UNIVERSAL or PERPETUAL MEASURE, is a kind of
measure unalterable by time or place, to which the measures of different ages and nations might be reduced, and by which they may be compared and estimated. Such a measure would be very useful if it could be attained; since, being used at all times, and in all places, a great deal of confusion and error would be avoided.
It has been attempted, at different times and in different countries, more especially by the French, who, since the commencement of their revolutionary government, have laboured hard to obtrude their innovations in arts and science, as well as in politics, upon all nations. Proposals, however, have been made by sober men for a standard both of weights and of measures for all nations; and some of the most rational of these shall be noticed under the word WEIGHTS in this Supplement.