Ferrel Tide Predictor

Description:

In 1872, the British physicist William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin) devised a machine to simulate mechanically the combination of periodic motions that produce tides. Inspired by this example, William Ferrel of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey designed a tide predictor and had it built by the Washington, D.C., firm of Fauth and Company. This elegant machine was more compact than that of Thomson, and gave maxima and minima rather than a continuous curve as output. It was designed in 1880, went into service in 1883 and remained in use until 1910. The success of Ferrel's tide predictor suggested the feasibility of replacing calculations performed by people with computation by machines.

Date Made: 18831880Used During: 1883-1910

Maker: Fauth & Co.Designer: Ferrel, William

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: District of Columbia, Washington

Subject: Mathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Mechanical Integrators and Analyzers, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Transfer from U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.315917Catalog Number: 315917Accession Number: 223203

Object Name: harmonic synthesizer

Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)glass (overall material)Measurements: overall: 62.2 cm x 46.5 cm x 34.3 cm; 24 1/2 in x 18 5/16 in x 13 1/2 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-5385-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_997047

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.