94 



spirits, consequent on physical debility, Sir Cordy's cordial shake of 

 the hand, bright smiling face, and encouraging word, had given him 

 new life. In such a manner had he carried sunshine into many a sick 

 room. 



Mr. Barclay Phillips also spoke highly of the deceased, and 

 confirmed what Mr. Wonfor had said respecting the origin of the 

 testimonial. He had no idea when he invited a few of Sir Cordy's 

 fellow-workers in the Albion Rooms to his house to try and 

 raise a small tribute of esteem for what he had done in saving 

 the Librar>' to the town, that it would grow to such dimensions 

 as it had. 



The resolution was carried unanimously. 



April 14TH. 



ORDINARY MEETING. — MR. F. PHILLIPS, B.A., 

 BALLIOL COLL., OXFORD, ON '^ THE TIDES." 



After alluding to the ideas of the Ancients on Tides, and the 

 maritime discoveries of the 15th and i6th centuries, Mr. Phillips 

 proceeded — It was reser\-ed for the genius of Newton to give the first 

 correct explanation of Tides, and to show that they are as much con- 

 sequences of his great law of universal attraction as the movements 

 of the planets themselves. 



Newton's theory was first published in his Principia in 1668, 

 and may be said to have formed the basis of all subsequent 

 investigations. Physical theories can never represent all the com- 

 plexities of Nature, but the conclusions deduced from them are none 

 the less valuable on that account. Let us ever bear this in mind when 

 considering the subject before us. We shall have to make many sup- 

 positions as to the earth, the ocean, and the movements of the 

 heavenly bodies, which are far from being fulfilled in Nature, but 

 which must be made before we can grapple at all with the problem. 



