As an instance that, in whatever Mr. Howard engaged, it was summis viribus, it may not be unworthy of notice to mention, that, on the frost setting in, {Howard} used, during the continuance, to leave his bed at two every morning, for the purpose of observing the state of a thermometer, which was placed in his garden, at some distance from his house.

From letter from “W. F.” published in Gentleman’s Magazine, April 1790, p. 288.