DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

S. W. STRATTON DIRECTOR

Weights and Measures

Eleventh Annual Conference

OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C, MAY 23, 24, 25, AND 26, 1916

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1917

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

S. W. STRATTON jt Director

Weights and Measures

Eleventh Annual Conference

OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

WASHINGTON, D. C. MAY 23, 24, 25. AND 26, 1916

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1917
ADDITIONAL COPIES

OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE "WASHINGTON, D. C. AT

35 CENTS PER COPY

A complete list of the Bureau's publications

may be obtained free of charge on application

to the Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

i
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES.

OFFICERS.

President, S. W. Stratton, Director, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C. Vice President, William L. Waldron, State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Trenton, N. J. Secretary, Louis A. Fischer, Chief, Division of Weights and Measures, Bureau

of Standards, Washington, D. C. Treasurer, Burr B. Lincoln, Deputy Dairy and Food Commissioner, in charge

of Weights and Measures, Lansing, Mich.

COMMITTEES.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

S. W. Stratton.

Louis A. Fischer.

John F. Farrell, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Albany,

N. Y. George E. Carpenter, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, Montpelier, Vt. Charles G. Johnson, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Sacramento, Cal.

Leo S. Schoenthal, Assistant Superintendent of Weights, Measures, and

Markets, Washington, D. C. Thomas F. Egan, Superintendent of State Police and State Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Hartford, Conn.

John M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures,

Arcanum, Ohio. ( Fred H. Tighe, Deputy Commissioner of Weights and Measures, New York,

N. Y. W. F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures, Chicago, 111. Edward C. Lytton, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Des

Moines, Iowa.

James Sweeney, Chief, State Bureau of Standards, Harrisburg, Pa. * James R. Smith, City Sealer of Weights and Measures, Nashville, Tenn. \

0. N. Creswell, State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Phoenix, Ariz.

1. M. Howell, Secretary of State and State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Olympia, Wash.

Thure Hanson, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, Boston, Mass.

F. G. Barnard, City Sealer of Weights and Measures, Battle Creek, Mich.

committee on tolerances and specifications.

L. A. Fischer, Chief, Division of Weights and Measures, Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C. John C. Connors, ex-Sealer of Weights and Measures, Cambridge, Mass.,

Troy, N. Y. Fred P. Downing, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Madison,

Wis.

3
4 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS.

Charles G. Johnson, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Sacramento, Cal.

W. F. Hand, State Chemist, Agricultural and Mechanical College, Agricultural

College, Miss.

William F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures, Chicago,

Hi.

Joseph Haetigan, Commissioner of Weights and Measures, New York, N. Y. John T. Willett, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Indianapolis,

Ind.

COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE.

E. F. Stimpson, Deputy State Sealer of Weights and Measures, Lawrence,

Kans.

William F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures, Chicago,

111. committee on the metric system.

Joseph Haetigan, Commissioner of Weights and Measures, New York, N. Y. Fred P. Downing, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Madison,

Wis.

Thube Hanson, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, Boston, Mass.

committee on sales by weight.

F. G. Barnard, City Sealer, Battle Creek, Mich.

C. C. Neale, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures, St. Paul, Minn.

John M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures,

Arcanum, Ohio.

committee on public education.

C. W. Waggoner, Assistant State Commissioner of Weights and Measures,

Morgantown, W. Va.

Joseph Hartigan, Commissioner of Weights and Measures, New York, N. Y. Edward C. Lytton, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Des

Moines, Iowa.
LIST OF PERSONS WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.

STATE DELEGATES.

Arizona O. N. Ceeswell, State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Phoenix.

California Charles G. Johnson, State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Sacramento.

Connecticut Thomas F. Egan, Superintendent of State Police and State

Superintendent of Weights and Measures, Hartford.

District of Columbia_.GEORGE M. Roberts, Superintendent of Weights, Measures,

and Markets.

Illinois Lewis G. Stevenson, Secretary of State and State Sealer

of Weights and Measures, Springfield.

Indiana John T. Willett, Chief State Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Indianapolis.

Iowa Edward C. Lytton, Chief State Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Des Moines.

Massachusetts Thure Hanson, State Commissioner of Weights and

Measures, Boston.

Michigan Burr B. Lincoln, Deputy State Dairy and Food Commissioner, in charge of Weights and Measures, Lansing.

Minnesota p. D. McFarlane, State Scale Inspector, Grain Inspection

Department, Minneapolis.

New Jersey William L. Waldron, State Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Trenton ; also representing the New Jer- sey Association of Weights and Measures Officials. New York John F. Farrell, State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Albany.

John T. Curtis, First Deputy State Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Albany.

F. Reichmann, ex-State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Special Representative, New York City.

Ohio John M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights

and Measures, Arcanum.

Pennsylvania Henry Holtck, Secretary of Internal Affairs, Harrisburg.

James Sweeney, Chief, State Bureau of Standards, Harrisburg.

Philippine Islands___C. H. Loeber, Chief, License Division and Sealer of

Weights and Measures, Manilla.

Porto Rico R. Siaca Pacheco, Assistant Secretary of Porto Rico,

San Juan.

Utah C. E. Condie, Deputy State Superintendent of Weights and

Measures, Salt Lake City.

Vermont George E. Carpenter, State Commissioner of Weights

and Measures, Montpelier.

Virginia Benjamin L. Purcell, State Dairy and Food Commissioner, Richmond.

Wisconsin Fred P. Downing, Chief State Inspector of Weights and

Measures, Madison.

West Virginia C. W. Waggoner, Assistant State Commissioner of

Weights and Measures, Morgantown.

O. A. Ashburn, State Inspector of Weights and Measures, Morgantown.

5
6 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

COUNTY AND CITY DELEGATES.

California Kern County : L. H. B. Fare, Sealer of Weights and Measures, Bakersfleld.

Connecticut Fairfield County : W. H. Brown, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Bridgeport.

Bridgeport : Dennis Kelly, Sealer of Weights and Measures. New Haven : Ed. J. Maroney, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Stamford : John F. Britton, Sealer of Weights and

Mea sures. Waterbury : Harry A. Frank, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

District of Colunibia.GEORGE A. Howe, Assistant Superintendent of Weights,

Measures, and Markets.

Leo S. Schoenthal, Assistant Superintendent of Weights,

Measures, and Markets.

John C. Bitbb, Assistant Superintendent of Weights,

Measures, and Markets.

Illinois -Chicago: W. F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of

Weights and Measures.

Indiana Indianapolis : Herman F. Adam, Inspector of Weights and

Measures.

Massachusetts Massachusetts Association of Sealers of Weights and

Measures : James A. Sweeney, Chief Deputy Sealer of

Weights and Measures, Boston.

Beverly : Robert J. Rafferty, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Cambridge: Felix McBride, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Chicopee : M. F. Gloster, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Lowell : Warren P. Riordan, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Newton : Andrew Prior, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Salem : George L. Day, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Somerville: John H. Dusseahlt, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Waltham : Frederick H. Haggarty, Sealer of Weights

Measures.

Maryland Baltimore: Charles J. Silverson, Chief Inspector of

Weights and Measures.

Michigan Battle Creek: F. G. Barnard, City Sealer of Weights

and Measures.

Detroit: George F. Austin, City Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Grand Rapids : J. J. Byrne, City Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Jackson : H. A. Horning, Superintendent of Buildings.

New Jersey Bergen County : Jesse De Groff, Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Hackensack.

Hudson County : Harry Mainhard, Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Bayonne.

Hudson County : Thomas J. Waldron, Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Jersey City.

Middlesex County : William P. Abdill, Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, National Park.

Middlesex County : Nathan Robins, Superintendent of

Weights and Measures, Metuchen.

Morris County: Henry S. Worman, Superintendent, of

Weights and Measures, Boonton.

Union County: Isaac Seeley, Superintendent of Weights

and Measures, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth : William J. Bender, Superintendent of Weights

and Measures.

Jersey City : John S. Bitrke, Superintendent of Weights

and Measures.
LIST OF PERSONS WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE. 7

New Jersey Kearney: John D. Castles, Superintendent of Weights

and Measures.

Newark: John H. Sullivan, Superintendent of Weights

and Measures.

New York Greene County: A. E. Ballotj, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Catskill.

Oneida County: D. A. Pierce, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Utica.

Buffalo : Charles J. Quinn, Sealer of Weights and Measures. New York: Joseph Hartigan, Commissioner of Weights

and Measures.

Fred H. Tighe, Deputy Commissioner of

Weights and Measures.

Sbnkers: John D. Eylers, Sealer of Weights and Measures. North Carolina Wilmington : G. C. Simmons, Standard Keeper.

Ohio Columbiana County : William H. Barr, Sealer of Weights

and Measures.

Urbana : J. T. Woodward, Deputy Inspector of Weights

and Measures.

Pennsylvania Allegheny County: George B. Moore, Chief Sealer of

Weights and Measures, Pittsburgh.

Luzerne County : James J. Judge, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Wilkes-Barre.

Anthony O'Donnell, Sealer of Weights

and Measures, Wilkes-Barre.

Washington County: O. Evans Mikesell, Sealer of

Weights and Measures, Washington.

Harrisburg : H. D. Reel, Inspector of Weights and Measures. Lancaster : John A. Leinbach, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Pittsburgh : John T. Sloss, Division Clerk, Division of

Weights and Measures.

Uniontown: W. J. Callaghan, Sealer of Weights and

Measures.

Tennessee Nashville : James R. Smith, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Virginia Prince William County: Charles Farquhar, Sealer of

Weights and Measures, Manassas.

Norfolk: James W. Bain, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Petersburg: A. S. Johnson, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Wisconsin .Milwaukee : William F. Steinel, Deputy Sealer of Weights

and Measures.

West Virginia Harrison County : C. A. Chambers, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Clarksburg.

Jefferson County: O. L. Watson, Sealer of Weights and

Measures, Ransom.

Wheeling : W. H. Smith, Inspector of Weights and Measures. VISITORS REPRESENTING MANUFACTURERS.

Jacob Baar Standard Computing Scale Co., Detroit, Mich.

Robert F. C. BAiN__.Guarantee Liquid Measure Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. W. J. Barnes Detroit Automatic Scale Co., Detroit, Mich.

Emanuel Bloch Peerless Weighing Machine Co., Detroit, Mich.

A. Bousfield E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., St. Johnsbury, Vt. R. F. Chatillon John Chatillon & Sons, New York, N. Y. William K. CoAKLEY.Doubleday-Hill Electric Co., Washington, D. C. ' Thomas M. CoLLiNS_.Doubleday-Hill Electric Co., Washington, D. C. R. S. Colwell S. F. Bowser & Co., Fort Wayne, Ind.

D. A. Corey S. F. Bowser & Co.. Fort Wayne, Ind.
8 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

A. W. Dorsch S. F. Bowser & Co., Fort Wayne, Ind. A. A. Guardia Pelouze Manufacturing Co., Chicago, 111. Nathan Hatjse Standard Scale & Supply Co., Baltimore, Md.

H. O. Hem Toledo Scale Co., Toledo, Ohio.

C. Phillips Hill Doubleday-Hill Electric Co., Washington, D. 0.

G. Carlton HoscH__The Measuregraph Co., St. Louis, Mo.

D. H. Kelly Toledo Scale Co., Toledo, Ohio.

George W. Kepler The Computing Scale Co., Dayton, Ohio.

E. E. Kimble Kimble-Durand Glass Co., Chicago, 111. C. W. Kincaid Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co., Springfield, Mass.

James G. Lamb Scott Paper Co., Philadelphia, Pa.

C. C. McJttnkin Angldile Scale Co., Cleveland, Ohio.

Albert H. Meads Toledo Scale Co., Chicago, 111. J. A. Miskel Wayne Oil Tank & Pump Co., Fort Wayne, Ind.

W. N. Nicholson, Jr_Whitall-Tatum Co., Millville, N. J. D. C. Palmer Standard Computing Scale Co., Detroit, Mich.

H. F. Reckendorf Streeter-Amet Weighing Co., Chicago, 111. F. A. Searle Landers, Frary & Clark, New Britain, Conn.

W. C. Symington The Torsion Balance Co., New York, N. Y. John L. Theobald Toledo Scale Co., Philadelphia, Pa.

J. L. Troemner Henry Troemner, Philadelphia, Pa. H. C. Worrall Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co., Springfield, Mass.

H. J. Zeller The Fairbanks Co., New York, N. Y. VISITORS REPRESENTING RAILROADS.

B. &. O. R. R L. D. Davis, Supervisor of Scales and Weighing, Baltimore,

Md.

B. & M. R. R F. H. Hedwall, Chief Scale Inspector, and Representative

National Scale Men's Association, Boston, Mass.

C, G. W. R. R A. G. Zeibel, Scale Supervisor, Oelwein, Iowa.

G. H. Farrell, Scale Inspector, Oelwein, Iowa.

C, N. W. R. R G. M. Dairchon, Chemist and Engineer of Tests, Chicago,

111. C. & O. Lines F. W. H. O'Meabs, Supervisor of Weighing, Richmond, Va.

C. P. R. R J. W. Oreock, Principal Assistant Engineer, Montreal,

Canada.

C, R. I. & P. Ry B. Sienank, Weight Inspector, Chicago, 111. D. & H. R. R C. A. Johnson, Scale Inspector, Whitehall, N. Y. Frisco Lines J. W. Dugan, Chief, Weighing Bureau, Springfield, Mo.

L. V. R. R J. C. Bossart, Chief Scale Inspector, Packerton, Pa. D„ L. & W. R. R John O'Neill, Scale Inspector, Hoboken, N. J. N.Y., N. H. & H. R. R_George A. Rodman, General Superintendent Bridges and

Buildings, New Haven, Conn.

N. & W. R. R G. I. Waterhouse, Roanoke, Va.

Pennsylvania R. R A. W. Epright, Chief Scale Inspector, Altoona, Pa. Charles A. May, Assistant Scale Inspector, Philadelphia, Pa. Charles Houston, Assistant Scale Inspector, Altoona, Pa.

C. D. Coleman, Assistant Scale Inspector, Altoona, Pa. Penna. R. R. (west)_.B. B. Gordon, Scale Inspector, Logansport, Ind.

M. G. Mack, Scale Inspector, Columbus, Ohio.

OTHER VISITORS.

H. S. Bailey Food Investigation Chemist, Office State Cooperative Food

and Drug Control, Bureau of Chemistry, Washington,

D. C. Harford Erickson Madison, Wis.

F. M. Halsey Care of American Machinist, New York, N. Y. John R. Loosen Weighing Supervisor, Wells Fargo Express Co., Chicago,

111. G. W. Mackenzie, Jr.Engineer, 390 Fourth Street, Beaver, Pa.
CONTENTS.

First Session (Morning op Tuesday, Mat 23, 1916).

Page.

Address of welcome by Hon. William 0. Redfield, Secretary of Commerce. ... 13

Remarks by the president, Dr. S. W. Stratton 16 * Reports of State delegates:

Arizona, 0. N. Creswell . 17

California, Charles G. Johnson 18

Connecticut, Thomas F. Egan 18

District of Columbia, Leo S. Schoenthal 19

Illinois, Lewis G. Stevenson 19

Indiana, J. T. Willett 20

Iowa, Edward C. Lytton , 20

Massachusetts, Thure Hanson 21

Michigan, Burr B. Lincoln 24

Minnesota, P. D. McFarlane . 25

New Jersey, William L. Waldron 26

New York, John F. Farrell 27

Ohio, John M. Mote 27

Pennsylvania, James Sweeney 28

. Philippine Islands, C. H. Loeber 29 Porto Rico, R. Siaca Pacheco 32

Utah, C. E. Condie 34

Vermont, George E. Carpenter 34

West Virginia, C. W. Waggoner 36

Wisconsin, Fred P. Downing 37

Discussion and indorsement of a bill to substitute centigrade for Fahrenheit

scale of temperature in Government publications 39

Announcements, and appointment of entertainment committee 44

Second Session (Afternoon op Tuesday, May 23, 1916).

Proper publicity for a weights and measures department, by Charles G. Johnson, State superintendent of weights and measures of California 45

The selection and maintenance of apparatus in industrial plants, by Fritz

Reichmann, ex-State superintendent of weights and measures of New York. 51

Discussion of above paper 56

Liquid-measuring pumps, by F. J. Schlink, Bureau of Standards 57

Discussion of above paper 57

Resolution for observance of weights and measures week 59

Third Session (Morning op Wednesday, May 24, 1916).

Inspection and testing of track scales, by B. B. Gordon, scale inspector, Pennsylvania lines west 62

Remarks by Henry Houck, secretary of internal affairs of Pennsylvania 72

Installation and maintenance of track scales, by F. H. Hedwall, scale supervisor, Boston & Maine Railroad 73

Discussion of above paper 75 Report of the secretary, L. A. Fischer, chief of division of weights and measures, Bureau of Standards 83

Discussion of proper method of sale of fruits, vegetables, etc., in connection

with the secretary's report 88

Announcements , 95

9
10 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Fourth Session (Morning op Thursday, May 25, 1916).

Page.

Remarks by manufacturers of weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices 96

Recent development in heavy track-scale construction, by A. Bousfield, chief

engineer, E. & T. Fairbanks & Co 97

Discussion of above paper 102

Remarks by Emanuel Block, general eastern agent, Peerless Weighing Machine Co 103

Discussion of above 104

Remarks by Albert H. Meads, attorney for the Toledo Computing Scale Co 107

The need of a uniform method of marking toilet paper, by J. G. Lamb, of the

Scott Paper Co 113

Discussion of above paper 116

* Remarks by G. Carlton Hosch, president of the Measuregraph Co 117

Discussion of above remarks 120

Remarks by R. F. Chatillon, of John Chatillon & Sons 120

Remarks by Albert Guardia, sales manager, Pelouze Manufacturing Co 120

Remarks by D. A. Corey, of S. F. Bowser & Co. (Inc.) 121 Discussion of above remarks 123

Resolutions in reference to the Scale Journal 124

Fifth Session (Afternoon of Thursday, May 25, 1916).

Appointment of nominating committee 126

Announcements 126

Report of the committee on tolerances and specifications 127 Discussion of above report 130

Liquid capacity measures r 130

Glass graduates 132

Milk bottles 134

Dry capacity measures 137

Scales 137

Platform scales 150

Counter balances and scales 152

Suspension scales of the lever type 152

Spring scales : . 152

Cream-test and butter-fat-test scales 153

Prescription scales and balances 154

Weights 155

Discussion of application of tolerances and specifications 156

Resolution in regard to the sale of wrapped meats 157

Sixth Session (Morning of Friday, May 26, 1916).

Proper regulations for the weighing of coke, by F. G. Barnard, city sealer of Battle Creek, Mich 159

Discussion of above paper 162

Remarks made by several city and county sealers • 165

Chicago, 111., W. F. Cluett 165

Kern County, Cal., L. H. B. Farr 165

Detroit, Mich., George F. Austin 168

Report of the committee on constitution and by-laws 168

Minority report of committee on constitution and by-laws 169

Discussion of above reports 172

Report of the committee on nominations 178

Report of the committee on resolutions 178

Resolution indorsing metric system 178

Resolution to appoint committee on public education 179

Resolution in relation to wrapped meats 180

Resolution to appoint committee on metric system 181

Resolution in relation to the Ashbrook bill 161

Resolution extending vote of thanks to chairman 182

Resolution extending vote of thanks to the Secretary of Commerce 182
CONTENTS. 11

Report of the committee on resolutions—Continued. Page.

Resolution in regard to the proper marking of toilet paper 182

Resolutions extending vote of thanks to secretary, to the staff of the

Bureau of Standards, to the official stenographer, and to others 183

Resolution in relation to printing reports of committee on tolerances and

specifications 183

Report by Joseph Hartigan, chairman of the committee on the metiic system. . 184

Discussion of the above report 191

Secretary's note, as to omission of certain remarks 191

Resolution in regard to metric organizations 192

Questions submitted and referred ! 193

Report of the treasurer, John T. Wiliett, chief State inspector of weights and

measures of Indiana 193

APPENDICES 1 AND 2. (Bureau of Standards Circular No. 01 and Technologic Paper No. 81 are reprinted and bound in at the end

of the Conference Report.)

Appendix 1. —Specifications and tolerances for weights and measures and weighing

and measuring devices, as adopted by the Eleventh Annual Conference and recom- mended by the Bureau of Standards for adoption by the several States. Appendix 2.—Liquid-measuring pumps, by F. J. Schlink, Bureau of Standards.

REPORT OF THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF THE UNITED STATES

HELD AT THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS, WASHINGTON, D. C, MAY 23-26, 1916.

FIRST SESSION (MORNING OF TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1916).

The conference was called to order at 10 o'clock a. m. by the chairman, Dr. S. W. Stratton, Director of the Bureau of Standards.

The Chairman. It gives me great pleasure to call to order this

eleventh conference of weights and measures officials. Again we

have with us the Secretary of Commerce, who welcomed you a number of times, and who has taken a great deal of interest in these

meetings. The Secretary of Commerce.

ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY HON. WILLIAM C. REDFIELD,

SECRETARY OF COMMERCE.

Dr. Stratton and gentlemen: There is always one thing of which

you may be sure when you gather on Tuesday morning and hear

the announcement that the Secretary of Commerce is going to speak

to you, and that is that he will be brief, because it happens the Cabinet meeting comes at 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning, and it is neces- sary for him to be there, so you may always be certain of not being

overloaded with his remarks so far as time is concerned.

I happened a few weeks ago to be in a small town in one of our

Southern sisterhood States, and there a very strange thing happened

right in your own line. A prominent official of the Government,

whom you have all met and know, bethought himself that he would

like that evening to have something made for his internal comfort

from an article known as cheese, and he went about this small Southern town to seek this piece of cheese. He went into a store, whose

proprietor shall be nameless, though well known, and there made the

simple effort to buy 2 pounds of cheese. The proprietor was one

of the men whom it is your duty to look after more or less, and he

tried upon this particular person (of all the men in the United

States out of 100,000,000 of us), to sell him a pound and a half of

cheese for 2 pounds. He had a machine there which mechanically

measured pounds—linear pounds, so to speak, pounds of distance

and when the Director of the Bureau of Standards, for it was no less

than he upon whom this trick was played, remarked that that was not

to his thought quite full 2 pounds, the storekeeper said it was what

they sold for 2 pounds anyway. That, apparently, was just the

trouble. The gentleman insisted that the pounds be weighed, which

the dealer was most reluctant to do, and when he weighed them he

did so with the dial of the scale turned toward himself and away

13
14 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

from the customer. Even that was not satisfactory to the gentleman concerned, who insisted that the scale be turned around with

the dial outward facing himself. When that was done, as the incident is told to me, the dealer then endeavored to have a portion of

his hand weighed with the cheese. Failing in that he was obliged to

make good a half pound out of 2 pounds which he had not intended

to furnish, somewhat to his own disgust. This has always amused

me, and in quiet moments I have chuckled a great deal over that instance, to think that out of the whole United States he should take

the Director of the Bureau of Standards and try to play that trick

on him, and should so ignominiously fail.

That instance, to me, is 'an illustration of a very common thing

which you and I, in large measure, exist for the purpose of stopping.

I am interested in that thing because, as I intimated to you a year

ago, that kind of trickery hurts worse where the hurt can least well

be borne.

When it was my privilege some years ago to live for a good many

months in France, my wife and myself were impressed, in going to

the French markets, with the different way in which France is organized as compared with the United States. They have so arranged

' there that their entire marketing organization apparently caters to the

needs of the smallest buyers. Of course, you all know the wonderful

story of French thrift; if we had it, or anything approaching it, in

this country, we would save not hundreds, but thousands of millions

annually which now we waste. It is a wonderful story, the story of

French thrift. The nation's markets are organized in accordance

with it. Consequently, we found on going to the great markets of

the city of Paris, we were offered not so much a chicken for sale,

for example, as a piece of a chicken, the wing of a chicken could be

bought, or the leg of a chicken, or a slice of a chicken, or a very

small part like that, the whole marketing system being organized on

the basis of the smallest possible buyer.

Lest you think I exaggerate by speaking only of one portion of that

organization, I will go on this much longer to say that the great

Bank of France, at the opposite end of the system, I think the largest

bank in the world, is required by law to make loans on promissory

notes of $1 and does habitually make them in that amount ; it makes

many loans of $2, and unless I am mistaken, makes the large majority in number of all its loans in sums of $20 and less. I speak of

that to give you the impression of an organization prepared for the

small man in a very effective way and one to which we are as yet, in

this country, almost strangers.

The result of our lack of this organization is that our poorest

people, the day laborers, the women who earn their own daily bread,

are those upon whom the economic burden often falls most severely.

They have to pay the highest prices per unit for what they get. An

instance of that with which you are all familiar is that of the city

tenement-house dweller who must buy in the wintertime his or her

winter supply of coal by the basket full, or the single scuttle full, of

coal, paying a rate per ton, for that reason, many times what any of

us would think a very high price, three times, perhaps, or four times, or even more.

I am satisfied that social study would show that it is upon the very

people for whom we provide least well in our organization of markets
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 15

that the burden, so far as there is one of wi-ongdoing in connection

with weights and measures, falls most heavily ; that they are mulcted

at both ends of the line in the respect that they must, by reason of

buying in petty units, pay high rates per unit, and upon them, the

least able to protect themselves, the burden, so far as there is one, of

fraud in weights and measures falls almost wholly—chiefly, anyway.

I spoke of this very briefly last year, and I speak of it again,

because it is to me the great social value of the watchfulness which

States and cities and the Government exercise over the weights and

measures of the Nation. It is to make good and protect in some way

those who have no other means of protection that you and I do a large part of our work, and it is infinitely well worth the doing. I

wish we could get the vision of the woman and the man who, unable

to tell for themselves whether things are rightly done for them or not

by those whose interests lie the other way, must needs look to us for

the help which we alone, through our various organizations, can give

to them. I think that is a very valuable, profoundly valuable, civic

and social service which men like yourselves, falling back upon the

scientific work of this institution, can and do daily render.

I remember telling you a year ago what a great spectacle it was to see a mighty nation keep its temper, and I am glad now that I

thought of that a year ago, because we can to-day look back a year

and see how, under serious stress, we have still managed to keep our

national temper. The Nation has not gone mad during the last year.

There have been several times when it would have been quite easy to

let indignation get the better of judgment, but I believe you all

think, as the Good Book says, that " He that ruleth his spirit is

greater than he that taketh a city," and that for America to have

kept its head and its temper during the last year has been itself a great achievement. I do not speak of this as an achievement of the

Government, but I speak of it as an achievement of the American

people, that they as a whole have kept themselves in check when it

was not altogether easy so to do. As a result of that I think we

know that our national voice now is more respected and honored all over the world than it has been for long, because the neutral peoples

understand, as well as the belligerent peoples, that we speak not from

interest and not, from wrath, but that we do utter the voice of right

as we see it. It is a pleasure to recognize that right has been in very

large measure conceded by those to whom our representations have

been made.

You will find, since you came last year, there have been changes

here. It is a habit of the Director of the Bureau of Standards

always to push on the growth of this institution. You see the new

building out yonder which was not here last year, and I imagine next

year when you come you will see another one which is not here now.

The way in which this service treats these matters reminds me of the

girl who, with her father, entered New York City and stayed a few

days recently, to whom said the father, as they left the town, " What

do you think of New York, my dear ? " and the child said, " It will

be a very nice place, father, when they get it done." So here we are not done. We wanted to have all these lawns in beautiful shape for

you that you might compliment us on our horticulture, but so long

as they will go on building chemical laboratories and radio laboratories and others that are to come, I do not know whether we shall
16 BTJBEATJ OF STANDARDS.

ever have the grass around this place as nice as you think it ought to

be. But still it does speak this: As you come here from distant

places and so express your confidence in our work and in its help to

you, so I am proud to say for Dr. Stratton, what he will not say for

himself, that he has in a peculiar measure the confidence of Congress,

that the men of both parties in both Houses trust him, and appreciate

his work, and it is for that reason, because they are liberal in the

appropriations for the support of this great and growing work, that

you see this constant disturbance which, under the circumstances, we

will ask you to forgive.

You know without my telling you how glad we are to have you

here. I wish there were a lot more of you ; I wish this room was far

too small to hold you all. We look for the time to come when every

important city and every State in the country shall be here represented and shall come because they learn that which is helpful to

them; I hope you will find all the fault you can with what you do

not see as well as with what you do see. It is the things which are

left undone, and which are not visible to the eye, that are the most

important to have done. I remember, as a salesman going into foreign fields, looking constantly not for the thing which was done

which somebody else was looking after always, but for the thing

which was not done which I might look after to my own profit. So

here, you coming with a fresh vision and unaccustomed to this particular atmosphere in its daily routine, may see things which would

be helpful in your locality if they were done. Say so frankly and

fully, because we learn from what we hear from others.

Now, if you will pardon my having to go somewhat unceremoniously, remembering, if you will, that I go with the spirit of earnest

enthusiasm for your work, believing in it, believing in you, believing

that the country is better because you are in it and doing a good job

in behalf of those who can not do it for themselves, I will say good

morning to you all. REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT, DR. S. W. STRATTON", DIRECTOR OF

THE BUREAU 03? STANDARDS.

There is very little I can add to the secretary's welcome. I do

want to extend to all of the members present a most cordial invitation to see the working of the Bureau of Standards. Remember

that, from the beginning, I have constantly taken the position that

your duties and functions would sooner or later extend over much

broader ground than they do at present; that you would be called

upon to serve in an advisory capacity in many things which do not

now immediately concern you. You would be surprised at the large

amount of that work done here at the bureau. Many times the re- quests that come in are for things that- we perhaps can not do, but

we can tell where these things can be found, and indicate the literature on the subject, and in many ways be helpful, by merely suggesting the outline to be followed. This is bound to be so in your

own cases, and we wish to make the bureau as useful as possible in

that respect; we wish you to be familiar with the bureau's work

in all of its lines, so that when these requests do come, and when you

meet people who wish information in other lines, you can get it

from the bureau or refer them to the bureau.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 17

This is a field besides your own immediate field in which you

can be of the greatest assistance in making the bureau useful to

the people, and in so doing make your own position more important

and more useful as well.

I am very glad that you can be with us to-day and that, as these

meetings go on from year to year, there is a decided improvement

in the technical nature of the matters discussed. We hoped in the

beginning that these meetings would be a clearing house for all

matters pertaining to weights and measures, and that the newcomers

who appeared from time to time would confer with others and would

find what has been done in other places ; and, on the whole, the good

work in weights and measures will be promoted throughout the

country more rapidly and more efficiently because of these meetings.

There is a great deal that I might say, but it will come out as the

meeting progresses. The program has been carefully arranged, but

it is not at all necessary to confine ourselves to this program. A

number of gentlemen already have asked if it will be possible to

take up certain different subjects. My reply has been that during

the meeting a time will probably be found for the discussion of all

these matters which appear to be of interest to us. The next item

on the program is the report of the secretary.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman and members of the conference,

after having carefully prepared my report last evening I left it

on the street car and so I am going to ask you to let me postpone

that until I can recover the papers I wish to present to you.

The Chairman. I shall call for the reports of the State delegates.

Is there a representative from Arizona?

REPORTS OF STATE DELEGATES.

ARIZONA.

By O. N. Creswell, State Inspector of Weights and Measures.

This is the first time that Arizona has been represented at any of

these conferences. It is a great pleasure for me to meet the men who

are engaged in this important work. I trust that this coming together will result in much benefit to all of us. Arizona enacted a weights and measures law shortly after coming

into the Union as a State ; this law has now been in operation about

three and one-half years. Our law provides for an inspector, who is

required to make inspections once a year in all cities and towns with

a population of over 900 and not over 5,000. In cities of over 5,000,

city sealers are appointed by the common councils of the city. These

city sealers are required to perform other duties in addition to the

sealer's work, which to a certain extent is a detriment to the weights

and measures department.

However, I am pleased to report that the weights and measures

conditions have greatly improved during the past year. Especial

attention has been given to the inspection of commodities, which is

just as essential as a proper supervision and inspection of the weighing and measuring devices.

Since the last conference there have been no changes made in our

law. When the next legislature convenes this department will again

62254°—17 2
18 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

recommend the elimination of all fees for inspection work ; also that

a change be made so as to permit the State inspector to name a suffi- cient number of deputies to make inspections in all parts of the

State, or to name a county inspector in each of the counties who shall

be appointed and be under the supervision of the State inspector.

CALIFORNIA.

By Charles G. Johnson, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

We have just finished our first year of actual work in California

and it has been a most interesting year. It is the first year that inspection of weights and measures has ever been carried on in the

State, and naturally the first year was perhaps harder than any we

will encounter in the future.

During the past year we were forced by conditions to take out of

the avenues of trade a little over 286,000 pieces of apparatus. During

the entire procedure we have not heard of one suit or any contention

whatever between the department and the people whose property

was confiscated. We aimed to give to the merchants and the people

accurate weighing machines, and then it becomes our province to

endeavor to keep those merchants and machines accurate and honest.

We have at the present time a force of 82 men, who are working

intelligently and industriously, and we hope to continue to make our work more and more useful and of greater benefit to the people of

the State.

