ST71 Storm Glass – History, Instructions, Composition, Cleanup & First Aid Guide

History:

Storm glasses first appeared in England as early as the 18th century, with examples reportedly sold from stalls on the iconic Old London Bridge.

In the 19th century, the device gained wider recognition when British Admiral Robert FitzRoy promoted it during his voyages with Charles Darwin, using it as a visual guide to changing weather.

After violent storms struck the British Isles in 1859, the British Crown distributed storm glasses—known at the time as FitzRoy’s storm barometers—to small coastal fishing communities, where ships consulted them in port before setting sail.

Today, the storm glass is valued less as a scientific instrument and more for its visual appeal and historical character. Its swirling crystals continue to respond to environmental changes, making it a decorative object, conversation starter, and a timeless reminder of humanity’s long-standing fascination with the skies.

Instructions:

1. Clear: Fair, stable weather

2. Cloudy: Possible change in weather

3. Small dots or specks: Humid or foggy weather

4. Strands Forming: Windy weather

5. Crystals: Cold, or snowy weather

6. Large clusters: Stormy or turbulent weather

Composition:
30% high borosilicate glass, 42% water, 21% ethanol, 7% natural camphor

Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:

If the product is broken, handle with care and avoid direct contact with broken glass pieces to prevent injury.

Absorb with liquid binding material (such as sand, acid binders, universal binders, sawdust).
Dispose contaminated material as waste according to local waste management regulations.
Avoid inhalation. Ventilate area and wash spill site after material pick up is completed.

First aid measures:

Skin Contact - Wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly. If skin irritation continues, consult a doctor.

Eyes Contact - Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

Inhalation - Supply fresh air, consult a doctor in case of complaints.

Ingestion - Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek medical treatment.