Anemometer
This article was originally written and submitted as part of a Canada 150 Project, the Innovation Storybook, to crowdsource stories of Canadian innovation with partners across Canada. The content has since been migrated to Ingenium’s Channel, a digital hub featuring curated content related to science, technology and innovation.
This anemometer was used at the Toronto Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory
An anemometer measures wind speed and direction, and helps meteorologists determine weather conditions and patterns. This instrument belonged to George Templeman Kingston, director of the Toronto Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory between 1855 and 1880. In 1871, the observatory, located on the grounds of the University of Toronto, became the headquarters of the Meteorological Service of Canada. From this base, Kingston oversaw the creation of a national network of weather-observation stations. This anemometer was in service between 1876 and 1900, and its windmill-vane design was considered a major advance in wind measurement.
The word anemometer is from the Greek word for wind, anemos.
Professor George Templeman Kingston
The second Toronto Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory, where the Meteorological Service of Canada was founded in 1871.
Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation
Ingenium represents a collaborative space where the past meets the future in a celebration of creativity, discovery, and human ingenuity.
Telling the stories of people who think differently and test the limits, Ingenium honours people and communities who have shaped history — and inspire the next generation.
More Stories by
