How to Identify Nature’s Most Fleeting Forms
Clouds by Edward Graham is a fascinating view of the history of clouds, which includes the sciences (Meteorology and Geology.) It is surprising to learn that in the 1800’s an artist, John Ruskin, published a treatise which called for Scientific research to classify and name all the cloud formations, recognised by the public since the earliest times.
As the author points out, this publication began the project by Meteorologists of the time. There is a copy of the table they provided which was called “The Cloud classification table.” It includes the three main types of clouds, (cirrus, cumulous, and stratus,) as well as the “mix” (cumulus nimbus, etc). There was an attempt to order them with the altitude at which they would separately occur. Next, we are given a detailed description of each cloud formation.
The author moves to later research from the 17th and 18th centuries. This contains more detailed and scientific observations on classification, and the development of cloud symbols. The language becomes more specifically scientific, and the research is in greater depth.
Now Graham returns to the role of the artist in the era of Enlightenment. In particular, the landscape painters, (Constable, Joseph Wright and Turner. These artists were influenced by the work of Ruskin. Details of the conjunction between science (Meteorology) and art, (Painting) caused a transformation. The artists realised the importance of studying the science of cloud formation so they could represent more accurately the positioning of the clouds as required by the text.
The illustrations chosen by the author are superb. They match the text so that the reader can recognise the painter’s understanding of the science. This book should appeal to students and experienced Meteorologists, art historians and lay people alike.