The Chairman. That is an example well worthy of following. A

force of 82 men in the first year is highly commendable. I think that

that might be taken as a model for some States that have not yet

begun.

CONNECTICUT.

By Thoiias F. Egan, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I have the honor to represent Connecticut at this

conference. There is not much for me to report with regard to

the weights and measures work in our State. In 1915 I made a re- port here of such changes as we had secured in our weights and

measures law. The proposed increase of salaries for county sealers

has brought about some changes of officials since the representatives from some of our counties have neglected to appoint county

sealers, or to make provision for their salaries. As a result of that

neglect or oversight we have at the present time only two county

sealers in our State who are attending to their duties. The city

and town sealers are all active and doing good work. We have

with us at this conference one county sealer, Mr. Brown, of Fairfield : we also have Mr. Kelly, the city sealer of Bridgeport ; Mr.

Maroney, the city sealer of New Haven; Mr. Frank, the city sealer

of Waterbury; and no doubt other city sealers and officials from

our State will come here either to-day or to-morrow.

With regard to the weights and measures work, I may say it is

going along as usual. All of the officials from whom I have re- ports are doing very good work, the people are interested and they

keep up the appropriation for us, though our appropriation was cut
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 19

down somewhat because of necessary economies that had to be

practiced at the last session of the legislature.

There is not anything further that I have to say. I have come

here for enlightenment with regard to our work in which we are

all interested, and not so much to talk as to listen.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

By Leo S. Schoenthax, Assistant Superintendent of Weights, Measures,

and Markets.

Mr. Eoberts, the superintendent of weights and measures, will

be here soon. The only thing that I can say is that we are all keeping at the work and we are trj'ing to give service. We are not

paying so much attention to the number of inspections as we are to the character of inspections. While we have not been successful in

getting any new legislation, or in getting any increase in force

to speak of, at the same time we have held our own and we believe

that we are now better equipped than we were when here a year ago.

We have hopes that this Congress will give us something, although

we do not know that they will.

I might state that during the past year we have had a change in

the administrative head, John H. Sherman having resigned to go

to New York. Mr. Sherman was succeeded by George M. Eoberts.

The Chairman. The last speaker has suggested something that

would be well for the State delegates to speak of, and that is to point

out the progress since the last meeting, especially any changes in

legislation.

ILLINOIS.

By Lewis G. Stevenson, ex officio State Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I have heard one or two of the delegates refer to

the honor they feel in representing their States. I can hardly say

that I feel it a great honor to represent Illinois in this conference,

for the reason that Illinois is about the least progressive in the

matter of weights and measures of any State in the Union of which

I have knowledge. The secretary of state is ex officio State sealer.

During my term of office as secretary of state, I have been called

upon but once to act in that capacity, and that was when a county

clerk sent down a quart measure and wanted to know if it was the

right size. The law is really a dead letter in the State of Illinois

and nothing at all has been accomplished.

During the past year a number of amendments were made and

several new sections were added to the State law at the instance

of Gov. Dunne. They were drafted by the Chicago department,

under the direction of Mr. Cluett, to whom the State is indebted.

There was an amendment which gives statutory weights per bushel

for about 75 articles. That, I believe, is about the first legislation

for a period of 10 or 12 years.

Another section gave the local committees and the president of

boards of trustees of incorporated towns the right to pass ordinances

requiring the sale of fruits and vegetables to be by standard avoir-
20 BUREAU OP STANDARDS.

dupois weight. That is at least making some progress. Other than

that nothing has been done. However, we have sealers, I think, in

8 or 10 towns.

The city of Chicago has made very satisfactory progress. I feel

that the agitation which these conferences have aroused, and the

newspaper prominence given to the work in Chicago, will result

in the next assembly accomplishing something of material good. As

you recall, during the last assembly we had a seven weeks' speakership fight, we had a wet-and-dry fight, we had the waterway fight,

we had the public utilities fight, and, as a matter of fact, the assembly was busy from start to finish, and while we had in view the

accomplishing of something in the way of weights and measures

standardization, nothing was accomplished.

I believe, from the way you have started the ball rolling, that

next year or the year following we can closely approach California.

I thank you.

The Chairman. I will say, Mr. Stevenson, that not very long ago

we had as a visitor in the bureau a very active and prominent member of your State legislature. I went over the whole situation with

him and told him how embarrassed we were at times that Illinois

had never taken steps in the matter of weights and measures legislation, and he promised to take the matter up and devote his entire

attention to it at the next session of the legislature. Before you go

I will put you in touch with him and I feel sure you will find him

of great assistance.

INDIANA.

By J. T. Willett, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, we have not had any new legislation in the last two

years in Indiana. We hope, however, at the coming session to introduce a number of bills which we trust will strengthen the weights and

measures department of Indiana. We have about 21 departments

which are very active, but under the present law we can not go very

far. Therefore, unless we get more legislation the weights and

measures business in the State will not progress as it should. I do

not know of anything else that will be of interest. I thank you.

IOWA.

By Edwakd C. Lytton, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Iowa has not been in the weights and measures work as long

a time as the older Eastern States. However, we are now doing some

effective work, although the number of men at our disposal makes it impossible to do the work as thoroughly as it should be done. Iowa

has three men giving their entire time to this work. The food and

general inspectors give some time to the inspection of counter scales

and measures and to the checking of commodities to ascertain whether

full weight and full measure are being given.

We realize more and more as we get into the work the necessity for

uniformity and cooperation between the States.

I hope that we may be better equipped and have a more complete

report at the next annual meeting.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 21

MASSACHUSETTS.

By Thxire Hanson, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures.

During the session of the Massachusetts Legislature much constructive legislation has been enacted relating to weights and measures

and the sale of different commodities, although it is a matter of regret

that the proposed general codification of our weights and measures

law has again been postponed.

Among the more important laws enacted at this session are chapter

120, general acts of 1916, relating to itinerant vendors, and the amendments to the hawkers' and peddlers' law which make that law much

plainer and more easily enforcible.

The law defines an itinerant vendor as "Any person, either principal or agent, who engages in a temporary or transient business in

this Commonwealth, either in one locality or in traveling from place

to place selling goods, wares, and merchandise, and who, for the

purpose of carrying on such business, hires, leases, or occupies a building or structure for the exhibition and sale of such goods, wares,

and merchandise." The building or structure may be a store, a hotel

room, or a public hall, etc. Before commencing business every itinerant vendor, whether principal or agent, must secure a license from the commissioner of weights

and measures, paying a State license fee of $25 therefor, and must

also make a special deposit of $500 with the commissioner.

This license does not authorize more than one person to sell goods

under it, although a licensee may have the assistance of one or more

persons in conducting his business who may aid him but not act for

him or without him.

Before selling under a State license every itinerant vendor must

pay a local license fee to the clerk of the city or town in which he

proposes to make sales.

The mayor, or aldermen or selectmen or other board authorized to

issue such licenses may require the payment of a fee equal to the

taxes assessable in said city or town under the last preceding tax levy

upon an amount equal to the valuation of the stock kept or intended

to be kept and exposed for sale, or they may grant such license upon

the payment of a license fee fixed by them. The clerk shall record

the State license of such vendor in full, shall indorse upon it the

words, " local license fees paid," and affix the date and his official

signature.

Before advertising, representing, or holding forth any sale as an

insurance, bankrupt, insolvent, assignee's, trustee's, executor's, administrator's, receiver's, wholesale, or manufacturer's wholesale or

closing-out sale, or as a sale of any goods damaged by smoke, fire,

water, or otherwise, an itinerant vendor must state under oath to the

commissioner of weights and measures all. of the facts relating to the

reasons and character of such special sale, including the names of

the persons from whom the goods were obtained, the date of delivery,

the place from which said goods were last taken, and all details

necessary to exactly locate and fully identify all goods to be so sold.

The deposit of $500 made with the commissioner of weights and

measures shall be subject to attachment and execution in behalf of

the creditors of the licensee whose claims arise in connection with
22 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

the business done under his State license. Said deposit shall also

be subject to the payment of any and all fines and penalties incurred

by the licensee through violation of any provisions of the law rer lating to itinerant vendors. The commissioner shall hold the special

deposit for 60 days after the expiration and return or surrender of

each State license, and, after satisfying all claims made upon the

same under the provisions of the statute, shall return the balance to

the licensee.

For neglect to file a statement of quantity and value of stock with

the mayor, or aldermen or selectmen or other board authorized to

issue local licenses, if required, or for making a false or fraudulent

representation in such statement, a fine of not less than $5 or more

than $20 for each day during which such goods, wares, or merchandise are kept or exposed for sale, may be inflicted.

For selling or exposing for sale, at public or private sale, any

goods, wares, or merchandise without State and local licenses therefor, properly indorsed, or for filing an application containing any

false statement, or, being licensed, for failing to comply with the

requirements of the law relating to sales represented as insurance,

bankrupt, etc., or for advertising unlicensed sales in any manner, a

fine of not more than $50 or imprisonment for not more than 60

days, or both fine and imprisonment, may be inflicted.

The first enactment of the existing statutes relating to hawkers

and peddlers occurred in 1846, at which time all previous legislation

upon this subject was repealed. Since that time numerous amendments and additions have been necessary, the Supreme Court having

ruled that many of the provisions of the statute were unconstitutional.

In the amendment of different sections at more or less frequent

intervals there had apparently been no attempt at a comprehensive

revision of the entire statute, the result being an apparent conflict

between different sections which added to the difficulty of their construction and enforcement.

By the provisions of chapter 253, general acts of 1915, the authority to issue hawkers' and peddlers' licenses, and the general en- forcement of the law relating to the subject, was transferred from

the secretary of the Commonwealth to the commissioner of. weights

and measures.

• The general enforcement of the law by this department revealed

many points of weakness in the statute and emphasized the necessity

for its revision; and the amendments now made are the result of

careful study of the existing laws in this and other States and the

experiences of officials charged with their enforcement.

The description of the persons excepted under the old law was

so uncertain that it has been almost impossible to agree upon the

proper construction of the phrase "selling agents to dealers in the

usual course of business." The amendment simplifies the meaning

of that phrase and renders its proper construction less difficult.

It was formerly provided that fines imposed should be equally

divided between the county and the complainant. Under more recent

statutes, when the complainant was an officer whose duties included

the enforcement of the law, such complainant could not receive any

part of the fine, and the total amount was paid over to the county.

Under the amendment which provides that one-half of the fine shall
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 23

go to the city or town in which the offense is committed there will

be a greater incentive for local officers to enforce the law.

Furs have been included in the list of articles the sale of which

by hawkers and peddlers is prohibited.

Fish has been included among the commodities for the sale of

which cities and towns are permitted to require a license.

In some cities badges issued to minors by the school committee are held to authorize the sale by such minors of all kinds of merchandise,

when the evident intent of the legislature was to authorize the sale

of such articles only as might otherwise be sold without a license.

At the present time many minors wearing this badge are selling vari- ous articles in competition with adults who have paid a license fee for

the privilege of selling similar articles. This condition will not be

possible under the amended law.

The law as amended provides that the commissioner shall collect

all fees at the time a special city or town license is granted and that

he shall pay over to the cities or towns the amounts due to them

under such licenses. Under the law as it read in the past the licensee

paid $1 to the commissioner and was supposed to pay to the treasurer

of a city or town an additional amount, based upon population, before he peddled in such city or town. As a matter of fact, in some

cases licensees peddled for a long time before paying the fee to the

city or town, and sometimes this fee was never paid.

The principal purpose of the county license appears to have been

the regulation of the sale of tin, brittania, earthen, wooden, and

other wares from the old-fashioned " tin peddlers " wagons. This

mode of trading is now nearly obsolete, and county licenses have

been generally secured by the applicant ostensibly for the sale of

" goods, wares, or merchandise manufactured by himself or his employer," but in many cases these licenses were actually used in the

sale of other goods which should have been sold under a State or

special city or town license, thus depriving the Commonwealth and

various cities and towns of license fees which rightfully belonged to

them.

Of 833 county licenses issued in 1914, it is safe to say that 75 per

cent were used in the sale of articles other than those properly cov- ered by this form of license. In one day nearly 30 peddlers of laces,

embroideries, table cloths, etc., were apprehended by officers of my

department and required to take out State licenses, paying the license

fee of $50 therefor. In previous years these peddlers had traveled

under county licenses, for which they paid $1 to the State and $4 to

the county.

The amended law will cover conditions as they exist to-day and

will help to eliminate fraudulent use of county licenses.

The former statute provided that the commissioner should be

notified by the clerk of the court whenever a licensee was convicted

of any crime, but it made no provision for such notification when any

person, other than a licensee, was convicted of violation of the provisions of the law. The amendment will remedy this defect.

The provision that every licensee should post his name, residence,

and license number upon his parcels or vehicle is impracticable in

the case of foot peddlers carrying packs or exposing goods for sale

in their hands or in baskets. At the present time the majority of

wagons or other vehicles used by peddlers are not marked as re-
24 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

quired by law. The amendment -which authorizes the commissioner,

at the expense of the licensee, to furnish badges for foot peddlers

and plates or tags for wagons or vehicles used by peddlers would

tend to remedy this condition. The use of these name plates and

badges is important, as they will furnish a ready means of identification if a peddler gives cause for complaint, and the provision

that the licensee shall indorse his usual signature upon the license

will provide an additional safeguard against the use of licenses by

persons other than the licensees.

The amendment imposes a penalty upon any person who has in

his possession another's license with intent to use the same. This

would stop the trafficking in licenses which is believed to exist at

present. A considerable number of licenses are annually reported

as lost or stolen, and rarely, if ever, are any of these recovered. It

is fair to presume that these licenses are in use, and such illegal use should be discouraged by penalizing the possession of another's li- cense with intent to use. Other laws enacted at this session are chapter 44, General Acts of

1916, which authorizes the commissioner of weights and measures to

establish district offices in various sections of the Commonwealth

;

Chapter 63, amending the law relating to the packing and grading

of apples;

Chapter 149, relative to untrue and misleading advertisements;

Chapter 151, which requires that containers furnished by the purchaser of milk at wholesale shall be sealed and their capacity plainly

marked thereon on petition of the seller to a sealer or deputy sealer

of weights and measures;

Chapter 154, which requires that range boilers have the capacity

plainly marked thereon, together with the maker's business name

and his guarantee that it has been tested to not less than 200 pounds

hydraulic pressure to the square inch

;

Chapter 157, which exempts from the provisions of the old law

bread which is sold in wrapped or package form, having the net

quantity of the contents plainly and conspicuously marked on the

outside of the covering or container ; and

Chapter 188, authorizing the overseers of the poor in a city or

the selectmen in a town to grant temporary licenses to sell flags,

badges, medals, buttons, flowers, souvenirs, and similar articles for

charitable purposes.

MICHIGAN.

By Btjee B. Lincoln, Deputy Dairy and Food Commissioner, in Charge of

Weights and Measures.

Mr. President, I have not anything of especial interest to report.

We are alive in Michigan. We have 32 county sealers and in our department six men who work more or less in weights and measures,

and we make a very close examination of scales, as the scale men here

will probably tell you. We also make examinations along other

lines, from the counting of tacks to the testing of gas meters. Considering the small appropriation we have and the small force, we

cover quite a lot of ground. Last year we went up against the paint
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 25

people. I found that about 50 per cent of the cans were short.

That might be a tip for some of the other State weights and

measures officials. We can not compel the marking of packages,

but I regulated the matter from the standpoint of custom, since

paint has always been sold by measure. Last year we had the test car of the Bureau of Standards spend

a month in our State. I want to thank the bureau for sending the

car, which is a very fine one. Out of 30 scales tested they recom- mended that 18 be replaced. So the car has done great good in our

State. I also want to say that they had a very fine, gentlemanly

crew with the car. We did not have any session of the legislature last winter, and

consequently have had no new legislation. We have one man in our department who spends nearly all of his time in educational work,

and he has just wound up a campaign in Detroit. He and the city

sealer of Detroit had an exhibit which they could load on to an automobile and take from one school to another and spend an hour

before the whole class giving a lecture on weights and measures. I

regard that as fine educational work. This summer the man will

spend his time before the housewives' leagues, and I also regard

that as one of the most important works the department can do. I

do not know that I have anything else of interest to report.

The Chairman. Mr. Lincoln has mentioned a subject in which

we are very much interested, namely, the inspection of the track and

other large scales. It has been the policy of the bureau to undertake

this work in cooperation with the State officials and, in fact, I might

say that when we go into a State we put ourselves at the disposal of

the State department. The inspection in a State is really made by

the State official. From the beginning the bureau has taken the

attitude that our first effort should be to help the State officials to

help themselves and to do whatever we could toward furthering

their own work.

MINNESOTA.

By P. D. McFaelane, Scale Inspector, State Grain Inspection Department.

Mr. President and gentlemen, I am very much pleased to be with

you at this eleventh annual conference, and I regret the absence of our commissioner of weights and measures, Mr. C. C. Neale, who

through press of important business was prevented from attending.

I am not familiar with the many details carried on by the commissioner's office, but I know there has been material progress.

The department of weights and measures has brought out specifications and tolerances which were adopted by the Minnesota railroad and warehouse commission, to whom our State legislature delegates the power of enforcement of the weights and measures laws

in Minnesota.

We are all justly proud of the last annual report made by Commissioner Neale, and I am sure he will be pleased to send a copy of

this report to those of you who may be interested.

Gentlemen, I thank you.
26 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

NEW JERSEY.

By William L. Waldeon, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, we take weights and measures work seriously in

New Jersey, and for that reason I feel we are continually progressing. The laws on this subject in our State are of the best.

Every county in our "State has one or more officials, all the large

cities have well-organized and well-equipped departments, and every

man in our State receives a good salary, and in addition to that he

has the assurance that he can not be removed from office except for

cause. Peace, good will, and harmony prevail among the men, which

is conducive of good results.

Since the last conference we started tne inspection of drug stores

in New Jersey. I now refer to the small weights and delicate apparatus used in the compounding of prescriptions, and the result of

this work has disclosed the need of it. We find the same percentage of inaccuracies in this that we find in other lines. We are now making inspections in hospitals, sanitariums, and manufacturing plants where similar equipment is being used.

I want to thank the Bureau of Standards for the use of its standard

test car. This car remained in our State for a considerable time,

and while there made a thorough test of all important track scales

in our State. The car was in charge of Mr. Boyer and two assistants,

and they deserve to be complimented on the courteous way in which

they cooperated with us. As I have mentioned, every man in our State is protected by the

act of the legislature except myself. In the early part of this year

one of the county officials was removed for political reasons. A

meeting of the association was called and it was the unanimous

opinion of the members that we test this case in the courts. I was

instructed to obtain counsel, and each man pledged himself to pay

a proportionate share of the cost of the trial. The opinion will be

handed to us next month, and, for those who have a similar law, I

will be glad to send a copy of the opinion here and one to the Scale

Journal so that those interested will be able to see the result. I

thank you.

The Chairman. I want to express my appreciation at the great

pleasure I had in attending two State conventions last year. In the

beginning we had hoped that this organization would bring about

an organization in each State. While our people have attended those

I have not had the pleasure of attending many until last year, one

in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey, and I was delighted to find

the serious manner in which these people took up the technical questions involved in their work.

At the meeting in Pennsylvania the various sealers were comparing notes and checking up the various questions that concerned

them. In Mr. Waldron's meeting at Atlantic City the delegates were

full of enthusiasm ; they were giving experiences entering into their

work to an extent which I had hardly dreamed of. I have not had

anything give me as much pleasure in connection with weights and

measures in years as the attendance upon these two meetings.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 27

NEW YORK.

By John F. Fabrell, State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, the department in New York State still is en- gaged in building the structure on a foundation so practically and

wonderfully laid by Dr. Reichmann, and the report of the State is

progress. We are gradually becoming familiar with the laws,

gradually learning something about the great questions of weights

and measures, and we hope eventually to have in the State of New

York a weights and measures department which is as near perfect

as humanity can achieve. We have not started on any trimmings

as yet, or any embellishments, but we are still in the practical stage

of erection, still in the stage of learning. We hope eventually to

know something about weights and measures in the State of New

York, and then we will start after some of those things which

bother us at present in regard to the manufacture of scales.

The whole question of weights and measures in the State has been

taken hold of by all different sorts and kinds of societies and asso- ciations and they all seem to be much interested in the subject. The

womens' societies especially have become interested in the subject

from the practical side of the saving to their individual members,

from which savings they buy new gowns and new hats.

Last year the legislature passed no bills governing weights and

measures although there were introduced some few bills devoted

to that cause. Next year the department hopes to take the whole

weight and measure law and make it as near the ideal as is suggested by the conference here as possible.

The individual inspectors of weights and measures are doing their

work wonderfully well. We are trying to get away from the word

" sealer," as it means nothing, and in the new law I do not think

the word " sealer " will appear, but it will be " inspector " instead.

The great, work of the officials in the State is not confined to sealing

the scales but is in keeping the storekeepers informed in regard to

their scales. I hope during the convention to tell you something of

the practical side of the subject in some of the discussions that

come up. The report of the State is real progress.

The Chairman. Mr. Farrell has made a remark that seems to me

very pertinent. I have never liked the term " sealer." That word

seems to me to be the smallest we could use in connection with

the whole work. Personally I would like to see the word eliminated

from our nomenclature. I do not know whether you agree with me,

but I personally agree with what Mr. Farrell has said in that connection.

OHIO.

By John M. Mote, Assistant Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures.

I am very glad to say that the work in Ohio is going along very

nicely. At the beginning of 1916 eight counties in Ohio were without

sealers, and at the present time we have sealers in every county of

the State except three. The work of testing the apothecary scales

was taken up along about March 1, and I was very much interested

in what the gentleman from New Jersey had to say. I will say that

in our State we found on an average that about 31 per cent of the
28 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

weights tested were bad and we condemned them. Of course that

probably comes from the fact that they had never been tested

previously.

The testing of gasoline pumps has been going on. The State department required every city and county sealer to make a thorough

inspection of all pumps in his territory and to report by May, 1916,

and the summary of the report so far received shows that about 15

per cent of the pumps in use were either corrected or condemned.

The law in Ohio compelling the selling by weight was held unconstitutional by the supreme court. For that reason many seemed to

believe that they were not compelled to use a standard measure or to

comply with the weight per bushel laws of Ohio, so a law was passed

providing for measures of certain dimensions. This law was also

attacked in the courts. It was upheld by the supreme court in a

decision handed down about two months ago, but the parties con- cerned are now contemplating taking it to the United States Supreme Court.

The legislation in Ohio has not been altogether pleasing to the

State department since the county sealers are appointed by the county

auditor, and their salary is named by the county commissioners, and

they work under the direction of the State department, so each and

every county sealer in the State of Ohio considers he has about five

bosses. We hope, however, to be able to get some new bills introducd

and enacted into law at the coming session of the legislature and to

take a few other progressive steps in the weights and measures work.

PENNSYLVANIA.

By James Sweeney, Chief of the State Bureau of Standards.

I have the honor to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, one of the greatest States in the Union ; not only great in its industrial and commercial life, but in the character of its laws in the interests of its citizens, which demonstrates its greatness in statesmanship. One of the most important of these laws to the whole people

is the weight and measure law enacted in 1911. It is gratifying to

note the progress that has been made in the short period in which we

have had laws governing the subject of weights and measures in

Pennsylvania. There is no question affecting the commercial relations of the people of our State upon which every one agrees with

greater unanimity than that the giving of short weight and measure

is a great wrong and detrimental to sound business principles. Even

the small percentage of those who practice deception in their busi- ness relations with the people have come to realize that the practice

is contrary to sound business principles, and that aside from the

penalties which are imposed by the law for violations of its provisions, the practice of giving short weight and measure is not a

profitable one. When we come to consider the many obstacles that confronted the

inspector of weights and measures when he first began the work of

inspection and the almost universal opposition to any law that would

interfere with a system that had been in operation for generations,

we have every reason to feel grateful for the remarkable progress

which has been made. This progress is due, in a large measure, to
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 29

the cooperation of all classes of merchants in the enforcement of the

law. The enactment of this legislation was not intended solely for

the purpose of protecting the consumer, but was intended to protect

the honest merchant as well. There were many merchants who

always endeavored to give to the purchaser full weight and measure. These merchants were compelled to compete with the dealer who

always endeavored to increase his profits by giving short weight and

measure. The enforcement of this law removes that competition and

gives to the honest merchant this same protection that is guaranteed

to the consumer. As the State bureau of standards was not equipped to verify weighing and measuring devices used by inspectors until October, 1-911,

there were no inspections reported to the bureau for that year. In

the year 1915 throughout the State of Pennsylvania there were

570,531 inspections of weighing and measuring devices that are used

in weighing and measuring the various commodities that enter into

the daily life of the citizens of our Commonwealth. Seventy-one

thousand of these devices were condemned, as they were defective

and did not conform to the State standards.

In addition to the weighing and measuring devices which are inspected, there were inspected 257,389 containers, such as packages,

milk cans, crates, boxes, baskets, bags, etc., which are used in the

sale of commodities. Of those containers 18,039 were condemned as

unfit for use, thus removing the danger of the purchaser receiving

less quantity than he or she was paying for.

The inspection of packages and containers of all kinds was necessitated by the passage of the net-container law, which requires that

all goods sold in a container or package of any kind must have the

net quantity of the contents plainly and conspicuously marked on the

outside of the container or package in terms of weight, measure, or

count. Previous to the passage of this net-weight law the purchasers

were required to pay for the materials composing the package or container in which the commodities were sold, and which were of no

value to them. This law therefore protects the purchasing public

from the sharp practice of imposing upon the public by selling

them something which they could not use.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

By C, H. Loebek, Chief, License Division, and Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, in 1907, the legislature passed a law establishing

the metric system in the Philippine Islands. Prior to that we had

the Chinese system of weights and measures, the Spanish system, and

also the English system. Since that time we have been very success- ful in improving the weights and measures conditions.

There are over 800 municipalities in the Philippine Islands, and

in each municipality there is a municipal treasurer who is also an

inspector of weights and measures. The bureau of internal revenue

is in charge of the enforcement of the law. The duties of the internal revenue agents take them into every store in the Philippine Islands,

and among their duties is that of inspecting weights and measures.
30 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

There are about 25 Americans and about 60 Filipinos in the bureau

who do outside work ; each of these employees is under civil service,

and also the municipal treasurers are under civil service and hence

they are not removed by a change of administration.

Before the men are sent out into the Provinces they are given thorough instruction in the handling of weights and measures. The only

thing not sold in bulk is stuff imported into the country in the

original packages, and these have to have marked on them the net. weight.

The most numerous frauds committed are with spring balances.

We confiscated over 600 out of 1,000 balances presented for sealing

in Manila last year, among which were several new balances, and this

has led certain importers to stop importing the spring balance. The

type I refer to is that commonly called the family scale, which

usually sells for about $1.25 or $1.50 retail over there. Another way

of defrauding in the Philippines is by the use of a measure in selling

rice which holds 3 liters. They fill the measure to the brim and use

a stick to strike off the surplus, and frequently they concave the

stick so that it strikes off too large an amount. One Chinese was

offered the alternative of compromising a case with the government

or taking his chances in court. He preferred the latter. They fined

him $100, and he appealed to the supreme court, and the supreme

court upheld the decision of the court of first instance and stated

that while the amount the customer was defrauded of did not amount

to much, in the whole it represented a considerable amount.

Conditions in the Philippines are very good. The men are out all

the time, and the number of compromises in the course of a month

will run from 10 up to 100, and the amount of money collected in

fines and compromises will amount to several thousand dollars in the

course of a year. That is all I have to say.

The Chairman. I would like to ask the gentleman if the balances

shipped to the Philippines are all graduated in the metric system ? Mr. Loeber. Everything we have is in the metric system.

The Chairman. Is there a tendency to displace the metric system

because of the large number of imports from this country ? Mr. Loeber. No. The only articles imported from this country are

in cans. The majority of the articles imported from Europe are imported under the metric system because that system is universally

used throughout Europe.

The Chairman. Is attention paid to the package goods and other

commodities where the net weight is marked in pounds ? Mr. Loeber. Yes, sir. We cheek them up. We weigh them, and

if we find out that a dealer is defrauding the public we get after him.

For instance, if a package states a pound the dealer has to give a pound in weight.

The Chairman. Then you keep a set of avoirdupois weights as well ? Mr. Loeber. No, sir. We reduce it down to the metric system.

The Chairman. You do not think that tends to break down the

metric system?

Mr. Loeber. No, sir. The Chairman. It has been claimed in Cuba and in the Philippine

Islands and Porto Rico that sooner or later the importation of foreign goods would break down the metric system.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 31

Mr. Loeber. The only articles imported are canned goods, peas,

corn, etc. At the beginning of the year we compelled the jewelry

dealers to adopt the metric system.

The Chairman. Can you tell me about the purchases of our War

Department ? Mr. Loeber. We allow them to purchase in pounds, but the dealer

has to report the sale under the metric system.

The Chairman. To what extent does that affect the purchasing

in the country of food that the War Department buys itself, which

is on the pound system?

Mr. Loeber. They buy from the importer and he turns it over

direct without breaking the package.

The Chairman. I have always felt that it was hardly fair to

have our own Government departments go in there and use another

system of weights and measures than the metric system. I have

always felt that the War Department should accommodate itself

to the metric system rather than insist upon our own. Of course

there are reasons why they do it. Mr. Loeber. We have found the metric system very successful over there and the people are being educated right along, and in

the markets we have inspectors to check up the dealers.

The Chairman. Was the metric system in use there before the

change in the government?

Mr. Loeber. No. It was adopted in 1907. Prior to that they

had the Spanish libra, which is more than an avoirdupois pound,

and they had the Chinese catty. A person would ask for an

American yard or for a meter. Now they are obliged to buy by

the meter. Everything is sold by the meter. A person buys a liter

of oil or a kilo of potatoes or 5 kilos of rice. Coal is sold by

weight.

Mr. Reichmann. The Americans who come over there presumably have the same amount of intelligence as the native Filipinos and do not require much time to become accustomed to the

metric system, do they? That is an important question from the

standpoint of the opposition to the metric system in this country.

It is said by some who oppose the metric system here that it would

take the American people too long to learn this system. How long

does it take the average American to become acquainted with the

metric system in the Philippines ? Mr. Loeber. They have to learn right away because it is the only

way they can buy.

Mr. Reichmann. And they get used to it right away ? Mr. Loeber. Yes, sir ; at any rate in a month or two.

The Chairman. I feel that sooner or later the matter is going to

come up here. I think we make a great mistake in underestimating

the intelligence of our ordinary workmen.

We have usually been given credit for the metric propaganda,

but never in a single instance has it originated here, although we

are entirely favorable to it. It has often been said that the workmen could not do their work

in the metric system and it would take millions of dollars to make

the change, and so on, and when it was suggested to the opponents

that the workman could learn it in a short time and all that was
32 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

necessary was to give them the measuring instrument, it was said

that was purely academic and only the talk of scientific men.

Let me tell you what happened since that time : I suppose dozens

of times since, the Baldwin Locomotive Works have received orders

for locomotives designed under the metric system and in each case they have put the directions in the shop and given the workmen

metric instruments to measure with, and an official of the company

told me that the workmen like it and prided themselves on the fact

that they could work in the metric system.

A few days ago I saw the head of the American Locomotive Works,

and it appears that the same thing happened with them. The same

thing has happened in the making of munitions. Nevertheless, there

is a good deal of opposition, and I have sometimes thought if we

could do as they have done in the Philippines and in other countries

that is, introduce it in the beginning in the several affairs of everyday

life—the future would take care of itself. Let manufacturers build

machinery in the old way if they want to until they find it is not an

economical thing to do. But the metric system ought to be con- sidered very seriously from the standpoint of common affairs of

everyday life. It is much more far-reaching than many of us think,

and it has a great deal to do with educational matters and with many

other matters.

PORTO RICO.

By R. Siaca Pacheco, Assistant Secretary of Porto Rico.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I have come from the distant island

of Porto Rico to attend the sessions of this important conference as the representative of the Porto Rican service of weights and measures. Although I am not a weights and measures man, the bureau

of weights and measures in Porto Rico is attached to the governmental department to which I belong, and I am, and always have

been, very interested in the work which said bureau is doing for the

benefit of all the people of the island, and more especially of the

poorer classes.

The weights and measures service of Porto Rico is surely the

youngest organization represented in this conference, as its work was

not begun until the second half of the year 1913, after the legislature

of Porto Rico, upon the strongest recommendations from the governor of the island, enacted a law to establish a standard system of

weights and measures, to regulate the purchase and sale of commodities, and the ascertainment of weights and measures in industrial

and commercial transactions and to prevent fraud therein. We were

indeed very fortunate in securing the generous cooperation and help

of the United States Bureau of Standards for the organization of the

service in Porto Rico. A most able and competent man of said

bureau, the associate physicist Mr. F. S. Holbrook, was detached to

carry out the work, and he did it splendidly in a relatively short time,

and in leaving the island he left behind him a very well organized

weights and measures inspection service, under the direction of a

Porto Rican officer, who had been thoroughly prepared by him for

the performance of the important duties of the office of which he was

to be in charge.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 33

The work of our bureau has been verv successful, due to the

constant efforts of its chief, and. the benefits accruing to the people

on account of said work have been numerous and are greatly appreciated. I am not going to enter into the details of the work accomplished. If any member of this conference desires to obtain a more

complete knowledge of such detailed work, I can forward him,

upon request, the printed reports heretofore published by the Porto

Bican bureau of weights and measures. We have now established the service throughout the island. Every

municipality thereof has at present its own inspector of weights

and measures, who is designated by the mayor, with the approval

of the secretary of Porto Rico. These municipal inspectors perform

their duties under the control and supervision of the insular bureau

of weights and measures, which is the central organization of the

service. Furthermore, there are six insular traveling inspectors,

who are charged with the duty of giving technical instruction to the

municipal inspectors and otherwise enabling them to properly carry

out their work.

