THE METRIC SYSTEM 
At the recent Session of the Royai Society of Canada, the Metric 
System of weights and measures was brought up for consideration at 
the first general meeting by Sir Sandford Fleming, whose address 
follows. The suggestions submitted by him with respect to a forty-inch 
metre and other matters were supported by four other ex-presidents of 
the Society, viz:—Mr. Benjamin Sulte, representing Section I.; 
Lt.-Colonel Denison, representing Section If.; Dr. T. C. Keefer, repre- 
senting Section III. and Sir James Grant, representing Section IV. 
After discussion, the matter was referred to a special committee of 
seven members, consisting of Archbishop Bruchesi, Mr. Benjamin Sulte, 
Lt.-Colonel Denison, Professor Rutherford, Professor Ellis, Professor 
Macallum and Sir Sandford Fleming, convener. 
The report of the special committee presented to the General Meet- 
ing, May 25th, as follows, was unanimously adopted. 
Report. 
“The special committee appointed to consider the subject of the 
Metric system submitted at the General Meeting, on May 22nd, beg 
leave to report: 
“The committee hesitate to express an opinion on the merits of the 
proposal submitted to the Society respecting the adoption of a forty 
inch metre. This is the first time this subject has been brought before 
the Royal Society, and while at this stage it is considered best for the 
Society to remain uncommitted to any particular opinion, as the new 
proposal invests the whole question of the Metric System with increased 
interest, it seems highly proper for the Society to approve of means 
being taken to promote eaquiry and investigation. The Council should 
therefore be authorized and requested to take such means in its 
discretion, and if it may seem advisable to bring the matter to the 
attention of the authorities and the public.” 
Address by Sir Sandford Fleming. 
International uniformity in weights and measures has been desired 
for many generations. 
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, increasing intercourse 
between the people of the several European nations created a demand 
for a system of weights and measures adapted for general use. This led 
