312
XIX
ADIABATIC CHANGES IN MOIST AIR
formulæ and the readings of the diagram, and an error of this
magnitude is accounted for by the approximations which of
necessity have to be made. I believe that in ninety cases out
of a hundred such an error would be of no importance in
meteorology, and that it would be outweighed by the vastly
greater convenience. In fact I estimate that at least three or
four hours would be required for accurately calculating Guld-
berg and Mohn's example, whereas it can be worked out on
the diagram in a few minutes. Besides, these 7 mm. are no
greater than the uncertainty introduced into the whole calcu-
lation by the fact that only a part of the condensed water is
carried along by the air.
"Is there still time for me to add a note of ten or fifteen
lines acknowledging the priority of Guldberg and Mohn, and
pointing out the cause of the above discrepancy? I am
afraid others may compare the diagram with their example,
regard it as inaccurate to the extent of 28 mm., and hence
reject it. But to the priority you have yourselves re-
ferred.
KIEL, 8th Dec. 1884.
"H. HERTZ."