Three historic tide gauge records from Svalbard were converted from 19^th century tabulations into computer files. They are good quality and can be used in modern tidal analysis. We confirmed previous findings on tidal constants and showed how little non-tidal variability in sea level there was at these times. One gauge used had an unusual design but it worked well and so deserves to be known. Biographical information is given on the people who acquired these data.

In October 1929, measurements of the atmospheric potential gradient began to be routinely recorded at the Magnetic Observatory in Świder. There was a disruption and loss of the results of these measurements during World War II but the experience shaped the future of the observatory.