During the last legislature we were most fortunate in securing

the enactment of two laws which were very necessary in Porto Eico.

Through one of them an amendment was made in the penal code,

similar to one made some years ago in the penal. code of the Stats

of California, making it a crime to defraud a person of his labor.

Heretofore some factories in Porto Rico had been indulging in the

bad practice of defrauding the workingmen thereof in certain kind

of labor which was to be paid at a fixed amount of money for the

delivery of a fixed amount of pounds of certain articles. Our penal

code had no provision for the punishment of this kind of fraud,

and the weights and measures service was without legal means to

put an end to such a corrupt practice and to protect the interests of

the working people. Now a remedy is provided, and we are going

to prosecute every fraud of this nature which may come to our

knowledge.

There has been also in Porto Rico a growing clamor for the

establishment of some inspection and testing of gas and electric

meters, so as to protect the people in their transactions with the

public-service corporations which own the franchises under which

the public is furnished with these commodities. The secretary of

Porto Rico introduced a bill in the legislature, providing for the

necessary personnel in the bureau of weights and measures to extend

its work so as to cover the inspection and testing of said gas and

electric meters, and making an adequate appropriation therefor.

As the public-service corporations in Porto Rico are under the

jurisdiction and control of the executive council, which is the higher

house of the legislature, the members thereof did not consider it

proper to divide that jurisdiction by giving the inspection and test- ing of gas and electric meters to the department in which the bureau

of weights and measures is located, so another bill was substituted

for the original one, by which authority was given to the executive

council to take and exercise jurisdiction over the inspection and

testing of gas and electric meters, and to promulgate rules and regulations and establish standards of accuracy for meters used by the

62254°—17 3
34 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

public-service corporations and for appliances for testing and measuring such meters.

Gentlemen, it is a great privilege for me to have the opportunity of being present at this conference. I think I will be able to

learn manj7 useful things from the experience of the several members, thereof for the enforcement of the weights and measures act

in Porto Rico, and I will gladly receive your assistance and advice,

and for this I thank you on behalf of the country which I represent.

UTAH.

By C. E. Condie, Deputy State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, this is the first time Utah has been represented

here in any of the conventions, though we have received the reports

and have been very much benefited by them. We have a pretty good

law in Utah with regard to weights and measures. This law follows

the model law as suggested by the Bureau of Standards. The

great trouble is that the legislature made very small appropriations

for the carrying on of the Avork in the weights and measures department and, therefore, we have been handicapped and have not been

able to accomplish the good that we could do under our law if we

had the necessary appropriation. At the present time we have but

two State men working in that department. The cities have their

city sealers and the State sealers cover the outlying districts. "We

have not as yet received a visit from the test car, but would like

very much to have a visit from it. We have, however, received two

visits from Mr. Holbrook, of the bureau, and we have been very

much benefited by those visits. I think that is all I have to say.

The Chairman. In regard to the test car, it is not feasible to say

exactly when it will be there, but certainly it will reach Utah sometime in the future. The States have to be arranged in series so that

the car can go from one State to another. Now that we have two

of those cars we can cover ground much more rapidly than heretofore, and I am sure if you will get in touch with Mr. Fischer he will

arrange some date for the car.

VERMONT.

By George E. Caepentee, State Commissioner of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, of the conference, the weights

and measures proposition in the State of Vermont is, I believe, some- what different from that which many of you have to cope with, inasmuch as we have no large cities and that practically all of our work

has to be done in rural communities. This requires a considerable

amount of travel to make the necessary inspections. However, we

are gradually increasing the number of inspections, having shown

an increase of nearly 2,000 in the last 12 months. We have at the

present time, besides the commissioner, three inspectors who are on

duty all the time. I consider all these men efficient inspectors and

their work compares very favorably with that which has been done

by the department in former years. It is true that we are somewhat

handicapped by the fact that we do not own any automobiles in this
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 35

department, and I have not been able to convince the State auditor

that such an expenditure would be a proper one on the part of the

State. Those of you who have to deal with rural communities can

readily appreciate the fact that an automobile for an inspector who

has to go some distance between inspections would be an economical

proposition, and I think the average cost of transportation would

not be greater than at the present time. I have, however, one inspector who owns a car, and we are allowing him 10 cents a mile

with a $5-a-day limit. I notice that he can turn in a larger day's

work at a diminished cost. The Vermont Legislature at its last session made no changes in

the weights and measures law. but added two acts—No. 165 reading

as follows

:

AN ACT Relating to the legal weight of maple syrup.

Section 1. The legal weight of a gallon of maple syrup shall be not less than 11 pounds and the legal measure thereof shall be 231 cubic inches. Whenever maple syrup is sold by the gallon, quart, pint, or gill, or multiple or

fraction thereof, it must be purchased or sold according to the above stated

legal weight and measure. The legal quart shall be one-fourth of a gallon, the

legal pint one-eighth of a gallon, and the legal gill one-thirty-second part of a

gallon. Sec. 2. Whoever sells or offers for sale a less quantity of maple syrup than

represented or sells the same in a manner contrary to law shall be guilty of

fraud and shall be fined not more than $5, or in case of a second offense not more than $10. Sec. 3. Justices shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the county court of

prosecutions under this act.

The other act, No. 166, reads as follows

:

AN ACT To provide for the appointment of weighers or surveyors.

Section 1. The commissioner of weights and measures may designate one

or more of the employees of a corporation, association, firm, or individual, or some other suitable person to act as a weigher or surveyor for such corporation,

association, firm, or individual.

Such weigher or surveyor shall be appointed for a specified term and shall,

before entering upon his duties, make oath faithfully to execute his trust as weigher or surveyor. The commissioner of weights and measures shall issue a certificate of such designation and shall keep a record of the same. The

rights and duties of such weigher or surveyor shall be prescribed by the commissioner and such weigher or surveyor shall receive no compensation from

the State for the duties so performed.

Sec 2. If a person so designated misrepresents the quantity of commodities

weighed or measured by him, or otherwise misconducts himself in the execution of his duties as weigher or surveyor, he may be removed from office and

also be liable to a fine not exceeding $200.

Our endeavors to check up the weight of maple sirup have re- sulted in a very gratifying manner, in that we have weighed samples

of maple sirup made by several hundreds of farmers and have only

found one case where it did not conform to the present law. No. 166,

relating to sworn weighers and surveyors, has not been tried out to

any considerable extent, but I expect that next year will show more

definitely the real value of this law.

I might say further that I personally envy the sealer of any State

which has enacted a net-container law, and I trust that when the
36 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Vermont Legislature meets in 1917 it will see fit to adopt some law

along this line, as it is absolutely impossible for this department to

regulate the contents of containers. I expect that a bill of this sort

will meet with considerable opposition, as I am advised that my

predecessor, Mr. Heniy, has previously endeavored to have such a law passed without success. Trusting that public sentiment will

be somewhat changed before another session, I intend to do my best

to have such a law included in our statutes.

Thus far I have found the officials in the surrounding States to

be of great assistance in cooperating with this department, and I very

much appreciate their endeavors and shall be only too glad to re- ciprocate in any way possible. I also wish to express my gratitude

to the National Bureau of Standards for courtesies shown me, especially last October, when I had a very delightful and instructive

visit with both Dr. Stratton and Mr. Fischer. I appreciate their

bulletins, as well as the bulletins of other States, and, being a new

man in the work, I have found them extremely instructive. I regret

that our appropriation is not sufficient to warrant the issuance of

regular bulletins by this department in Vermont. However, this is a condition which may be altered in the near future, and I trust

that it will be.

In closing, I wish to state that I have already derived a great deal

of benefit from this convention, and I expect to be able to go back

to Vermont and render to my State a better service because of the

knowledge gained.

WEST VIRGINIA.

By O. W. Waggoner, Assistant State Commissioner of Weights and Measures.

At the end of the first year we have in our State some 32 county

sealers. We have two men devoting all of their time to educational

work for the State department. These State men are expected to

help the county sealers. There are 55 counties in the State and we

have covered 32 of them. We had an interesting school on the 19th

of March for the county sealers which 23 men attended. It is a little

too early to report the number of scales condemned, but I am sure we found a very large number. The activity on the part of the people

in Ohio and Pennsylvania has made it necessary for us to clean up

the stuff that they ship across the border.

I hope to tell you the next year how much faulty apparatus we

gather up from Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The Chairman. The last gentleman has mentioned a thing that

has often occurred to me, and that is that there should be some form

of school for the officials. I have often wondered why instruction

could not be given by some sort of a correspondence school. Certainly a great deal of good could be accomplished in each State by

having a standard form of instruction. Some of you have it now in

one form or another. It seems to me that great good would come

from that if properly carried out. I have sometimes wished the

bureau might be able to inaugurate something of that kind, some

sort of a correspondence school, in connection with weights and

measures.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 37

WISCONSIN.

By Feed P. Downing, Chief State Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I can not say, like a great many delegates who have

preceded me, that this is my first visit to the bureau. I begin to

feel as though I am one of the old landmarks. For five years I

have been attending these meetings. Five years ago the Legislature

of Wisconsin passed a weights and measures law which was a very

good one, and we have been trying since the passage of that law to

live up to the motto adopted in our weights and measures department, which is " Forward," and to improve the original law with

amendments.

At the last meeting of this conference I called to the attention of

the delegates the fact that our legislature was then in session, and

we had proposed a number of important amendments to our law.

Some of those amendments have passed and become law, and I can

at this session tell you of our success in administering them.

One of the laws to which I refer was a law that placed the manufacturer of precision instruments under bond. We placed the manufacturer of the Babcock cream and milk-test bottle under bond to

make his bottles accurate and to have him comply with our regulations. Prior to the passage of this bill the department had been test- ing some 70,000 of these bottles in our laboratory. That was an

enormous undertaking. We decided that there was absolutely no

reason why a manufacturer should not make such bottles accurate

and we put them under a bond to do this. Thereafter, of course,

it is no longer practicable to change their capacity. Their bottles are now in compliance with our specifications. We have had absolutely no trouble whatever in the enforcement of this act, and it has

relieved us of an enormous amount of testing. In other words, it

has led to efficiency. We occasionally test the accuracy of these

Babcock bottles. Not only that, but I believe that we can extend this

proviso in future legislation to other instruments made of glass—the

prescription graduate, for instance. I do not know how many

States inspect prescription graduates, but we are doing that in Wisconsin, and we found in our test that some 20 to 25 per cent of the

graduates were inaccurate. They are very important measuring

instruments, and they should be tested everywhere. The manufacturers of these should be placed under provisions similar to those

regulating the manufacturer of Babcock glass bottles.

We also succeeded in getting the legislature to pass a bill which

gave us jurisdiction over weighing and measuring appliances in

stock in the hardware stores and other places of business, not in

actual use but offered for sale. I believe that legislation on weights

and measures should be of a remedial nature, that we should get at

the source. After things have gone out into use, if they are inaccurate at the start, they may be used for six months or nine months or

possibly a year before that inaccuracy is detected. If we can get

at the source through a law of this kind, and we have been doing it

in Wisconsin, it will be a great deal better. We have condemned

thousands of measures of too light construction ; we have condemned

thousands of inaccurate scales before they were put into use. This
38 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

gives ns a leverage, and it is leading to a great improvement in the

honesty of weights and measures in our State.

There is just one more thing to which I want to call attention.

As you probably know, the State department in Wisconsin is affiliated

with the dairy and food commission. Last year I was in doubt

whether any consolidation of the work of a dairy inspector and a weights and measures official would lead to efficient results. There is

such a thing as making an inspector a jack-of-all-trades; we can carry

that too far. Mr. Lincoln says in the State of Michigan the inspector

tests everything from the B. t. u. heat value of gas down to the counting of toothpicks and matches. The man who can count toothpicks and

matches may not be able to make the other test. We do not carry the

consolidation so far as that in Wisconsin. We combine the sanitary

inspection with the weights and measures inspection. The man who

is in a grocery store or meat market testing the appliances, without any additional equipment, is required to have some knowledge of

the statutes and some idea of what sanitation is. He can look into

the ice box and see whether it is clean and see whether the utensils

used by the butcher are sanitary. This leads to efficiency. We are doing this work out in our State. I believe that is all I have to say.

Mr. Lincoln. The last speaker has given the idea that our men

test everything. I had better explain that a little. Our drug inspectors perform the drug inspections and they go over the drug

weights. They also have the inspection of the diamond weights

and the gold weights. As the speaker says, there are those men

in our department who have the food inspection and they also carry

a weights and measures kit with them. We have not counted toothpicks and matches, but we have counted tacks.

I think the weights and measures department can be combined

with the food department and the work goes along very nicely. I

wish to indorse what Mr. Downing says about the bonding of the

Babcock test-bottle manufacturers, because we, in our department,

have tested out the Babcock bottles. All of the bottles in the State

go through our department and we find we have assumed a lot of

work, in fact, we have tested thousands of bottles. We will recom- mend to the next legislature the bonding of these manufacturers of

milk-test bottles. If any of you test those bottles I would recom- mend that you have the manufacturers bonded because it otherwise

means the testing of thousands and thousands of bottles.

In the matter of tacks, I want to say I found a lot of tacks

running about 10 per cent short. The work of weights and measures

is unlimited. You can go into any kind of field you wish, and you

will find shortages and discrepancies there, and to my mind it is a

greater protection to the manufacturers than it is to the consumer,

because if a man has a shortage of any kind he generally lowers

the price, so really the consumer is not out so much, but it is a greater protection to the honest manufacturer.

We have gone through our State on drug weights and measures

and in going back through the State we find that it is necessary to

condemn only a very small percentage on the second test, so that one inspection of apothecaries' weights will do for two or three years

practically.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 39

DISCUSSION AND INDORSEMENT OF A BILL TO SUBSTITUTE CENTIGRADE EOR FAHRENHEIT SCALE OF TEMPERATURE IN GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.

The Chairman. It might be well for us to consider and take action

on a bill which is now pending before Congress, namely, the substitution of the centigrade for the Fahrenheit thermometer scale in

Government publications. This bill is being considered very seriously by Congress, and various associations all over the country are taking action in regard to it. Mr. Reichmann. Would you entertain a motion, Mr. Chairman,

to take up that subject now ? The Chairman. Yes.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, I move you that we consider and

take action on that particular bill, and I will ask you to explain the

object of the bill.

(The above motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Chairman. The bill originated, so far as I am aware, with a Member of Congress, Hon. Albert Johnson, of "Washington. Mr.

Johnson has sent inquiries throughout the country and has received

the opinions of a great many people. The American Association

for the Advancement of Science sent out a circular letter and thousands of replies were received, and I think only a very small percentage of them were unfavorable. Other associations have taken

action. It is true that most of the associations are scientific, but

there seems to be very little opposition to the bill. Mr. Johnson is

very desirous of having the widest expression of opinion, and that

is why I suggested that this meeting take action. I did not intend

to bring the matter up at this time but I merely wanted to call it to your attention, and I am willing to put the motion now, but if

there are any here who think it ought to be further considered, or who would like to know more about it, we can defer voting on the

subject.

I will be glad to have the head of our thermometer section meet

with us and explain the bill in detail.

Mr. Waggoner. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this matter has been

discussed very freely in all of the papers, and I would like to make a motion that we vote on the subject now. Therefore, I move that

it is the sense of this conference that we recommend the passage

of this bill as has been outlined.

Mr. Reichmann. I second the motion.

Mr. Sweeney (of Pennsylvania). Before that motion is put, Mr.

Chairman, I think it would be only right and proper that some

knowledge of what we are going to vote on should be presented to

the members of this conference. For myself I must confess I am not

very well posted. I have no opposition to the motion, but I think

in the interest of those who are assembled here we should receive

some little knowledge relative to the bill, or the motion as it stands

before the house.

Mr. Reichmann. May I take the liberty of explaining very

briefly what I think that bill means? All scientific and technical

temperature work of the world is done under the centigrade scale.

The technical laboratories, the Government departments, and all
40 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

others interested in temperature work are embarrassed by the fact

that they have to express some things in Fahrenheit scale and some

in the centigrade scale. This bill simply legalizes the centigrade

scale and requires the Government technical work to be done under

the centigrade scale so that the results will be understood by all the

technical bodies of the world. That is the whole thing that the bill

does, stated in a nutshell.

Mr. Sweeney (of Pennsylvania). Does it prohibit the use of the

Fahrenheit scale?

The Chairman. It does not, except in Government work.

Mr. Reichmann. They can use it in governmental work, but the

publications must give the centigrade value. The Government laboratories spend a large sum a year on account of the dual system which

exists.

The Chairman. Some objection has been raised on the part of

the Weather Bureau. They dislike the use of negative signs, and

certain reports that they print will take a larger sheet of paper.

They say that as the Fahrenheit degree is a smaller degree it is more

suitable for their purposes, but the bill has been modified in order to

give them a little more time, and suggestions have been made which

are entirely satisfactory to the Weather Bureau. The Weather

Bureau was apprehensive that their local observers all over the

country would find difficulty in using this scale. Personally I do

not think there will be the slightest difficulty.

There is another thing which we must keep in mind. We can no

longer consider units and sections by themselves. We want the

benefit of the work done in other countries and in other sections, and

every step should be taken that can be done toward bringing all

kinds of weights and measures work to a universal system. In other

words, we need a universal language. Scientific work is becoming

more and more closely related to practical work. It is perfectly

absurd to print Fahrenheit degrees in the publications while using

centigrade degrees in the laboratory.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I have asked Dr. Waidner to

come over and tell us about this bill. The Chairman. I think it might be well to hear what, Dr. Waidner

has to say about this. Therefore I will ask Dr. Waidner to explain

briefly the objects of the bill in connection with what we have heard

in regard to it so far.

Mr. Waidner. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference, the

bill under consideration was introduced by Representative Albert

Johnson, of Washington, and relates to the use of the Fahrenheit

scale in all Government publications. The bill specifies that during

the next few years the Fahrenheit scale shall be placed in parenthesis

after the centigrade scale, and that after January 1, 1920, the centigrade scale is to be used exclusively in Government publications.

In order to give an opinion as to the advisability of this bill, the

American Association for the Advancement of Science at its Columbus meeting appointed a committee to sound the sentiment of the

various societies as to the desirability of this legislation. Up to this

time 2,300 members of the association have replied, and 97 per cent are very strongly favorable. Of the remaining 3 per cent some were

noncommittal and some opposed. This association, as you know,

is composed of practically every scientific and technical society in the
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 41

country, and includes not only purely scientific men but physicians,

surgeons, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, mining engineers,

and nearly all fields of scientific and technical activity in this country.

Recently this committee had sent out four or five hundred letters to

doctors in the country.

Up to the present time practically every reply received from the

doctors has been favorable to the legislation. They think it will

simplify education decidedly to have but one scale. The big advantage which everybody recognizes is that of international uniformity. All publications in the world then will be using the one

scale.

The bill has an important influence, because if we have one system

it simplifies our teaching. It is extremely difficult for the young

mind to keep two scales separate, and the centigrade scale is much

simpler to teach.

As to the resolutions from various societies, they are now coming

in. About 30 of the large societies have passed resolutions, all of

them favorable and none of those received are unfavorable. I might

mention the National Academy of Science, the American Chemical

Society, the Electro-Chemical Society, the American Institute of

Mining Engineers, and certain other technical societies like the Clay

Tile Association, various State academies, faculties of a number of

technical and agricultural schools, and certain medical societies, cer- tain drug societies, the committee on the United States Pharmacopoeia, representing the drug trade, and societies of that kind.

They have passed resolutions favoring the bill. During the next

month it will come before technical societies like the American Society of Civil Engineers and others.

The main objections which have been raised by those who do object

is the difficulty of the ordinary man in learning a new idea. We

admit that there is some trouble, but those who favor it, think it will be worth the trouble for two or three years until the people

get used to the centigrade scale. Some people think it will require

years to learn a new scale of temperature. The average man will soon learn that 20 degrees centigrade is a comfortable room and he

will soon learn that 35 degrees is a hot summer day and 40 degrees is

an unusually hot day. In a few hot days like that he will get more

experience with regard to the centigrade temperature than you

can imagine.

I doubt if there is very much force to the objections that our

average American will have any difficulty in learning and applying

in his every day life the centigrade scale to temperature.

I think that is about the status of the situation. I will be glad to

answer any question that anyone desires to ask.

Mr. Farrell. May I ask Dr. Waidner a question?

The Chairman. Yes, indeed. Dr. Waidner knows more about

this subject than anybody in the country.

Mr. Farrell. Will the doctor, in words that Ave can understand,

describe the difference between the centigrade and the Fahrenheit

scale ? Dr. Waidner. The difference between the Fahrenheit and centigrade scales consists mainly in the definition of their fixed points.

On the Fahrenheit scale the melting point of ice is called 32°, and

the boiling point of water under standard atmospheric pressure is
42 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

called 212°, the space between these two fixed points being divided

into 180 degrees. The initial or zero point on this scale is a purely

artificial one, being defined by a certain mixture of finely divided

ice and pure salt. On the centigrade scale the melting point of ice,

which is the lower fixed point, is called 0° and the boiling point of

water is called 100°.

The ice point is a fixed point of great importance in the economy

of nature and touches our daily life in many points, e. g., the safety

of crops, the preservation of foods, problems in transportation, and

in many other ways. On the other hand, the zero degree point on the

Fahrenheit scale is a purely artificial point. This is shown by the

fact that it is becoming quite customary in the Northwest and in

Canada to refer to 20° Fahrenheit, for example, as 12° of frost,

i. e., reckoning the temperature from the ice point rather than from

the purely artificial zero point of the Fahrenheit scale.

Mr. Waldron. Is the Fahrenheit scale used in foreign countries?

Mr. Waidner. The centigrade scale is used in every other country

in the world except Great Britain and the United States, and the

centigrade scale is rapidly extending in use in Great Britain. In

the testing of gas in London they have adopted the centigrade scale.

Many engineering societies of Great Britain are writing their specifications in the centigrade scale. The local engineers have gone to

the centigrade scale, so that it is in use in all countries of the world.

Mr. Downing. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me as though this bill

is not an attempt to put over something that is theoretical for the

benefit of the scientific societies, but it appears to me that this bill

is highly practical. As has just been said, the constant point is the

freezing point of water, and if we call that zero instead of 32 and

call the boiling point of water 100 instead of 212 it will be far less

confusing than the present system of enumeration under the Fahrenheit scale. It seems to be a practical form of instrument. We are

all trying, in the sale of commodities, to get on the hundredweight

basis. Why not get on the one-hundred basis in the matter of heat

and have zero for the freezing point and 100 for the boiling point?

To me this seems very practical and very feasible, and it would

not be confusing to anyone.

The Chairman. There are no further remarks, and the question

is called for. Those in favor of supporting this motion will say

" aye" ; opposed, " no." The motion is carried.

I am glad this association has gone on record, not entirely from

the standpoint of the good it will do, but because it is the sort of

thing you ought to have a voice in. It is a matter pertaining to

weights and measures and I am glad, while I did not intend to

interject it at this time, that you have taken some action in re- gard to it. Mr. Keichmann. I move that the secretary be instructed to draw

up a proper resolution as coming from the National Conference on

Weights and Measures and give it to Congressman Albert Johnson.

(The above motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I have a telegram here from Mr.

I. M. Howell, the secretary of state of Washington, which reads as follows

:

Kindly express my regrets at my inability to represent State of Washington

and say I will be with them in spirit. Conditions in the State are better than
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 43

have been since passage of law, but experience teaches that model law would

work better if responsibility was placed with the State in place of smaller

units as counties and municipalities. Rinehart joins in best wishes.

The Chairman. There are very few of us who remember our

first meeting, which consisted of Mr. Fischer, Dr. Reichmann, MrPalmer, and myself. We went over the essential details of these

various meetings and I hope that as long as we have the weights and

measures conferences we will have these gentlemen with us, whether

officially or not, and that we will always hear something from them.

I am going to take the liberty of calling upon Dr. Eeichmann.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, I

feel a hesitancy in saying anything here because there are so many

other weights and measures officials who have not had an opportunity to be heard, and who could give you a great deal more information than I. However, there is one point that occurred to me that

has not been mentioned but which, I think, is very important, and

that is to bring about a closer relation between the States and the

bureau, and the weights and measures associations of the various

States and this national conference. Two States that I know of

which have weights and measures associations have appointed official

delegates representing their associations, namely, the State of Massachusetts, represented, I think, by our good friend Sweeney, who is an

official delegate of the Association of Weights and Measures of the

State of Massachusetts ; and, I think, Mr. Waldron is the first official

delegate of the Weights and Measures Association of the State of

New Jersey. They tried to put that across, because Mr. Waldron

wanted to get two votes on everything, and I wish in your announcement you would try to anticipate that.

Joking aside, I think it is very important that the weights and

measures associations of the States have a delegate come to these

conferences, and in concluding I would like to make a motion that it

is the wish of the conference that the secretary of the conference on

weights and measures invite to the next conference an official delegate from each weights and measures association to be a member of

the conference. I thank you.

(The above motion was duly seconded).

The Chairman. We ought to do everything we can to encourage

the formation of these associations in the States. Those in favor of

the motion say " aye; " (after a pause) contrary "no."

(The motion carried.)

The Chairman (continuing). We have with us Mr. Palmer, who is one of the pioneers in our line. We would like to hear from him.

Mr. Palmer. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate very much the compliment of being called upon, but I do not want to take up any of your

time, because I know you have many discussions to come before the

meeting.

I feel like Dr. Stratton, that it is gratifying to see so many delegates here from different sections of the country and also from the

outside sections, such as the Philippine Islands and Porto Rico. It

is simply carrying out the plans laid down in the earlier conferences

and shows the interest which is being taken all over the country in

the subject of weights and measures.

I thank you, gentlemen, and I hope the meetings will be beneficial

to all of you.
44 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Chairman. I am sorry that time will not permit the calling

upon a large number of city and county officials. They, in their way,

have quite as important a message to bring to us as the others, and I

hope during the meeting a time will be set aside to hear from them.

We have one or two from California and other distant States.

I want to express my great appreciation of the talks that we have

had this morning. Never before have we had such short, concise, and

to the point statements from the State officials. It shows that the

State officials are working, and they come here with definite problems

that they are familiar with. It shows that they are becoming

weights and measures officials in every sense of the word, and that is

what we want. Never before have we had so many suggestions as we

have had in these talks, and I want to thank you for them.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND APPOINTMENT OF ENTERTAINMENT

COMMITTEE.

The Chairman. That concludes the regular program this morning. Luncheon will be served on the top floor of the West Building

at 1 o'clock.

The Secretart. Mr. Chairman, I have an announcement I would

like to make. Your secretary has gone ahead and engaged a train

to take us to Chesapeake Beach to-morrow afternoon. He has also

obligated himself to produce 100 people at dinner. That is a great

deal of a contract, it seems to me, so I want to get all the help I can in the matter. The fare to Chesapeake Beach and back is $1

and the dinner is to be $1.50, so that the whole trip will cost $2.50.

I would like to have a committee appointed to arrange the details

in connection with that trip because I have not time to attend to

them myself. Perhaps we should have a ball game or something of

that sort, and I would therefore suggest an entertainment committee

to take care of the shad bake. I would suggest that we appoint on

that committee Mr. Hansen, Mr. Willett, and Mr. Schoenthal.

The Chairman. I will appoint the gentlemen mentioned as an

entertainment committee.

(Thereupon, at 12.30 o'clock p. m., the conference took a recess

until 2 o'clock p. m.)
SECOND SESSION (AFTERNOON OF TUESDAY, MAY 23,

1916),

The conference reassembled at 2.15 o'clock p. m.

PROPER PUBLICITY FOR A WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DEPARTMENT, BY CHARLES G. JOHNSON, STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF CALIFORNIA.

Mr. Chairman, delegates, and visitors, it is with a sense of gratitude and deep appreciation that I accept the privilege to address

you on the subject of publicity, and I will thank you to bear with me,

for I fully realize my limitations in doing justice to this very important subject. I can not, of course, deal with it from a professional or even theoretical standpoint for want of personal special

application. I must, therefore, deal with it from experience, regarding it as a practical unit of service in the great constructive work

wherein we are engaged.

Our work is a gigantic undertaking which, in order that it may

to be a success from the standpoint of usefulness and direct benefit,

calls for the cooperation of the people as a whole. It associates

itself in some degree with the commercial, industrial, scientific, and

economic phases of human endeavor, and in order that it may serve the true purposes for which it is intended, and may prove its use- fulness and benefit, it must be given proper publicity.

Our work is a practical work and should be carried on along

practical lines. It should be of vital interest to ourselves before we

can make it practical for others. It calls for our serious application

to scientific problems, a careful study of commercial and industrial

conditions of extremely diversified natures, the exercise of cool and

deliberate judgment based on law and good common sense. Our

work demands a full measure of physical exertion, exemplary character, and model deportment. These qualifications attended with

executive dignity may well form the basis of efficiency in this service.

The maintenance of this efficiency is bound to express itself in the

public's opinion, and in a design where these forces are sincerely manifested there is a power for progress which merits the concern and

attention of the idealistic, the constructive, and the educational mind.

Publicity may well be termed a science. It is synonymous with

education. The proper kind of publicity will generate favorable

public opinion, and the vitmost care and concern should always attend

public utterances and expressions. It might be well to always apply

the motto of Daniel Boone, " Be sure you are right, then go ahead."

Publicity along educational lines means progress, and no person

who is thoroughly progressive in his work is satisfied to measure

future possibilities by the record of what he has done in the past.

The work of a weights and measures official calls for practical effi- 45
46 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

ciency, not theoretical efficiency. The public demands men who work

and give service and earnest and constant application, and the filling

of our respective positions with credit will result in the best kind

of publicity. The secret lies in first doing good work and then talking about it. To educate the public to a conscientious awakening to the necessity

of weights and measures regulations is our first object. This should

result in general cooperation. Every State and county official should

be a special object for our educational efforts. The judiciary and

our Federal representatives should be fully advised of facts con- cerning our work. This will result in a general governmental progress toward weights and measures enactments. The pulpit, the university, the college, and the grammar and the primary schools are open

forums affording weights and measures officials a practical and constructive field of work, for in its general scope of usefulness there

is generated a moral force which stands for truth, honesty, and

manhood.

State and county fairs are educational institutions which offer

excellent advantages for the practical exhibition of the result of the

work of the weights and measures departments, and experience has

established the fact that film concerns are willing agents to exploit

the practical side of this very important work in which we are engaged.

The efforts of Mr. Hartigan, of New York, in bringing about an

honest weight and measure week is publicity of a good and valuable

character. It is the kind of publicity that will effectively generate a moral force for honesty in trade that will have permanent results for

betterment. Incidentally the pamphlet prepared by myself under the

name of " Making Honesty " has received an approximate circulation

in excess of 5,000,000 and has been requested by more than 200 public

libraries and public institutions of learning.

The public press is always ready and willing to publish any

matter that is interesting and of importance. It therefore follows

that in order that the weights and measures department may enjoy

the confidence of the press representatives his work must be interesting and important. Failure in obtaining publicity may lie in the

conduct of the department, rather than apparent disinterest on the

part of the press.

First in importance in our work is the successful conduct of our

departments as a public office, which work is dependent upon the

efficiency of the administrative head. All of the colored and clever

press agenting in the world will not serve to obscure for long actual

maladministration of any office that reaches into and closely affects

the life of the people. It is, however, not the importance of publicity to cover up mistakes and inefficiency of which I would speak,

but the value to the people and to the State, and incidentally to the

official, of publicity, which rounds out and supplements the sincere

endeavor of earnest men to be really useful in the work to which

they are appointed. If a public office is so conducted that it is

fulfilling its functions, if its activities are important and helpful,

the people should become familiar with its work. It is right that

they should know what they are getting for their money. It is right

that they should know what the office is endeavoring to do for them,

because it is their law which is being administered. The people
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 47

should be given an opportunity to assist in the intelligent administration and enforcement of measures adopted for their welfare.

Publicity in public affairs is an expression of the new order of

things. The word "government" to-day should be synonymous in

the minds of the people with service. The administration of a

public office must be aggressive and constructive if it is to accomplish really useful results. No one man in a department, or, in fact,

any administrative group, can b}' himself effectively enforce any law.

