Page:British Weights and Measures - Superior to the Metric, by James W. Evans.djvu/16

8 In the gathered volumes of evidence and research upon this topic, are to be found totally contradictory opinions of men of science, manufacturers, engineers, and those who are in any way concerned in calculations for trade or other purposes. But it must be borne in mind that the advocates of change have been the promoters of inquiring Commissions, and have been careful to always put forward only witnesses in sympathy with their views. These have always been found in abundance. On the other side there has mainly been indifference, and certainly no organisation.

This is not intended as a scientiﬁc treatise, nor as an historical account of the circumstances under which the metric system came into vogue, but a slight reference to both points may help in the understanding of the issues involved. For those who wish to penetrate deeper, there is a mass of literature to be consulted, not, as has been pointed out, always accurate in its nature.

Towards the end of the eighteenth century events moved rapidly in France. Internal affairs were in a chaotic state—among them weights and measures. There was a multiplicity of systems, conﬂicting in fundamental units, and it was really a case of "confusion worse confounded." In neighboring States the conditions in this respect were no better, but our Gallic friends were then bent on "making history." This was one of the matters