ANEMOSCOPE

ANEMOSCOPE, a Machine invented to foretell the Changes of the Wind. See WIND. It has been observed, that Hygroscopes made of Cat's-gut, &c., prove very good Anemoscopes; seldom failing, by the turning of the Index about, to foretell the shifting of the Wind. See HYGROSCOPE. The Anemoscope used by the Ancients, seems, by Vitruvius’s Description of it, to have been intended rather to show which way the Wind actually blew, than to foretell into which Quarter it would change. The Word is derived from the Greek ἄνεμος, Wind, and σκοπέω (skopeō), to look, See ANEMOMETER. Otto de Guericke also gave the Title Anemoscope, to a Machine invented by him, to foretell the Change of the Weather, as to fair and rain. See WEATHER. It consisted of a little wooden Man, who rose and fell in a Glass Tube, as the Atmosphere was more or less heavy. Accordingly, M. Comiers has shown, that this Anemoscope was only an Application of the common Barometer. See BAROMETER.

ANEMOSCOPE