Public opinion must be behind it and for it. The people themselves

must assist through publicity. They can be shown when and how

their laws are beneficial and how they can help enforce their provisions. If they know these things and know that a resourceful

official is ready and willing to serve their interests, that law is not

likely to fail in accomplishing its purpose. An official who earnestly

desires to serve the people can not go far wrong if he stays close to

those whom he would serve. Publicity of public affairs, honest publicity that correctly mirrors the policies and activities of any phase

of government, is the means that brings the administrator and the

public together. If the policy is faulty, public opinion will check

it before it has gone too far. If the activities of the department

are plainly for the common good, the official will find support of

invincible strength, because the people know what is being done for

them. Representatives of the news service and press reporters in

general are persons well worthy of courteous association and particular attention. Their confidence and cooperation is of mutual

benefit, and it will not be found to be derogatory to efficiency and

progress to encourage their daily visits to your departments.

We are engaged in a bigger work than is ordinarily conceded.

We are engaged in a more important work than the public generally

knows. Each official, from the superintendent to the sealer and

deputy sealer, should be admitted to the responsibility, and perform

a part in the educational work of the department, thereby dignifying

himself and dignifying the department. Obtaining for his work

the stamp of public approval should always be his serious concern. The activities of weights and measures State conventions are a

great educational force, and should be effectively published through

the agency of an active publicity committee. Editorial discussions of

weight and measure problems is not unusual, and due to their close

relation to commercial and industrial welfare are always acceptable

as good publicity matter.

From experience obtained as a weight and measure official I believe that I can safely promise for the future a constantly growing

sense of responsibility. The more we apply ourselves, and the more

we study the problems of weights and measures, the more we must

realize that to enforce a law or regulation affecting trade and commerce, cooperation with the public is essential, and this cooperation

depends on effective educational publicity. Efficiency in every department of our work means good and effective publicity. We are

living in a wonderful age, an age of marvelous accomplishments.

We must go forward, and to cope with new and complicated problems demands serious application, energy, and intelligence, and above

all, good common sense. Our immediate concern should attend every complaint. When

criticism of our work is offered, the department should immediately
48 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

take the matter up with those criticizing ; that is, when the criticism

is in good faith, and argue the matter out. All of us have just one

desire, and that is to do what is for the best interests of the people

of our respective jurisdictions, and with that desire constantly before

us, nothing but profit and good can come from meeting criticism and

presenting our views.

The essential purpose of our work is to effectively protect the

public and business itself against unfair methods of competition,

with due respect for the right of all. The protection of the complainants, fairness to those complained against, and the interests of

the people are best served by amiable adjustment founded on justness

and fairness.

It ofttimes becomes our province to 'readjust trade customs. This

phase of our work can best be accomplished through publicity. Publicity can be made the medium of great good. It can also be the

medium of great evil. In patronizing the press for the purpose of

preventing commercial misconduct, tact and carefulness should be

exercised for fear of handicapping or discouraging honest and legitimate trade as the result of the prosecution of the illegitimate and

dishonest.

The public press is a modern power of gigantic volume as an educational agency. As public officials it is our privilege to employ the

public press, and by this employment, through the exercise of wisdom on the part of the weights and measures officials, the greatest

benefits to legitimate trade and industry can be obtained, and to this

service and for this purpose I desire to dedicate it. Mr. Hanson. The members of the committee chosen in regard to

the shad bake arranged for to-morrow afternoon have been around to

get the sentiment of the people as to whether or not they care to

attend. A majority opinion seems to be that they do not want to

attend the shad bake at all. In order to put ourselves right before

the conference, we would like to know what you desire to do about

it; whether you want to attend the shad bake or otherwise. I therefore suggest that this matter be brought before the convention and

let them decide this matter now.

Mr. Waldron. I have been making some inquiries among some of

the members, and they seem opposed to it. I signed that I could not

attend to-morrow, but the reason was that I had an appointment

with our Senator, but I am perfectly willing to pay my proportionate

share of any loss the committee may have if this event does not go

through.

Mr. Farrell. I think that is the unanimous opinion of all of us

here.

The Chairman. We were in some doubt as to what could be done.

There seemed to be quite a sentiment in favor of it last year, and

everyone seemed to have a good time. It was up to us to arrange

something in the line of amusement or sport ahead of time, as it could not be done after you arrived. There was a great deal of sen- timent expressed heretofore that you did not want anything in the

way of a formal dinner. However, I think the matter should be

entirely in your hands and you should do as you like about it. What

is the status of the arrangements, Mr. Fischer ? The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I think you have expressed the

matter. I was told by everyone at the bureau that the shad bake last
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 49

year had been a great success; and if it was repeated, it would probably be as great a success this year as it was before. Therefore I

made the arrangements I have referred to heretofore. However, I

think it would be a mistake to go down to Chesapeake Beach for

this purpose unless there is a lot of enthusiasm. I will call up the

people with whom I have made arrangements and tell them to make

the charge as light as they possibly can. The man who is preparing

the dinner will have some loss, because there is no way he can sell

the materials which he has already bought. As I said before, I am

very much in favor of giving the whole thing up.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I suggest if the shad bake is done

away with that our business be moved up one-half a day in order

that some of our western delegates may have a half day to themselves

for sight-seeing.

The Chairman. There will be no trouble in adjusting the program.

Mr. Farrell. Why not move up Friday's afternoon program to

to-morrow afternoon?

The Chairman. What is the objection to moving everything up ? I would suggest moving the program up one-half a day. It is a good idea to get through, as something else may suggest itself.

Mr. Sweenet (of Boston). I would like to suggest, Mr. Chairman,

that it might be good policy for us to continue the program on

Wednesday and get through with it. I have had experience at con- ventions of this nature, and if I have any criticism to pass upon

the convention which was held here in Washington, it is that not

enough time was devoted to the discussion of the real practical work

of the small sealers who attend these meetings. I think the life and

energy of this organization depends to a great extent upon a free

and open discussion of conditions that arise among the different

sealers. There are very interesting phases of the work which are not

discussed here, and while I agree that some of the technical work

and statements which are brought out are very good, still I think

that the organization should not, in a measure, go ove'r the heads

of the large majority of those who are present here, but should get

right down to the practical end of the work and permit free and open

discussions. I respectfully ask if the program could be so arranged

that we could at least on the last day have a discussion on the

various phases of the work relative to the scales, pumps, and measures, and things of that kind? We are here together, a great many

of us, and we can individually get a good deal of value and good

work if we hear open discussions of these subjects. I offer that as a suggestion.

The Chairman. The suggestion is a very good one. Personally

I would like to see time set apart for the discussion of such matters.

Mr. Waldron. The most important thing to my mind is devising a method by which the committee, which arranged this affair, could be

reimbursed.

The Chairman. There will not be any trouble about that. We

will fix that matter up in some way.

Mr. Beichmann. Following Mr. Sweeney's suggestion, I move

you, sir, that Wednesday morning be devoted to discussion of subjects by the sealers; that on Wednesday afternoon there be discussion

62254°—17 -4
50 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

by the manufacturers; that on Thursday morning be the program

which is now filled for Wednesday morning.

(The above motion was seconded.)

Mr. Johnson. Perhaps Dr. Eeichmann has lost sight of the fact

that there are a great number of visitors here who regard your wonderful city as being the archives of things of interest, and we who

are visiting Washingon have our time virtually scheduled by our

respective boards of control, and we would like to avail ourselves

of that afternoon to devote the time to personal indulgence in the

way of inspecting and seeing many of the wonderful things to be

seen here. Then, again, this program is all blocked out, and those

who are prepared have made their preparations prior to their coming. Would it not be advisable to allow the program to stand as it

is in order to give us time to devote that afternoon to personal

enjoyment and gratification?

The Chairman. Gentlemen, we want you suited in this matter.

Are there any further remarks? The motion of Dr. Eeichmann is

before us ; that is, that we change the program in the way that he has

announced.

Mr. Eeichmann. I would like to withdraw my motion, with the

consent of my second, and I move you that we have a discussion of

these subjects Mr. Sweeney mentioned after the reading of the papers

this afternoon and after the reading of the papers on Wednesday

morning. Unless there is objection we will understand that this

afternoon and the following afternoon we will have time for these

discussions.

The Chairman. As it stands, we have Wednesday afternoon free

to do as we please.

Mr. Johnson. I move you, Mr. Chairman, that the committee in

charge of the shad bake make a report to-morrow morning with

regard to some good place to dine, where we can dine in a body at a

fixed price per head.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Chairman. The committee will take this up.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I would like to

make an announcement. We have arranged to have a moving-picture exhibit of the activities of the Department of Commerce.

Some of these pictures are rather interesting. The pictures will be

shown at the Ealeigh Hotel about 8 o'clock Thursday evening.

The Chairman. I will say that these films are very interesting

indeed, the ones representing the work of the Bureau of Fisheries are worth spending an entire half day to see. It might be well, if

you arrange your dinner at the Ealeigh, that these pictures be shown

right in the dining room with the dinner. That was done once before when the secretaries of the chambers of commerce of the United

States met here; the pictures were shown right after dinner and

that might be a very nice arrangement here. Are there any further remarks or matters to be brought up before we start with the

regular program?

Mr. Hartigan. May I revert back, with the permission of the conference, to the reading of the paper by Mr. Johnson, and call the

attention of all weights and measures officials to the importance of

the foreign newspapers. We find in the great city of New York

a great foreign-born element and they have something like 25 differ-
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 51

ent journalistic enterprises which circulate among those people. It

is probably true that throughout the country you have a foreign

element which reads foreign newspapers, and it is likely the aver- age weights and measures man gives more attention to the Englishpublished newspapers than to the foreign-published newspapers, and

it is important from our experience to circulate information through

the medium of the foreign-language newspapers.

THE SELECTION" AND MAINTENANCE OF APPARATUS IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS, BY FRITZ REICHMANN, EX-STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF NEW YORK.

The ultimate object of every industrial plant is to secure profits

on every one of its manufacturing operations. It is therefore

necessary to keep the cost of production down to the lowest possible

limit consistent with proper manufacture and to raise the selling

price to the highest point that the market will stand. This bare

statement of fact may be, and is, glossed over or veneered in many

ways, generally for popular consumption. The selling prices are often fixed by competition or by agreement. Some may cite antitrust laws as preventing this, yet it takes very little reasoning to

see that such laws are economically unsound. They serve only to

help a few lawyers and individuals and furnish a medium for

official favoritism and possibly temporary notoriet}r

, but in the end

they result only in bringing about a most deplorable contempt for

statute law.

In this paper I shall not attempt to discuss selling, but only a

certain phase of the problems of production. The individual plant

must be concerned with economical production. This means that

among the manj7 factors to be considered is the quantity factor, the

careful, quick, reliable determination of quantity at various stages

of production, from the reception of the raw material to the point

of selling. This is a phase of weights and measures with which the

public official is not concerned, at least not under any law now existing. Effectively he never will be concerned therewith. The simple

reason is that official regulative inspection is and will remain, under

our system of government, in the sphere of politics to a considerable extent. Governmental efficiency supervision of private industrial plants is ethically and economically wrong and is doomed to

failure. It is attempted now and then for the sake of notoriety

witness the costly and ineffective so-called efficiency bureaus • being

experimented with by the City of New York, which interfere with

business. Ultimate failure results because political activities should

be for the general public and the ultimate consumer and should not

be for and by the business man primarily. Make the results of the

business meet the consumer's welfare and do not have the official

officially fit the consumer to the dictates, carefully and insiduously

given to be sure, of the business man.

Through the courtesy of Harvey Miller, of the Fairbanks Co., I

have recently had an opportunity to examine in detail various kinds

of weighing and measuring instruments used in industrial plants and

to assist the manufacturer in solving some of the problems causing

money losses due to improper weighing and checking. I would like

to interject right here that this work which I am doing and which I
52 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

call scale, or weights and measures insurance, is absolutely divorced

from sales and is independent of the type, make, or size of the apparatus. I am only concerned with its proper use and its continuing

accuracy for the benefit of the manufacturer and the business man,

that he may thereby furnish to the consumer a better and more nearly

correct product. In this wise it is helping the weights and measures

official and also the food official.

The average manufacturer and business man is so much concerned

with other problems that he neglects the details of his scales and

balances, his weights and measures. He wants them right, to be

sure, but he knows nothing of them and assumes (oh, woeful assumption !) that a scale is a scale and a pound a pound and that they are alwa}r s right. He generally leaves to an underling the purchasing

of his scales, though they meter the dollars into his till or determine

the uniformity of his product. To be sure, he sometimes employes

efficiency experts or efficiency engineers (often a most expensive luxury), but they are mostly accountants and know about as much about

scales and weighing as a barber knows about the construction or adjustment of a chronometer or other astronomical instrument.

The business concern must consider

:

(1) Devices for checking the receipt of materials.

(2) Devices for checking the manufacture or interdepartmental

records.

(3) Devices for putting up and selling.

In most instances these devices are scales, and the particular type,

size, and accuracy required depends on the nature of the product and

the process of its manufacture. Certainly, for an expensive commodity a more accurate device should be used than for an inexpensive

one; for a heavy, concentrated commodity a different type than for a bulky one. A note of warning must be raised against many of the

automatic and dial scales. They are not a " cure all," and their complication involves sources of error and loss absolutely prohibitive in

some instances. Whatever device is used and wherever it is used it needs careful consideration and constant attention and supervision,

not only as to the instrument itself but as to its use; for weighing

instruments, it should not be forgotten, are very precise and responsive, far more so than almost any other machine.

In my very first report as superintendent of weights and measures

of the State of New York, I emphasized that the majority of busi- ness men were honest but often careless. Where errors occur due to

weighing, the business man generally is the loser, and, mind you, the

loss is a percentage loss of gross receipts, not a percentage of the

profits only. If, for instance, on a $100,000 volume of business, with

a nominal profit of $10,000, the scales were 2 per cent inaccurate the

loss would be $2,000 and not simply $200. In short, with correct

scales the profits on this business would have been $12,000 instead

of $10,000, or 20 per cent higher.

It may be stated as a positive fact that every concern that uses

scales or any kind of measuring instrument, subject to wear, needs an

expert supervision by a disinterested party with specific and particular technical knowledge. It must be evident that for very good

psychological reasons an employee of the concern itself will not

suffice. In order to illustrate and make myself clear, I shall cite a few instances.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 53

Case 1. A factory making hardware specialties : In one department

small bolts were put up and a count of the boxes revealed the fact

that there was an average of 3.25 per cent overcount. As the production was 12,00(X000 of these bolts a month, at a selling price of 22

cents per hundred, it can readily be seen that the concern was giving

away over $800 a month on this item alone. In this case, though the

scales were correct, the weighing was carelessly done by cheap labor.

Even the manufacturer did not realize that a few extra bolts meant

so large a loss. This is now corrected, and the weighing matters are regularly attended to. Case 2. A wholesale drug house : This concern was of the highest

reputation and was using scales of entirely too large a capacity and

old weights with the openings filled with various accumulations.

These were used for putting up 1-ounce packages of drugs. In the

case of an order for 600 1-ounce bottles of ipecac, too large a bottle

was used, and the amount put in each bottle was more than 30 per

cent overweight. Ipecac was worth $1 an ounce. It was not hard to

convince the officials of this company that it would be a paying investment to have all their weighing instruments under a periodic

supervision. No wonder the business concern had never had a complaint. Almost anyone ought to be satisfied with 25 to 30 per cent

overweight.

A similar case was that of a jewelry house, whose troy weights

were heavy, and consequently gold was being given with each shipment or sale.

Case 3. A fertilizer plant : The bagging scales had recently been

repaired by one of these so-called itinerant scale mechanics who infest some sections and know no more about a scale than a lawyer

does. A test showed that there was an error of per cent on the

scales, and in their use there was an overweight of an additional

1 per cent given, which meant a loss to the concern on its production

of thousands of tons of an expensive fertilizer, of a very considerable sum. This is now remedied, and a regular inspection assures its nonrecurrence. Case 4. Several coal yards: In the coal business the scale guages

the returns directly in terms of dollars and cents. These need attention regularly. Many equipments are all but ruinous to the dealer

on account of irregularities in weighing. A number of these show an

error of 50 pounds per ton, and this coupled with " up weighing

cause considerable loss on the tonnage. A number of coal dealers in

New York City and vicinity now have their scales gone over care- fully and systematically every month by a scale mechanic to protect

themselves and their customers. There still persists the unfortunate

and vicious system of " official public scales," probably without any

legal foundation. (The losses due to lack of proper supervision and

weighing in coal yards was discussed at length in the Coal Trade

Journal (New York) of Mar. 1, 1916.)

Case 5. A large coal dealer : One of the largest coal dealers has no

periodic test or adjustment. The weighmaster of the individual

yards is instructed by the owner to put a 50-pound weight on the

scale every morning. This is about as effective as spitting on the

platform would be. I made an investigation on some dozen or more
54 BUREAU OP STANDARDS.

of the weighings, and if all were like these, then the officers of this

particular company, were losing for the company about $20,000 per

year. This is simply lack of appreciation of the very essentials of

their business and is causing considerable loss.

Case 6. A factory making underwear: In this case the weights

were worn and the jack spinners were receiving too little pay for

their work. They are paid by the weight of the yarn they spin ; the

finer the yarn the more the paj^ment per unit. As the weights were

light the apparent unit weight was more and the spinner's pay was

less. This was a case of a loss of thousands of dollars for the employees and the loss of thousands on the part of the employers on

account of the dissatisfaction created. This condition has been remedied.

Case 7. A chemical plant: The work done was of such a nature

as to be very hard on the weighing devices and there was a continual

scourge of error and disagreement. The firm had installed expensive

dial scales and were thereby really throwing money away in the first

instance and getting poor results. What they needed to do and did

do, was to buy less expensive but more accurate beam scales and then

replace them frequently as they became corroded.

Case 8. A specialty manufacturing concern : This firm makes celluloid specialties. They use scales to check interdepartment operations.

The commodities handled are worth over a dollar a pound. The

scales were found to be out of agreement by as much as 7 pounds. It can be readily seen that the records of the department needed considerable doctoring before they could be made to agree. The system of

records created expense and chaos where it should have occasioned

savings and order. This has been nicely straightened out.

Case 9. A metal manufacturer : A plant in New Jersey making an

expensive and much advertised alloy metal had a small scale on

which rods were sold at 80 cents per pound. The scale was barely

sensitive to 2 pounds. A large dormant scale for weighing large castings was insensitive to 50 pounds. The castings sold for 40 cents per

pound. This concern, after having their attention called to the case and being shown that there were considerable losses to them had some

temporary repairs made, I believe. They will go along now losing

money for the stockholders until the scales become too bad, and then

again temporary repairs. The equipment needs decided changes, but

at present they are too prosperous to realize their " slipshod

methods.

Case 10. A paint and color factory : Here there was a considerable

loss due to gummed pivots and bearings as well as to woefully improper scales. The products are valuable and the management intelligent and they want the scales in their factory gone over regularly.

Case 11. A special chemical product plant : In this plant commodities worth $40 a pound were weighed on scales that were correct to

the smallest graduation, but the finest graduation was only a pound.

There was a possible error of $40 on each weighing.

I could go on enumerating all sorts of business concerns—feed

dealers, cheese dealers, grocers, hair dealers, manufacturers of all

sorts of metal goods and chemicals, drugs, varnishes, and paints.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 55

The above few cases illustrate the point that I want to emphasize.

Every concern in its business needs some sort of weighing or measuring device, and above all needs to know that it is correct and

correctly used ; needs disinterested technical advice as to the proper

kind to use and advice based and backed by practical knowledge.

I also wish to emphasize that such work of proper supervision does

help the consumer or purchaser, and that is the one that the official

is concerned with and the only one he should be concerned with.

If he is not, he is a poor public official and will not accomplish

much. I am speaking now of the officials carrying out regulative

laws, not scientific or technical bureaus, which serve an entirely different function. There are no such bureaus in any of the States as far as weights and measures are concerned.

Also to the business man I would say that the weights and measures official is doing a lot of good in apprehending the crook; doing

good not only for the ultimate purchaser, but also for the honest

business man. But the public official can not protect the business

man in the matter of weights and measures in the organization of

his business nor in the conduct thereof. The business man must do

that himself, and if he does not do it properly or wisely he loses,

and loses more by the giving of overweight than in any one thing.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention briefly another

shortsighted business policy, and that is the matter of the mining of

coal. Coal should be mined by weight. It is in some sections, but

not in all by any means. The miners' pay must be based on some

unit, and if they and the operators would agree in the first instance

that all coal should be mined by the ton or the hundredweight, they

would make a long stride toward a permanent agreement by eliminating the uncertain element that both sides disregard. They claim

they do not, but they do. There is no place in this country now

where any reliable information can be obtained relative to the condition or the continuing accuracy of the miners' scales. What little

information I have, indicates that they must be very, very bad. This

will be a fruitful source of investigation. I say, correct the miners'

scales, keep them continuously accurate, and mine and operate only

by weight; then 50 per cent of the ever-recurring troubles of the

operators and the miners will cease. The public are vitally interested in this, for their pocketbook is the one that must pay. The

Secretary of Labor could do something in this matter which would

be of prime importance.

In conclusion I wish to summarize by stating that the State or

city or county weights and measures official can not test the scales

and weights and other metering devices of a business concern often

enough for the business man's protection. He can only hope to do

something in apprehending the thief who mulcts the consumer. Every business man who has any use at all for scales or other metering devices can certainly save, and thus make a very considerable

amount of money by having these devices periodically tested and

adjusted by experts in that line, and stopping the leaks as soon as

possible, for it is the daily and the hourly visible and invisible leaks

that cause the greatest losses.
56 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION.

The Chairman. Dr. Eeichmann has touched upon a very important subject, and one with which you will be brought in contact sooner or later. Only two or three weeks ago I was on a visit to the

South, in one or two cities, with Secretary Eedfield. We were going

through a large cottonseed oil manufacturer's plant where they

were putting the cottonseed oil up in small cans. I saw there not

only that the weights and measures used and the balances and weighing devices were all covered with oil, on which the dust had collected, and they were in a most inaccurate condition, but I actually

saw a device in use which some one of the boys had devised. This

was a common grocery scale, upon one side of which was the can to

be filled, and, as it was filled, the fall of the beam turned the faucet

and cut off the flow of oil. I asked him how he compensated for

the work done, and he said not very much, that the oil did the work.

That was in one of the largest factories in the city, and it was the

crudest device I ever saw around any concern. Mr. Johnson. While on that subject, Mr. Chairman, I want to

recall a peculiar case we prosecuted in the State of California in the

last 30 days. A firm was putting up a certain kind of oil for use in

automobiles, into gallon, half-gallon, and quart cans. In forcing the

oil under heavy air pressure to get the flow, air globules were formed,

which transferred themselves into the can, and, although the can was apparently full to the very top, yet in about half an hour it would settle, and we found on investigation and inspection that an

average gallon can was anywhere from 6 to 8 ounces short and the

average 5-gallon can was as much as 2 quarts short. We obtained a

successful prosecution of this firm at Los Angeles. We had four other

cases which we held in abeyance during time granted for corrections

to be made. In Los Angeles there was a difference of 140 gallons.

Another point which Dr. Eeichmann mentioned, which is of vast

importance to weights and measures officials, is the adoption of specifications of weights of the various materials to be employed in the

construction of weighing and measuring apparatus. As a result of

flimsy construction in certain types of pitless dormant scales, we were

virtually forced to refuse the installation of two standard makes, for

the reason that the material used would not support the capacity

intended for the weighing machines. That is a very important

point, and I trust the committee on tolerances and specifications will

take it under consideration.

The Chairman. There is not a sealer here who will not come in

personal contact with many cases of that kind, and I have always

thought it our duty to help the man who wants to do right, just as

it is our duty to prosecute the dishonest man. I am more and more

surprised at the carelessness with which some of the larger concerns do business. We get a great many inquiries along that line. Some

firms, of course, are very progressive and employ good men, but, as

a rule, the smaller manufacturers are careless, and you will find that

there is quite as much opportunity to do good along the line of educating these people and telling them what to do as in seeing that

they do not do the thing they ought not to do.

Mr. Eeichmann. Mr. Chairman, I think it is a great deal more

effective to tell them where they are going to lose money if they

do not do certain things.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 57

LIQUID-MEASURING PUMPS, BY F. J. SCHLINK, BUREAU OF

STANDARDS.

(Note.—The above-entitled paper, which was read at the conference, has

been published as a technologic paper of the Bureau of Standards, and will be

found at the end of this volume.)

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Riordan. I would like to ask a question, Mr. Chairman. If

a drop of 10 degrees in temperature causes a decrease of one-half of

1 per cent, would a rise of 10 degrees in temperature cause a corre- sponding increase?

Mr. Schlink. There is not an increase in all cases. Understand,

there is an error in the first delivery only, after the pump has been

standing unused. For example, if a pump has stood overnight and

the temperature has fallen 10°, the volume of liquid in the pipe will

have reduced one-half of 1 per cent. The first delivery will be short

on that account. If the volume of liquid has expanded, the excess

will be forced back into the tank through foot valves or through the

discharge openings. After the first delivery has been completed the

pump will measure as usual, the error not being due to faulty quantity of the liquid, except as to the volume due.

Mr. Riordan. For instance, if an oil company makes a shipment of

gasoline to a subagent, does the quantity depend, to a certain extent,

upon the temperature when received ? Mr. Schlink. Exactly so. Mr. Schoentkal. With regard to sealing stops of gasoline pumps,

I took the matter up with one of the agents with a view of having

the compan}' drill holes as indicated in Mr. Schlink's illustration, and

they claimed that that would weaken the rod and it was not an effective way of sealing. The better way is by sealing with a cap, which

was also shown on the illustration, and the claim was made that this

stop or seal, as they called it, had been used effectively throughout

the United States. I must confess that we have not found it to be

very effective, and I would like to find out if there is a way of determining how extensively these stops have been used throughout the

United States, and how they are regarded.

Mr. Schlink. I think I might inform you that on certain sizes of one make of pump of this type, such a stop is in almost universal use. Whether or not the stop can be effectively sealed by merely preventing

a set screw from being turned is an open question at the present time.

However, it becomes largely a question of specification whether or not we shall permit a stop to be retained by friction or pressure under

the set screw upon a smooth rod. If no other type of stop could be

provided, I should think the sealer could provide that the rod and lug

be drilled. I know of no other way in which to insure one's self that

that lug can not slip during the normal operation of the pump.

The Chairman. What is the usual diameter of the rod ? Mr. Schlink. Three-eighths of an inch in diameter. I do not

think the drilling of the hole is of any serious moment whatever.

Mr. Schoemthal. I am more particularly interested in the seal at

places where it has been tried. I have known of a number of instances

where shields were put on so loosely that the set screw could be

moved, and I am wondering whether they have had more success throughout the country.
58 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Chairman. If the specifications exclude that kind, they will at once supply a rod large enough. However, a rod three-eighths of an

inch in diameter would support several thousand pounds and it will

not have any amount of pressure against it. Mr. Hartigan. In the city of New York we are much interested

in the matter of meters, or indicators, for the gasoline-buying public.

Our present regulations cover rather completely the technical and

scientific end of the subject,, but to-day, owing to the fact that in

New York there are over 200,000 pleasure and commercial vehicles

and something like 6,000 or 7,000 garages, the necessity arises of

having something by which the public may know how much is flowing into their tanks. We all realize that the automobile public in

the past have been more or less careless of both quality and quantity

of gasoline ; but to-day there is an awakening going on in automobile

circles and they are beginning to become interested.

From the paper read by Mr. Johnson, of California, there is no

better means of advertising weights and measures work than by the

promulgation of regulations as to what kind of meter or guide should

be used in connection with an automatic pump for delivering gasoline. In New York we are preparing a regulation, and we want to

be fair to all the manufacturers of gasoline pumps, and we want

our phraseology to be such as not to favor any manufacturer, and

in so doing we are calling upon the Bureau of Standards to assist us in the preparation of that regulation for use in New York City,

which might in time circulate throughout the entire country.

The Chairman. The bureau will be very glad to cooperate with

Mr. Barnard. I would like to ask Mr. Schlink if, in his experiments, he has found his test of one day would be the same perhaps

on the next day. In experiments I have made I find I may test a machine one day and regulate and adjust it until it delivers cor- rectly and then go back, possibly two days afterwards, and find the

same machine to be in error, and still the seals had not been disturbed in any way.

Mr. Schlink. That condition can be easily explained by the fact

that in many cases measuring pumps are readjusted after installation to correct up the defective installation. Each measuring pump

is tested at the factory, and there adjustment is made with probably

as great care as it can be made by the sealer. However, in many

cases I find after a pump is installed, either due to excessive lifts or

leaks in the suction line, the pump is not discharging gasoline, but

a mixture of gasoline and vapor, and the owner proceeds to readjust the stops so that he will have made an approximate correction

for that amount of admixture. That method is correct, obviously,

only in case the error is a constant one. A difference of a few degrees in the temperature of the gasoline will seriously affect the

amount of vapor which will occur. I think that will explain, in

most instances, why a difference exists from day to day. It is primarily the installation that is at fault.

Mr. Barnard. I might add that I called to my city one of the

experts for one of the manufacturers and we took down two or three

pumps in which I found a difference to exist, and we found in each

instance it was a case of faulty installation.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 59

Mr. Fare. Do you believe that the mechanical construction of gasoline pumps will have to be changed if the gasoline is found of

different specific gravity?

Mr. Schxink. It is my opinion the differences now existing in the

handling of highly volatile gasoline can be entirely overcome by

installing the pumps at such level that they will not lift excessive

distances from the tank to the base of the cylinders. That means

underground-pump installation with overground-pump head. Then

with the vaporization troubles removed, I think any differences due

to variation in the liquid should be negligible, provided only the

mechanical construction and workmanship are good, and the fitting

of all parts is careful, and the valves accurately retain the quantity

in the pumps.

Mr. Farr. Our oil in the California district varies from 80 per

cent specific gravity to 52 per cent, and the gasoline with which one

pump was tested was 52 per cent gasoline that had been used time

and again. The pump was then sent out to an oil station in the

field where the specific gravity was 80 per cent. The pump was

returned to the maker and returned to me as a pump passed by

myself. I took my equipment and my assistant and went out to the

place for further inspection. The pump was accurately installed

and the mechanism perfect. We spent a day and a half and it

developed that the mechanical construction of the pump was such

that it would not pass the same amount of 80 per cent gasoline as 52 per cent gasoline. So I think possibly that will be of some interest

to you in testing a high quality gasoline.

The Chairman. Gentlemen, would it be wise for the association

to go on record, or to appoint a committee, looking forward to

general specifications of these measuring devices? It seems to me

that when we have had enough experience—I do not know whether

that time has arrived or not—that it would be proper for us to make

general specifications; that is, the conditions under which they

should be turned out and installed.

Mr. Barnard. It seems to me we are all having trouble enough

with the gasoline-pump situation and the quicker we get down to

facts the better it will be for us all. The Chairman. It is just as important a subject in many ways as

is the subject of weighing scales. I have always felt that it was

rather a delicate situation. Personally, I like to see the liquid come

up into a capacity measure and the capacity measure emptied, and I

do not know why they should not be constructed in that way.

RESOLUTION FOR OBSERVANCE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

WEEK.

Mr. Hartigan. Mr. Chairman, I desire to offer a resolution.

Resolved, That the National Conference on the Weights and Measures of the

United States approves of a national weight and measure week and recommends

to all weights and measure officials in the United States its promotion in their

respective communities. Weight and measure week is scheduled for the year

1916, beginning with Sunday, June 18, and ending Saturday, June 24. it is further recommended that weight and measure officials who intend to promote

weight and measure week obtain the support of supervisors, the mayors, and

governors of their respective communities, as well as the cooperation of con- sumers, organizations, women's clubs and societies, trade, commerce, and in- dustrial associations.
60 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

It is further recommended that weight and measure week shall not be cele- brated as a fete or a ceremony, but shall be used for the general purpose of

stimulating interest in and support of weights and measures laws and subjects

with the ultimate view of educating both the buying and selling public.

I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The above motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. You have heard the resolution and the second.

Are there any remarks?

Mr. Johnson. I would like to ask Mr. Hartigan if he had any

difficulty in obtaining from the council the necessary appropriation

of money for the exploitation of matter of this kind? I would like

to have you include in your reply the channels through which you

were successful.

Mr. Hartigan. Mr. Chairman, in that respect we decided we would

not ask from the city of New York one dollar for use for weights

and measures week. I personally appointed 1,000 citizens of the

city of New York, men and women, those in business and those out,

and out of that 1,000 I got an executive committee of 100, and the

question came up for discussion one day as to how to defray the

expenses. I told those people that I would not ask the city of

New York for one dollar, because this was purely an experiment,

and I did not believe in experimenting with the people's money.

Our expenses amounted to about $415. We had subscribed by these

100 committeemen something like $515, and the surplus I turned over

to the police department and fire department pension fund. If you

can depend upon the citizenship to support you with money, I believe

that I prefer that method.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, before seconding that motion I

would like to say a word or two for the weights and measures week

in New York that Mr. Hartigan may be too modest to say. There is

no question in the world but what the weights and measures week in

the city of New York created a great deal of talk about weights and

measures and created a great appreciation among the people on the

subject of weights and measures. One evidence of that was the fact

that I think there must have been 500.000 posters in windows an- nouncing weights and measures week. I personally know of at least

20 stores where they had little exhibits labeled, " What we have done

for weights and measures," and citing instances in their stores which

were found to create attention in the mind of the public purchasing

there, and were bound to attract the attention of other merchants.

