PREFACE.
THE object of this work is to throw some light upon a little understood and unappreciated question, and to convey a warning to the people not to lightly sanction a change which would have far-reaching effects in ways not anticipated by them. Some months since, the Secretary of State for the Colonies invited expressions of opinion from the various Governments in this quarter of the world as to the advisableness or otherwise of introducing the metric system, but, I understand, the general answer was to the effect that in future the matter would not be dealt with by the States separately, as it now devolves upon the Federal authorities to decide the question.
In the preparation of this treatise, the researches of others have been freely drawn upon. It often happens that the standard works upon metrology, while of great value to students of the subject, are difficult to procure, and bristle with technical arguments, which are not attractive to the general reader. In this instance, the aim has been to present a survey of some of the most salient features of a long-continued and vexed controversy, in terms which will appeal to the ready comprehension of those who care to read.
I have just completed twenty years of service in my present office, and it therefore gives me especial gratification in undertaking the duty of publishing this work at the present juncture.
Sydney, February, 1904.
