In 1643, an Italian physicist and mathematician came up with a crucial invention to help measure atmospheric pressure laying foundation for weather forecasts and unraveling many secrets in thermodynamics and modern meteorology

In 1643, an Italian physicist and mathematician came up with a crucial invention to help measure atmospheric pressure laying foundation for weather forecasts and unraveling many secrets in thermodynamics and modern meteorology. Evangelista Torricelli invented the mercury barometer, created a sustained vacuum and showed that air has weight. His work helped scientists understand atmospheric pressure and later supported weather science, physics and meteorology.