 

Binding - remains strong with some slight loosening.

Pages - Clean and bright throughout.

Conservation Notes: This is a scarce and important edition and should be stored carefully to preserve it from any further deterioration - We would recommend it is kept in a protective book box or alternatively repaired and perhaps even rebound.

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