Taylor.] 



340 



[Oct. 21, 



•will give an admirable simplicity to our table of lengths, which -withGut 

 further preface is herewith subjoined : 



Table of Linear Measure, 



The table of lengths proper terminates with the league ; the denomina- 

 tions following being those of arc. From the derivation of the standard, 

 however, they coincide with precise measures, and are therefore properly 

 included in the table. 



The "point" gives a dimension about equal to that of a section of a 

 human hair, or of a very fine grain of sand, and may be considered about 

 the limit of visible magnitude. It is therefore a very suitable origin of 

 linear value, while it is an equally appropriate point of departure for 

 microscopic measurements. The "dent" and the "digit" would be 

 convenient measures for small articles. While this new metre gives us 

 one of the most convenient rules that can be devised, the "rod" fur- 

 nishes us with a highly useful ten-and-a-half foot measuring pole, and 

 eight times this measure gives us the best "chain." But the peculiar 

 beauty of the new Module is, that it precisely corresponds with the tertial 

 of the new degree. Under Modules make one second (the "chain"); 

 Under seconds make one minute (the "mile ") ; Under minutes make one 

 degree ; and Under degrees— the Sextant. Or, progressing by the succes- 

 sive squares— Unty Modules make the rod ; Under Modules make the 

 chain ; Unsen Modules make the mile ; Unkaly Modules make the 

 Sextant. 



As referred to the French measures, we have for the value of our prin- 

 cipal new denominations the following ; the "line " = 0.77746 millimetres; 

 the "dent " = 6.31975 millimetres ; the "digit " = 4.9758 centimetres; the 



