Standard Measures of United States, Great Britain and France / History and actual comparisons. With appendix on introduction of the mètre

The work examines the historical development and practical standards of length in the United States, Great Britain, and France, tracing legal enactments, standard bars, and official copies used by national authorities. It compares observed measurements and reductions, identifies causes of discrepancy such as material, temperature, and methods of comparison, and assesses natural standards including the seconds pendulum and the mètre. The text supplies detailed numerical comparisons, records of governmental decisions, and recommendations for achieving consistent measures, and includes an appendix discussing the introduction and practical adoption of the mètre.