Areas of discussion are the history of tides, the forces which exert an influence upon the earth's tides, the behavior of tides as modified by terrestrial features, "freak" behavior of tides, the marine life which inhabits tidal areas, the manner in which tides have helped to shape the course of history, how tides affect our lives on a day to day basis, and the possible future benefits to mankind which might be derived from the tides. Also included are: information concerning early theories about the tides; a discussion of Newton's theories of gravity; the influence of the moon and sun on the earth's tides; a discussion of tidal oscillations, ocean basins, the three principal types of tides, and information about charting and predicting tides; a discussion of tidal waves, tidal surges, tidal bores and reversing falls, whirlpools, and rip tides; and commercial aspects associated with the tides, including ocean farming and ocean mining. (VM)