18S7.] <^4:7 [Taylor. 



"seniy " = 1.5393 decagrammes; our " unce " = 1.3314 Jiectogrnmmes, 

 and our " libra " = .98514 kilogramme. 



It would probably be found convenient to distribute the more popular 

 or frequently used weights (those from the "scrap " to the " libra ") upon 

 the binary scale ; but as the divisions of halves and quarters practically 

 accomplish Ibis, it seems hardly necessary to suggest a series of interme- 

 diate denominations. 



In the new standard of length here proposed and developed, w^e believe 

 that every excellence of the French standard has been carefully preserved, 

 and all its imperfections as successfully avoided. Starting from the same 

 general principles by Avhicli that was obtained, we have made no depart- 

 ure from the details of its derivation, not required by the plainest and 

 soundest deductions of experience, philosophy and common sense. Does 

 the French method propose an agcjravated yard as a convenient unit, we 

 show the superiority of the cubit. Does it (on good grounds at the time) 

 select an elliptical meridian, as its origin of measure, we show still bet- 

 ter grounds for preferring the equatorial circle. Does it look (almost ne- 

 cessarily) to the quadrant as a natural unit, we show the greater propriety 

 of the sextant. Does it rest on a thoroughly decimal basis, we show the 

 most cogent reasons for adopting an octonary distribution. Does it find a 

 fitting divisor only in the seventh power of its decimal radix, we accident- 

 ally tind it in a great arithmetical unit — the eighth power of the octade. 

 Does it finally give as its finished product, an imperfect Metre, we offer 

 for acceptance a perfect Module. 



The system of metrology derived from this new standard has in it noth- 

 ing that is arbitrarily assumed. Each part of it is dependent upon every 

 other, and each part flows from each, by a logical and systematic neces- 

 sity. The whole is thus a perfect unit, simple and complete — compre- 

 hending every relation of dimension and of weight, and adequate to every 

 purpose of precision, the minutest as well as the grandest. 



We have thus endeavored to unfold with as much conciseness as was 

 compatible with a clear presentation of the subject, what is regarded as 

 the best possible method of fulfilling all the varied and difficult conditions 

 required in an acceptable system of weights and measures, as well as the 

 most effectual means of promoting that great desideratum of international 

 commerce, an ultimate uniformity of standards among the nations of the 

 earth. The serious and radical defects of our existing systems have been 

 briefly noticed, and from the experience thus acquired the essential and 

 practical wants of the community have been incidentally pointed out. As 

 the result of this investigation, it is believed that there is no other practi- 

 cable solution of the problem ; for the attainment of a real uniformity, 

 there seems to be no other process or alternative. No disadvantage would 

 follow the adoption of this plan, save that of the disturbance and confu- 

 sion necessarily consequent upon every change, and which must form the 

 price of every valuable reform. 



If it be urged that the introduction of still another system of weights 



