Abstract
THIS Treatise on the Tides, by the Rev. J. Pearson, M.A., F.R.A.S., contains an interesting historical sketch of tidal theories, extending from an early period to the present time; and while referring to the slow progress made in our knowledge of tidal phenomena, assures the inquirer of the interest attending the investigation. The researches of Newton, Bernouilli, La Place, and others, had gradually established a theory which, from the discussion of many observations made at ports in the United Kingdom by Sir J. Lubbock, brought into practical use a series of tables by which the times and the heights of high water at certain places, mainly on the shores of the United Kingdom, could be computed with an accuracy sufficient for the requirements of seamen, and others interested, especially the proprietors of docks. Based on the general results of Sir J. Lubbock's labours, the author, from observations extending over several years, has introduced tables auxiliary to those heretofore employed, for computing the heights of high water at Liverpool, where the tides have occasionally the great range of thirty-three feet. The results of these predictions (as compared with observation) show that the course of the “diurnal inequality”—previously disregarded—has by their aid been successfully traced. On the coasts of Great Britain generally, the diurnal inequality is not so important a factor as it is at Liverpool, at which place it amounts at times to one foot or more. The treatise cannot fail to be received with interest and to encourage attention to the subject.
An Elementary Treatise on the Tides based upon that of the Late Sir J. W. Lubbock, Bart., F.R.S.; to which is added a newly-devised Method of Computation of the Heights of High Water at Liverpool, with Factors for other Ports, and Tables adopted by the Admiralty.
By James Pearson (London: J. D. Potter; Fleetwood: W. Porter and Son, 1881.)
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An Elementary Treatise on the Tides based upon that of the Late Sir J W Lubbock, Bart, FRS; to which is added a newly-devised Method of Computation of the Heights of High Water at Liverpool, with Factors for other Ports, and Tables adopted by the Admiralty. Nature 25, 360 (1882). https://doi.org/10.1038/025360a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/025360a0