Taylor.] 



344 



[Oct. 21, 



This simple scale of volumes or bulks, derived directly from our 

 smaller linear table, gives a good illustration of the great beauty and con- 

 venience flowing out of the employment of a radix of numeration which 

 is a perfect cube. Each of the cubic measures of the above table has 

 for the dimensions of its side two of the linear values above it. 



The practical conveniences of simple and direct relations between 

 lengths, weights, and measures of capacity are certainly too obvious and 

 too great, to be lightly thrown away. Thus, where we are furnished with 

 a measure, the root of whose cube is precisely a measuring rule in com- 

 mon use (one of the many advantages which result from an octonary 

 scale of weights and measures), the benefit is by no means trivial ; the 

 farmer can always, without any calculation, make himself a cubical box 

 (whether to supply, or to verify a measure) whose capacity shall bQ fully 

 as accurate as the "bushel" he may purchase — even admitting that 

 such a process may not have the precision that would satisfy the ex- 

 perimental philosopher. And this is a benefit which would attach equally 

 to every unit of measurement in the scale. Whenever so radical a change 

 is contemplated as the introduction of new divisions or denominations of 

 measure, the importance of adopting at the same time the most useful or 

 convenient standards that can be devised, is too eminent to justify a 

 moment's hesitation in throwing aside everything that has not some 

 intrinsic value to plead for its preservation. 



Table op Derivative Measures. 



This table furnishes us with a complete system. It needs but a simple 

 calculation to exhibit our weights and measui'es in full. Our measures 

 of capacity with their respective values are as follows : 



