The Metric System, Considered with Reference to its Introduction into the United States

Charles Davies; John Quincy Adams, Sir John Herschel

Published by A. S. Barnes and Company, New York and Chicago, 1871

About this Item

Octavo. Pp. 327 + 47pp. ads. Arguments for and against "Metrication," a history of weights and measures since Roman times, and measuring the Earth and the planets. Charles Davies, the author, in his attempt to present the facts, seems neutral, but AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER TO HIS BROTHER, ENCLOSED IN THIS COPY (WHICH HE SENT HIS BROTHER) says "There is much danger that the whole system with its language and its follies will be thrust upon us by legislation." Davies (1798-1876) was professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at West Point, NYU, and Columbia, and wrote many textbooks on higher mathematics. This copy is flawed by the neat excision of parts of two leaves, pp. 3-4 and pp. 49-50. Perhaps the brother, whom Davies asked to read it, cut them out for commentary? Otherwise internally fine, in firm cloth boards, very spotted by exposure to damp.

Seller Inventory # 010805

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Metric System, Considered with Reference to its Introduction into the United States
• Publisher: A. S. Barnes and Company, New York and Chicago
• Publication Date: 1871
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Poor
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket