162 TffE ORIGIN OF 



We glean from the above facts, that while there must be' 

 one grand regular cause of tides, there are several peculiar' 

 influences to which they are subject, and which cause them to 

 vary in different localities, and at different seasons. This grand 

 cause We believe to be induced by pressure. The variations 

 to which they are liable are produced : Firstly, by the* 

 position of the new and full moon secondly, by the for* 

 mation of the sea coast thirdly, by pressure of winds. 



Before explaining our views, let us review the old estab" 

 lished theory and show that the grounds for accepting it are 

 not conclusive. 



In consulting various authorities, we find that attraction is 

 given as the cause of the tides, and that it is the sun and moon 

 which are the reputed possessors of the influence. 



In Dr. Lardner's Science and Art we find an explanation 

 to the following effect, of the two tides a day, one on either side 

 of the earth at the same time : 'Let us, for instance, imagine a 

 diagram of the earth, with the four cardinal points marked on 

 it. If the moon is directly above the north point, Lardner 

 says, the waters will be heaped up there by the moon's attrac- 

 tion, while on the east and west sides there will be low tides. 

 But as the moon could not attract the waters on the south end* 

 also, the high tide there is caused by the earth being drawn in" 

 from the water. 



A more extraordinary theory has seldom gained ground, and"! 

 we wonder how it was ever accepted, for it will not bear even the 

 slightest examination. In the first place, how the moon being 

 the smaller body, could attract the earth the larger body, is a 

 mystery ; for according to all rules of attraction or gravitation 

 the greater always influences-ihe less. Secondly, the same rule 