Commissioner Hartigan is a very astute politician and a very

astute psychologist, who can work on the mind of the people. I have

two little tots in the public schools, and they were wearing those

little buttons, " I believe in 16 ounces to a pound," and they were

talking weights and measures for three weeks afterwards. That

weights and measures w7 eek taught those little tots more about

weights and measures than they would learn in any other way in 10

years. I think that weights and measures week is a good thing for a national move.

The Chairman. It seems to me it is one of the best things that has

been proposed in the way of publicity. It can not possibly do any

harm where it is not taken up, and in localities where taken up se- riously it can accomplish a great deal of good. It emphasizes the

educational side to my mind, and we have just begun to touch upon

the educational side.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 61

I was thinking what a good opportunity that would be sometime to

teach the public the metric system. I know there are a great many

people in New York who know about it already, but there are others

who do not. There are going to be a great many things come up

from time to time and we want to reach the public, and this is a very

f;ood way in which to do it. If there are no other remarks, those iv avor of the resolution say "Aye," contrary, " No." The motion is

carried unanimously.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). Would it be possible to have this reso- lution printed so that we can have it ? The Chairman. Yes ; we can have that duplicated.

Mr. Barnard. I would like to ask if it will be possible for us to

have a copy of Secretary Bedfield's remarks before we leave.

The Chairman. Yes. I think we can get that to you. I thought,

as Mr. Schlink was talking, that it would be a good thing for us to

have- his remarks printed as soon as possible and distributed. That

is the sort of paper which loses a great deal of its importance when

given as it was. I will say that that will be printed as soon as possible.

Mr. Johnson. It appears to me that the annual report of the conference is virtually the result of our work, and I know that I have

perused the last issue prior to the one we received to-day, and have

gotten a great deal of good out of it. If I could bring back with

me a copj7

, or notes of the great amount of work that has been done

here, I am satisfied it virtually advances the standard of our work

that much more. Had I known that the report was not going to be

printed until a year from now, I would have provided myself with

notes of the matters presented here in order that I might employ them

at as early a date as possible. I wish we could have these reports,

and if it is agreeable, I will take the pleasure of introducing a reso- lution to that effect at a later time.

The Chairman. A resolution as to getting them out early?

Mr. Johnson. Yes.

The Chairman. That will not do any good. It is largely a matter

of clerical work, as I understand.

The Secretary. There are a number of reasons why the reports

have been delayed. In the first place, it is difficult to get anything

done in a hurry by the Government Printing Office. Also in this

particular case, delegates kept promising some of the papers, and

I do not think some of them have arrived yet. I think the last

report was in the Government Printing Office for four months.

They are very busy, and we can not get anything done quickly during the time that Congress is in session without paying the 20 per

cent increase, and, with our appropriations, we do not feel like spending that much more. I would not like to promise the report in less

than three or four months.

The Chairman. There will not be any funds before July 1, but

it will take all of that time to get it ready. If the .papers are all

sent in promptly we will make every effort to get it out as soon as

possible.

Mr. Eeichmann. Mr. Chairman, I move that we now adjourn.

(The above motion was seconded and agreed to.)

(Thereupon, at 5 o'clock p. m., the meeting adjourned to meet

at 10 o'clock a. m., Wednesday, May 24, 1916.)
THIRD SESSION (MORNING OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 24,

1916).

The conference reassembled at 10 o'clock a. m., at the Ealeigh

Hotel, William L. Waldron, of New Jersey, presiding as chairman.

The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, the meeting this morning will

be devoted to the members of the National Scale Men's Association.

INSPECTION AND TESTING OF TRACK SCALES, BY B. B. GORDON,

SCALE INSPECTOR, PENNSYLVANIA LINES WEST.

Mr. Chairman and members of the National Conference on Weights

and Measures, it has been said that the three great events in a man's

life are his birth, his wedding, and his death, but I may add that to a man like myself it is a very important event to read his first paper

before an audience of this kind. Public speaking has never been one

of my accomplishments, as I was not born with a silver tongue nor

with any Shakespearean tendencies. In fact, my maiden effort was

made on March 15 of this year, when I read a paper before the Indiana

State Conference on Weights and Measures. Nevertheless, when I

was invited to read another paper before this conference I did not

hesitate very long in accepting the invitation, sending my acceptance

by return mail lest the president might have time to reconsider.

It certainly is an honor for me to be permitted in any capacity to

address the Weights and Measures Conference of highest authority

in this country, and I consider it a double honor to come before

you as one of the appointed representatives of the National Association of Scale Men, the largest body of scale engineers in the United

States.

As to the subject of this paper, I take it that it is one with which

the majority of you are familiar only in an elementary way, since

most of you are neither railroad-scale inspectors nor engaged in the

manufacture of track scales. Therefore it is not my purpose to make

this discussion highly technical—perhaps I could not do so if I

would. On account of the constant change in the personnel of these

conferences there are always a goodly number of beginners, and it is to them in particular that this paper is addressed. I remember

that when my attention was first directed to scale construction, installation, and testing, about 18 years ago, there was very little if any

printed information pertaining to the subject. Information at that

time was to be obtained only from older scale inspectors, who were

few in number and who had acquired knowledge from many years'

experience in scale construction, but unfortunately the pioneers of

scale manufacture and installation were not at that time disposed to

give out any information whatever to beginners. I remember very

well that if anyone approached one of those pioneer scale inspectors

while he was adjusting a track scale he would immediately cease work until the party who so boldly displayed his curiosity had

passed on.

62
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 63

In consequence of such secrecy a beginner had very little opportunity to acquire any information unless he was a man of strong

initiative. Even at this date there is not very much reliable printed

information pertaining to scale design except what is contained in a few manuscripts which have been read before different organizations

interested in scales and weights. I know of only one publication on

the scientific construction of scales, and that is highly technical and

in the German language, " Konstruction der Wage." Before the

English translation appeared I sent to Germany and secured a copy of this book. Lacking knowledge of German, it was neces- sary to study the language before I could translate it. After seven months of effort I was beginning to make pretty fair headway,

when I was fortunate enough to secure a pencil translation made by

Dr. Miller, of Pennsylvania. From that I made five typewritten

copies and reproduced by hand all the drawings, of which there are a large number. At that time I had, I believe, the only copies aside

from the pencil manuscript in America, as the English translation

was not published until some time afterwards. I am mentioning

this just to show how hard it has been to acquire any reliable information on so important a subject as weighing machines.

In these later years, however, conditions are very different from

those I have just described. The training which a scale inspector

on the Pennsylvania Railroad receives to-day is very thorough, be- cause of the fact that our company does its own designing, manufacturing, installing, and testing of track and motor-truck scales.

This gives the inspectors a much wider and more extended experience

than falls to the lot of most scale men, and it is invaluable.

Before proceeding with the subject of testing scales, I wish to

divide all track scales into two classes—(1) the straight-line scale,

and (2) the torsion or pipe-lever scale. Scales of either class may,

however, be any one of three types—the rigid-bearing, the suspensionbearing, or the plate-fulcrum type, the last being the very latest

design. Scales having rigid bearings usiially have a live or floating

deck, as shown in figure 1. As a rule they have a wooden substructure. While they are very good scales, the wear and tear makes the

cost of maintenance high.

Figure 2 shows a scale with suspension bearings. This type usually

has a rigid deck, and there is nothing of the scale exposed to the

weather except the rails. This is an advantage, as dirt or snow falling on the deck does not affect the scale materially. The suspension

bearing has a distinct advantage in that the wear on the knife edges

of the main levers is reduced to a minimum, thereby making the

accuracy of the scale more constant. This scale has another advantage in that by reason of its design the scale vault can be wider and

longer, thereby affording better opportunities for inspecting the

various parts. This scale, as a rule, is placed directly on the concrete instead of on timber, as is the rigid-bearing scale. It is the

practice of tbe Pennsylvania Railroad to place all scales of this

type on large metal bedplates, in order that the area of pressure on

the concrete may be larger. Of course this is desirable only where

heavy traffic passes over the scale.

The latest change in track-scale design is shattering traditional

beliefs and practices. For centuries it was thought that knife edges,
64 BUREAU OF STANDARDS,

links, and loops were essential to a scale, but figure 3 shows a scale

which has none of these. The Pennsylvania Railroad has had one

of these plate-fulcrum scales of four sections in service at East

Tyrone since August, 1915, and it weighs several hundred cars a day with great accuracy. This is the first track scale of this kind

to be placed in service any place, and it is remarkable for its simplicity. It was my privilege about three Aveeks ago to see another

plate-fulcrum scale of only two sections, of 800,000 pounds capacity

Fig. 1.—Rigid bearing and live deck construction.

and 52 feet long, which will also be installed on the Pennsylvania

Line. This is the first scale constructed with only two sections,

to say nothing of plate fulcrums. Its future is promising, and

its advent marks an epoch in scale manufacture.

The following equipment is necessary for testing any one or all

of the above- described scales:

The first essential is a number of primary or master weights,

varying from 50 pounds down to grain weights. These should be
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
66 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

made of a metal which will not oxidize easily, then should be gold

plated. These master weights should be used only for the purpose

of comparison with the working weights and should be sent to the

Bureau of Standards to be sealed and certified before being used.

The second essential is a number of working test weights, with

which the actual testing should be done. The number of these neces- 1

[

STEEL ROLLER -f» ( ) I

EPLATEBEARING

TZZJ

MAIN LEVER

PLATE BEARINGf- EXTENSION LEVER

A/IAIN LEVER STAND

Fig. 3.—Plate fulcrum bearing construction.

sarily depends upon the number and capacity of the scales tested. I

will say that the number of 50-pound weights used by the Pennsylvania is approximately 5,000.- Also we have forty 5,000-pound

weights ; that is, 40 weights weighing 5,000 pounds each'. The latter are exceedingly useful in testing master-track scales, as well as iron-
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 67

ore scales. These weights are used in testing about 4,000 scales of

various sizes and capacities.

The third essential in equipment is one or more master scales suitable for weighing weights from grains up to 50 pounds. As much

care should be used in the maintenance of the master scales as in

the maintenance of the weights. It is very desirable, although not

absolutely necessary, to have a master-track scale for the purpose of

weighing scale cars. The capacity of this scale should be heavy

enough to weigh accurately the heaviest scale car that may be desired.

The fourth essential is one, or more scale cars, the- number depending on the number of scales to be tested. The wheel base of the scale car should not be over 7 feet. The design should be such that it will

not be necessary to carry any loose weights in the car, almost the

entire weight being cast into the body. The design should provide

for the fewest possible loose parts which can become lost, as, for instance, the grab irons or steps. This car should not be used for transporting repair parts, tools, etc. It is really a portable master

weight—a scale car in the strictest sense of the word. It should be

weighed at stated periods on the master-track scale, after first being

carefully inspected to see if it requires any repairs. At this time

also the journal boxes should be repacked with waste and oil. After

the car is weighed, the locks on all the compartments should be

sealed, these seals not to be broken except on the authority of the

head of the scale department. The object of all these precautions is

to guard jealously the known weight of the car. If the journals are provided with roller bearings, such a car may be moved by hand, and

with it a scale can be tested in a very short time. This is a great

advantage in many places where traffic is heavy.

With such equipment as I have just described, a scale inspector's

battle is nine-tenths won. The use which he makes of the scale car should interest the State, county, and city sealers of weights and

measures as much as the railroad inspectors.

To test a scale with one car, we balance the scale and place the car on it as near to the end as possible. If the weight indicated on the

beam is, say 80,000 pounds, or the actual weight of the car, the car

is then moved to straddle the next section; that is, the center line

which is half way between the two pairs of wheels should be approximately over the center line of the main levers. The weight here

should be noted also. The car should be moved thus from section to

section until it has made the trip across the scale. If the weigh beam

indicates the weight to be 80,000 pounds at all points, then the scale

may be considered to be weighing correctly. Before arriving at this

conclusion, however, the car should be run over the scale several times

to ascertain if the weight indications repeat themselves without

variation. If by chance any section should show an error, then the

inspector should make a very close examination of the scale to ascer- tain if there are any defects contributing to the errors. He should

also run the car over several times to ascertain if the errors repeat

themselves without variation. If they do so, then he may safely con- clude that they are due to multiplication in the levers. If they do

not repeat themselves, but vary, then he may safely decide that they

are due to some foreign interference with the members of the scale;

in short, the scale is out of order. What is to be done to correct

these errors in either case I shall explain later.
68 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

It is now becoming the practice to use two scale cars in testing

track scales, one of them weighing 30,000 pounds and the other

80,000 pounds. Thus a light and heavier test can be made with each

car alone, then a heavy test by using both cars together. A graduated test of this kind will give different values which can not otherwise be obtained very conveniently—30,000 pounds, 80,000 pounds,

and 110,000 pounds. Another advantage in using two cars is that

the wheel base is thereby made elastic, as the cars can be spaced to

correspond to the wheel base of any of the commercial cars. This'

method of testing is in vogue on the Pennsylvania and is highly

satisfactory. It has been approved by the American Railway Association and by the Bureau of Standards.

To return to the method of correcting errors found in a track scale,

let us suppose that we are testing a four-section track scale with an

Fig. 4.—Main lever.

80,000-pound scale car, and that after running the car over the scale

several times the following weights are obtained without variation:

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

80,000 pounds. 79,900 pounds 79,800 pounds 80,020 pounds

By dividing the difference between the minus errors and the plus

errors by the number of sections—four—we find that the scale is

weighing on an average of 45 pounds light. Examination reveals

the fact that these errors can be eliminated by the relocation of the nose irons on the extension and transverse levers. A better way,

however, is to locate the offending members, which, let us say, are main levers as shown in figure 4. These levers have no movable

irons, but the trouble can be readily overcome by removing the

knife edges and grinding one side if the error is minus or the other

if the error is plus, thus changing the multiple of the levers or the

reduction powers. This method of adjusting is very desirable as it eliminates the necessity of disturbing the vertical connections between the levers, which would be done if the nose irons were moved
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 69

materially. Errors can be eliminated from any part of the scale by

removing the knife edges and pivots, and grinding, as explained in

reference to the main lever.

To anyone who desires to know mathematically just how much

to grind the knife edge, I offer the following method, which ia used

more or less by scale men : Eeferring to figure 4, we have the weight

of the car, 80,000 pounds, the length of the main lever in question,

33.125 inches, and the error of the section, 100 pounds, minus or light.

The object is to find the unknown distance, for the present denoted

by x, which the knife edge is to be changed by grinding, to correct

the error in the scale. The value of as, divided by the multiple 5.5

of the main lever, gives the distance to grind.

Remembering that half the weight, or 40,000 pounds, comes on one

lever and assuming that the corresponding error is 50 pounds, we

can write the relation in an equation thus

40,000: 33.125:: 50 :x

33.125X50

40,000 ~x

a? =0.414 inch.

0.414-^5.5=0.075 inch, or about 5/64 inch.

As there are two supporting or main levers in a section, it will be

necessary to grind them alike. It will be observed that in making

NOSeiffON.

Fig. 5. —End extension lever.

this computation the weight of the scale car and also the error were

divided equally between the two levers. Before grinding any knife

edges an examination of the bearing-plate steel should be made to

see that the knife edge is not cutting it. For those who would like to know how to find the exact movement

of each nose iron, or the exact amount to grind the knife edges on the

other class of levers, I will go further into details. Assume that the

weight of the scale car is 80,000 pounds, and that the following

weights are obtained

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4

80,100 pounds 79,900 pounds 79,800 pounds 80,020 pounds

To adjust the first section, which is 100 pounds plus, or heavy,

the nose iron on the end of the extension lever (fig. 5) must be

moved out. To adjust the second section, which is 100 pounds

minus, or light, the nose iron should be moved in the opposite

direction, decreasing the length. The amount of adjustment or

the distance the nose iron should be moved, depends upon the

length of the lever and the amount of error. We have the weight

of the car, 80,000 pounds, the length of the lever, 147.72 inches, and
70 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

the error, 100 pounds. We desire to find the exact distance, a?, to

move the nose iron. Therefore

80,000 : 147.72 : : 100 : x

80,000a?= 14772

a?=0.18465 inch

Since 0.18465 inch is about 3/16 inch, the lever should be lengthened

that distance to correct the plus error of 100 pounds.

Referring to the second section, the length of the long arm of

the middle extension lever (fig. 6) is 7 feet 6 inches, or 90 inches,

the error is 100 pounds minus, or light, and the statement should

be as follows:

80,000: 90:: 100: a? 90X100

x—

gQ qqq

=0.1125 inch, which is about 7/64 inch.

As this section is weighing light, it will be necessary to move the

nose iron toward the center of the lever.

The middle extension lever has two functions to perform, one

being that of an even extension lever for the end section, and the other

that of reducing lever for the middle section or main lever located

there. All scale inspectors know, or should know, that to move the

\

3 I

n.7 7- 6 " — . IPLE

Fig. 6.—Middle extension lever.

nose iron on the middle extension lever is to disturb the midtiplying

powers of the levers in the end section, and therefore if the nose

iron oh the middle extension lever (fig. 6) is moved toward the

center, the nose iron on the other end must be moved the same distance also toward the center. This will still maintain the middle

extension lever as an even extension lever. Should it be seen that

the movement of the nose iron on the middle extension lever (fig. 6)

would seriously disturb the alignment of the vertical connections,

the section can be adjusted in the middle extension lever by grinding the pivot from which the main levers are suspended. The

amount of grinding can be determined by dividing 7/64, the shift

of the nose iron in inches found necessary on the end of the middle

extension lever, by the ratio of the lever arms, in this case 8^, which

gives 0.0135 inch, or about 1/64 inch. If it is decided to grind

the knife edge, the amount necessary to grind it can be obtained

directly from the relation

_ 100: 79900::*: 10.81

from which, a?=0.0135 inch.

After the same method of procedure has been followed out in all

sections, another test should be made. If all sections weigh the car

at 80,000 pounds, the scale is weighing correctly, but if it is found that

all sections are weighing, say, 100 pounds heavy, then the error can

be taken up by changing the length of the short arm in the transverse, or fifth, lever. This may also be stated as a problem in proportion.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 71

The long arm of the transverse lever is 84.522 inches, the multiple of

the transverse lever is 3.6, the error is 100 pounds, the weight of the car 80,000 pounds. Therefore

80,000 : 84.522 : : 100 : x. Therefore a?=0.1056, or 7/64 inch, the distance the nose iron should

be moved to make the scale weigh correctly.

If it is desired to correct the error by grinding the pivot in the end

of the short arm, instead of moving the nose iron on the end of the

long arm, the distance to grind may be determined by dividing the

value of x, 0.1056, by 3.6, which is the multiple of the transverse lever,

the result being 0.029 inch, the distance to grind.

The formulas used in the preceding may be generalized as follows

Let W=weight of test load.

£

7 =error in indication of the scale.

L—length of the lever arm of the knife edge on which the

adjustment is to be made, measured from the fulcrum

knife edge.

x=amount the knife edge is to be changed.

Then,

_LE

x~~ W

If the computation is made for one knife edge and for any reason

it is desired to change and make the adjustment on the other knife

edge, the new value of x can be obtained by multiplying or dividing

by the multiplication (or the arm ratios) according to whether the

first computation was based on the short arm or the long arm, respectively. The above statement may be illustrated as follows

First. Basing the computation on the short arm. Given the length

of short arm, 23.478 inches ; multiple or ratio of the arms, 3.6 ; weight

of scale car, 80,000 pounds ; the error, 100 pounds ; to find the value

of a?, the distance to grind the knife edge on the short arm. Then,

80,000 : 23.478 : : 100 : x. x—0.029 inch, the distance to grind the knife edge in the short arm. 0.029X3.6=0.1056 inch, the distance to move the nose iron in the

long arm.

Second. Basing the computation on the long arm. Given the

length of long arm, 84.522 inches ; ratio of arms, 3.6 ; weight of car, 80,000 pounds ; error, 100 pounds ,

r to find value of x, the distance to

move the nose iron. Then,

80,000: 84.522:: 100: a?. a?= 0.1056 inch, the distance to move the nose iron in the long arm.

0.1056-4-3.6=0.029 inch, the distance to grind the knife edge of the

short arm. The Acting Chairman. If anyone desires to ask Mr. Gordon a

question, I am sure he would be glad to answer.

I notice we have with us to-day a very distinguished gentleman

from Pennsylvania, and fearing he may leave us before this meeting

closes, I am going to call upon him to say a few words to us, as he

has the happy faculty of saying something instructive and interesting at all times. I take great pleasure in introducing Dr. Henry

Houck, secretary of internal affairs, of the State of Pennsylvania.
72 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

REMARKS BY HENRY HOUCK, SECRETARY OE INTERNAL AEEAIRS

OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, this is very sudden and very unexpected. I took a back seat expecting to be a good listener and not to

be called upon to make any speech. You hear a great many speeches

and a number of papers, and sometimes they get a little monotonous.

Some time ago they had a convention of milkmen in Harrisburg, Pa.,

and long papers were read and long addresses made, and one gentleman from the country got a little tired and said, " Mr. President, the

proceedings are getting monotonous. I think there should be a change in the program." " Well," said the president, " What would

you suggest?" He replied, "I suggest we sing a song;" then the

president said, " What song would you suggest?" " I would suggest

that we sing, ' Shall we gather at the river?'"

So I will not detain you long. I am glad to be here and tell you

that in our own State this work is in the hands of good workers and

is prospering. The people of Pennsylvania are slow to take up new

things, but I want to say that I do not believe that there is a measure

in our statute books which is more popular to-day and more faithfully administered in every respect than that relating to weights

and measures. At first there was a great deal of opposition, but I

learned from Mr. Sweeney, a very competent man, that the opposition

has practically disappeared. In fact, I have come to the conclusion,

and long ago, that the success of the work in which you are engaged

depends largely on the men doing the -work. That is a great point.

Wherever you have competent and agreeable men to administer the

work there you will meet with success. Our people feel very sensitive about this matter of being examined

;

but, so far as I know, in my State good men are in charge, and they

know how to meet the people. The people at large who sell things are

honest, and they mean to be honest. A man to be meddling in an

unpleasant way would make a great mistake, and no matter what

calling a man may be engaged in, what position in public life he

holds, if he meets people in a pleasant way, that counts so very much.

I happen to have been engaged in school work for many years, and

sometimes I used to be criticized for being a little severe; but I

always felt better, when I left a school and could take the teacher by

the hand, even though I did see some things that were not the very

best, and say a good, cheering word before I left. My friends, the

best part of life's work is to cheer people and make their work easier

and show them the bright side of life.

Mr. Sweeney is a very efficient man, and I have had the honor of

appointing him. As you all know, the weights and measures bureau

has been placed under the department of internal affairs, of which I

have charge; and when I tell you the people are slow in Pennsylvania to take up new things, I want also to say they have elected

me three times. In the city of Harrisburg I know what is going on

there, and we have a very popular, efficient man there. So, I repeat

again, the success of this work depends upon the man who has charge

of it. If he be cheerful and pleasant, knows his work, and is not

too apt to criticize, or to tear to pieces, he is the man who is going to

succeed.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 73

If you want to ask me any questions about weights and measures,

of course I will answer them, but my line of work is somewhat different. There was a time, under our constitution, when the railroads,

the statistical department, the mine department, and the help departments were all placed in the department of internal affairs, but there

have been changes and a good many separate departments have been

created. This department of weights and measures is still with us, the governor is with us, and the legislature is with us. I have only

one fault to find with the governor ; that is, he did not give us all the

money we wanted, but I guess he will do better the next time. We

asked from the State legislature two State inspectors in order to

meet the local inspectors at different places, and it was passed with

very little trouble and proper salaries attached, but the governor

thought we were short financially in the State and we lost out. However, we shall try again.

I think what I am saying of my own State can be said of every

State, with the proper men in charge this is a great work, the greatest work the State has ever undertaken in the interest of the people,

and everywhere it is being well received and conferring benefits and

blessings upon the mass of our people. I thank you.

The Acting Chairman. I think you will agree with me that I

made no mistake in calling on Dr. Houck. He does not have to be

prepared, in order to say something interesting and instructive.

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TRACK SCALES, BY F. H.

HEDWALL, SCALE SUPERVISOR, BOSTON & MAINE RAILROAD.

Gentlemen, I am very much pleased to have the opportunity and

also the honor to speak before such a distinguished gathering. There

surely are others who are better qualified to address you than I, but

I shall nevertheless endeavor, to the best of my ability, to explain

some matters pertaining to the installation and maintenance of track

scales.

INSTALLATION.

In the installation of track scales we have the following elements

to consider: (1) Location; (2) foundation; (3) drainage; (4) installation.

Location of scale.—In locating a track scale the following items

should be considered: (1) Number of cars to be weighed thereon:

(2) whether scale is to be equipped with a dead rail; (3) whether

cars are to be weighed spotted or while in motion; (4) cost of

maintenance.

A track scale should preferably be placed on a track where no

switching is done; and if a scale is to be equipped with a live rail

only, it should be placed on a stub track.

Foundation.—When scale is to be located the foundation should

also be considered, so that the best possible location is obtained,

inasmuch as the foundation is the most important item in scale

building. If the foundation is as solid as the rock of Gibraltar

and the installation is properly made, we will have a good weighing

machine. Different methods have to be used in constructing foundations, depending on soil in which scale is to be installed. Because
74 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

we all know that corrosion is worse than wear on a scale, we should

keep in mind the importance of a dry pit.

Drainage.—A gravity or natural drain, with an 8-inch tile pipe

leading from the scale pit, is preferable. If a gravity drain can not

be obtained, a water-tight catch basin should be built next to the

neck of pit to save laying of drain pipe. On the Boston & Maine

Railroad we waterproof our pits and basins by using 5 pounds of soft

soap and 5 pounds of alum dissolved in 50 gallons of water, together

with a mixture of 1-3-5 cement, sand, and stone.

Installation.—The deck or platform should be solid, so that

weather conditions will not affect the balance. Scale should be

equipped with dead rail. Pits should be properly heated to prevent

freezing of scale in winter, also properly lighted to permit of inspecting and cleaning. All levers should be level and connections

plumb. Wooden ties should be placed between bridge and scale rails

to absorb shock, thereby lengthening life of scale. Scale should

be of suspended platform type with rigid bearings. Capacity of

scale is an item that should be considered very carefully.

If a scale is bought from a scale company, with a 100-ton beam,

it does not necessarily mean that it will be able to carry a load of

100 tons and give good weighing results. But that is the way

scales were bought up to two or three years ago.

If, for instance, a 100-ton scale is to be installed, the specifications

should call for a scale with levers that would be able to carry a

car of 200,000 pounds gross weight, uniformly distributed on four

axles, spaced 5 feet 6 inches, 6 feet 6 inches, and 5 feet 6 inches,

this load to be placed to give the maximum reactions at each support and maximum stresses in each section. Live load should also be

used in proportioning the dead-rail supports and this should be a 200,000-pound car, as above, or a load of 120,000 pounds on two

axles spaced 6 feet center to center. Impact allowance of one-half

specification requirements. Preference should be given to a foursection scale.

MAINTENANCE.

On the Boston & Maine Eailroad we have a scale department,

which is composed of one scale supervisor, two scale inspectors, one

scale tester, seven scale repairmen, and three men in repair shop.

Scale inspectors make frequent inspections of all track and

freight-house scales, reporting their findings. They keep the scale

repairmen busy and also assist in the installation of scales that are taken out for repairs.

In order to keep scales in good condition, bearings and pivots

should be thoroughly cleaned and frequently oiled with oily waste,

this to prevent corrosion as much as possible. Levers, I-beams, and

girders should be painted with red lead. All levers should be care- fully looked after to see that connections are plumb. Scale should

be tested at least three times a year, with a test car of not more than

7- foot wheel base. If it is found that scale can not be brought into

seal, it should be sent to repair shop for general overhauling, and

while same is out, pit should be thoroughly inspected. Nose irons

on track scales should be moved very seldom. Some scale people

abuse the right of moving nose irons. When pivots are dull, the
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 75

multiplication of lever has very often changed, and pivots should

be renewed.

The weighmasters should be instructed as to the construction of

scales, so that they will be able to make such inspections as are neces- sary to determine if scale is in proper working condition. On the

Boston & Maine system comparative tests are made weekly between

the different scaling points in order to determine if scales are in

proper weighing condition.

DISCUSSION.

The Acting Chairman. Are there any questions to be asked Mr.

Hedwall?

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to ask, How constant is

the accuracy in track scales? Are there great variations when a

test is repeated, and how is such accuracy obtained?

Mr. Hedwall. I try to bring my scales within a tolerance of twotenths of 1 per cent. Some people seem to think that is not enough,

that we should allow four-tenths of 1 per cent. If the pivots are

dull, I would not move the nose. I take the pivots out and have

them reground. If you grind pivots very often, the main levers will

lose the range, and that lever is dead absolutely. You must have

some range on the levers.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). How long does the scale remain accurate? Is it a fact you can go over a track scale with a test car and

possibly find half an hour after that it varies ? Mr. Hedwall. No. That scale will stay in good condition for at

least three months if it is any good at all. Mr. Farrell. How do you figure the tolerances ? Mr. Hedwall. If I test a scale with a 60,000-pound test car and if

you allow me two-tenths of 1 per cent, that would be 2 pounds in

a thousand ; with a 60,000-pound car that gives 120 pounds on each

section. We try to keep within that amount of tolerance.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I think that this is a subject which

should be discussed because it is a growing subject, and the time is

drawing near when each sealer will have to take it up. What I

wanted to ask the gentlemen was—he spoke about heating the base

of the track scale. What is the percentage of error that might be

caused by the use of the scales in cold weather ? What actual effect

has cold weather on track scales?

Mr. Hedwall. If a track scale is frozen you may get almost any

weight. You might have it up two or three thousand pounds before

you can break the ice away, and I have a common stove, in which

I use soft coal, that takes about 2 pounds a day. We have had no

trouble since we put stoves in. Some people think that the fifth

lever expands too much, but it does not amount to anything. I

think it a very good idea in a cold country—especially where I am,

in Vermont, to have a stove. It gives satisfaction.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to ask what Mr. Hedwall

thinks of the proposition of building track scales on the principle of

overhead hanging.

Mr. Hedwall. I think it is a good idea. We have only one on our

system and that is at Portsmouth, N. H., and we have very little
76 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

trouble with it, but some people claim it is dangerous to have sus- pension scales. But that scale, however, is very accurate. Of course,

there is not the same amount of dampness as in a pit and they do

not corrode so quickly.

The Secretary. There is one observation I would like to make

to this body. We are frequently called upon by railroad companies

to express an opinion as to whether a sealer can make a test upon a railroad track scale with, say, one or two thousand pounds of weight.

Our answer is that he can not. Two or three thousand pounds will

not tell me anything whatever about the accuracy of such a scale,

and it seems to me that any sealer who does try to make such a test only brings discredit on himself. I would like to warn the sealers

against testing if they have not the proper equipment ; they should

not attempt to do it as it is a mere farce.

Mr. Lytton. Mr. Fischer, how frequently would you say the inspection of track scales and other scales should be made, if the department has the men and the equipment to do the work?

The Secretary. I imagine that would depend a great deal on what

the scales are used for. If they are used for the weighing of grains,

they should take extraordinary care of them and keep very close

watch of them, indeed. Mr. McFarlane, of the State of Minnesota,

where they have perhaps the most efficient track-scale inspection

department of any of the States, is here and he can answer that

better than I. As a rough guess I should say they should be tested once in three months.

Mr. Lytton. In our State our appropriation has not been large

and our State men are only able to test smaller scales.

The Secretary. You are not speaking about railroad track scales ? Mr. Lytton. We are not equipped to do that work, but some of

the men only go to a set of scales once a j^ear. What I am getting at

is, in order to have an ideal condition, should we be able to get around

twice a year?

The Secretary. Twice a year should be enough for scales that are protected at all. I think that is about the average of inspection.

Mr. Kelly. I would like to say a few words to Mr. Fischer in

regard to the statement he has just made in regard to the testing

of railroad track scales with a test car. In the town where I live

I have several railroad track scales which are owned by the manufacturing concerns outside of the ordinary scales the railroad companies have. I have used a railroad test car in testing railroad scales,

but I have no other test car that I can use. I have constant requests

from time to time to test the scales, and, in fact, I had one request

just a few days before I came down here to test out a new railroad

track scale installed by a company at Bridgeport, Conn. It is almost

imperative that I make some sort of a reply to that request. You

can understand that a sealer in- a small town is constantly being

called upon to test out apparatus of various kinds, and if he says

he can not make the test he loses the confidence of the people. I have

always replied to them and carried out the test in this way.

