rk that the compulsory resort to this particu- 
ar integral _ the original assumption of an ocean covering 
the whole surface of the globe, irrevocably,—these values of w, 
un P, being simple perturbating functions, whose perturb- 
e CO 
* As it is, Laplace’s theory fails totally in application, from the impos- 
sbility of introducing in it the consideration of the boundaries of the sea.” 
* * * * * ® % 
“If we look to the results of the theory, it will be found that they are 
_ of a negative than of a positive kind. They show that, without a 
mor 
"ecan hope to possess, it will be impossible, even with more powerful 
mathematics, to calculate tides & priori. They show that the calcula- 
all hope of using an equilibrium-theory, even as an approximation. In 
Stablishing the Tnsietle result as te ao cists of diurnal tide 
m height when the depth is uniform, they show that no inference can be 
Wn from the mere magnitude of a force as to the magnitude of its 
oe —(Airy, “ Tides and Waves.”) 
tdoes not seem to me that so difficult and profound a course 
of analysis was at all necessary to arrive at everything in a 
— results at all important. Wa) ee 
sig, .® Temark in the beginning of this pipet kao. 
Pe of the ocean’s bottom is the very es 
ost evi 
a made as to the conclusions concerning 
moth, Which, it seems to me, no philosopher could ever have 
a8 @ solution. Laplace having fai 
