64 Analyses of Books* [July, 



observed, that the imperial standard-yard, which is the unit of 

 the measures of length, and an aliquot part of which gives the 

 means of recovering the standard of weight, from which again 

 the measures of capacity are derived, will remain unaltered, 

 together with all the derivations from it, whatever rectification 

 the natural standard may be found susceptible of in future. 



The legislative recognition of two denominations of weight, in 

 retaining both the troy and the avoirdupois pound, has been 

 mentioned as a defect in the system. But we think that the 

 inconvenience in numerous commercial concerns, which must 

 have been experienced, had either of them been rejected, would 

 have much more than counterbalanced the departure from strict 

 Vnifomiity, (a departure, indeed, which we conceive to be rather 

 imaginary than actual) that has ensued from the retention of both. 



In their determination of this and similar points, the Commis- 

 sioners of Weights and Measures appear to have acted, and in 

 our opinion wisely so, in the spirit of Sir G. Shuckburgh Eve- 

 lyn's remarks on the propriety of retaining the commonly* 

 received denominations of quantity. These remarks are so 

 apposite on the present occasion, that we must be permitted Id 

 quote them; premising, however, that they contain some impHed 

 reflections on the French Systtme metrique not altogether 

 deserved. They occur in Sir George's ** Endeavours to ascertain 

 ft Standard of Weight and Measure," (Phil. Trans. 1798) and it 

 will be remembered with gratitude to his memory, that in these 

 very accurate " Endeavours," was laid the foundation of the 

 new system. 



After having ascertained the length of the proposed natural 

 standard, the pendulum, and determined the weight of any given 

 bulk of water compared with it. Sir G. S. proceeds to deduce the 

 proportion of these to the commonly-received weights and mea- 

 sures of this kingdom. '*It is perfectly true," he observes, 

 *' that if I chose to indulge in fanciful speculation, I might neg- 

 lect these comparisons, as an unpbilosophical condescension to 

 modern convenience, or to ancient practice, and might adopt 

 some more magnificent integer than the English pound or 

 fathom; such as the diameter or circumference of the world, 

 Sfc. S^c. and, without much skill in the learned languages, and 

 with little difficulty, I might ape the barbarisms of the present 

 day. But in truth, with much inconvenience, I see no possible 

 good in changing the quantities, the divisions, or the names of 

 things of such constant recurrence in common hfe; I should 

 therefore humbly submit it to the good sense of the people of 

 these kingdoms at least, to preserve, with the measures, the 

 language of their forefathers. I would call a yard a yard, and 

 a pound a pound, without any other alteration than what the 

 precision of our own artists may obtain for us, or what the lapse 

 of ages, or the teeth of time, may have required,'' 



