Dr. Mitchell Wilson then read a paper on the “Metrical System.” In introducing the subject, he gave the history of past efforts in the House of Commons to bring about the general adoption of the metric system of weights and measures in England.
That system was shown to be based upon the Metre which is also the unit for all measures of length; the unit of capacity is the Litre, and the unit of weight is the Gramme. These three units have a definite relation to each other.
The multipliers and subdivisions of all the weights and measures are arranged upon the decimal notation, i.e. graduated by tens, hundreds, and also by tenths, hundredths, Etc., etc. The complications of the present English system, with its multitude of subdivisions and many local irregular weights and measures, was compared with the simplicity of the metric system.
A resume of the evidence given before the select committee of the House of Commons by merchants in all branches of trade, by scientific workers, teachers, engineers, and inspectors of weights and measures, was brought forward and the following recommendations of the Select Committee of the house of Commons were discussed: –
(a) That the metric system of weights and measures be at once legalised for all purposes.
(b) That after a lapse of two years, the metrical system be rendered compulsory by Act of Parliament.
(c) That the metrical system of weights and measures be taught in all public elementary schools as a necessary and integral part of arithmetic, and that decimals be introduced at an earlier period of the school curriculum than is the case at present, and before vulgar fractions.