428 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



expansively, I have eecn Mr. Horatio Allen, one of the comniiRsion, and 

 have spoken with him on this subject. lie proposes to construct an engine 

 to be used throughout the experiments, so arranged that the cylinder can 

 be enlarged or. diminished, while all tlie other parts remain the same, so 

 that Iw first using the small cylinder, and afterwards increasing its diame- 

 ter, while the friction of the other parts are the same, it is hoped the eco- 

 nomical results of using steam expansively will be fully tested. Mr. Allen 

 at first thought of using the centrifugal pump as a measure of power, but 

 on consultation it was decided to employ a series of fan blowers, which by 

 adding one after another, the resistance could be increased with greater 

 uniformity. These experiments are U> be conducted wath great care, and 

 will occupy about a year. 



Measuring Instruments. 



The subject continued from the last meeting was then resumed. 



BODY MEASURE. 



The Chairman —The principal instruments for measuring the size and 

 form of the human body have been devised for those er)gaged in making 

 clothing. The height of the body and the dimension of its various parts 

 are usually found with tlie ordinar}'^ rule and measuring tape graduated in 

 feet, and sometimes as fine as the thirty-second part of an inch. Many 

 patents have been taken out in this country for measures used by the 

 tailor, and those who have a taste for Descriptive Geometry, will find in 

 this direction, a new and practical application of favorite problems. It 

 would be impossible to notice in detail any of these improvements, the aim 

 of which is to form a garment which fits the body when at rest and in 

 motion, and still conforms in every particular to tlie prevailing fashion; 

 but those interested in this branch of technology are referred for further 

 information to GenioC. Scott, who has been for many years a publisher of 

 fashion, and a member of the Parisian society, where most of the changes 

 in gentlemen's clothing originate. 



FOOT MEASURE. 



The common rule used by bootmakers in measuring the foot, is graduated 

 into thirds of an inch, whicli are called " sizes." The measurements around 

 the foot are usually taken at three points, b}' means of plain paper, which 

 is given to the cutter as his guide. It is evident that this kind of mea- 

 surement is very defective. It arises from the custom which demands that 

 the foot, more than any other part of the body, shall conform to certain 

 shapes, devised and established by the bootmaker, generally with the full 

 consent of the wearer, who is anxious that his foot should always be pre- 

 sented to the public in what is regarded as the approved form. This 

 practice is the cause of great pain, and often results in the permanent 

 deformity of the foot. Whenever each person will consent to wear shoes 

 which more nearly approach the shape of the foot, it will be comparatively 

 easy to introduce measurements similar to those now nsed in the most 

 approved hat stores for ascertaining the true form of the head. 



HEAD MEASURE. 



The hatter has long measured the head according to sizes; always 

 assuming that the line of contact between the head and hat described an 



