Total ozone observations prior to the IGY.: I:: A history

Current data archives of total ozone measurements, with only few exceptions, provide data only since the International Geophysical Year (IGY, July 1957 to June 1958) when a global network was established. However, total ozone data from the period prior to the IGY could be useful to Study the past variability of the stratosphere. For this Purpose, we have systematically compiled information and data from approximately 60 total ozone measurement series prior to 1957. This paper provides an overview of the measurement principles and techniques, discusses the historical and scientific context of the observations and summarizes specific information for each series (location. time period of observation, instrument, responsible person. current state and availability of the data, references). In an accompanying paper the quality of 17 data series is critically assessed and some corrections are proposed.