F / 
350 Maj. Barnard on the Dynamic Theory of the Tides. 
The equilibrium-theory, manifestly false in treating the prob- 
lem simply as oné of statics, disregarding the motions of the fluid 
which must accompany the changes of its superficial form, is, at 
least, an explanation of the phenomenon, though not a true 
theory. 
Mr. Airy remarks of it; 
* * * * “it must be allowed that it is one of the most contemp- 
analagous to the parts into which the tidal phenomena may be divided, 
admitting easily of calculation and of alteration, and thus at once sug- 
e have 
comparing all their observations with its results. And till ue 
perfect (a thing scarcely to be hoped for in any subject, and less in © 
tides than any other,) this is one of the most important uses of theory: 
{f we could indeed grasp the conditions of the problem—bnng 
into our analysis the expression of the actual form (ot ser 
tolerable approximation to that form) of the solid nucleus ald 
epressions form the ocean beds, then indeed the solution Wo 
ur. 
: . : such & 
e we are utterly incapable of doing this— pre we 
“Dynamic Theory,” it seems to me that Mr. Airy wastes Lege 
upon the “equilibrium theory” which, after all, I ay 
e i] 
atics, we af 
th the facts 
which really govern the question—which cannot Maer seek is 
motion 
longer that which we propose, but a mere M themati 
which may yield us some curious results. 
