THE EVOLUTION OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND THE METRIC SYSTEM BY WILLIAM HALLOCK, PH.D. PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS IN COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND HERBERT T. WADE EDITOR FOR PHYSICS AND APPLIED SCIENCE, THE NEW INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA PREFACE. IN the following pages it has been the aim of the authors to present in simple and non-technical language, so far as possible, a comprehensive view of the evolution of the science of metrology as it is now understood. Inasmuch as the introduction of the Metric System into the United States and Great Britain is a topic of more or less general interest at the present time, it has seemed that a work designed both for the student of science and for the general reader, in which this system is discussed in its relation to other systems of weights and measures past and present, would fill a certain need. While there are many works on metrology that treat at considerable length the historic and scientific sides of the subject, as well as the economic and archaeological questions involved, and a large number of books and pamphlets dealing with the teaching of the Metric System, besides those supplying tables and formulas for converting from one system to the other, yet there is apparently a distinct lack of works, which in small compass discuss the subject comprehensively from its many points of view. Indeed, the student of metrology is apt to be embarrassed by an extensive literature rather than by any deficiency in the amount of collected material, though much of the latter, to be sure, is included in various Reports and Proceedings of learned societies and official documents rather than in single works. A large amount of this literature devoted to metrology represents a minute specialization and critical analysis often discussing either a certain epoch, or a single system or group of weights and measures, where the treatment is from the standpoint of either archaeology, economics, or physical or mathematical science, and but rarely combining the three points of 170995 view. In addition, much of this literature is of an argumentative nature, and debate and discussion rather than definite conclusions compelling universal acceptance seem to be characteristic of metrological writing. It has been the intention of the authors to consider briefly and systematically the general history of weights and measures, the scientific methods by which units and standards have been determined, the concrete standards by which the units are represented, and the present aspect of modern systems of weights and measures, together with the difficulties and advantages involved in any proposed changes. Experience derived while giving instruction in physics to students in applied science has suggested the general plan of treatment, and it has seemed. desirable to present from an American standpoint the most essential facts in as logical relation as is possible in a science that is often marked by conditions quite illogical. From the copious notes and bibliographical references, which it is hoped will be appreciated by advanced students and those specially interested in the subject, it will be seen that at the outset any claims to striking originality must be dismissed, and the obligations of the authors to the various authorities mentioned in the notes are ungrudgingly acknowledged. The authors hope that their work will serve two useful ends: first, as an introduction to metrological science designed especially for the student entering on the study of physics to whom a knowledge of units and standards is most necessary; and second, as preparatory to an intelligent understanding of the discussions involved in the proposed adoption of the Metric System by English-speaking peoples, especially by those to whom Metric and Anti-Metric arguments are being addressed with such frequency and persistence. It has been the intention of the authors to avoid as far as possible all controversy for several reasons; the first and most important of which is that this side of the question has been and is being abundantly covered elsewhere, so that it has seemed preferable in this work to include a mere statement of facts rather than to repeat or even add to the arguments. Such has been their intention, but they are also compelled to admit that they are supporters of the Metric propaganda, and they must ask indulgence for any departures from the plan determined on. However that may be, they have endeavored to give a fair and concise history of the Metric System so that its logical development and characteristics will be apparent, and this, together with the experience of European nations as briefly described, will supply sufficient data. on which may be formed an intelligent opinion as to the desirability of adopting in America and Great Britain at an early date the International System of weights and measures. In view of the fact that such a work has involved the use of a vast number of authorities, it is manifestly impossible to specify in detail other than in the notes the great indebtedness on the part of the authors to the labors of many famous metrologists. Naturally they have consulted freely the classic work of Méchain and Delambre, Base du système Métrique; General Morin's Notice historique sur le système Métrique; Bigourdan's Le système Métrique; Guillaume's La Convention du Mètre; and his excellent little treatise on Unités et Étalons, as well as Benoit's Report on Standards of Length to the International Physical Congress of 1903. In addition they have used the various publications of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. For ancient weights and measures many sources have been consulted, while for English standards and metrology the works of Chisholm and Chaney have been found most helpful, but they have been supplemented by various papers of Parliamentary commissions and the Proceedings of scientific societies. In the United States the Reports and other papers of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the recently established National Bureau of Standards, and the Committees on Coinage, Weights and Measures, of the House of Representatives have formed a nucleus that has been supplemented by extensive reference to other scientific literature. In conclusion the authors would gratefully acknowledge their obligations to M. Ch. Ed. Guillaume, Assistant Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, and Professor S. W. Stratton, Director of the U.S. Bureau of Standards, who most kindly consented to look over the proofs and have rendered assistance in many substantial ways. |
