Page:British Weights and Measures - Superior to the Metric, by James W. Evans.djvu/40

32 , almost unconquerable difficulty, in introducing into this country the uncouth terms of the French metrical system,” which, after all, are “not in the spirit of our language.”

The further one goes into the question, the clearer does it become, that the operation of upsetting the present system and replacing it with another, would not prove so easy as some individuals strive to make it appear. It may suit them to minimise the troubles which would be created, but that there is more than one lion in the path is very evident.

Prominent among those who want the British system abolished in favour of that generally in vogue elsewhere in Europe are—(I) Certain scientists, and (2) certain manufacturers of goods who export abroad. The former, influenced by early associations, already use the metric system in their writings and calculations, a few, perhaps, from mere pedantry, others for convenience in interchange of ideas. Unversed in the details of trading requirements, immersed in their studies, exclusive in pursuits and forming a world unto themselves, they cannot be accepted as safe guides on such questions as the conduct of business. They have their way in regard to their own immediate requirements, and should be content. No one attempts to interfere with them in any system of reckoning they elect to adopt.