Taylor.] o4:0 |-Oct. 21, 



aud measures, and one having no common unit with either the French or 

 the English system, would be only adding to the existing diversity of 

 standards, instead of tending to that great scheme of uniformity so cher- 

 ished by the philanthropist, we have to reply that, if the sj-^stem proposed 

 be really of all the best adapted to the needs not only of one, but of all 

 nations, then is the prospect of a general uniformity most reasonably to 

 be anticipated /ro?rt its introduction. If nehher the metrology of England 

 <which is also ours), nor yet that of France, is ever likely to obtain a uni- 

 versal conquest, some better scheme alone remains to give us a hope of 

 ultimate success. Such a scheme is here presented. Founded upon the 

 simplest and yet most comprehensive basis, it contains nothing that could 

 be regarded as in any respect peculiar to one locality or latitude, or more 

 suitable for one nation than for any other. Encumbered by no abstruse no- 

 menclature, it aims at no superfluous verbal uniformity, but leaves each 

 people to employ such designations of its units as may ajDpear to each 

 most easy and familiar. 



Mr. Adams, after his unequaled analysis of the English system of 

 measures, in view of its close agreement with our own, discountenances 

 all attempts at a premature innovation. Without approving in his report 

 of the introduction of the French system, he thinks it would afford the 

 best prospect of securing "uniformity;" and remarks, "were it even 

 possible to construct another system on diflFerent principles, but em- 

 bracing in equal degree all the great elements of uniformity, it would 

 still be a system of diversity with regard to France, aud all tlie followers 

 of her system. And as she could not be expected to abandon that which 

 she has established at so much expense, and with so much dlflBculty, for 

 another possessing, if equal, no greater advantages, there would still be 

 two rival systems with more desperate chances for the triumph of uni- 

 formity." 



On the contrary, it is believed, that provided a new system could be 

 framed, which Jiad demonstrably "greater advantages" than her own, 

 France would be among the first of nations to hail its advent and to wel- 

 come its adoption. A nation to which belougs the honor aud the glory of 

 having been the first to invite the fraternal co-operation of other powers, 

 and the first to work out with unwearied science, skill and labor, a com- 

 prehensive organization of that ideal metrology— unrivaled in its philo- 

 sophy and symmetry — cannot be the last to appreciate any real improve- 

 ment of that economy ; or to submit to any sacrifice which should promote 

 the realization of such improvement. Nor could the entire abandon- 

 ment of that which has cost so much be accounted too great a sacrifice, 

 if only through it could be accomplished that magnanimous design to 

 which it owed its origin. It would have to be looked upon as a costly 

 but invaluable experiment — as a great aud necessary progression to an 

 end, by which alone was rendered possible any higher attainment. The 

 system here elaborated is but a development of that. 



A project which contemplates the entire subversion of the existing 



