24 gr. An inch is the smallest lineal measure to which a name is given, but subdivisions are used for many purposes. Among mechanics, the inch is commonly divided into eighths. By the officers of the revenue, and by scientific persons, it is divided into tenths, hundredths, &c. Particular Measures of Length. Fathom = 6 Feet used for measuring cloth of all kinds. (used for height of horses. used in measuring depths. used in Land Measure to facilitate computation of the content, 10 square chains being equal to an acre. 2. MEASURE OF SURFACE 12 Sacks = DIVISION IL-TROY WEight. 24 Grains 1 Pennyweight 20 Pennywts. = 1 Ounce = 480 12 Ounces =1 Pound =5760 These are the denominations of Troy Weight when used for weighing gold, silver, and precious stones (except diamonds). But Troy Weight is also used by Apothecaries in compounding medicines, and by them the ounce is divided into 8 drams, and the dram into 3 scruples, so that the scruple is equal to 20 grains. For scientific purposes the grain only is used; and sets of weights are constructed in decimal progression, from 10,000 grains downwards too of a grain. 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. 5. ANGULAR MEASURE; OR, DIVISIONS OF THE CIRCLE. 60 Seconds 60 Minutes 30 Degrees 90 Degrees 1 Degree = 1 Sign = 1 Quadrant 360 Degrees, or 12 Signs 1 Circumference. 6. MEASURE OF TIME. cúb. ins., nearly. 60 Seconds 60 Minutes 24 Hours 7 Days cub. feet nearly. = 1 Minute = 1 Hour = 1 Day = 1 Week = 1 Lunar Month 1 Calendar Month 1 Year 1 Quarter = 101 5 Qrs. = 1 Load = 51 The four last denominations are used for dry goods only. For liquids several denominations have been heretofore adopted, viz. -For Beer, the Firkin of 9 Gallons, the Kilderkin of 18, the Barrel of 36, the Hogshead of 54, and the Butt of 108 Galls. Flour is sold nominally by measure, but actually by weight, reckoned at 7 lbs. avoirdupois to a gallon. 365 Days 366 Days 1 Common Year 1 Leap Year In 400 Years, 97 are leap years, and 303 6 Drams = 1 Ounce 16 Ounces =1 Pound (lb.) 2 Pounds = 1 Quarter (qr.) = 27 gr Florin ....... - 437 Shilling 7000 Sixpence Fourpence LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. Companion to the Almanac ; OR, YEAR-BOOK OF GENERAL INFORMATION FOR 1864. I. GENERAL INFORMATION ON SUBJECTS OF MATHEMATICS, NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, NATURAL HISTORY, CHRONOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY, FINE ARTS, PUBLIC ECONOMY, &c. II. THE LEGISLATION, STATISTICS, PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, AND CHRONICLE OF 1863. LONDON: KNIGHT AND CO., 90, FLEET STREET. PRICE TWO SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE; OR, FOUR SHILLINGS BOUND WITH THE BRITISH ALMANAC. CONTENTS. GENERAL INFORMATION ON SUBJECTS OF MATHEMATICS, NATURAL II. Recent Observations and Researches on the Physical Con- stitution of the Sun. By E. W. Brayley, F.R.S. IV. The Royal Academy Commission. By James Thorne. V. On Fire Insurance, and its Taxation. By George Dodd ARCHITECTURE AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, LEGISLATION, STATISTICS, AND CHRONICLE OF 1862-63. VII. Architecture and Public Improvements:- VIII. Abstracts of Important Public Acts passed in the Fifth Session of the Eighteenth Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland :- XV. Fluctuations of the Funds, and Rate of Interest at the Bank **The article on the Mortality of the Indian Army, which was advertised for the present Companion to the Almanac,' is postponed; as some new regulations bearing upon this subject, such as the Industrial employment of Troops, have recently been made in India, and more reforms |