imally. If this should be thought best, I take the
liberty of proposing the following alterations of these resolutions.

2nd. For 'metal' substitute 'iron.' The object is to have one
determinate standard. But the different metals having different degrees
of expansibility, there would be as many different standards as there
are metals, were that generic term to be used. A specific one seems
preferable, and 'iron 'the best, because the least variable by
expansion.

3rd. I should think it better to omit the chain of 66 feet, because it
introduces a series which is not decimal, viz. 1. 66. 80. and because it
is absolutely useless. As a measure of length, it is unknown to the mass
of our citizens; and if retained for the purpose of superficial measure,
the foot will supply its place, and fix the acre as in the fourth
resolution.

4th. For the same reason I propose to omit the words 'or shall be ten
chains in length and one in breadth.'

5th. This resolution would stand better, if it omitted the words 'shall
be one foot square, and one foot and twenty cents of a foot deep,
and,' because the second description is perfect, and too plain to need
explanation. Or if the first expression be preferred, the second may be
omitted, as perfectly tautologous.

6th. I propose to leave out the words 'shall be equal to the pound
avoirdupois now in use, and,' for the reasons suggested on the second
resolution, to wit, that our object is, to have one determinate
standard. The pound avoirdupois now in use, is an indefinite thing. The
committee of parliament reported variations among the standard weights
of the exchequer. Different persons weighing the cubic foot of
water have made it, some more and some less than one thousand ounces
avoirdupois; according as their weights had been tested by the lighter
or heavier standard weights of the exchequer. If the pound now in use
be declared a standard, as well as the weight of sixteen thousand cubic
cents of a foot in water, it may hereafter, perhaps, be insisted that
these two definitions are different, and that being of equal authority,
either may be used, and so the standard pound be rendered as uncertain
as at present.

7th. For the same reasons I propose to omit the words 'equal to seven
grains troy.' The true ratio between the avoirdupois and troy weights,
is a very contested one. The equation of seven thousand grains troy to
the pound avoirdupois, is only one of several opinions, and is