Carl von Neumann wrote this treatise to obtain his philosophical doctorate. In it, the author presents his findings and calculations regarding the density of seawater. He observed various water temperatures and noted early on the warming of the water and the melting of glaciers. He thoroughly explains his measurements and calculations, while also providing interesting insights about the oceans, polar seas, and glaciers. This is a reprint of the long out-of-print original edition from 1861.