66 UNIVERSAL OR COSMIC TIME. 
The general adoption also of one of the propositions of Mr. Sand- 
ford Fleming, that relative to the enumeration of the hours of the 
day in a single series of 1 to 24, would probably encounter many 
obstacles ; but its introduction should be advocated in all countries. 
In fact, as we see, the division of the day into two halves, each of 
12 hours, is a cause of numerous errors and inconveniences. This 
division has been for a long time in use. But undoubtedly apart 
from this reason no one can find any ground for its advocacy. Hence 
it comes to pass that its abolition is desirable, and that the simple 
division of the day into 24 hours should be established. 
The example of so many places in Italy, in Bohemia, and in 
Poland, where this most simple division is observed at the present 
time, proves that its general introduction would meet with no diffi- 
culty, and that this beneficial reform could be effected without seri- 
ous inconvenience ; and that, besides, the logical consequence equally 
follows, of the possibility of the adoption of one Universal Time. 
To resume: We consider we are justified in urging that, as soon 
as possible, the following reforms be adopted :— 
1. The adoption of an initial Meridian common to all nations, the 
choice to be made at a conference of delegates. 
2. The adoption of Cosmopolitan Time, based on this same uni- 
versal Meridian, on which, moreover, naturally shall be based the 
computation of dates. 
3. Adoption of one series of hours in one continuous day of 1 to 
to 24, suppressing the denominations of anti and post meridian. 
4, The question of secondary Time requires to be more considered, 
at least in Europe. For the present we would prefer to see the 
national hours maintained, or, at most, we would prefer the propo- 
sition of the Swedish Commission. 
* * * + 
CoNCLUSION. 
Having arrived at the end of this work, we believe it is our duty 
to justify ourselves with the reader by some additional remarks, 
which may appear superfluous. But by what has been done, it will 
be clearly apparent that some consideration should be given to the 
subject. It may be said to be entirely new in the scientific and geo- 
graphical publications of Italy ; which fact, in itself, has imposed the 
obligation of examining the question under its many and various 
aspects ; when it is considered, besides, that almost all the foreign 
scientific and geographical publications also give the question a 
special prominence, either in defence of a given Meridian, or in com- 
menting on some of the propositions which we have set forth, 
there is required at this time a réswmé whieh all can un- 
derstand; and it is now so much the more ealled for, as 
it is likely, by the invitation of the United States of America, 
