First International Meteorological Conference at Brussels

Background. In November 1851, the British government proposed US cooperation in land-based meteorological observations. Matthew Fontaine Maury expanded this proposal to include sea-based observations, arguing that a complete system must embrace the ocean. He suggested an international congress to agree on a universal system for collecting meteorological data, leading to the decision to issue invitations for a conference in 1853.

Participating Nations. The conference was attended by delegates from ten countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Matthew Fontaine Maury served as the United States representative, having sailed from New York to Liverpool in July 1853 to attend the proceedings in Brussels.

Historical Significance. This gathering is recognized as the first true international meteorological conference. It established the foundation for the exchange of weather information among nations. While the International Meteorological Organization was formally created later in 1873, the 1853 Brussels conference was the initial step toward creating a uniform system for meteorological observations at sea.