Taylor.] 



342 



[Oct. 21, 



table of perfect squares. We therefore propose to insert iuterraediate 

 values, so as to give our table the systematic or octonary form. 



Table of Area — or Surface Measure. 



The intermediate (alternate) denominations of this table are not perfect 

 Squares ; hence it was thought more correct to assign terms to them indica- 

 tive of their superficial character without the use of the prefix "square." 

 We observe here one advantage that would result from the radix of nume- 

 ration being a perfect square. The square root of 8 is 3.828427124 ; or 



/[jQ z= C.BPOL.L0L.FB • bence th's value would represent in any given 

 units, the side of a square equal to LQ (8) of the square units. Thus the 

 side of a square "lot" would be C Modules, B digits, p dents, Q lines, 

 and [j point. The side of a square "plat" would be C rods, B Modules, 

 P digits, dents, L line, and \jj;>oint. The side of a square "acre" would 

 be C cliains, B rods, P Modules, Q digits, L. dent, L line, and B points. 

 And the side . of a square "district" would \)e [^ ftirlongs, B cliains, 

 P rods, Modules, \j digit, (j dent, B lines, and |j jyoint. A very simple 

 parallelogram is however afforded us, which gives with precision the 

 dimensions of these respective areas. Thus a " district," as a land meas- 

 ure, is a rectangular ^Dace of ground, measuring two furlongs in one 

 direction, and four furlongs in the other; an "acre" a similar space of 

 ground measuring two chains in one direction by four chains in the 

 other; a "plat," a space measuring two rods in one direction, by four 

 rods in the other ; and a " lot " is in like manner a surface of two Modules 

 by four Modules. This table presents, therefore, the simplest ratios of 

 superficial measure which could be devised ; and would be found admira- 

 bly adapted to every purpose of mensuration. For smaller surfaces, it is 

 probable that the following supplementary table would prove a useful 

 resort : 



