We can notice from our three states of matter that the greater the velocity the lesser the cohesion. If we revert to the solid state we may use our candle to illustrate. We will examine the solid or lower portion which is cool. We can notice by pressing it with the finger that it possesses marked cohesion. If we proceed towards the flame we reach the warmer portions where cohesion is much less, and at the edge near the flame we can observe that our solid is easily deformed by a slight pressure of the finger. This portion is warmer and it is, as we know, in a more rapid state of motion than the cooler or lower portion and its cohesion is much less. When the warm or plastic portion receives sufficient heat it melts, and here we have ocular evidence of vanishing cohesion, therefore the change of cohesion at this point is great. That being the case it is reasonable to assume that the change of velocity at this point must likewise be great. To be continued). CORRESPONDENCE. BRITISH STANDARDS WEIGHTS AND MEASURES v. METRIC OR DECIMAL SYSTEM. To the Editor of the Chemical News. SIR,-Now that the London Chamber of Commerce, the Decimal Association, and kindred institutions, as well as individuals, have submitted their case for abolishing the existing British coinage, weights, and measures in favour of the metric or decimal system, we think it right to point out that there is a large body of responsible opinion which is strongly opposed to such a change, and for the following reasons: We do not contend that the maintenance of the existing British system does not involve certain disadvantages to the user, though they are almost entirely restricted to foreign commerce. These disadvantages, however, are mainly due to the fact that in dealing with countries where the decimal or metric system is in force difficulties have arisen in working the two systems in combination. These difficulties have been greatly exaggerated, and are for the most part of a purely arithmetical character, yet undoubtedly they exist, and it is by reason of them that a demand has arisen for some change which will avoid, or at least minimise, them. Those who are in favour of such a change argue that the only possible course to adopt is to abolish by legislation the existing British standards, weights, and measures, and to substitute the metric or decimal system, which, as should be well known, has its own inherent defects and limitations, even when compared with our own. The difficulties involved in such a course are admitted to be great, even by those who advocate the change. The cost to the nation would be enormous, and, while involving all businesses, would benefit mainly the largest and those engaged in foreign trade. The time necessary to bring into operation so far-reaching a revolution would be con siderable. On the conclusion of peace, trade, and especially foreign trade, will call for the highest energies of this country, and the nation which is most ready to resume foreign commerce will stand to gain proportionately. To select such a time as this for inaugurating so far-reaching a change, with its inevitable scrapping of our existing system of bookkeeping, weights, and measures, would be an act of doubtful wisdom, even if the ultimate necessity could be proved up to the hilt, and there were no alternative course to adopt. Fortunately for the interests of this country this is not the case, and it is possible at the same time to maintain our existing system while bringing its use into harmony with the requirements of foreign trade, and at last enabling commercial men in this country to compete on equal terms with their continental concurrents. 239 The adoption of such an alternative has been rendered possible by a simple and ingenious method, which enables anyone in buying, selling, or cataloguing to calculate British prices in any foreign currency, weight, or measure, or vice versa, by the simple multiplication of the price by one factor. The principle applies to every calculation, no reference or knowledge of the difference in weights, measures, and currency being required. Moreover, it is equally applicable to every country in the world, so that foreigners can adopt it with equal facility. The necessary tables are being revised and checked for publication, and will be ready shortly. It is impossible in so brief a summary to set out all the advantages of this method, but we would refer you to articles which appeared in the Investor's Review of February 17 and March 17, 1917, reprints of which may be obtained on application to us. We shall also be pleased to arrange, by appointment, for a short demonstration to anyone interested, and we undertake to prove our contention that this "simple method" meets all requirements for foreign trade in all parts of the world, both in buying and selling. It will be ready for immediate adoption, and, while bringing about a much needed and long deferred reform in our commercial relations, it dispenses with the necessity of scrapping our present system, with all the attendant loss, expenses, and dislocation of business involved. It is emphatically our conviction that this "simple method," when known and understood, will be welcomed as eagerly by men of affairs as Napier's logarithms were three centuries ago by men of science. We are, &c., SCOTT ARMSTRONG and Co. 57, Moorgate Street, London, E.C. 2, May 10, 1917. MISCELLANEOUS. "The Royal Society.-The Croonian Lecture, on Excitation Wave in the Heart," was delivered by Dr. Thomas Lewis on May 3. Royal Institution.—A General Meeting of the members of the Royal Institution was held on the 7th inst.; Sir James Crichton-Browne, Treasurer, in the Chair. Lady Bax-Ironside, Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Bart., and Miss Helena Mond were elected Members. The special thanks of the members were returned to Miss Edith Hipkins for her present of the valuable Musical Collection of Books and Pamphlets by the late Dr. Alexander J. Ellis, F.R.S., M.R.I., and bequeathed to the late Dr. A. J. Hipkins. Institute of Chemistry on April 27, the President and Institute of Chemistry.-At a meeting held at the Council presented a silver rose bowl to Mr. Richard Bertram Pilcher, Registrar and Secretary, in appreciation of twenty-five years' faithful service. The meeting was well attended, and the presentation was made by the President, Sir James Dobbie, Principal of the Government Laboratories. Mr. Pilcher, who joined the staff of the Institute as clerk in 1892, was appointed Assistant Secretary in 1894, Secretary in 1895, and has held the joint offices of Registrar and Secretary since 1900. TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK 22nd.-Royal Institution, 3. "Architectural Design in 25th-Royal Institution, 5.30. Barcroft, F.R.S. Physical, 5. "Investigation of Radium Luminous Compound," by C. C. Paterson, J. W. T. Walsh, and W. F. Higgins. "Resistance to the Motion of a Lamina, Cylinder, or Sphere in a Rarefied Gas," by F. J. W. Whipple. Effect of Stretching on the Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of Wires," by C. H. Lees. SATURDAY, 26th.-Royal Institution, 3. "The Electrical Properties of Gases," by Prof. Sir J. J. Thomson, O.M. Messrs. LONGMANS & CO.'S LIST. SECOND EDITION. 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