Context: The tide-predicting machine invented by Sir William Thomson in 1872 was of great utility to navigation in shallow waters. It used a system of pulleys and wires to automatically calculate predicted tide levels for a set period at a particular location.

Question: When was the tide-predicting machine invented by Sir William Thomson invented?
Answer: 1872

Question: Who invented the first tide-predicting machine in 1872?
Answer: Sir William Thomson

Question: What did Sir William Thomson's tide-predicting machine use to function?
Answer: system of pulleys and wires