By comparing the number of grains in | rally divided decimally into 10ths, 100ths, the Avoirdupois and Troy pound and ounce respectively, it appears that the Troy pound is less than the Avoirdupois, in the proportion of 14 to 17 nearly; but the Troy ounce is greater than the Avoirdupois, in the proportion of 72 to 79 nearly. The carat, used for weighing diamonds, is 3 grains. The term, however, when used to express the fineness of gold, has a relative meaning only. Every mass of alloyed gold is supposed to be divided into 24 equal parts; thus the standard for coin is 22 carats fine, that is, it consists of 22 parts of pure gold, and 2 parts of alloy. What is called the new standard, used for watch-cases, &c., is 18 carats fine. 5. ANGULAR MEASURE; 60 Seconds 60 Minutes 30 Degrees 90 Degrees = 1 Degree = 1 Sign = 1 Quadrant 360 Degrees, or 12 Signs=1 Circumference. Formerly, the subdivisions were carried on by sixties; thus, the second was divided into 60 thirds, the third into 60 fourths, &c. At present the second is more gene &c. The degree is frequently so divided. 6. MEASURE OF TIME. = 1 Minute = 1 Hour = 1 Day = 1 Week 1 Lunar Month 1 Calendar Month 1 Year 1 Common Year =1 Leap Year MEMORANDA FOR NEXT YEAR, 1851. N.B. As towards the end of each year, or even earlier, information concerning the ensuing year is often wanted, we intend in future to add to the current Almanac a synopsis of that which is to succeed it, as follows: London: Printed by A. SWEETING, Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn. THE Companion to the Almanac; OR, YEAR-BOOK OF GENERAL INFORMATION FOR 1850. CONTAINING, I. GENERAL INFORMATION ON SUBJECTS OF MATHEMATICS, NATURAL HISTORY, AND PHILOSOPHY, CHRONOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY, STATISTICS, &c. II. THE LEGISLATION, STATISTICS, PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, AND CHRONICLE OF 1849. LONDON: CHARLES KNIGHT, 90, FLEET STREET. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE; OR, FOUR SHILLINGS BOUND WITH THE BRITISH ALMANAC. |