I have about one ton and a half of weights of my own and there are two or three concerns in the town that make brass, etc., and some

of them have 1 ton and some 2 tons of brass, and I borrow this

material. Sometimes I call on the county sealer and in that way I

get five or six thousand pounds of weight and run a loaded car onto
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 77

the scale, after balancing the scale and building on these five or six

thousand pounds of weight. That is the very best thing I can do in

the way of a test, and it is my belief it gives you a fair idea of how

a scale is working.

I do not think a sealer should turn down any request if he can do

anything at all or if he has any sort of apparatus to take care of it. I think in one way. the sealer gains the confidence of the community

by replying to the various requests for attention, and I have in a great many cases been called upon to make a test of apparatus I did

not understand anything about until I went over and looked it over and acquired some information in some way and found a means of

making a test. I would like to ask Mr. Fischer if he does not regard

that sort of test as a fair test. The Secretary. I would like to say I realize the disinclination of

the sealer to say that he can not make a test, but I want to warn you

that if there is any kind of a dispute that land of a test would have

no value whatever. If you get into a dispute with a railroad company and they come there with a railroad car and make a test, any

competent authority would rule their test was far superior to that

of the sealer. We have made tests in certain parts of the country

and after we got away from there the sealer, in one or two cases, came around and tested the scale with a thousand pounds and charged

a fee for it after we tested it with 80,000 pounds. The railroad company protested to us against that and asked us what we thought of

it. They thought it was a farce, and we also thought so. Mr. Egan. There are a great many track scales within the State of

Connecticut, and if a legal question arose as to the accuracy of these

scales, where is the authority outside of our State to determine it when it is stated in the law that the State superintendent of weights

shall supervise a test ? I am not at all jealous about it, but I want

to get at that point.

The Secretary. Of course we have no authority, and I am not

speaking from that point of view. You have the authority, but if

you do not have the equipment I do not see how you can do it. Mr. Eoan. That is the point.

The Secretary. It is solely a question of equipment, and I want

that point distinctly understood. I do not want an}r one to get the

impression that we are arguing that because we have the equipment

we have the authority. We have absolutely no authority in the

matter.

Mr. Egan. What you advise is that local inspectors of weights and

measures do not undertake to inspect and certify to the inspection

of track scales unless they have the equipment with which to make the

inspection ? The Secretary. That is it exactly.

Mr. Egan. If he has the equipment available that is recognized

as sufficient to make a competent test, would you recommend that he

use that?

The Secretary. I certainly would. I think that is done by quite a number of men, but to test a 100.000-pound scale with 1,000 pounds

of weights is like testing a 1,000-pound scale with 10 pounds of

weights, and no one would do that and believe they were getting an

efficient test.
78 BTJKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Kelly. Mr. Fischer speaks of using railroad track scale test cars. I have seen railroad track scale test cars used in our neighborhood, and they are very ordinary cars and not to be compared with

the one used by the Bureau of Standards, but simply a collection of

weights. Take it for granted, there is a certain amount of wear

and tear on that equipment. There is also a question as to weight,

as to whether they have been resealed within a certain time. In

my town I have as much confidence in the weights of the dealer

as I have in the ordinary test car. It has been in use and tried over a master-track scale. It is simply a relative value. The theory is

that you have to test out a track scale the same as you would any

ordinary scale, somewhere up near its capacity, in order to disclose

error. But small weights will disclose errors. I fail to see where

it would be a disadvantage, any more than if the test car was prepared for that purpose and we had to accept somebody's word that

it was in fairly good condition. There are some places where I can

not use a railroad test car, where it runs into the yard of some private

corporation, and where the railroad company would not pay enough

attention to it to go there with their own car. I have run this car on a balanced scale, weighed it up, a car with thirty, forty, or fifty

thousand pounds in it, and added eight or ten thousand pounds in

weight. I believe that gives you some sort of an idea as to the ac- curacy of that scale.

Any man testing scales would be reasonably sure that there was no

great error if the test comes out all right under those conditions. One

company wants to check up on the question of weights; they have

just installed a scale, and want to know whether it is all right. I

presume the scale was sold with the understanding that if the sealer

said the scale was all right the bill would go through. They want

some way of checking up on scales to see whether it is all right. One

great trouble with manufacturing companies is that they frequently

have the carpenter department install the scales. A short time ago

I was up at one plant for nine days going over some of their equipment. They have, perhaps, the largest amount of high-grade steel

anywhere in New England—hundreds of thousands of dollars worth

of steel that runs up in some cases to $3.85 a pound. It is imperative

that they check up on this material, both in the handling from one

department to another and also when it comes in. I went over their

scales and found some of them in very bad condition ; the scales were

installed by the carpenter department and disclosed very peculiar

situations the way they weighed up. Over 50 per cent had to be taken

down and reinstalled by scale men. I told them at the time that one

of their great difficulties was that they did not have a scale man put

the scales up. They could not see that. They have a very elaborate

engineering department, but they could not see my side of it at all. They have some of the highest-priced workmen in the world and some

of the finest mechanics, but they did not know enough to handle the

scale proposition. After I went out there and showed them I said, " There are the results ; you bought this knocked down and assembled

it yourself ; in my judgment, it is a mistake." They wanted me to test that scale, and that was the only way I had of testing it. I did not

think it just the right thing to turn them down and say, No ; wait

until I 'get a test car."
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 79

Mr. Davis. I would suggest to Mr. Kelly in regard to the test on

track scales that he have the owner of the track scale make a request

of the railroad company in that community to test the scales under

the supervision of the sealer. It is entirely misleading to attempt to

test a track scale with three or four thousand pounds of weights. We

will assume it is new, and if he puts on 1,000 pounds he may not be

able to find an error of 10 pounds. On 80,000 pounds he would have

an 800-pound error. It is entirely unfair to railroads and individuals

to say that the sealer of weights and measures has approved their

scales, and then find they have made a very inadequate test. We get

into these disputes occasionally, and it becomes a question of fact as to who is right. We dislike to say that the sealer has inadequate

facilities for testing the scales although able to show by our test that

his tests are not good, so it puts the railroad companies in an embarrassing position. I say that most railroads maintain fairly good

testing equipment at the present time, and the Bureau of Standards

is now testing all railroad master scales throughout the United States

on which the railroads will seal their test cars. A large concern may

be buying coal weighed by some railroad and their scales may be out

only 10 pounds in a thousand pounds of weight, but that amounts to

800 pounds in 80,000. They may get possibly 8 or 10 cars of coal and

they check the coal weighing 800 pounds light in the car, and then the

shipper has a great big complaint on his hands to straighten out.

I have another case in mind that happened recently of an elevator hopper scale, a 100,000-pound scale installed in first-class condition, and it was apparently correct. The shipper invited us in to

make an inspection of that scale. Our scale inspector put about

15,000 pounds of. weights on it and found it weighing 100 pounds

off on each corner; that would make about 400 pounds in a 60,000-

pound carload of weight. The railroads were paying claims on a great many, cars based on that shortage. That scale also had the

seal of the sealer of weights and measures on it. I think if the

States are going to undertake to test scales, they should do it in the

proper manner, and they should have accurate weights to work with.

Mr. Farrell,. The scale men of the different railroads may not be

as competent as a man from the Baltimore & Ohio. I found one

prominent railroad track scale man in the State of New York down

in the pit one day with an oil can in his hands oiling up all of the

pivots.

Mr. Briggs. It seems to be the tendency to confuse expediency

with facts or physical difficulties. To come back to the original

discussion by Mr. Kelly, it might be said that it has been verbally

reported to me that local sealers have tested and passed railroad

tracks scales which failed to pass on a test by the Bureau of Standards, and the railroads concluded to take them out and put in new

scales. There is no doubt the local sealer is interested in some railroad track scales, and it seems to me the best solution is to' cooperate

with the railroads. That is not saying that all of the railroads

have an efficient weighing equipment.

When you are making a test with a small amount of weights it

should not be forgotten that the test is still more or less in question.

One thing brought out by this discussion is the total lack of or- ganization which should exist for carrying the standard from our

test cars to the master scales, and from the master scales consistently
80 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

to the railroad track scales in the cities in which it might be presumed the local sealers have an interest. What is necessary there,

is an organization to make a careful review of the efficiency of the

equipment of the local railroads, and then to see that the test is

carried out in a proper manner.

Mr. Gordon. I think the attitude Mr. Fischer has taken in regard

to the sealer testing track scales with a small amount of weights is

correct. It has been my experience that the use of a small number

of weights is not sufficient, for the reason that even a 60,000-pound

scale car is not always sufficient. It has been my experience in run- ning a scale car over a scale that all sections may weigh correctly;

but I have encouraged our men before they leave the test to run a very heavy car on the scales—the heaviest they can get, say, weighing 150,000 pounds; a short-space car—and then weigh that. That

would be about the same thing as striking an empty balance. After

they weigh the car they run the scale car on, and it has been my ex- perience that some scales will fall down on this heavy test. The rea- son for that I will explain to you : Take a 60,000-pound car and run it over a scale, and you will get probably all sections weighing alike.

Apparently the scale is weighing correctly; but that is not conclusive.

When a State or city sealer makes a test of a track scale I think he

should qualify his statement, when he makes his report, in this way

He may state he is reasonably sure the scale is weighing correctly,

but it is not conclusive, because if he puts on a 150,000-pound car and then puts his scale car on, the scale may show possibly several

hundred pounds out of the way. I have encouraged our fellows to

make that kind of a test, and I believe the Baltimore & Ohio does

that. Here [indicating on diagram] you have a nice edge on the

main lever, and above that you have steel. If you take the ordinary

scale car, you may get a correct reading all the way through ; but at

the same time there may be a fracture of that steel which is so

slight that you can not discover it. By putting on a commercial car weighing 150,000 pounds this knife-edge enters that fracture and it

changes the multiplication of the main lever, and therefore it makes

the scale weigh light or heavy. Where you put an extra weight on

a track scale you get a concentrated load brought here [indicating on

diagram], and my experience has been if that is not properly tempered, or if it is overtempered, it fractures ; but this fact is not discernable with an ordinary scale car. Therefore I think the city

sealers in testing track scales should qualify their reports and say that

the test is not conclusive.

Mr. Farr. In California we do not presume to be any more progressive than they are in any other State in the Union, but my chief

is working in perfect harmony with the railroad systems, and we

have two of the greatest systems in the world in California. The

Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific both maintain their track scales

and car, and in San Francisco they also maintain their master scale.

These scale-testing cars are sent over the master scales every so often.

I am a county sealer, and their test car is sent through the county

when I request it. We meet them at the first track scale, and our

transportation is afforded us by the railroad company. We live in

the car with the sealer, and we go over all of the scales, and if any

controversy arises within two or three months thereafter the railroad

company immediately sends their test car to the county sealer. If
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 81

the controversy is of any importance, he takes it up through the State

superintendent, Mr. Johnson, who takes it up with the railroad company, and they in every way cooperate with us. I think if the county and city sealers will act through their State

commisioners and have them go to the railroads and explain their case in detail and be courteous to the railroad, they will cooperate

in every way, manner, shape, and form. The railroad companies

have shown that they desire to have their scales accurate at all times.

Mr. Johnson. I might supplement Mr. Farr's remarks by saying

that the two railroad track scale cars employed in California have

a capacity of 30,000 pounds each. The master scale on which these

track scales are certified is entirely under the control of the State department. Upon a recent inspection of the scale by the Bureau of

Standards car they found this scale was not as nearly correct as it

ought to be, and as a consequence the scale has been condemned.

It is the purpose of the State department to buid a railroad track or master scale in California owned by the people. We will locate

this scale at a point where all of the railroads join, and we will cer- tify to the accuracy of the railroad test cars about every two or three

months.

In the inspection of the railroad track scales the sealer accompanies the inspector of the road, and he issues the same kind of ticket

of inspection as he does to the average groceryman. A report of

the test, describing the construction of the apparatus and giving

the manufacturer's name, is forwarded to Sacramento, where we

have about four records a year of the different scales.

We also regulate the tare on freight cars, and we are going to

institute a system under which all of the freight cars used in the

State will be weighed at least every two years. We contend that the

tare of the car is equally as important in figuring up the net weight

of the commodity contained therein as the gross weight of the car and commodity. So we have an excellent check on railroad track

scales and we work in perfect harmony with the transcontinental

railroad companies, and whenever we have reason to believe that

there is a short weight of commodities, or that the railroads exceed

their tariff basis, we get our report on the various track scales

through our county sealers.

We maintain a most excellent check on the tare, on the gross, and

also on the scales and apparatus used by the railroads. We find that

the railroads take a great deal of interest and maintain an excellent

standard of efficiency, and they have virtually given to the State

departments entire supervision over their men. I can direct their

men to go to any point. I think it excellent to establish these relations between the department and the carriers.

Mr. Lincoln. We spent a month last year with the Bureau of

Standards scale-test car in Michigan. We examined all the test cars of the different railroads, and we found various sorts of cars. We

found old wooden cars with 2 tons of weights in them. The greatest

railroad in Michigan had that type of car. We found we had to

place a heavy weight upon a scale to give it a good test. When the

bureau put on 40,000 pounds of weight the scale might show up well,

but when we put 80,000 pounds on the scale the defects became apparent. Therefore you want to have a car of sufficient weight, or 62254°—17 6
82 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

test weights sufficient in number to give a scale a really thorough

test.While we are talking about that subject, we are having some

little trouble in Michigan with one of the companies. They take

the net weight of the car, but this weight varies, for in the wintertime you may find 2 or 3 inches of ice in the car; the result is

that I have found cars running from 3 to 4 tons of coal short. The

shippers have on all of their invoices and their letterheads this state- ment, " Railroad weights at point of shipment to govern settlement,"

and when you take it up with the mine owners they claim that clause

is part of the contract, and the attorney general of our State says

this is correct. If you go to the railroad, they will say that they do

not enter into the commercial transaction in any way, shape, or manner, and they further say that they have an opinion from the

Secretary of Commerce—which I am going to look into to-day—that

we have no jurisdiction over any of them.

If you men have any experience in dealing with that kind of work

I wish you would tell me how you have handled it in order to get rid of

that shortage in coal cars. I kept track of one small firm, and they

ran short by 100,000 pounds. That was in a town of 2,000 inhabitants. It is a question of how to deal with that situation.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, before anything else is said I

would like to say that I doubt very much whether anybody has any

certificate from the Department of Commerce of the kind mentioned.

The Department of Commerce has absolutely no authority, so far as I know, to. issue any such certificate. I can not imagine any bureau

in the Department of Commerce that would have any authority to

give any such certificate, and I would insist upon seeing a certificate

of that kind.

Mr. Lincoln. I took it up with the weighmaster on the railroad,

and he claimed he had that certificate, and I told him I would have

him arrested as a weighmaster. He claimed he had a commission

without compensation ; that they were appointed by the railroad company's weighing bureau, and that they had some authority from the

Secretary of Commerce.

Mr. Davis. The practice there, I presume, is that the weighmaster

is the sworn weighmaster of the weighing and inspection bureau,

which is an organization of the railroads in that country. In other

words, he takes oath to perform his duties accurately.

So far as ice in coal cars at destination is concerned, that is probably frozen in the bottom of the car and is left in there. The position

of the railroads in that respect is that the consignee should clean out

whatever is put into the car by the shipper. The railroads are not

expected to clean out part of the lading or haul any part of the lading back to the mines that the shipper puts into the car. Further,

the railroad's position is, that so far as invoices are concerned, they

have nothing to do with invoice weights. They obtain weights for

assessment of charges only.

The Acting Chairman. We have had some experience along that

line, and in justice to the railroads I might state that in weighing

about 15 different carloads of coal in our State we found as many

over as we did under. On the whole it is about correct. They do

have a great deal of trouble with coal being stolen in transit, and I
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 83

understand they have private detectives and officers along the route

to correct that.

Mr. Lincoln. Our coal mines are in sections where there are very

few inhabitants. If anyone should take coal off a car in those small

towns they would not be very popular there and would soon be found

out. I find that 9 out of 10 cars will be short in the wintertime, and

the ice and snow will gather in transit when the car is empty, if at no

other time. So it seems necessary to get the railroads to reweigh their

cars. The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, it is getting late and we have

not had the report of the secretary, so I take pleasure in introducing

this morning Mr. L. A. Fischer, who will read his report for the

past year.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY, L. A. FISCHER, CHIEF OF DIVISION

OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Since the activities of our conference as such are limited almost

entirely to what we do at our annual meetings here in Washington,

it has been the habit of your secretary in the past to review briefly

the weights and measures situation in general, paying particular

attention to what has been done or attempted by the Federal Government or by Congress, and that will be done in the present case. I am excluded from talking about what is done by the States by the

fact that what they have clone can more authoritatively and better

be told by the State delegates in the time allotted to them.

During the year your secretary attended meetings of the weights

and measures associations of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, and also the annual convention of the National League of

Commission Merchants, in Indianapolis, and the National Association of Lime Manufacturers, in Cleveland, at all of which I was

required to give talks. I also visited, while out West, Mr. Buchtel

in Oregon, Mr. Einehart at Seattle, and the Chicago office of weights

and measures. In company with Mr. Holbrook, I visited the Eastern Shore of

Virginia to study the potato-barrel situation in that territory, with

a view to drafting the rules and regulations required by the act

establishing the standard barrel. In every place visited I found a very great interest in the subject of weights and ' measures, particularly in their standardization. This interest has manifested

itself by the introduction of an unusual number of bills in Congress,

the provisions of which I shall attempt to outline briefly.

The first that I shall discuss is H. B. 150, introduced by Mr. Dillon.

Section 1 of this bill fixes the weight per bushel of various dry commodities; section 2 makes it unlawful to buy or sell by any other

weights per bushel than those provided for in section 1; section 3

gives the Bureau of Standards authority to promulgate rules and

regulations for carrying into effect the provisions of the act, and

also to give instructions and advice as to the methods to be used

in testing all weights and weighing devices, which instructions and

advice shall govern the procedure to be followed by all weights and

measures officials in the United States.

The information that this bill was a substitute for the Ashbrook

bill was very generally circulated among weights and measures of-
84 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

ficials, but without any basis whatever. The identical bill was introduced by Mr. Dillon during the previous Congress and created no

interest whatever then, nor would it have done so when reintroduced

this year except for the publicity given to it by one of our scale

companies who professed to see in it a scheme on the part of the

Bureau of Standards to usurp the authority and functions of the

State and local weights and measures officials.

The second bill (H. R. 151), also introduced by Mr. Dillon, of

South Dakota, has for its object the establishment of the metric

system of weights and measures after July 1, 1924, as the sole legal

sj^stem in the United States.

The introduction of this bill stirred up those who wish to continue the use of our time-honored but cumbersome system of liquid

and dry measures and troy and avoirdupois weights, with the avoirdupois pound larger than the troy pound but with the troy ounce

larger than the avoirdupois ounce. Owing to the fact that both

England and the United States have been forced to use the metric

system in fulfilling their contracts for war supplies for the continental countries, the manufacturers have been compelled to use the

system, and there are many "evidences that they are beginning to like

it. It therefore behooves you, as weights and measures officials, to

study the system, so as to be in a position to discuss intelligently the

advantages in its use and the difficulties to be overcome in its introduction. I should like to say more on this subject, because I believe

it is a live one, but we have a very able committee on the metric

system, and I have no doubt but what the report of the chairman,

Mr. Hartigan, will say anything that I might say, very much better.

Two bills (H. R. 361 and H. R. 430), the first introduced by Mr.

Raker, of California, and the second by Mr. Dill, of Washington,

aim to standardize the apple box. Although bills having a similar

purpose received considerable support in previous years, the two bills

mentioned have not been given a hearing, and, so far as I have been

able to learn, are not likely to be given consideration in the near

future. The main support for a standard apple box comes from the

apple growers in California, Oregon, and Washington.

A bill of some interest to sealers is H. R. 4743, introduced by Mr.

Burke, of Wisconsin. The purpose of this bill is to amend the food

and drugs act so as to exempt packages of cheese weighing not to

exceed 7 pounds from the net-weight requirements. I do not know

what influences are back of this bill nor what their arguments are, but I hardly believe this bill can pass in its present form.

The next bill of interest to sealers is H. R. 5759, introduced by

Mr. Cary, of Wisconsin, which reads as follows

Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress assembled, That the Director of the Bureau of

Standards shall have authority to approve the type, plan, or working principle

of any weighing, measuring, or computing device which is found by him to be

of such design or construction as to give correct results in terms of standard

weights or measures or any values with reference to such weights or measures; and with reference to any such device so approved to fix and establish

necesssary tolerances, permissible variations, or margins of error which may

be allowed in the use of such device.

The next bill of interest is H. R. 9323, introduced by Mr. Ashbrook, of Ohio. This bill is identical with the one introduced by
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 85

Mr. Ashbrook during the last Congress. Briefly, the purpose of

this bill,. as most of you know, is to give the Bureau of Standards

authority to approve the various types of weighing and measuring

devices which may lawfully be used in' trade, provided, of course,

that they conform to the standards which are fixed by the bill as those which have heretofore been customarily used or legalized.

This is a carefully drawn measure and is indorsed by the bureau.

It has also been indorsed by every weights. and measures association

in the country, including this conference. After a hearing, at which

one of the scale companies opposed and another favored its passage, it

was unanimously reported to the House of Representatives on March

20, 1916, and the prospects for it becoming a law seemed to be very

good indeed. However, at a meeting of the Committee on Coinage,

Weights, and Measures held about two weeks ago, the bill was again

discussed and the chairman of the committee was requested to appoint

a special committee to amend the bill so as to limit the control of

types by the bureau to weighing and measuring devices bought or

sold in interstate commerce, and that is where the matter now rests. The fate of this bill will be a test of the ability of the weights and

measures officials of the country to secure legislation vital to the

cause of honest weights and measures, and it is to be hoped that you

will not permit your judgments to be warped by ingenious arguments

intended to blind you to the merits of the bill.

A bill of some interest to sealers is H. R. 10496, introduced by

Mr. Barkley, of Kentucky, and referred to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. The purpose of this bill is to prohibit

the introduction into interstate commerce of any misbranded article

;

it being deemed to be misbranded under section 6

:

First. If it be an imitation of, or offered for sale under the name of, another

article. Second. If the contents of the package as originally put up shall have been

removed in whole or in part and other contents shall have been placed therein.

Third. If in package form and the contents are stated in terms of weight,

measure, numerical count, or quality they are not plainly and correctly stated on the outside of the package.

Fourth. If there is stamped, stenciled, branded, engraved, printed, embossed,

or otherwise marked upon such article or commodity, or upon any label, tag,

card, or other appendage attached thereto, or upon any box, barrel, package,

cover, wrapper, or other receptacle, inclosing or incasing the same, any word,

statement, symbol, design, device, or indication which is false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading as to its weight or measure, or as to the State, District,

Territory, possession, or country in which it is manufactured or produced, as

to the materials or substances of which it is composed, as to the mode of its manufacture or production, as to being the subject of an existing patent or

copyright, as to its being the manufacture, product, or merchandise of any

person other than the person whose manufacture, product, or merchandise it is in fact, or which indicates or is designed, intended, or calculated to indicate

that the article or commodity is of a character or quality superior to, or otherwise different from its real character or quality, or that it is an article or commodity known by some other distinct name, or if there are applied thereto the

name or initials of any person in any false, inaccurate, misleading, or deceptive

manner, or which is false, misleading, or deceptive in any other particular.

Fifth. Or if there is published, issued, or circulated concerning, regarding, or

in any manner pertaining to said article, in any newspaper, magazine, book,

pamphlet, circular, or other printed publication or advertisement any false,

fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive word, statement, representation, symbol,

or device as to any of the matters or things stipulated in the foregoing subsections of this section.
86 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

This bill is modeled upon the lines of the food and drugs act to

which it is offered as an amendment. I must confess that I know

nothing whatever as to the origin of this bill nor as to the amount of

consideration that Congress has given it or is likely to give it. I have

merely included it in my report because of the reference to weights

and measures in the fourth paragraph of section 6. We next come to one of the most interesting bills from a weights

and measures point of view now before Congress. I refer to H. R.

14188, introduced by Mr. Gould, of New York, the purpose of which

is to fix the standard for Climax baskets for grapes and other fruits,

vegetables, and other dry commodities. Section 1 of this bill provides that the standards for Climax baskets shall be a 2-quart, a

4-quart, and a 12-quart size, respectively, and specifies with great

minuteness the dimensions of the baskets. Section 2 makes it un- lawful to manufacture, sell, offer, or expose for sale in any State,

Territory, or the District of Columbia, or to ship from any State,

Territory, or the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or the District of Columbia baskets containing grapes or other dry

commodities of a less capacity than standard baskets defined in sec- tion 1. If the purpose of this bill is to regulate the sale of grapes, it fails

to accomplish the purpose, since if grapes are sold in baskets of any

other type than the Climax type they do not come under the law, even

if the baskets are of less capacity than the standard fixed in section

1. If, on the other hand, it is intended to require all Climax baskets

to be of the specified dimensions, it fails to accomplish this purpose

because the penalties only apply to Climax baskets of less capacity

than the standard.

The bill has the support of the Climax-box manufacturers who

apparently have succeeded in convincing many Members of Congress

of the importance of the measure. This bill has suggested the desirability of standardizing the capacity of all shipping baskets, crates,

boxes, etc., and I hope that the delegates may find an opportunity

to express their views as to the number of different sizes that they

believe to be necessary before the conference is over. It has been suggested that if the sizes are limited to 1 pint, 1 quart, 2 quarts, 4 quarts,

8 quarts, 16 quarts, and 32 quarts, with one or two intermediate

capacities, all the needs of legitimate trade would be satisfied, but

there appears to be other views on this point.

The next bill of interest is H. R. 14298, introduced in the House by

Mr. Hay, of Virginia, and in the Senate by Senator Clapp, of Minnesota. The purpose of this bill is to regulate the sale of lime in

barrels by establishing a large and a small barrel of lime, the large

barrel to consist of 280 pounds and the small barrel to consist of

180 pounds, net weight. These weights were adopted at the Cleveland meeting of the National Association of Lime Manufacturers

and the bill has the support of that association.

There are some features of the bill which we at the bureau do not

like, but our preference for a weight standard for all commodities,

whenever practicable, rather than a volume standard overcame our
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 87

objections, and the bill has been approved by the bureau. We should

have preferred a single barrel of 200 pounds net, but so far as we

were able to determine the 180-pound net barrel, or 200-pound gross,

is in very general use throughout the country, while the 280-pound

net or 300-pound gross barrel is also largely used.

Some of the lime manufacturers were very anxious to have the bill

passed before July 1, 1916, in order that they might be exempted

from the provisions of the standard-barrel law, but the prospect for

the passage of the bill does not look encouraging at this time.

Two bills, H. E. 14945 and H. R. 14976, introduced by Mr. Shallenberger, of Nebraska, and Mr. Hilliard, of Colorado, respectively,

appear to be identical in their wording. The purpose of both is to

fix the sizes of baskets or other open containers for small fruits and

berries. The sizes specified are the one-half pint, the pint, the quart,

and multiples of the quart, and without having compared them I

should say that the bills are exactly like the Lodge and Peters bills

which used to be regularly introduced in the Senate and House some

years ago and as regularly indorsed by this conference.

The above rather long list represents, so far as we know, all the

bills now pending before Congress. I regret that we can not furnish

all of you with copies of these bills at this time, but we have only

been able to secure a few copies of each. No doubt Dr. Stratton will

be glad to supply you with copies after July 1, 1916, when our appropriation for the next fiscal year becomes available. I shall now leave

the subject of legislation and say a few words about the work of the

bureau.

Since you were here last year we have added a second railroad

track scale-testing equipment. The design and operation of this

equipment is practically the same as our first equipment, which most

of you have seen. The new car has a greater carrying capacity and

with the exception of the floor is all of steel.

During the year representative surveys were maae in Alabama,

Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and

Tennessee. Since June 1, 1915, over 300 scales, located in 20 different

States, have been tested, and since this investigation was inaugurated

over 631 scales in 30 States have been examined.

With the cooperation of the railroads the bureau is now conducting tests of the 20 master scales scattered over the country from

eastern Pennsylvania to San Francisco and from Houston, Tex., to

Minneapolis, Minn. This work will furnish a valuable check on

standardization of the master scales by the roads and will also enable

the roads to make direct comparison of their test cars with the

10,000-pound standards of the bureau.

A few months ago the bureau issued a preliminary circular on

track scales and invited criticism. As a result many valuable suggestions have been received, which will be incorporated in the final

circular.

The foregoing represent the most important items not likely to be

covered by anyone else. If I have not been sufficiently explicit in

my report, I shall be glad to give additional information if requested.
88 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION OF PROPER METHOD OF SALE OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, ETC.,

IN CONNECTION WITH THE SECRETARY'S REPORT.

The Acting Chairman. I would like to ask Mr. Fischer one question in reference to the Dillon bill, known as H. R. 150, which prescribes weights per bushel. Is it the intent of the bill to eliminate

the use of dry measures and is it constitutional ? The Secretary. My opinion, based on what has been said about

the Dillon bill at the hearings, is that that is what it is intended to

accomplish—do away with the bushel measure. Mr. Dillon wants

to have the bushel of a definite weight. That is what we are all in

favor of if it can be done.

The Acting Chairman. Why not say 50 pounds or 100 pounds

instead of so many bushels?

The Secretary. I think the California people have a better suggestion than that.

Mr. Johnson. On that subject I want to inform you that we do

not recognize dry measures in California at all. All the commodities

there are bought and sold by avoirdupois weight, and whenever we

standardize any commodity in containers, we standardize it by

weight. We do not use the dry measure at all, and we find these conditions are acceptable to the trade, cause fewer errors, and are more

satisfactory.

The Acting Chairman. I was wondering whether, if the Federal

Government allowed the use of dry measures, any State could prohibit their use?

The Secretary. I might state that Congress has never adopted

the bushel or any other of our customary weights and measures. They have recognized them, and that is about all. The resolution

furnishing the standards to the States simply required that copies

of the standards adopted by the Treasury Department be furnished

to the States. The only other reference we have to bushels or gallons

is where Congress recognizes them in the tariff act. The gallon has

been standardized for internal-revenue purposes, and the troy pound

was at one time a standard for the regulation of coinage. Those are the only two cases where I can recall Congress has defined standards

of weight or measure. Mr. Eeichmann. I do not think that we need worry as to whether

this is constitutional or not. We can let Congress decide that. Of

course, there is a clean-cut decision between legalizing things by

weight and doing away with dry measures. But it is a decided

step backwards to legalize weight per bushel for certain things.

Take all the confusion that exists in the States to-day—for instance,

the different kinds of bushels—you will find a bushel of apples

weighing a certain amount, and yet nobody in the United States can

tell you what that bushel of apples will weigh before weighing them.

If you want an ideal bill as to weight per bushel of commodities

you have to specify the season and the barometric pressure, and the

amount of mud that is in the package. Why not do away with all

of that and just specify that certain things should be sold by weight?

I take it that the Dillon bill is a decided step backward and would

hamper not only the sealers but all commercial work. I think that
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 89

some criticism can be launched against some of these grape-basket

bills—for instance, the Climax-basket bill. In the State of New

York some years ago—and I take the liberty of speaking of it because

it came up a number of years ago—the grape baskets were in a very

bad condition, and we specified by law that baskets should be of a

certain size. That law was to be changed and the grape-basket

people got together and carefully specified just what kind and size

of grape baskets they wanted. They got a lot of political support

since they had a great deal of influence, and the bill was passed and

signed. It had not been signed two weeks before 50 per cent of

the grape-basket manufacturers and grape growers said that the bill

was wrong; that they had made mistakes, and each one had made a

different kind of mistake. Therefore the grape-basket and fruitbasket situation is not satisfactory to this day.

The berry-box manufacturers and berry growers were very much

agitated about berry boxes, and they got a law passed requiring cer- tain sizes of berry boxes. The law allowed a variation of 7 per cent.

That law had not been signed two weeks before the berry-box manufacturers were kicking about it. Some said that 7 per cent was

not enough and some said it was too much. The bill was drawn

at their own convention. Some one had a hobby and brought it up.

Why not, then, do away with the measure proposition and specify

that certain things shall be sold by weight, or do away with all

that and say, " Whatever is sold shall be marked as per bill 10497," or something like that ? That seems to be a much fairer and more

equitable proposition and a great deal simpler one for the sealer

than a lot of these other bills that complicate matters.

Mr. Faerell. In New York State we have a law, something like

this pending Dillon bill, which says that beans shall weigh so many

pounds to the bushel. I had a request from a northern town in the

State asking me how many pounds of red lima beans there should

be in the bushel. I wrote back and said so many pounds. The fellow

wrote a personal letter, and I found there were about 168 different

kinds of beans, all of different weights. But our law says that

beans shall weigh so many pounds to a bushel. If there are 168 different kinds of beans, each different variety of beans in each different locality would have a different weight. It would take 14

columns at least 7 feet long to give the different weights. Therefore I suggest that it would be better to have farm produce sold

by weight, and the different localities will fix how much per bushel

without legislation.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to state for Massachusetts that we have rather a peculiar condition there. Although we

have made a great deal of headway in the sale of certain commodities, we have standards established for bushels, half bushels,

and the various dry measures that are used in the usual course of

trade. But in addition to that we have a law there which states

that certain commodities, vegetables and farm products, shall be

sold by weight. Nevertheless, it is rather confusing, as Dr. Beichmann has stated. Usually a person will ask for a peck of potatoes

and anticipate getting 15 pounds. Fifteen pounds is something

distinctive in itself; it represents weight, while a bushel has been
90 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

recognized for years as a measure of definite cubical capacity. It seems to me that there should be some distinction, that they should

not be confused, and I think if we want to accomplish anything

that we should not stop at discussion, but we should subsequently

take some action.

