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 eflFected 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 

 <3hoice 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 rSsu7n6 which all can un- 

 derstand ; and it is now so much the more called for, as 

 it is likely, by the invitation of the United States of America, 



