Instructions For The Sea-coast Barometer
The directions for fixing the barometer, and making it portable when it has to be removed, should be attended to carefully. The barometer should be suspended against a frame or piece of wood, so that light may be seen
through the tube. Otherwise a piece of paper, or a
white place, should be behind the upper or
scale part of the
tube.
When suspended on a hook, or stout nail, apply the milled-head key (which will be found just below the
scales) to the square brass pin at the lower end of the instrument, and turn
gently toward the left hand till the screw stops; then take off the key and replace it for use, near the scale, as it was before. The cistern bottom being thus
let down, the mercury will sink to its proper level quickly.
In removing this barometer it is necessary to slope it gradually, till the mercury is at the top of the tube, and then, with the instrument reversed, to screw up the cistern bottom, or bag, by the key, used gently, till it stops. It will then be portable, and may be carried with the cistern end upwards, or lying flat; but it must not be jarred, or receive a concussion.