THE 
PHILOSOPHICAL MAGAZINE. 
NOVEMBER 1799. 
I. Obfervations on the irc awel Reflux of the Atmofphere. 
By the Abbe Mann*. 
As the general power of attraction or gravity extends to 
all bodies within the fphere of its action; and as the atmo- 
{phere of our earth confifts not only of heavy, but alfo of 
_ moveable and elaftic parts, which revolve around a common 
axis like the water of the ocean, it neceffarily follows that 
the atmofphere muft be affected by the fame phyfical caufes 
which produce the flux and reflux of the fea. This confe- 
quence is fo immediate and neceffary that it is not poffible 
to doubt'it: the queftion therefore will not be the exiftence 
of a flux and reflux, but merely refpecting their extent. 
Many philofophers have afferted, on grounds which do not 
ear to have much validity, that the “flux and reflux of the 
atmofphere amount to no more than thofe of the ocean, that 
is, eight feet. According to thejr opinion, a fea of water, 
‘air, or quickfilver, w tina’ be raifed to about the fame height 
by the effeéts of the fun and moon, and acquire from them 
nearly the fame movement. Thofe who {peak in this man- 
‘mer, muft entirely overlook the nature of elaftic fluids; for 
"it may eafily be conceived that, with the fame power of at- 
* From the Tran/adtions of the Academy of Sciences at Bruffels, Vol. 1V, 
Vou. Y. P traction, 
