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Hy′gro-met′ric Bal′ance.

An instrument for indicating the relative density of the air, and consequent chances of rain or dry weather. It consists of a balance, from one arm of which is suspended a brass weight and from the other a large, thin, hollow cylinder. The two are arranged so as to be in equilibrium at a given density of the atmosphere, and it is evident that if the air become heavier, the large cylinder, displacing more air than the solid weight, will become more buoyant and ascend. If, on the contrary, the air become lighter, it will sink. A rod descending from the scale-beam serves to indicate, on the graduated are below, the comparative density of the air at the time of making the observation.

If the air be heavy, fine weather may be expected; but if the cylinder sink, rain usually follows.

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