Page:Miscellaneous Papers on Mechanical Subjects.djvu/69

Rh inch diameter, the external and internal gauges are so near in size that the one does not go through the other when dry, and if pressed in, there would be danger of the surface particles of the one becoming imbedded in or among those of the other, which I have seen happen, and then no amount of force will separate them: but with a small quantity of oil on their surfaces, they move easily and smoothly. In the case of the external gauge ·5769 inch diameter, which is 1-10,000th of an inch smaller in diameter than the internal gauge, a space of half that quantity is left between the surfaces; this becomes filled with the oil, and hence the tighter fitting which is experienced.

It is therefore obvious both to the eye and the touch, that the difference between these two cylinders of 1-10,000th of an inch is an appreciable and important quantity; and what is now required is a method which shall express systematically and without confusion a scale applicable to such minute differences and measurements: it should be based on a uniform principle which will accustom the workman to speak of his measures as aggregates of very small differences; and when a good workman becomes familiar with such sizes as 1-1000th and 1-10,000th of an inch, he will not rest satisfied until he can work with corresponding accuracy. He will also be