Los Inicios de la meteorología en el Perú y la labor del Cosmografiato: 1753-1856

Abstract

The beginnings of meteorology in Peru are closely linked to the Cosmografiato, a Spanish institution transferred to the Viceroyalty of Peru that was responsible for keeping track of various celestial and climatic phenomena. From 1753-1856, five principal directors of the Cosmografiato (Juan Rehr, Cosme Bueno, Gabriel Moreno, Josè Gregorio Paredes, and Eduardo Carrasco) observed, measured, and on occasion qualitatively described the behavior of the climate of Lima. They left a relatively homogeneous and valuable record to posterity, especially instrument measurements of annual maximum and minimum air temperatures and atmospheric pressure. This uninterrupted series of meteorological observations from 1753-1856 represents the most complete record of any Peruvian city or institution until the 1890s.