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THE WILLIAM FERREL TIDE-PREDICTING MACHINE

This was the first tide predicting machine used in the United States. It was designed by William Ferrel, a mathematician with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and completed in 1882.

The machine summed 19 harmonic tidal constituents and gave direct readings of the predicted times and heights of the high and low waters. Predictions were made on this machine from 1885 through 1991.

(clicking on the pictures brings up a larger photograph)

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William Ferrel Tide Predicting Machine (118 KB) William Ferrel Tide Predicting Machine (128 KB)


WILLIAM FERREL
TIDE-PREDICTING MACHINE
FRONT VIEW


WILLIAM FERREL
TIDE-PREDICTING MACHINE
REAR VIEW


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William Ferrel Tide Predicting Machine (135 KB)


WILLIAM FERREL TIDE-PREDICTING MACHINE
REAR AND RIGHT SIDE VIEW

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