Neumayer’s impact on meteorology in Germany

Abstract

When Georg von Neumayer (1826–1909) had a practical training with Johann von Lamont (1805-1879) at the observatory at Bogenhausen (today part of Munich), he learnt not only about astronomical observations and the construction of instruments, but also about magnetic and meteorological measurements, as well as the organisation of networks of stations and the importance of publication of measured data and their analysis. When he became first Director of the Deutsche Seewarte (German Maritime Observatory) in Hamburg (1876–1903) he subsequently introduced weather telegraphy and synoptic meteorology and installed a workshop for the development and calibration of meteorological and magnetic instruments and compasses. He also initiated the establishment of a weather service in Bavaria and the aerological (kite) station at Groß Borstel close to Hamburg (1903). Under his guidance the Deutsche Seewarte soon took over a leading role in Germany, which was confirmed in Neumayer’s membership in the International Meteorological Committee (1879–1888). Finally he became the founding President of the Deutsche Meteorologische Gesellschaft (German Meteorological Society) in 1883. This can be regarded as a further important step for the institutionalisation of meteorology as a discipline in Germany.