Le Systeme Métrique

Abstract

M. G. BIGOURDAN, of the Astronomical Observatory of Paris, has published a work with the object, apparently, of showing how leading a part France has taken in the introduction and propagation of the international metric system of weights and measures. The book, however, tells one nothing new, for cannot all it tells be found as to early history in “Base du Système Métrique”(1806, 1821); as to subsequent development in the works of Barny, Saigey, Tarbé, Leoni-Levi, the second report of the Standards Commission (1869), &c.; and as to latest scientific data in the Proc. Verb. et Tray. et Mem. du Bureau International des poids e mesures (Gauthier-Villars, 1875–1900)? Many of these publications are, however, difficult to obtain, and hence M. Bigourdan has met a want by putting together under one cover all available information with reference to the origin, construction and verification of metric standards.

Le Systeme Métrique.

By G. Bigourdan. Pp. vi + 458. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1901.) Price fr. 10.