On the record
It is not less arbitrary as a standard than the yard or foot, and it can be perpetuated in practice only by distribution of exact copies from the original bar, which is the assumed metre.
Source
gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “It is not less arbitrary as a standard than the yard or foot, and it can be perpetuated in practice only by distribution…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner argues that the metre, like other units, is arbitrary and relies on the replication of a standard.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.
Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.
The only Constitutional party and party of freedom, VII. 38.
Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.
Other voices in this conversation
