Herschel helped by making tidal observations off the coast of South Africa, and, as he complained to Whewell, he was knocked off the docks during a violent high tide for his trouble.
Herschel a ajutat prin observarea mareelor pe coasta Africii de Sud, şi, după cum se plăngea lui Whewell, pentru asta a fost răsturnat de pe doc în timpul unei maree violente.