ABSTRACT
The philosopher of the Scottish Enlightenment, David Hume (1711-76) observed that ‘of all parts of the Earth, Europe is the most broken by seas, rivers and mountains . . . and most naturally divided into several distinct governments.’1 Arguably, such devolution has been further encouraged by its climate exhibiting much variety but, thanks to oceanic influence, within moderate limits. One of Britain’s many climate patriots felt that the creativity of his fellow countrymen had thereby been nurtured.2
