Final answer:
Lord Kelvin built a computational machine to calculate and predict tides, allowing for the creation of accurate tide tables for specific times at harbors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lord Kelvin, a pivotal figure in the scientific community, utilized his expertise to create a computational machine designed to calculate and predict tides. This groundbreaking effort enabled the generation of tide tables which could forecast the ebb and flow of tides at various harbors, pinpointing the predictions to specific days and hours. As the intricate dance of oceanic tides is influenced by various factors, such as the Earth's rotation, land masses, gravitational pull from both the Moon and the Sun, and other environmental elements, creating accurate tide tables was a complex feat. Kelvin's work with tide prediction is a prime example of applying physics to solve real-world problems, such as navigation and fishing, which are heavily influenced by tidal patterns.