The Fitzroy storm glass
You won't be able to read your future from this "glass ball", but you will be able to read the future weather.
The storm glass, also called camphor glass, was invented before the beginning of the 17th century. It consists of an airtight glass body containing a mixture of water, ethanol, camphor, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride in which crystals form and dissolve depending on the weather conditions. The storm glass is supposed to allow a forecast over a period of about 24 to 36 hours.
It was mainly used by sailors to predict changes in the weather. The storm glass was made famous by Admiral Robert Fitzroy, on whose ship, the HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin travelled and made his groundbreaking discoveries. Together with Darwin, Fitzroy worked out the interpretation of crystal growth during this nearly five-year voyage.
Note: The Fitzroy storm glass is made of thin glass. Not a child's toy!
Drops made of glass, base made of wood
Diameter of the sphere: approx. 8 cm
with detailed explanation of function, history and operation
Dimensions with base: approx. 17.5 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm (H/W/D)
Die Fitzroy-Sturmglas - Deutsch€32.50
€30.88
€29.25
€27.63