In Massachusetts, so far as berries are concerned, we have a law

which states that the}r shall be sold by the half pint, pint, and quart.

We have no tolerance on berry baskets, but, owing to the fact that

the boxes are made of material which must necessarily permit of

shrinkage, we assume to give them a certain tolerance. We also

have a law which requires that the manufacturer who sells a berry

basket which does not conform to the standard is liable to a fine,

but, as a matter of fact, the large percentage of berry boxes manufactured come from the States in which berries are raised. It seems

to me that the best way to accomplish results in establishing uniformity would be to advocate a national bill which would require

berries to go by definite measure, and require the manufacturer to

guarantee the boxes, permitting him a reasonable tolerance.

Mr. Carpenter. I want to say that we raise some beans in Vermont; there were over 50,000 bushels taken out of one county this

fall. Recently I had a talk with one man who purchased nearly

50 per cent of this output, and I believe it would facilitate matters

there, and I believe the people would indorse any action that would

require the sale of beans or any other commodity absolutely on a weight basis.

They have up there just as many different kinds of beans as they

do in New York, and a bushel of lima beans and a bushel of red beans

are altogether two different things, but 10 pounds of beans is the

same thing. I think we are unanimously agreed that if it is

possible and constitutional these commodities should be sold by

weight only. I do not believe there is anyone who would object to

that, and I think it would be a good idea for this association to go

on record as indorsing some Federal legislation which would require

commodities, whether potatoes, beans, or vegetables, to be sold by

weight, and by weight only.

Mr. Stratton. In this connection I will state that I attended a hearing before the Coinage, Weights, and Measures Committee when

this bushel bill was under consideration, and I was greatly surprised

and pleased to find that these men were all thinking about this

weight proposition. There were two or three of them who took

the greatest interest in the matter. There was present a representative from Nebraska and one from Iowa, and they had quite a discussion as to the selling of wheat and other commodities by weight.

One of the gentlemen gave a very interesting experience. It seems

that an individual in one of the States bought a lot of grass seed

from another State, supposing the number of pounds per bushel was

the same as in his own State. He calculated the amount of seed

required, and when he got the seed he found it was three-fourths

of what he wanted, and it resulted in serious inconvenience to him.

That was due to the different number of pounds per bushel in two

different States. One after the other gave interesting experiences.

Clinging somewhat tenaciously to the bushel proposition, it would

seem they feared a change might cause a great deal of confusion

and difficulty, but at the same time I think they felt that sooner or
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 91

later they must come to that one point, and the whole hearing turned

into a discussion of this bill among the members of the committee

themselves.

I believe if some good, simple, straightforward bill was drawn up

covering this matter there would be no trouble in getting some one to

introduce it. The Acting Chairman. Do you think it wise on the part of the

delegates to write Mr. Dillon and ask him to withdraw this bill and

substitute a bill by weight?

Mr. Stratton. I do not know that it would be wise or necessary.

I have hesitated to criticize this bill because Mr. Dillon, when he

saw this great list of bushels, thought it ought to be uniform. If

we are to retain bushels, Mr. Dillon is right, but should we need to

take a step further I think Mr. Dillon would agree with that.

Mr. Barnard. It seems to me that inasmuch as the general trend

of opinion seems to be in favor of a weight proposition and the

elimination of the bushel that the sooner we take action in that

respect, the better it would be for all of us. Why would it not be a good plan at this time to have a proper committee appointed by our

president to draft a bill, or make arrangements with some Representative to draft a bill, to promulgate a plan of that kind? If it is in order at this time, I move you that such committee be appointed

by our president to go into this matter and take the proper step.

Mr. Kelly. I recall very well that we had a similar discussion

here about three years ago, and I believe the conference at that time

advocated some such measure, but that was all that seems to have

been done about it. I think I would be heartily in favor of the

gentleman's motion, of appointing a committee and having a suitable

bill drafted, but not only that, when we go to our various homes I

think we should do something in the way of arousing sentiment and

having some indorsement of the measure from our home town and

home legislature, if possible, sending them on here and indorsing

such action. If they can get away with it in good shape in California, I think it would be a good thing for all of us. There is more

or less dissatisfaction with laws giving weights per bushel. If a

sealer certifies a measure, the dealers will fill this measure with some

sort of commodity and sell it as a half-peck or a bushel, and when

you come to put the amount on a scale you will find there is a variation, since commodities will vary at different places. I am heartily

in favor of some action that will eliminate that way of doing business. I second the motion.

The Acting Chairman. I would like to ask how many will constitute that committee?

Mr. Barnard. Leave that to the chairman. I would suggest this,

however, that the committee be composed of three.

Mr. Farrell. I would suggest that the man who is supposed to

know more about beans than any other man in the conference should

be placed on that committee, for I think we all appreciate Boston

beans from one end of this country to the other.

Mr. Stratton. I thought Mr. Farrell referred to the gentleman

from California. California has become the great bean-raising State

of this country.

Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me that if this conference

goes into this matter with a vim and each State superintendent,
92 BUREAU OP STANDARDS.

through his various deputies and through the various sealers, city

and county, should make an attempt to get in touch with each one

of their Representatives and Senators, we would not have any diffi- culty whatever in getting a bill of that kind put through, because I

am satisfied that practically everyone would be tickled to death to

get away from the measure proposition, which does not mean anything.

Mr. Hanson. Since Mr. Farrell, from the Empire State, has gone

into the subject of beans quite thoroughly, I wish to tell him that

Massachusetts and particularly the hub of the universe, Boston, has

also gone into the subject of beans quite thoroughly. The State of

Massachusetts only a few years ago started the movement of selling

all fruits and vegetables by weight only, and the subject of beans

was brought up. They have gone into this subject so thoroughly

that at the present time we have seven different kinds of beans. That

is the way it has been established. We have the common every-day

white bean, which is 60 pounds to a bushel ; the lima bean, 56 pounds

the shell bean, 28 pounds, and so on. The only bean we have not

established is the baked bean.

Mr. Johnson. Apart from the comedy I want to recite a condition which actually occurred in California some three weeks ago on

the subject of beans. There were four carloads of beans moving

from one point to a town where they were to be shipped, and the

deputy obtained the weight of the beans at point of origin, and the

other deputy at destination was detailed to verify the weight of the

first three cars and to place the merchant on his honor on the last car. The average error on the three cars was 26 pounds. On the car which

we left to the merchant, who did not know that we had the weight at

point of origin, was 2,410 pounds. That is an absolute fact, and the

man was prosecuted and paid his fine and will, no doubt, be more

observant of laws in the future. We had in California a net-weight

clause. We do not sell commodities by gross weight, but deal entirely

with the net quantity. When a man sells a certain amount of commodity he must deliver that amount of commodity exclusive of the

container. We take off three-fourths of a pound for a container in

which beans are packed. The same thing is done in the case of wheat.

Most of the California wheat is sold in sacks, and we' deduct 12 ounces for every sack. We do business entirely on the net-weight

basis in California.

Mr. Lincoln. I tried a year ago this last fall to arrive at the proper

weights per bushel, and after three months experimenting in commodities I found it almost impossible. There is a greater variation

in vegetables, according to the size and variety, than in anything else.

You will find a considerable difference in the different skinned onions.

You will find a great difference between the early and late varieties

of apples. You will find a difference in peas. Our State is a great

pea-growing State, and I find that there are from 4 to 6 pounds per

bushel difference in different varieties of peas. I do not believe we

can get a weight-per-bushel law applicable to all these commodities,

so I think the conference should go on record against any weight-perbushel law and require the commodities to be sold by weight.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, while discussing this question I

would like to have the members keep in mind how desirable it is
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 93

that we should have uniform shipping containers, and how important it is that we shall have barrels and other containers of a definite size. Is it possible to sell these things by weight ; to throw all

those baskets out and do business without them? That looks like

rather a big question to me. If you talk to commission merchants

and people who handle produce, they say it is impossible. We

have recognized the exception in the case of berry boxes. Is there

not a necessity for other containers of definite size ? Mr. Reichmann. We have gotten away from the original motion.

I think the motion was that certain commodities be sold by weight

and a bill be drawn. If we want to go into definite size of containers, then I take it that proposition is for the benefit of the

public, but the public will pay in the end. I hope we will stick to

the original motion of selling certain commodities only by weight

and abolishing the dry measure. Therefore I call for the question.

Mr. Hartigan. This committee may fall into the error of reporting at the next conference. But they should send a report of their

deliberations to the various members in order that we may have

plenty of time in which to consider their recommendations before

taking final action next year. If, in the interim, we feel the recom- mendation as made might be enacted into an organic law in our

States, we might take action along that line. If this committee

agrees upon some statement by way of a proposed law, we in New

York are ready to introduce in our ordinances, if it is not acceptable

to the State legislature, a measure which will certify by classification certain commodities to be sold on the weight basis.

Mr. Lytton. I wonder whether it would be proper for this committee to consider at the same time the question of sizes of packages.

Before leaving Iowa our people had a meeting with the produce men

in the State. They complained that all sizes of packages of commodities, with or without a statement of weight or measure, with the different standards of measures for different States, were being shipped

into Iowa from some of the neighboring States, and were sold in

Iowa in the original, unbroken package. It is a hardship on our

local produce men to put on a statement of net weight. Would it be

out of order for this committee to consider that ? Mr. Johnson. I want to state to the delegate from Iowa that if he

will kindly advise the State department of California what people

ship from California into his State in violation of the container act

the condition will be immediately remedied.

The Acting Chairman. The question has been called for. All

those in favor of the motion made by Mr. Barnard, that a committee

of three be appointed by the Chair to get up a suitable bill to regulate the various commodities to be sold by weight, will say " aye,"

opposed "no." The motion is carried.

Mr. Lincoln. At the last session of our legislature I met with our

Grape Growers' Association. They wanted a little law drawn up,

and in looking over the matter I found New York State had one law for grape baskets and Pennsylvania had a different law. The

grape growers shipped a great many hundreds of carloads into other

States and came into competition with these other State laws. I said, " The only way you can get this matter settled in a satisfactory manner is to get a law passed by Congress regulating the size of the
94 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

basket for shipments." They went to Norfolk, Va., and in meeting

there with the members of the other States agreed on a bill, which I

understood is the bill the secretary just referred to. If Mr. Fischer

has any information along that line I would like to have it. The Secretary. As I said in my report, this bill has a great deal of

backing, and apparently it has created more talk among the members

of the Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures than almost

any other bill; but, as I have said before, it is very limited in its

application. It fixes the dimensions of these Climax boxes, but Climax

boxes of any other dimensions may be used, provided they are not of

less capacity, and boxes of any other size may be used for grapes or any other commodity without regard to the law^ if they are of a different form. The law does not attempt to regulate anything but a

certain shaped box, and it does not even do that, because boxes of

approximately the same shape but of other dimensions may be used,

provided they are not of less capacity. The bill is very defective in

its wording.

Mr. Lincoln. I have found in taking the matter up with these

people that they did not want a narrow box. They said the shape of

the box made a lot of difference.

The Secretary: I might state that the weight proposition and the

standard shipping-container proposition seems to be tied up together

and you can not separate them. The grape people say it is a physical

impossibility to weigh every box of grapes and that they have to

have a standard container. Grapes are sold by weight at retail. The

same way with the peach people. I imagine they will have a hard

proposition on their hands if they try to sell peaches by weight. I

would like to have some general mention of the things that should be

sold by weight, like potatoes, for example. Potatoes are shipped all over the country in hundreds of thousands of baskets and barrels,

and it does not look to me as though it is feasible to mark weight on the

individual barrels. Even in California they have a standard box for

apples, which is shipped all over the world.

Mr. Johnson. Why not leave that to the committee ? Mr. Farrele. To answer you, in regard to potatoes, we had a peculiar condition in the State of New York. We have Long Island,

which is surrounded by salt water, and the potatoes grown on Long

Island are small, heavy potatoes ; they are filled with water, whereas

the potatoes grown in Kings County are a large, mealy potato. The

only way we can do is to follow strictly the net-container law and

make them mark the weight on each bag of potatoes shipped. We

could not have one standard for a container in the State of New

York for the Long Island potato against the Catskill potato.' You

would get four or five potatoes in a quart of Greene County potatoes

and you would get a dozen of the Long Island potatoes. How could

you measure those by a crate ? Mr. Reiciimann. This committee is simply going to write up a

bill; they are not going to have it introduced, but are to refer it to

the various members of this conference here in attendance. Of

course, there is no question but there are a number of commodities

which it is impracticable to sell by weight, and the committee will

get this information ; they will get replies from the railroad people

here, who will readily tell you that certain exceptions will have to
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 95

be made in relation to perishable products and in relation to season- able products, etc., but the gist of all is that we have a definite

committee that can get all that information together. They can get

all that information from the various interests.

Mr. Watson. I want to speak a word with relation to the drafting

of this measure. I have a great deal of trouble in the size of vegetables sold. Different, stores have different sizes of onions and rhubarb and the like, and I wish to say to the committee that they should

lay special emphasis on all vegetables, so that there will be no trouble

for a sealer to settle this question. All vegetables, I think, should

be sold by weight.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Mr. Hanson. On behalf of the entertainment committee, I would

like to announce that, instead of going to the shad bake at Chesapeake Beach, we have decided to have an informal dinner at the

Raleigh Hotel to-morrow evening at 6.30. It will have to be absolutely informal, and the price for this dinner will be just $1. We

want at least 50 to attend. We told the manager to prepare at least

50 dinners. The committee desires to take your money for the

dinner.

The Secretary. I wish to announce that copies of the resolutions

passed are ready, and anyone who desires to have a copy may help

himself. I am going to call attention to the fact that we have

arranged a moving-picture show at the Raleigh Hotel to-morrow

evening at 8.15, immediately after the dinner.

Mr. Reichmann. There is a resolutions committee, and I hope the

Chair will announce to those who have resolutions that they should

hand them to the resolutions committee, so that they will have time

to deliberate on them. I am not on the resolutions committee, but

I have been asked about a large number of resolutions that have been

floating around.

The Acting Chairman. Do I understand you want a committee

appointed ? Mr. Eeichmann. No, sir. There is a committee, and I would like

to have you announce to the conference that if they have any resolutions to please give them to the resolutions committee.

I have a letter from a gentleman invited to this conference and

who, I personally believe, is one of the best weights and measures

men in the United States. I refer to 'Richard Mommers, the man

who has charge of all of the weighing of the American Sugar

Refinery. Mr. Mommers expected to be here, and he found at the

last minute, he could not come, and he wanted me to express to the

secretary his regret of being unable to attend, Mr. Fischer having

sent him an invitation.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, as there is nothing else on the program for to-day, I move you that we adjourn.

The motion was seconded and agreed to. (Thereupon, at 1 o'clock p. m., the conference adjourned to meet at

10 o'clock a. m. Thursday, May 25, 1916.)
FOURTH SESSION (MORNING OF THURSDAY, MAY 25,

1916).

The conference reassembled at 10 o'clock a. m.

Dr. S. W. Stratton assumed the chair.

REMARKS BY MANUFACTURERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

AND "WEIGHING AND MEASURING DEVICES.

The Chairman. Gentlemen of the conference, we come this morning to one of the most interesting parts of our program. Personally,

I have looked forward to the day when we might get together with

the manufacturers and discuss matters with them, pro and con. Unfortunately in the early days there were many controversies, not so much about the pros and cons, but more in regard to the politics of

weighing and measuring apparatus. In those controversies we are not at all interested and we did everything we could to discourage

them. That kind of discussion has largely passed away. The bureau

has many conferences here during the year in many different fields,

and the very first thing that is done in these conferences is to welcome

typical users of an article and typical manufacturers who confer to- gether with the laboratory men, and in that way we always get the

best results.

One of the very greatest incentives that we can have in this country

toward the improvement of weighing and measuring devices is for

this conference once a year to express itself along the line of the

things they have found, good or bad. If you, as inspectors, have

found weighing and measuring apparatus faulty or defective, this is

the time to say so. Every reputable manufacturer will welcome that

sort of thing, as he wants to know what the requirements are. In the

past we have met 'manufacturers of weighing apparatus who would

say, "We know all those things, and we do not want to be told of

anything of that kind; we want the bureau to do just so and so; just

approve of what has been done."

This is not a bureau matter at all, but it is the usual way in which

the results of practice are put into effect, and, as I said before, nothing could be of greater value in the improvement of the weighing and

measuring devices than to bring together once a year the people who

make them and the people who use them. It is in these frank faceto-face talks that such things are brought out and technicalities are

laid aside and we get at the truth of things. Therefore I personally

Avelcome the bringing of the manufacturers into this meeting in a

technical way, and in that you will always find the heartiest cooperation on the part of the bureau and, I am sure, on the part of the

sealers.

The Secretary. Up to the present time we have had requests to

speak from the Peerless Scale Co., the E. & T. Fairbanks Co., the

96

Weights and Measures, 1916.

Fig. 2. —Main lever.

- M

Fig. 4.—Construction of lever stands and method of connecting them.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 97

Scott Paper Co., Neidlinger Bros., the Toledo Scale Co., the Measuregraph Co., the Pelouze Manufacturing Co., and the Chatillon Co.

Perhaps I have omitted one or two others ; but if I have I would be

glad to have them speak out and have their names added to the list. The Chairman. Before I forget it I want to ask that the new members this year do not fail to visit the laboratories of the bureau, even though you have to leave the meeting. The men in Mr. Fischer's

section will be glad to show you about, either in groups or singly.

Do not let these meetings keep you from an inspection of the weights

and measures section, and also the other sections. A number here

perhaps have not seen the large testing machines, and before you

leave we will arrange a test on the large machines.

The Secretary. If we divide this meeting into 10 parts, that will

leave 15 minutes for each manufacturer. That is not very much time,

but I do not think some will speak more than just a few minutes.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN HEAVY TRACK-SCALE CONSTRUCTION,

BY A. BOUSFIELD, CHIEE ENGINEER E. & T. FAIRBANKS

AND CO.

Mr. Botjsfield. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the conference,

those of us who have been intimately associated with track-scale construction for the past few years have been intensely gratified to see the great advance that has been made in design, in installation, and in

maintenance. These conditions are due to quite a number of con- tributory causes. The control of track scales to-day is largely in the

hands of the engineering departments of the railroads and the large

industrial corporations. The special committee of the American

Eailway Association have done good work in an advisory capacity,

and the tests conducted by the Bureau of Standards have also excited an interest throughout the country in this important subject.

We have to-day a few slides illustrating the recent construction,

which it is hoped may be of interest to the delegates and the guests.

The New York Central Railroad Co. have recently installed at

West Albany, N. Y., a track scale which is undoubtedly the largest

in the world. The scale is 100 feet in length, and is built with

rigid deck construction, and provision is made for 5-foot protective

overlap at each end, thus making a 90-foot weighing rail. The

scale is built in six sections, and each section is designed for a con- centrated load of 275,000 pounds. The secondary or extension levers are designed to be of sufficient strength to transmit this load of 275,000

pounds applied at each section simultaneously to the fifth lever and

thence to the weighing beam, so that the lever system is capable of

sustaining a load of 275,000 pounds multiplied by 6, or 1,650,000

pounds.

The question naturally arises why such very heavy theoretical

loads should be assumed in the design of the scale. The management and the engineering staff of the New York Central Railroad

Co. desired a scale of sufficient length and capacity to weigh the

largest locomotive or car built at the present time or that is likely

to be built for many years to come. It was felt that the scale should

furnish a reliable and accurate means for the quick determination

62254°—17 7
98 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

of weights for all classes of heavy locomotives and cars. A weighing capacity of 275 tons was therefore decided upon, and after a

series of investigations concerning the reactions encountered when

the largest type of existing locomotive was considered on the weighing rail, it was decided by the New York Central engineering staff to

have the scale designed for a theoretical load of 275,000 pounds

i. e., one-half of the weighing capacity per section—and that the load

should be considered as acting simultaneously on all the sections.

It was decided that with the above-mentioned loading the limiting

stresses recommended by the American Railway Association specifiSEC-PP

Fig. 1.—Detail of main lever.

cations for track scales should be adopted and also that the bearing

pressure of 7,000 pounds per linear inch of knife-edge recommended

by the American Railway Association specifications should not be

exceeded.

The scale was designed and built by E. & T. Fairbanks and Co. at

their factory at St. Johnsbury, Vt., and was assembled complete in

the erecting shop before shipment.

In considering the heavy concentrated load of 275,000 pounds per

section, or 137,500 pounds per main lever, the problem at once pre-
Weights and Measures, 1916.

Fig. 5.—Connection between middle extension levers and fifth lever.
Weights and Measures, 1916.

Fig. G.—Short even lever.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 99

sented itself of producing a knife-edge in the main levers of sufficient length to reduce the load per linear inch below 7,000 pounds

and to properly support it so as to insure an equal distribution of

the load throughout its length without undue deflection. The design heretofore used of a single-web lever with projecting hubs on

either side for the support of the pivots was abandoned and a doubleweb construction adopted. Figure 1 shows a detail drawing of the

lever and figure 2 is a photograph with the pivots in place. It will

be noted that with the double-web construction connected by heavy

transverse sections over and under the knife-edge a very rigid

and efficient support is obtained throughout the full length of the

knife-edge. The load and fulcrum knife-edges in the main lever

Fig. 3.—Assembly of suspension links and bearings.

are 21 inches long, and they are truly machined and ground to fit into machined recesses in the lever.

The main levers are made of cast steel and weigh, finished, 906

pounds each. In order to effect a true suspension for the load imposed upon the main levers, bridge eyebars 10 inches by 1£ inches

were used. These eyebars engage with 5-inch-diameter pins above and

below the main load knife-edge. Figure 3 shows the assembly drawing of the suspension links and bearings. The main bearing block

above the knife-edge is bored for the reception of the 5-inch pin, and

is recessed at the lower edge for engagement with the bearing which

extends throughout the full length of the knife-edge and carries the

hardened bearing steel for engagment with the knife-edge. The

lower pin engages with a crossbar designed with trunnion ends,
100 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

which in turn supports the main bearing to which the longitudinal

girders are attached. With this construction the heavy loads are transmitted through the true theoretical center lines and an efficient

and flexible suspension is obtained.

To preserve the true relative position of the main lever stands

with the end and middle extension lever stands, and to insure

stability, a system of transverse bracing is used. This bracing consists of heavy T-section members securely attached by flange con- nections to the lever stands. This connection is clearly shown in

figure 4. The end and middle extension levers are designed with knifeedges of sufficient length to reduce the bearing pressure per linear

inch below 7,000 pounds when a theoretical concentrated load of

275,000 pounds is considered as acting simultaneously at each section.

This necessitated a bearing surface for the fulcrum knife-edges of the

middle extension levers of 25 inches, or 12J inches on each side of the

lever, and to insure an even distribution of the load over this length

of knife-edge, a special compensating bearing was designed for both

end and middle extension lever stands. This bearing may be seen in

figure 4. It is constructed with a spool engaging with curved sur- faces of slightly greater radius than the spool in both the stand and

the bearing block carrying the steel for engagement with the knifeedge. With this construction a full line contact is insured for the

long knife-edge.

The connection between the middle extension levers and the fifth

lever is shown in figure 5, and is accomplished by two cast-steel loops,

encircling a continuous saddle block which engages with the butt

pivot of the fifth lever and is connected by bolts with the saddle block

engaging with the end pivots of the middle extension levers. As the

scale is built in six sections, and two middle extension levers are used on each side of the transverse center line, it is necessary to provide efficient means for connecting them, and this is accomplished

with a short even lever shown in figure 6. This lever is supported by a massive stand fitted with removable

caps and designed to resist the upward thrust due to the transmission of the load from one extension lever to the other. Compensating bearings are provided for this lever at all knife-edges.

The same design of stand is used for the fulcrum bearing of the fifth

lever.

The weighing beam is of the well-known Fairbanks type registering form and is made of high-grade, close-grained cast iron, fitted

with a steel insert for the main notches. The beam is 350,000 pounds

capacity, and it is fitted with 200,000 pounds auxiliary registering

weight, thus giving a total weighing capacity of 550,000 pounds.

Figure 7 shows half the scale set up in the factory erecting shop

and figure 8 shows the detail of the middle extension lever.

Great care was exercised in both the design and manufacture of all

the levers to provide for an even distribution of metal about the pivot

line, and all pivots are located practically on the neutral axis of

the section. All nose irons were machined and fitted with the greatest care so as to preserve parallelism of the knife edges, which is very

necessary when they are of such great length.

The material used for pivots and bearing steels throughout the

scale was high-grade chromium-vanadium alloy steel, with a tensile

Weights and Measures, 1916.

Fig. 9. —Scale mounted in pit ready for superstructure.
Weights and Measures, 1916.

Fig. 11.—Locomotive and tender being weighed on scale.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 101

strength of 200,000 pounds per square inch, and was hardened in oil. With this grade of steel very little trouble was experienced in keeping

the long knife-edges straight, and consequently very little grinding

was necessary after the pivots and bearings were hardened.

The following table gives the details of the lever system

:

Description. Length. Number

used. Weight of each. Material. Multiplication.

Main lever

Ft. in. 3

12 6

15 9

4 3

10 6

12

2

42

1

Pounds.

906 3,160

6,465

985

1,925

Steel casting.

.

Cast iron

CO

OO

00 End extension Middle extension

.

do

do

do . 81

It will be noted that the lever system is arranged to give a multiplication of 200 at the tip end of the fifth lever. A shelf lever with

a multiplication of 4 is used, thus giving a multiplication of 800 at

the butt of the weighing beam.

The main girders are composed of 30-inch 200 pounds per foot

girder beams, and the transverse beams supporting the dead rail are

15-inch 140 pounds per foot girder beams. The deck is composed of

two thicknesses of lf-inch planking with a layer of tarred paper

between.

The foundation is built of concrete reinforced by two layers of

|-inch rods spaced 6 inches apart. These layers begin 6 inches from

the bottom of the foundation and extend to within 6 inches of the

top. The pit is 8 feet 11 inches deep from the base of the lever

stands to the base of the weighing rail.

The total weight of the scale completely installed is about 300,000

pounds.

Figure 9 shows the levers and stands mounted in the pit ready to

receive the superstructure.

Figure 10 shows the bridge in position.

Figure 11 shows a large locomotive and tender, New York Central

class 1,300, being weighed on the scale. The locomotive and tender

in full running order weigh 518,240 pounds.

After installation at West Albany, the scale was formally tested

in the presence of the New York Central and Fairbanks officials

with two test cars of the Fairbanks type, weighing, respectively,

80,000 pounds and 60,500 pounds. Each section was tested separately with each of the cars and a variation of less than 10 pounds

was established by the results. The same degree of accuracy was

attained when both cars were used, giving a test load of 140,500

pounds, and the sensibility reciprocal was 20 pounds.

Plate-fulcrum track scale.—The need for a track scale which will

meet the weighing conditions on a busy railroad and maintain its

accuracy and sensitiveness for a long period of years without re- pairs having to be made, has led to the development of the platefulcrum type, wherein knife-edges are entirely eliminated and the

loads are carried by thin plates of steel. With this construction

the vital parts of the scale are not worn by use, hence a means is

provided for retaining the accuracy of the scale almost indefinitely.
102 BUBEAU OF STANDABDS.

Figure 12 shows a plate-fulcrum track scale recently developed

for the Pennsylvania Railroad. This scale has a weighing rail 52

feet in length, and in order to eliminate complications the scale is

built in two sections. The supports for the main levers and the longitudinal extension levers are formed by means of massive base

plates which will be securely anchored to the concrete foundation.

In designing the scale a load of 400,000 pounds is considered con- centrated at each section, and the plate fulcrums throughout the

scale are designed to successfully withstand this load for an indefinite period. The load from the main girders is transmitted to the

plate fulcrums through massive bearing blocks engaging with the

upper portion. These bearing blocks are securely tied together by

means of transverse bracing so that the load is transmitted through

true vertical center lines. Where the end-extension levers connect

to the transverse extension lever a refined construction is adopted so

as to make provision for expansion and contraction of the longitudinal extension levers. Figure 13 illustrates this construction.

The lower portion of the struts engaging with the plate fulcrums

in the tips of the longitudinal extension levers is ground to a Radius

and engages with a hardened steel plate, thus providing freedom of

action without disturbance of the transverse extension lever when

expansion or contraction takes place. The transverse extension lever

is directly connected to the weighing beam.

Figure 14- illustrates the beam outfit. Metal bases, pillars, and

shelf are used, and a means is provided for transverse adjustment so as to maintain the connection from the tip of transverse extension

lever to the butt of the beam in a vertical position when the nose

iron of the transverse extension lever is moved. The beam is graduated to 300,000 pounds by 50 pounds, and an auxiliary weight of

100,000 pounds capacity is provided, thus giving a total weighing

capacity for the scale of 400,000 pounds. An indicator moving over

a graduated arc is also provided, thus furnishing a very accurate

means for balancing the beam. The main poise is provided with

ball bearings so as to eliminate friction to as great an extent as

possible.

The plate-fulcrum track scale has been developed jointly by E. & T.

Fairbanks & Co., A. H. Emery, and the Pennsylvania Eailroad, and

this type of construction for track scales has now been adopted

as a standard by the Pennsylvania Railroad Co.

DISCUSSION.

The Chairman. This paper has a peculiar interest to me. I have

felt for many years that a plate fulcrum would entirely supersede

the knife-edge. There is no reason whatever why this plate fulcrum

should not be used in the most delicate balances. I wonder why it

has not been used in this way long ago. You people realize the

small amount of displacement; those plates could be made an inch

thick and they would not affect the sensibility very much. There

is very little movement there, and I am very glad indeed to see that

principle being introduced, and before long it will extend down to

the simplest balances.
Fig. 14.—Beam of plate fulcrum scale.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 103

REMARKS BY EMANUEL BLOCK, GENERAL EASTERN AGENT,

PEERLESS WEIGHING MACHINE CO.

Mr. Bloch. Mr. Chairman arid gentlemen of the conference, few.

of you have ever paid much attention to a kind of scale that lately

has been in such great use that millions of dollars are now invested

with the amount increasing yearly. I mean to speak of the automatic coin-controlled weighing machine.

Like all other things, this industry is entering into the progressive

path, and after many trials, losses, and failures seems to be making

headway and coming into its own.

Not many years ago when anyone was ordered by his doctor to

keep tab on his weight he had to go to the feed store or butcher shop

to get weighed. Since then all sorts of scales have been manufactured and placed in convenient locations for the use of the public.

Drawbacks were so great that hardly any manufacturer of such

scales could ever get a fair return on his investment. The main

reason for this is that the public had no confidence in such weighing

machines of unreliable and inaccurate construction, which were affected by the heat, cold, dampness, and age.

I am representing here a concern—the Peerless Weighing Machine

Co., of Detroit, Mich.—which at great cost and great pains has

evolved a weighing machine that stands alone for perfection over

all other coin-controlled scales.

The difficulty is the mass of the public is not educated to note the

differences between a good reliable beam scale and the unreliable

scales of the old t}'pes, which at best can not correctly weigh small

loads.

Last year it was my privilege to visit the exhibition of weights

and measures at Philadelphia, and it is unbelievable that scales and

measures as exhibited there to cheat people could possibly exist in

such an enlightened country as ours. What does this show? It shows simply how little educated are the masses of the people in regard to the weights and measures. Why not do something practical to educate them? It is your

province, gentlemen, to do something to this effect. I have been

thinking over these matters a great deal and have brought before

the directors of the Peerless Weighing Machine Co., of Detroit, a

proposition which in my judgment would start something in the

right direction. I have proposed that upon recommendation of the

weight and measure people of any city in the United States our

company place one or several of our beam scales in locations accessible to the public, such as city halls, county courts, public markets, post offices, railroad stations, etc., such scales to weigh free up

to, say 30 pounds, so that anybody making a purchase of any commodity may check the weight of the goods which he pays for.

We know that most merchants are honest, but among them are some black sheep, if we may believe the Philadelphia exhibit which

I mentioned before.

But it would be a satisfaction to the honest merchant if he knew

that his customer checked his purchases and found them correct. It

would keep in line the dishonest merchant and do away with unfair

competition.
104 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Little by little the public gets accustomed to weights and acquires

the proper education, and this will do more to eradicate false weights

than all the penalties that could be imposed on wrongdoers.

Our Peerless beam scale is a very expensive, well-constructed machine, and business can not be done, as per my proposition, entirely

gratis. I propose that any weight above 30 pounds will be charged 1

cent for the use of the scale. This would only be a fair return to the

Peerless Weighing Machine Co. for the large outlay and the expense

of keeping the machine at all times in order. There will not be any

expense to any town or city. All we would ask would be a fair

protection by the local police so that our scales in public places be

not tampered with.

