46 SANDFORD FLEMING ON TIME 
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The problem to be mastered is to put an end to this confusion. In order to do so, it is 
important that we should endeavour to form correct ideas of time and its attributes. 
According to the ordinary usages which we follow, the time of any particular locality 
depends upon its position on the earth’s surface, in other words, upon its longitude. The 
principle followed is that there is a separate time on every meridian around the cireum- 
ference of the globe. Let-us carry this theory to its logical conclusion. Take by way of 
example a hundred or a thousand meridians, each with a distinct and separate time. It 
will be conceded that what is true of one point on a meridian must be true of every point. 
A meridian line runs due north and south on the earth’s surface, from pole to pole; hence 
it follows that, at the point where every meridian must converge, we have the time of 
every meridian. That is to say, at the earth’s pole, a point common to every meridian, 
there are a hundred or a thousand different notations of time, each distinct and separate. 
The extreme absurdity of this hypothesis establishes beyond question that the premises 
are false ; and it is in no way surprising that confusion and difficulty result from a system 
such as we possess, based on principles so erroneous. 
We may here ask the question: “Why should time vary with every mile of longi- 
tude?” The answer comes :—It is not possible to conceive more than a single unity of 
time in the whole universe. Time which is “an infinite continuity in infinite space” 
resembles a mighty river whose unvarying stream passes before us. Such a river is un- 
changeable yet continually changing: volumes of water always advancing are replaced 
by new volumes in perpetual succession, and yet the river continues one and the same 
ever flowing unity. The passing stream of time is much the same, and the problem pre- 
sented to us is to keep a proper record of its flow. It is perfectly obvious that the prin- 
ciples which should govern should be such as to secure complete accord in the detail of 
its admeasurement independently of locality. All peoples are concerned in the attainment 
of harmonious results, and therefore it is important that they should acquiesce in the 
employment of the same unit of computation and in counting the measurements from 
one common zero. 
We have not to look in vain for a convenient unit and the most perfect instrument 
for measuring the passage of time. The rotation of the earth on its axis is marked by 
complete uniformity of movement, and nothing is more certain than the recurrence of 
this diurnal phenomenon. Accordingly the earth itself supplies all our wants as a time- 
keeper: in it we have at our command a perpetual standard for the use and guidance of 
the entire family of man. 
Before, however, we can attain this end it is essential that mankind should come to 
an agreement on the following points :— 
1. With respect to a zero from which the revolutions are to be counted. 
2. The acceptance of a common subdivision and a common notation by which parts 
of revolutions will be known by all and receive universal recognition. 
The importance of a definite understanding on these points is self-evident, for if each 
individual or group of individuals adheres to the practice of observing time from different 
zeros and each maintains separate reckonings of it, the outcome must be general confusion 
such as we now experience. 
If in imagination we place ourselves at one extremity of the earth’s axis, we shall find 
ourselves in a peculiarly favourable position, free from all local influences, for obserying 
