1885.] 
139 
A New Theory of the Tides. 
their assumption. Moreover, the constitution of such an 
atmosphere would be similar to that required by the 
theory. J 
F01 the criticisms which have been given and Dr. 
Siemens’s replies I must refer the scientific reader to a work 
published by the latter gentleman, entitled the “ Conserva- 
° f S ° lar Energy,” and also to the pages of the 
i hilosophical Magazine.” An exhaustive, or even a cur- 
sory, notice of these is beyond the scope of the present 
article. 
T Jl e th anks of scientific men generally are, however, due 
to Sir W. Siemens for bringing prominently forward and 
formulating so ingenious a theory ; their attitude with re- 
gard to it is one of waiting for further experimental evidence, 
and this evidence the lamented death of its illustrious author 
will probably delay. 
II. A NEW THEORY OF THE TIDES. 
By Robert Bell. 
f HIS article is intended to show that, although the 
^ moon is the chief facftor in producing the tides, it is 
done by a different process than by attraction. 
As an illustration, place a parcel of goods that is wrapt 
in paper on a table, and then push the parcel from you. 
The first thing that takes place in this last a Ct is, that you 
make an impression on and disturb the envelope. Now 
this is exactly what takes place when the Moon, by means 
of her radiations, is giving the Earth a push. 
Owing to the extreme susceptibility to pressure of the 
envelope that surrounds the solid portion of the Earth, 
*•*•> the atmosphere, — a part of it is forced laterally in every 
direction, until it reaches that part of the Earth’s sphere 
at the greatest point of elongation from the Moon. 
There is now a greater quantity of atmospheric matter 
pressing on the water at this point than under the Moon, or 
at the opposite side to the Moon. The water yielding to 
M 2 
