Abstract
A meteorological illustration of what a variational principie achieves is offered in this essay by solving afresh an old problem in atmospheric optics. Its qualitative solution may be found in many modero accounts, whereas its quantitative solution, seemingly not so widespread, is likely to be found only in older treatises. A derivation of Snell's law of refraction for a medium with continuously varying density is believed to be original. At least it is hoped that the whole treatment shall have some didactic value.
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References
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