204 
Weights and Measures [no. 4, new series, 
Weight and Measure^ it would be " perfectly vain.'"^' It is how- 
ever probable that the attempt will be made, but it is not yet made, 
and if this caution is observed in a country like England, it cer- 
tainly ought to be exercised in India. A Decimal system is pecu- 
liarly adapted for account, but for the ordinary transactions of life, 
which affect the mass of the people, the binary scale is the most 
natural, and the most convenient in every country ; and in India, 
the interests of the mass demand that it be preserved in the suh- 
multiples at least, of the Metrical standards. 
Lastly, I will advert again to the fact that the Indian coinage is 
not decimal ; the Rupee being subdivided into 1^ Annas, and each 
of these into 12 Pies. Unless the coinage is' altered, — a measure 
which I conclude the Government will not venture to attempt at 
present, — the chief advantage of a decimal Metrical system is lost. 
On this point I would refer to the evidence of Professor De Mor- 
gan, the ablest and most zealous of the advocates for a Decimal 
system in England. When examined before the Parliamentary 
Committee of 1841, appointed to consider the subject of the ** Res- 
toration of the Standards," the Professor stated that in his opinion 
" no decimal scale is praciicahle, that does not begin with the money. 
(Page 60. H. 10.) 
The next point for consideration, is the best method of intro- 
ducing a nev/ and uniform Metrical system into such a country as 
India, comprising as it docs such an enormous extent of territory 
and containing so many races of people speaking different lan- 
guages, already possessing each their own established Weights and 
Measures, and deeply prejudiced against innovation. 
It is the opinion of some who are acquainted with India, and 
whose views are entitled to respect, that the introduction of a new 
Metrical system should not be attempted by any compulsory mea- 
sure, but be urged upon the people by encouragement, persuasion, 
* The Decimal system was established by law in France in 1795, but as regard- 
ed Weights and Measures it was found that its enforcement was so difficult, that 
in 1816, the " systemc usuel" was enforced for Retail Trade. It was not till 
July, 1837, that it was decided finally lo adopt the decimal scale, and to enforce 
penalties for the use of any other. The law came into force on the 1st of Janu- 
tiry, 1840. 
