Johann Ignaz von Felbiger and his meteorological observations in Bratislava in the period 1783–85

Abstract

This study presents an overview of various activities of Johann Felbiger, a significant 18th-century scholar, theologian, school system reformer and natural scientist. His achievements in the development of meteorology in former Silesia (Prussia) and historical Hungary, i.e. in today's Poland and Slovakia are among the lesser-known facts about Felbiger. In 1783 he founded and in subsequent years (at least until 1785) led early instrumental meteorological observations in Pressburg (now Bratislava, Slovakia). Based on these observations the exceptionally cold winter seasons 1783–84 (as a whole) and 1784–85 (in March) in Bratislava can be inferred. Previous scholarly research into his work assumed that his meteorological site was located at the Bratislava Castle. This study presents a new interpretation as to the exact location of his site and provides an overview of the previous findings with respect to the meteorological observations made on this site.

Keywords

• Felbiger
• early instrumental meteorological observations
• Bratislava
• cold winters
• air temperature