THE METRIC SYSTEM 417 



The centimeter and millimeter are most often used in 

 measuring very short distances; and the kilometer, in 

 measuring roads and long distances. 



Measure of Capacity. The Liter (pro. le'ter) is the 

 unit of Capacity. It is equal in volume to a cube whose 

 edge is a decimeter; that is, one-tenth of a meter. 



10 milliliters, marked ml. = i centiliter, marked cl. 

 10 centiliters = i deciliter, dl. 



10 deciliters = i liter, 1. 



10 liters = i dekaliter, Dl. 



10 dekaliters = i hektoliter, " HI. 



This measure is used for liquids and for dry substances. 

 The denominations most used are the liter and hektoliter; 

 the former in measuring milk, vinegar, etc., in moderate 

 quantities, and the latter in measuring grain, fruit, etc., 

 in large quantities. Instead of the milliliter and the 

 kiloliter, it is customary to use the cubic centimeter and 

 the cubic meter (marked m 3 ), which are their equiv- 

 alents. 



Measure of Weight. The Gram is the unit of 

 Weight. It was determined by the weight of a cubic 

 centimeter of distilled water, at the temperature of 

 maximum density (39.2 F.) or 4 C. 



10 milligrams, marked mg. = i centigram, marked eg. 



10 centigrams = i decigram, dg. 



10 decigrams = i gram, g. 



10 grams = i dekagram, . Dg. 



10 dekagrams = i hektogram, Hg. 



10 hektograms = i kilogram, Kg. 



10 kilograms = i myriagram, Mg. 



10 myriagrams or 100 kilograms = i quintal, Q. 



10 quintals, or 1000 = i metric ton, M.T. 



The gram, kilogram (pro. kil' o-gram), and metric ton 

 are the weights commonly used. The gram is used in all 



