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FIRST EDITION of Fourier's observation that the ground temperature of the Earth is increased because of the existence of the atmosphere; a phenomenon that would become known as "the greenhouse effect". Often considered the foundation of climate change science. A scarce copy in original wrappers.
“It was in the 1820s that Joseph
Fourier first explained that the Earth's atmosphere retains heat
radiation. He had asked himself a deceptively simple question, of a sort
that physics theory was just then beginning to learn how to attack: what
determines the average temperature of a planet like the Earth? When
light from the Sun strikes the Earth's surface and warms it up, why
doesn't the planet keep heating up until it is as hot as the Sun itself?
Fourier's answer was that the heated surface emits invisible infrared
radiation, which carries the heat energy away into space. But when he
calculated the effect with his new theoretical tools, he got a
temperature well below freezing, much colder than the actual Earth. In: Annales de Chimie et de Physique, pp. 136-167, Tome XXVII, Octobre 1824. Paris: Crochard, 1824. Octavo, original printed wrappers, uncut. custom cloth box. Minor edgewear and foxing to wrappers, early stamp of the Académie d’Aix on first page of text (not affecting Fourier article); text exceptionally clean. Extremely rare in original wrappers. $3300. |
