Buchan, Alexander (1829–1907)

Scottish meteorologist who studied fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions in the British Isles, and postulated a seasonal forecast. His works include an Introductory Textbook of Meteorology (1871), and reports on ‘Atmospheric Circulation’ and ‘Oceanic Circulation’ following the Challenger Expedition (1872–76), an oceanographic survey around the world.

Buchan was educated at Edinburgh University, where he later taught following his appointment as secretary to the Scottish Meteorological Society 1848–60. In 1878 he became curator of the library and museum of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.