We may even consider that, looked at theoretically, its permanence
would not be assured. Nothing, in fact, proves that sensible
variations may not in time be produced in the value of an arc of the
meridian, and serious difficulties may arise regarding the probable
inequality of the various meridians.
For all these reasons, the idea of finding a natural unit has been
gradually abandoned, and we have become resigned to accepting as a
fundamental unit an arbitrary and conventional length having a
material representation recognised by universal consent; and it was
this unit which was consecrated by the following law of the 11th July
1903:--
"The standard prototype of the metrical system is the international
metre, which has been sanctioned by the General Conference on Weights
and Measures."
Sec. 3. THE MEASURE OF MASS
On the subject of measures of mass, similar remarks to those on
measures of length might be made. The confusion here was perhaps still
greater, because, to the uncertainty relating to the fixing of the
unit, was added some indecision on the very nature of the magnitude
defined.
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