Fitzroy : the remarkable story of Darwin's captain and the invention of the weather forecast

A biography of Robert Fitzroy (1805-1865). Joining the navy at the age of 12, Fitzroy became a skilled hydrographer and was given command of the Beagle in 1828. He was famously joined on his second voyage on the Beagle by Charles Darwin. He served as a Member of Parliament for two years, was appointed as Governor of New Zealand in 1843 and on returning to Britain and active naval service in 1845, he developed his interest in meteorology. With the aim of saving lives at sea, he went on to develop the fundamental techniques of weather forecasting, designed a standard barometer and thermometer (a first weather station), invented the system of storm warnings, issued the first daily weather forecasts and became the founding director of the Meteorological Office. He died after committing suicide in 1865.