The study of geomagnetism in the late 19th century

Abstract

Geomagnetic research in the late 19th century differed greatly from such research today. Geomagnetic observations were glaringly incomplete. The basic processes of geomagnetism were still far from being understood. Yet it was a time of much interest and some accomplishment in geomagnetic investigation.

Results of the Helsinki magnetic observatory 1844-1912

“…Mainly by his influence geomagnetic observatories were set up in many countries like Great Britain and its overseas territories, France, Germany and Russia (e.g. Good, 1988;Malin and Barraclough, 1991;Schröder and Wiederkehr, 2001). In continental Europe an international geomagnetic observatory cooperation was organized by "The Magnetic Union" (founded in 1836) in Göttingen, directed by Gauss and Weber (Chapman and Bartels, 1940).…”

The study of Earth's magnetism (1269–1950): A foundation by Peregrinus and subsequent development of geomagnetism and paleomagnetism

“…Associate Editor Michael Manga and reviewers David Dunlop and John Tarduno (and an anonymous third reviewer) are heartily thanked for their patience and their detailed and constructive advice. We note here a number of additional references mentioned by J. Tarduno that the reader might find useful: Brekke and Egeland [1986], Good [1985, 1988], Green [1972], Le Grand [1990], and Silverman [1998]. This is IPGP Contribution NS 2160.…”

Geophysical travellers: the magneticians of the Carnegie Institution of Washington

“…The British, led by Edward Sabine (1788-1883), extended von Humboldt and Gauss's efforts and sent out several expeditions in the mid-nineteenth century, most notably that of James Clark Ross (1800-1862), primarily to make magnetic measurements (Morrell & Thackray 1981, pp. 353-370 and 523-531; Good 1988). And some polar expeditions in the late nineteenth century had included magnetic work.…”