{"id":597,"date":"2024-09-08T18:52:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T18:52:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/?p=597"},"modified":"2024-09-08T18:52:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T18:52:42","slug":"the-stevenson-screen-a-victorian-marvel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/2024\/09\/the-stevenson-screen-a-victorian-marvel\/","title":{"rendered":"The Stevenson Screen: A Victorian Marvel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>&#8216;<strong>Thomas Stevenson<\/strong>\u00a0<small><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/President_of_the_Royal_Society_of_Edinburgh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">PRSE<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MInstCE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">MInstCE<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FRSSA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">FRSSA<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/FSAScot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">FSAScot<\/a><\/small>\u00a0(22 July 1818 \u2013 8 May 1887) was a pioneering Scottish\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Civil_engineer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">civil engineer<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lighthouse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">lighthouse<\/a>\u00a0designer and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meteorologist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">meteorologist<\/a>, who designed over thirty lighthouses in and around Scotland, as well as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stevenson_screen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Stevenson screen<\/a>\u00a0used in meteorology.&#8217; (Excerpt straight from <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Thomas_Stevenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Wikipedia<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a Stevenson Screen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"453\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Stevenson_screen_exterior-453x600.jpg\" alt=\"The Stevenson Screen\" class=\"wp-image-599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Stevenson_screen_exterior-453x600.jpg 453w, https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Stevenson_screen_exterior-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Stevenson_screen_exterior-768x1018.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Stevenson_screen_exterior.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Stevenson Screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Stevenson Screen, also known as a thermometer screen or weather screen, is a simple yet ingenious device used to house meteorological instruments. Its purpose? To shield temperature and humidity sensors from direct sunlight, precipitation, and other environmental factors that could skew measurements. Think of it as a cosy little home for weather instruments\u2014a snug abode where they can do their job accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Architect<\/strong>: The Stevenson Screen owes its existence to\u00a0<strong>Thomas Stevenson<\/strong>\u00a0(1818\u20131887), a Scottish civil engineer. Yes, that\u2019s right\u2014the same family responsible for Scotland\u2019s iconic lighthouses also gifted us this unassuming weather gadget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Form Follows Function<\/strong>: Thomas designed the screen with practicality in mind. It features double-louvered walls on all sides, allowing air to circulate freely while keeping rain, snow, and direct sunlight at bay. Oh, and there\u2019s no floor\u2014because even thermometers need a little breathing room!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Victorian Ingenuity<\/strong>: Imagine Thomas tinkering away in his workshop, crafting this white wooden box. Little did he know that his creation would stand the test of time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Usage and Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Accuracy Matters<\/strong>: The Stevenson Screen\u2019s primary purpose is to ensure accurate temperature and humidity readings. By shielding sensors from extreme conditions, it prevents overheating or chilling effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Standardization<\/strong>: Thanks to Thomas\u2019s design, meteorologists worldwide adopted the Stevenson Screen as the standard enclosure for weather instruments. It\u2019s like the little black dress of meteorology\u2014always in style.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Longevity<\/strong>: Remarkably, these screens have soldiered on for over\u00a0<strong>150 years<\/strong>. That\u2019s right\u2014the same technology that kept Victorian-era meteorologists informed is still kicking today. Talk about timeless!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Family Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Lighthouse Stevensons<\/strong>: Thomas Stevenson was part of the illustrious Stevenson family\u2014a clan of engineers who lit up Scotland\u2019s coastlines with their lighthouses. The most famous member?\u00a0<strong>Robert Stevenson<\/strong>, Thomas\u2019s son and the father of author\u00a0<strong>Robert Louis Stevenson<\/strong>\u00a0(yes, the \u201cTreasure Island\u201d and \u201cStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde\u201d guy).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Robert Louis Stevenson<\/strong>: While Robert Louis didn\u2019t directly invent the Stevenson Screen, he inherited the family\u2019s engineering spirit. His literary adventures mirrored the real-life feats of his ancestors. Imagine him scribbling tales of pirates while the Stevenson Screens dutifully recorded wind speeds and humidity levels outside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So, next time you check your local weather report, spare a thought for Thomas Stevenson\u2019s unassuming creation\u2014the unsung hero of meteorology. It quietly stands in gardens, parks, and research stations, faithfully capturing data while the world rushes by. And who knows? Maybe it\u2019s whispering weather secrets to the wind, just like Robert Louis Stevenson\u2019s characters did on distant shores. \ud83c\udf2c\ufe0f\ud83d\udcca<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, whether you\u2019re a weather enthusiast or simply curious about the past, the Stevenson Screen reminds us that even the smallest inventions can leave a lasting legacy. \ud83c\udf21\ufe0f\u2728<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Sources:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a is=\"cib-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.historyhit.com\/the-lighthouse-stevensons-how-one-family-lit-up-the-coast-of-scotland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">History Hit: The Lighthouse Stevensons<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a is=\"cib-link\" href=\"https:\/\/everything.explained.today\/Stevenson_screen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Everything Explained Today: Stevenson Screen<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a is=\"cib-link\" href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/victorian-technology-for-measuring-the-weather-is-still-remarkably-accurate-new-research-236831\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Conversation: Victorian Technology for Measuring the Weather<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a is=\"cib-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/science\/this-victorian-era-technology-is-still-astonishingly-accurate-at-capturing-weather\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inverse: This Victorian-Era Technology Is Still Astonishingly Accurate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Without this simple yet effective invention, meteorology would not have advanced the way it has.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Another Great Scottish Inventor, Thomas Stevenson.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":598,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","omw_enable_modal_window":"enable","osp_disable_panel":"default","osh_disable_topbar_sticky":"default","osh_disable_header_sticky":"default","osh_sticky_header_style":"default","osh_sticky_header_effect":"","osh_custom_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_retina_sticky_logo":0,"osh_custom_sticky_logo_height":0,"osh_background_color":"","osh_links_color":"","osh_links_hover_color":"","osh_links_active_color":"","osh_links_bg_color":"","osh_links_hover_bg_color":"","osh_links_active_bg_color":"","osh_menu_social_links_color":"","osh_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,35,8,93],"tags":[94,95],"class_list":["post-597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science","category-scottish","category-edu","category-wtl","tag-stevenson-screen","tag-weather-equipment","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=597"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/597\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mm0zif.radio\/current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