Research by Galileo and his disciples helped to bring about a radical transformation in the interpretation of atmospheric phenomena. Traditionally, their study had consisted of uncritical commentaries on Aristotelian concepts, or the mere collection of observational data. The origins of modern meteorology owe much to the initiatives of the Medici, stimulated by Galileo's legacy. In 1654, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II, established the first meteorological network. Between 1654 and 1667, the Vallombrosan monk Luigi Antinori coordinated a meteorological network with data-recording stations in Italy and abroad. This was the first attempt at a systematic gathering of descriptive and instrumental data from different geographic locations—such as Vallombrosa (near Florence), Warsaw, and Innsbruck. This undertaking relied on the use of comparable instruments and uniform recording procedures.
Inv. 173
Maker unknown, Florence, mid-17th cent.
Inv. 31, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64
Maker unknown, Florence, mid-17th cent.
Inv. 79
Maker unknown, Florence, mid-17th cent.
Inv. 85
Maker unknown, Florence, mid-17th cent.
Inv. 192
Maker unknown, Florence, 17th cent.