Any of the gentlemen present may at his leisure get all the information from our main office at Detroit, or from our Philadelphia

office, of which I have charge. Many of our beam scales are in use

in Washington and can be seen here, as well as anywhere in the

United States. They are giving perfect satisfaction everywhere.

I would call especially to the attention of the gentlemen present

the high perfection of the pivots used in this scale, which makes

them sensitive in the extreme. The beams are graduated to 300

pounds by 4 ounces and are very sensitive. The platform rests on

eight pivots and loops, double the number used in most platform

scales, which insures proper and correct weight no matter in what

position the load stands upon it. Further, I wish to touch upon another subject, and that is, if there

is any article on earth that should not be taxed by towns, counties,

and States, it is a scale ; and yet some States do tax them out of business, for the sole reason that a penny is necessary to operate them..

Don't you think that a scale that weighs free up to 30 pounds should

be free of tax, in order to give the public the benefit of its use ? I know this does not come under the supervision of the bureau of

weights and measures, but as the proceedings taking place here are reported all over, I want simply to call the attention of fair-minded

people to it. I can say this, that the only losers through the tax are the States,

cities, and towns, as I know one instance when a scale company intended to place 1,000 scales in a certain State, and when it was

learned that the cities required a tax, the county another, the State

a third one, and the tax collector wanted as much fee as the three

taxes together, naturally it was decided not to enter the field. Result, 1,000 scales not manufactured. Losers, the workingman, the

railroad, the transfer men, the collectors not getting positions to

collect from them, the hotels, where such collectors would stop, etc.,

ad infinitum. For a few miserable dollars that a city may collect

from such a tax hundreds of people can not make their livelihood.

I think progressive manufacturers, such as the Peerless Weighing

Machine Co., of Detroit, should be encouraged, and I will say that

we court any suggestion from you weight and measure people in

order to serve well the public, which is our aim. I hope I have not

presumed on your attention too long. I wish to thank you for it.

DISCUSSION. •

Mr. Egan. Is it your idea that manufacturers of these scales can

place them around throughout the country without any kind of super-
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 105

vision except what you see fit to supply yourselves, or without their

being subject to inspection by sealers of weights and measures?

Mr. Bloch. We always want to have our scales under the rules of

this bureau and we welcome that.

Mr. Egan. I do not know what particular scale you are interested

in or manufacturing, but I notice that in our territory there are a

great many coin scales to give personal weight, and that it is pretty

difficult to trace any ownership in or management of and responsibility for them. I know that upon one occasion I wrote to a firm in

New York regarding their scales that were a wreck. I received no

reply. They are put into a store, but the storekeeper disclaims any

responsibility and; the railroad agent disclaims any responsibility,

and therefore I am curious to know about that.

Mr. Bloch. I suggest the responsibility rests on the man who operates the scale. We stand back of our trade. We manufacture this

scale you have been asking about. I would welcome the sealers to

seal our scales. But the facility of this scale is that everything is

open ; the sealer can get to it without asking us. There are some

scales that you need a key to open. This does not. This scale is absolutely open and the sealer can get to it. The Chairman. I do not imagine you would object to any of the

local conditions, but the tax you do object to?

Mr. Bloch. I would be willing to stand a little tax, but when it is

overtaxed and the fee man wants more money than all the taxes,

I .think it is a hardship. People do not consider that we have a good many things to contend with. Some people say that in a scale

like this when a person puts a penny in the scale they are willing

to lose it when the scale is out of order. There are many scales

that do get out of order. I am not responsible for those scales. We

attend to our scales, and it is not my province to talk about my competitor's goods. I blow my own horn and I do not knock. I say

this, that wherever we have scales we guarantee the man who operates

it. We place the scales inside of stores, where people are independent,

and anyone who claims he loses his penny can get it immediately.

It happens every day that I find nickels, silver, and gold pieces in

our scales, and not in one instance have I ever taken a nickel or a dime

or a gold piece, but I always give it to the merchant, because when

a claim is made it is made to the merchant and not to. us, and he

should be made to feel that if a customer of his has lost a $5 gold

piece he can get it back. Some persons drop in a $5 gold piece, and

if a collector is not around the merchant can take his name and hand

it to him. We keep the slugs, for the merchant has no responsibility,

and we get just as many slugs as we get dimes. There are other

drawbacks that mar the profits to the company, and these are under

the different, laws of the States. In Pennsylvania when scales are

sold on a distress warrant of the landlord there is no redress. It

happens often that there are lots of profits taken away. It is not

the scale men in general who make a million every day.

Mr. Barnard. We have a number of this manufacturer's scales in

the city of Battle Creek, and also a number of others of the same

type. I find the merchant has no way of opening the scale in order

that he may test it, and I am wondering and would like to ask this

gentleman what provision his company makes for testing these

scales. Our city ordinance does not provide funds for putting pen-
106 BUBEAU OF STANDARDS.

nies in the scales to test them, and unless some provision is made for

testing we will tie them up.

Mr. Bloch. If you desire I will take the matter up and send you

the key. Any sealer in the country can have a key to open our scales

and control the mechanism. The mechanism that controls the sealing of the scale is not under lock. On the side there is a little break

which you can open and turn a screw and you have the whole mechanism in view. If you want the key to the mechanism that controls

only the penny slot, you can have it. I will make it a point in my

territory—I control seven States—to try to get into communication

with you and send the keys without even a demand for them. Battle

Creek, Mich., is very near Detroit, and I had somebody from Detroit see me and I gave him the key. Those are petty things Ave can

not always fix immediately.

This business is just as responsible as any other business in the

world, and we try hard to make a living. Nothing is perfect, but

we try to achieve perfection. We gain experience and new knowledge every day and try to do the right thing. We do not want our

scales to be looked upon as a penny-catch affair. They are not, but

they are strict business. We do not appropriate 1 cent from any

customer who loses a penny from our scales. Naturally, if you

address yourself to a porter you would not get any response, but if

you go to any proprietor of a store I do not think I have a customer

who would refuse to refund.

Mr. Johnson. Would it not be well to keep in mind that this

weighing apparatus is not a commercial weighing machine; it does

not enter into the avenue of trade, but is somewhat of a novelty

proposition. I presume that is the attitude of the conference toward

that particular type, since you do not describe any specifications by

which it shall be built or any tolerances.

The Chairman. We have not taken any definite attitude, but I

still question whether you would like to have any scale in your

district that the public uses, coming and going, taking their own

weight, that is not correct. I have often been annoyed by scales that

are not correct, and it is proverbial that they are not correct. It

brings up my question, If they are to be allowed, should they not be

required to be correct or reasonably so ? Mr. Johnson. My point is that there is nothing bought or sold by

the apparatus. It is of little difference to you whether you weigh

180 pounds or 182 pounds. It is simply a public convenience and

more of a novelty proposition.

The Chairman. Should we always look at these things from a standpoint of dollars and cents? i am just as much concerned in

knowing my weight correctly as I am my purchases.

Mr. Barnard. I would like to take issue with the gentleman from

California in that respect. In our city we have several sanitariums

and a great many patients are going there every year for treatment.

I would like to inform Mr. Johnson that 2 pounds means more to

some of those patients than $100, and when they get on one of those

scales that is not correct and find they gained 2 pounds in their

imagination and afterwards found out that the scale was not correct,

they would soon make up their minds that something should be done

with that sort of a scale. Consequently, I have examined them
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEKENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 107

very carefully, and when I found one that was not correct I tagged

it, and if it is not taken care of in 10 days I take it down to the

office. It is not very long before some one comes to make it correct.

REMARKS BY ALBERT H. MEADS, ATTORNEY FOR THE TOLEDO

COMPUTING SCALE CO.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, the Toledo Scale Co. has been

down here at various times arid I think perhaps, either justly or

unjustly, some of you think that the Toledo Scale Co. is a knocker;

if so, I hope this conference will end that. In other words, I think

this will be the last time. I think I feel a good deal as the Irishwoman did, of whom you have perhaps heard in a recent issue of a magazine. Mrs. Carr, who evidently was a good Irishwoman and

a good housewife, met Mrs. Mulvaney, and found she had the twelfth

little Carr in her arm. She said to her, " Mrs. Carr, I see you have

another little girl." " Yes ; I have, and it is me that is hoping this

will be the caboose."

If there is anything of that kind, it is me that is hoping it will be

the caboose and any such impression will end right here. Selfpreservation is the first law of nature, and it may be for the interest

of business generally that the Toledo Scale Co. has made some

criticism, or said some things that some of you may not have agreed

with and felt some antagonism toward, but after all we both ought

to be on the same mission. The sealers, above everybody else, should

cooperate with the manufacturers of automatic computing scales,

because computing scales now tend more to accuracy than any other

device in the retail trade. To verify that statement, is there another

device other than the computing scale that can tell you accurately

what 10 cents' worth of a commodity is at 35 cents a pound? Your

ordinary avoirdupois weights are not arranged in that way, but you

have to approximate. But if a computing scale is made accurately

your customer can get exactly what he pays for. If what I say is

true, that the computing scale is the only device by which you can

determine those things accurately, then you should do what you

can do to help us make a good computing scale, rather than have a

feeling that they should be discarded.

I think the idea that the computing scale should be discarded is

fast dying out. I think that time has gone, and your aid together

with our aid ought to make the practice that all of us will be better

off for and that the public will be better off for.

First, I want to call your attention—because I shall not be permitted to speak when this matter comes to a vote on the floor—to

certain suggestions we have made as to the amending of the toler- ances and specifications. A letter was received by us and we have

written to your secretary, embodying the suggestions, but we will

not have a chance to present them on the floor.

First, we have recommended that specification 23-A, page 12, of

the original specifications, as printed last year, read as follows

:

All scales shall give correct weight indications, within the tolerances, whether

the load on the platform, pan, plate, or scoop is being increased or decreased,

provided that the weight is added or removed in such a manner as to cause the

chart or indicator to vibrate to both sides of the balancing position.
108 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

We agree that a scale ought to operate the same, going or coming,

but it should not be susceptible of a trick manipulation by removing

those weights in such a manner that the scale will not vibrate and

be given a chance to settle in its correct position. That is practically

what you have in the specifications now, but with such modifications,

with such a test of a scale it would be handled, if any of you were

handling it, honestly. It is a mere clerical change to prevent

manipulation of the device. You do not want to condemn a scale

by tricking the scale, but you want to test it in the way it is ordinarily used and not abuse the instrument in order to find some fault

with it. It is a very slight change, and we suggest that that change

should be made in fairness to the scale. We wrote in our letter

:

We believe the wisdom of this suggested change will appeal to the committee.

The regulation, as worded above, affords the protection desired, yet eliminates

the possibility of an improper test. I do not think I need spend much argument on that, because you

people know this better than I do, and it will appear to you to be a

fair statement of the regulation. Your attention is directed to 23-B,

page 12

:

We have contended right along that there was no place in these specifications

for such a clause, because the specifications have not attempted to go into scale

construction. There are many objectionable features about scales which are

not remedied in the specifications. If the committee insists upon this clause

being in, we suggest that it read as follows

:

"All devices intended to increase or decrease the capacity of a scale by the

addition or subtraction of a weight or weights shall operate properly, irre- spective of the speed, when properly manipulated."

I do not think that that provision should be in your specifications

and tolerances, not because it is not clear enough, but there is no

reason why such a provision, which applies only to the Toledo scale,

should be in the general code. There are lots of objections urged to

scales in general which you do not attempt to correct. However, if

it is necessary for that to be in the code, then what I have urged

before applies to this, that such device should operate properly when

the scale is properly manipulated. It is not fair to so manipulate it that a scale will not have a chance to act. A merchant will not do

that in actual practice. If you are going to test a scale, test it by

using such device properly. Such modification as that, we say, is

only fair. We do not think, as I said before, that that provision

should be singled out and put in a code of this kind when there are thousands of different things to be considered. You could say a

scale should not be put upside down ; but if you want that provision

in, then it should be modified, " when properly manipulated."

In other words, some sealer without the intelligence of you gentlemen, who follows these things literally and who might become the

tool of some unscrupulous rival could show how to take that weight

and slowly twist it, and literally that provision would exclude such a

scale. Would that be a fair test of a scale? Certainly not. So, if

you want the provision we respectfully suggest that those words be

added, " when properly manipulated," so that there shall not be any

improper use of it. On page 20 (page 8 of the advance report), under the heading

" Tolerances," we recommend that the word " weight " be inserted

between the words " minimum " and " graduation," in line 7, and also
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 109

in line 18. It seems to us that the committee so intended it. The

specification would then read:

Tolerances : Except on the special tests described above, the tolerances to be

allowed in excess or deficiency on counter scales shall not be greater than the

values shown in the following table: Provided, however. That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on new counter scales shall

not be greater than one-half of the values given : And provided further, That the

tolerance on counter scales at any load shall in no case be less than one-half of

the sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load in question; and when the

scale has a reading face or dial the tolerance in no case shall be less than one- fourth of the minimum weight graduation on the reading face or dial, except

that on new scales they shall in no case be less than one-eighth of such minimum

weight graduation.

The word " weight " should be in that provision. Undoubtedly

they left that out unintentionally.

As Mr. Kelly suggests—

We are still of the opinion that the committee has made a grave mistake in

granting to spring scales greater tolerances than are granted on other scales,

all the scales being used to weigh the same commodities. No country in the

world, so far as we have been able to learn, has proceeded in this manner. In

many countries spring scales are rejected entirely ; but where they are per- mitted they are given the same tolerances as the others. As a matter of fact,

the tolerances for spring scales should be less than other scales, because in

spring scales you are liable to have an error, due to temperature, which would

not show at the time of testing, as well as errors due to other inaccuracies in

the scale. I am not going to spend much time on that. Perhaps I am blind

and obtuse, but it seems to me as axiomatic that a straight line is the

shortest distance between two given points ; that it is the use to which

you put a device which determines what tolerance should be allowed.

A man who goes away with less sugar or tea because he has been

served on a spring scale does not think of the device but of the result. It is the result which you gentlemen are aiming to control,

and I do not care what tolerance you give. I am not saying a spring

scale should be put out of business, but if you establish a tolerance

for a spring scale the same tolerance should be granted on any other

scale used for the same purpose. It is logical, and I confess I can

not escape from the logic of that contention. However, with that in

mind for what it is worth, on page 21, under the heading " Spring

scales," the following regulation appears

:

The distance between the indicator and the reading face shall not exceed

0.12 inch.

On page 24, under the heading " Computing scales," the following

regulation appears:

The distance between the chart and the weight indicator shall in no case ex- ceed 0.06 inch.

Now, gentlemen, is there any warrant for that ? Is there any warrant for the fact that in one case you are doubling the distance of the

other ? As Mr. Kelly sets out in his letter

The distance in each case should be the same. In fact, there is every reason why the indicator on a spring dial scale should be closer than on a computing

scale, because the spring dial scale is suspended in the air far above the merchant's eye and the purchaser's eye, and the error due to the parallax will be

much greater than upon a scale resting upon the counter between the merchant

and the customer. We have contended all along that 0.06 inch is too close for

computing scales. We suggest that No. 8, on page 9, be made to read, " 0.09

inch."
110 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

That is the compromise between the two. But a scale hanging up

here is very much more liable to be the cause of error than a scale

right down here before your eyes, where you are looking at it and

almost in a perpendicular direction.

However, if you do not think that all we say is fair, certainly

the contention I request, that 0.09 inch be allowed to both, is

fair. Give us 0.03 inch more and take 0.03 inch off from them. In

other words, it is a splitting of the difference. You can not justify

the discrimination. Be consistent and fair, and if you do not want to

make them both 0.12 inch or both 0.06 inch, then make them both

0.09 inch, and call it a tolerance if you want to. But there is no

reason why this difference should exist.

We suggest that specification 5, on page 24, read as follows:

All computing scales shall be equipped- with weight indicators on both the

dealer's and customer's sides, and their width, if made of wire, shall not exceed

0.015 inch. The distance between the chart and the weight indicator shall in no case exceed 0.09 inch.

It would not be fair to make that read retroactive now with all the

scales out in the field that have been sold and bought by people in

good faith ; it would not be fair to dismantle all those scales and compel those people to use a scale that you think might be better. Each

year there is an improvement, but there is no reason why a man who

bought an honest device should be compelled to change it. Both indicators shall reach to the graduated divisions and shall indicate

clearly and correctly.

The committee will appreciate that there are indicators much wider than

0.015 inch which should be approved.

Literally, if that was followed out it would rule out the indicator on

the fan scale which might be an inch wide and make no difference.

These are wide indicators used on fan scales, the correct weight or the correct price being indicated by a sharply defined point.

In other words, it is not the width of indicator on fan scales

that determines the result, but it is the sharply defined point—the

point of reading—that determines whether you can read accurately or not, and if that was applied to the width of the indicator it would

be an injustice.

We recommend that No. 6, on page 25, be changed in the same way.

Now, gentlemen, here is one that is perhaps a little more serious

:

We recommend that No. 9, on page 25, be made to read

:

" The clear interval between the weight graduation marks and the clear

interval between the value graduation marks upon all computing scales shall

be not less than 0.02 inch, provided, however, that the latter requirement shall

not be construed to apply to the special value graduation denoting the 5-cent

interval mentioned heretofore."

In other words, as you probably know, you make a difference of

just double in the distance which you require the value and the weight

graduations to be apart. It is the same eye that is going to read these

graduations. Whether you call them value graduations or whether

you call them weight graduations, the optical effort is exactly the

same, and to assume the contrary is absolutely absurd. Your eyes do

not adjust themselves to the requirement of whether it is weight or value you are reading, but your eyes are working automatically and

reading as well as they can, irrespective of whether it is weight or
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Ill

value. That, of course, is true. There is no warrant for that condition, but what is the effect on the scale manufacturer of that provision as it stands now regarding these weight graduations to be not

closer than four one-hundredths of an inch? Most of you know, I

think, of the 10 and 20 pound scale made by the Toledo Scale Co.

It is a scale which up to 10 pounds reads in black and, by the change

of a weight, the same scale has a 20-pound capacity. That provision

as it stands now absolutely precludes the use of that scale. Now, is that

right? If it was changed so that they were both the same and the

two one-hundredths of an inch was allowed in both cases, then the

scale can be used. Those of you who are familiar with the scale

know of the very great excellence of it. Up to 10 pounds in black

there is a weight space most easily read, and after 10 pounds it is

universal almost that the party using such device as that would use

the value rather than the weight graduations.

How many transactions do you think there are when a man comes

in and asks for 10 pounds 1^ ounces of a commodity? I do not suppose you ever heard of such a transaction. Below 10 pounds there is

not the slightest objection to it, but if the specification applied, as it now stands, the scale would be ruled out. Although in 10 pounds, I

venture in ninety-nine cases out of one hundred, it is the value indication that is used instead of the weight graduation, and in those

cases in which value graduations are not used it is an integral part of

a pound that is called for. A man does not come in and ask for 10

pounds 1| ounces, but he will ask for 10, 12, or 14 pounds. So there

is no necessity for that provision, and if you have that provision, then

be consistent and make it two one-hundredths of an inch in both cases, I do not suppose that a member of this conference knew when that

provision was adopted that they were absolutely preventing the manufacture and sale of this 10 and 20 pound scale, because, I believe, that

almost all of you who are familiar with the device know the excellence

and the necessity for it. It is one of the best scales ever manufactured.

Specification 13, on page 25, should read the same as specification 23-A, page

12, " Computing scales shall give correct results, whether load is being increased

or decreased."

That, I think, I have reverted to before, when I spoke of correct

results if the scale was properly used so that there was a chance for

it to vibrate.

Specification 14, page 26, should read the same as specification 23-B, page 12,

unless it is decided to eliminate it entirely under the heading of " Computing

scales." I have already discussed that and said that it was a special provision provided for our scale alone.

There is one other matter that I want to revert to in closing. In

a letter of Dr. Stratton he said to the manufacturers that one day

would be given over to the manufacturers " for any subject they

might deem of interest to the conference." In passing I wish to say

that there is before Congress now, as you probably know, a bill known

as the Ashbrook bill, which will remove the question as to what type

of scales are to be used from the jurisdiction of the State to the

Federal authorities at Washington.
112 BUKEAU OP STANDARDS.

Without going into the constitutional questions involved in that

bill, the Toledo Scale Co. has sent a brief in opposition to the bill, and

I can briefly tell you what the constitutional objection is. The provision upon which this bill is predicated is that Congress

shall have the right to fix—bear these words in mind, because they are

all the words in the Constitution on which this is predicated—the

standards of weights and measures. Under the guise of establishing

standard weights and measures, this bill does not do anything of the

kind. The bill attempts to delegate to the Director of the Bureau of

Standards, an individual, against whom I have no criticism—I do

not care whether it is the Director of the Bureau of Standards or the

mayor of Washington—not what the Constitution said the Congress

had the right to do, but the power to regulate the device, the machine,

which shall be used after Congress has fixed the standard of weights

and measures. As most of you know from your schoolboy days, all the powers

which were originally in the States are still there, unless they have

been expressly delegated or absorbed by the Federal Constitution.

This power has never been delegated to Congress. The only power

delegated to Congress is to fix the standard of weights and measures. As was aptly said by one of the men before the committee, you

might just as rightly and legally attempt to tell a surveyor what sort

of a transit or surveying instrument he should use in measuring, as to

tell the user or manufacturer what device he shall use to get into

effect the standard weights and measures which Congress has fixed.

Gentlemen, it is an attempt to remove from the State a power

which is justly there, which is rightly there, and which has never

left the State. What are the practical objections to such a bill as that? A scale before it can be used under this bill must be submitted to the Director of the Bureau of Standards and a serialization

of that type of scale must be obtained. A year from now, under that

bill, although there are hundreds of thousands of scales in the United

States that have been bought in good faith, many of which scales

were manufactured by men who have long since gone out of business,

to have one of those devices in your possession is a penal offense and

may subject you to a $500 fine and imprisonment, and what else?

Prosecution ! Where ? Where your friends are ? Where the equities may be indulged in your favor? No. In the United States

district court.

What does prosecution in the United States district court mean?

Unfortunately it is the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the

law that seems to animate prosecutions in Federal courts. To be

accused of a crime in the United States district courts is a most

expensive thing for the man who is accused, even if he gets rid of the

accusation. All offenses under this act shall be prosecuted and punished in the United States district court. Now, gentlemen, to dignify such offense with prosecution by the machinery of the United

States district court is ridiculous. In most cases, as you know, it is

only necessar}' to call the user's attention to the fact that his scale is

wrong in order to have him correct it, but under this bill to merely

have in possession makes it a penal offense and punishable in the

manner to which I have called your attention.

What would be another practical difficulty? Thousands of scales

manufactured in the United States, thousands of types manufactured
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 113

in the United States, it would be impossible for anyone to use until

such a scale had been submitted to the individual, no matter who it

is, no matter whether it is Dr. Stratton or some successor of his.

There would soon be a glut, and it would soon be impossible for the

merchants of this country to do business. Dr. Stratton is human,

and you might get someone in the office more human than Dr. Stratton, and I say more human in that he would be weaker, because to err is human, and it is possible that somebody in the future would

find it to his advantage to delay the examination of some particular

type of scale and hurry the examination of another type. Such

power should not be given to any individual, no matter how good or strong he is. It is too great a temptation. What would that power

amount to in the case of a corrupt man? Under the present head

of the Bureau of Standards we could perhaps delegate that power,

but I do not suppose for more than 20 years longer he will be at

the head of this bureau, and in the hands of one individual who is

bound to twist that power to his own ends, imagine what that would

mean. There is no office in the country that would compare with it for what is known as graft. It is true the bill says that if an applicant for such registration is dissatisfied with the decision of the

Bureau of Standards he may have appeal to the Secretary of Commerce. What does that mean? You may as well say he has appealed to the King of the Fiji Islands, because the Secretary of

Commerce is a busy man, a man who is not familiar with the design

and construction of scales and is appointed on account of entirely

different qualifications. He is not a man you would ever think of

going to. To appeal to the Secretary of Commerce is to leave the

decision of the director of the bureau here absolutely final.

For these reasons the Toledo Scale Co. has felt that it was its duty

to object to that bill, and if the Toledo Scale Co. has been called a knocker, it is not in what it believes to be an unwarrantable campaign. Gentlemen, I thank you.

The Chairman. I want to express my appreciation of thanks for

the many kind remarks made by the last speaker. I do not think

I have ever known of a case that was appealed, and there were many

with which I have been acquainted, to which the secretary has not

given most careful consideration, especially the present secretary.

It is a great mistake to think that all administrative bodies are crooked, or liable to crookedness. Such a thing is the exception, and

I will say that for Government business and Government decisions.

I believe when it comes to fair, unprejudiced action, there is no place

where you will get better and fairer decisions than you will from

the Government. That has been my experience.

I want to say that more time than that allotted was given in the

last case, because I felt it was rather an important matter and this

must be had at some time. I will give the rest of you all the time

you require, if it takes us until 12 o'clock to-night.

THE NEED OP A UNIFORM METHOD OF MARKING TOILET PAPER,

BY J. G. LAMB, OF THE SCOTT PAPER CO.

Gentlemen, I am very glad to have the pleasure of coming here,

representing one of the manufacturers who is trying to put into their

particular business honest methods, and I do not know of any busi62254°—17 8
114 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

ness where there are as many methods that might not be called square

as there are in the toilet-paper business. There are a great many

practices which need looking into. I can best illustrate what I have

to say toward a uniform method of marking and measuring by taking

up the question of the quantity of toilet paper in a roll. We want

a uniform method so that the consumer in San Francisco and the

consumer in New York can go into a store and know what she gets

for her money, and I can best illustrate the different methods now

used in selling toilet paper by some samples which I bought yesterday in some of the stores in Washington.

One method is this: The manufacturer of toilet paper will make

a roll as cheap as he can ; he will sell it for as much as he can ; he will

not mark on that roll anything to show what is under the label ; and

the consumer, going into a store, has absolutely no way of knowing

what she gets unless she stands in the store and counts the sheets, and

she would not do that. So that we find this: You have probably

seen in your department stores advertisements of great bargains in

toilet paper "three rolls for 10 cents." I bought this roll [exhibiting a roll] yesterday in a store at the rate of two rolls for 5 cents.

There is no marking of quantity on there except the words "four

ounces." How do I know, as a customer, what it means? I counted

the sheets, and there were 270 sheets for 5 cents. If the manufacturer of that was not ashamed of that number why did he not put

it on there?

In a 5-cent roll Ave would put on there " 650 sheets 4| by 5 inches."

Here is a roll [exhibiting another roll] which you as a consumer

would think was a great deal. That roll weighs 14 ounces and is so marked. I counted the sheets, and it has only 900 sheets in it. Here is another roll [exhibiting it] which is just half the size, and

I do not know what the weight is, but it is marked " 1,000 sheets,"

and the price is the same. If the manufacturer was not ashamed of

his 900 sheets, why did he not put it on there?

I bought this roll yesterday [exhibiting a roll] and I paid 10 cents

for it. It is wound very loosely, and it has only 510 sheets of paper in

it of a very poor quality. It has not a thing on it to tell me as a consumer what is in it. Here is another typical example [exhibiting another roll] of what

we in the trade call " puffing." It is wound up loosely. I bought

that at one of the stores, and it is a typical case of what is being

done in this connection.

So, gentlemen, we merely want you, as men who are interested in

weighing, to see that the consumer gets value for her money and to

help us, as one of the manufacturers wanting a uniform method, and

to have put on there the number of sheets, the size of the sheets,

and let the consumer judge for herself the size and quality, and have

on there plainly what they are getting for their money. That is the only honest way.

If a manufacturer makes a roll containing 1,000 sheets, and puts

in it 1,000 sheets of a good, thin, strong paper, it will take actually

less paper than a paper weighing a great deal more which is of

poorer quality. So, if we ever did get a law, or a ruling on this, the

whole business would be put on a much better basis.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 115

We desire to emphasize the importance of some State or National

action which will make one uniform method of measuring quantity

in toilet paper.

In order to bring out the importance of this point, allow me to

sum up ways in which toilet paper is sold to-day, many of which

tend to confuse and deceive the consumer.

First. Some toilet paper is sold to-day on which nothing is marked

on the roll whereby the consumer can judge what quantity is being

obtained. This very evidently leads to deception, though not always

intentionally. Such rolls are often advertised as 3 rolls for 10 cents,

10 rolls for 25 cents, etc., but a roll of toilet paper does not signify

any definite amount, as the quantity may vary.

Second. Some toilet paper is marked, showing the weight of each

roll, for instance, 5 ounces, 8 ounces, or 10 ounces. Such weight in

the consumer's mind does not mean anything and weight may be very

deceiving. For instance, a roll of toilet paper can be made of heavy

paper and may contain only two or three hundred sheets, and yet

the roll may weigh 10 ounces. A roll of thin paper can be made to

weigh 10 ounces and yet contain 1,000 sheets, though thin paper

of a high quality actually costs more to produce and is considered

by consumers as being of a much better grade and is always to be

preferred to heavier paper. Therefore, marking the weight of the

roll is deceiving and makes it impossible for the consumer to judge

the real quantity.

Third. It has been a practice among toilet-paper manufacturers

to make a roll very large by loosely winding it, as the trade expression goes, " puffing it," to give a big appearance. This is done for no

other reason than to deceive the consumer into believing that the

roll contains great value. As a matter of fact such a roll may contain less paper or sheets than a roll one-half its size.

All such methods of marking tend to confuse the public, but on

the other hand if the manufacturer is not ashamed of the value of

his product, why can there not be a uniform method of measuring

quantity ? The only true and honest measure of quantity is the number of

sheets in a roll, and the number of sheets should be marked plainly

on each roll of toilet paper, together with the size of the sheet.

For instance, a roll should be marked 1,000 sheets 4£ by 5 inches.

Under a commodity act passed in the State of New York December 1, 1914, the following ruling was put into effect. " Toilet paper.—Toilet paper must be marked with either the net

weight, the gross and tare weight, or the number of sheets. When

sold by number, the size of the sheets shall be indicated. The lettering shall be at least one-ninth of an inch, or 8-point type. The

variation allowable on weight rolls will be 8 per cent, the variation

on count rolls will be 3 per cent."

This ruling is unsatisfactory in that it allows toilet paper to be

sold by weight, which, as has been proved above, is not a safe method

for the consumer to use in buying toilet paper.

If by law all toilet-paper manufacturers were compelled to sell

toilet paper only by count, being made to mark the number of sheets

and the size of the sheet plainly on the front of each roll, the con- sumer would then be able to judge just what was being received for

the money invested.
116 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Having proved, therefore, that it would benefit the consumer

greatly if toilet paper were sold under one uniform method, that

being the number of sheets in a roll, the following is suggested as a correct wording for such a law, which could either be a law in

itself or part of a State or National commodity act. " Toilet paper.—On the front of every roll or package of toilet

paper must be marked the number of sheets which the roll or package

contains. The size of each sheet must also be shown. When one

or more rolls or packages are packed in a carton the number of

sheets in the carton and the size of each sheet must be marked on

the outside of the carton. The lettering on the roll, package, or

carton, showing the number of sheets and the size of each sheet,

must be at least one-ninth of an inch, or 8-point type. The variation

allowed on the count will be 2 per cent."

If such a law or act, as suggested above for toilet paper, can be

put through, we would also suggest a similar act covering paper towels. The wording for such a law or act we suggest could be the

same as has been suggested for toilet paper, with the words " paper

towel" inserted where "toilet paper" appears.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Kelly. The subject is very important, I think, and merits

quite a lot of discussion. I would furthermore amend the resolution

that was suggested by requiring that a statement of the chemical

anatysis of the toilet paper be included on the package to prevent

contagion liable to result from contact with the human body.

Mr. Lamb. May I answer that question? That could be very

easily done. If chemical or wood pulp is used in making paper

there is absolutely no danger of contagion, however, because the

heat that it goes through is so great. However, that could be put on,

but it would be a burden on the honest manufacturer, which I do

not think is necessary if the paper is good.

Another thing I wanted to say in mentioning this thing to some

manufacturers, they will probably state that if they were ever made

to put a count on the paper they would have to change all of the

machinery. That is ridiculous, because in order to make the weight

of a roll of certain weight it is necessary to put in it an average

number of sheets. They have to count the sheets anyhow to get the

weight, so why not put it on?

Mr. Reichmann. I would like to say a word about the subject.

Some years ago I took up the matter of toilet paper and found

there was a great diversity in the number of sheets, and before we

had a law in the State of New York requiring the putting of the

weight or measure on all packages I found two companies that were

spending in the neighborhood of $25,000 a year to combat short

weight. I have seen hundreds of stores where they advertised toilet

paper by stating, " Why pay 10 or 15 cents for a small roll when

you can get a big roll for 5 cents." The public have no way of

knowing what is purchased.

I think in the State of New York, under the container law, the

matter has been regulated, since they do have to put the weight

or measure on the outside of the rolls, and I think it has been a great benefit principally to the general public and, of course, to all
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 117

the honest manufacturers. But most of the States do not have a quantity-container law, and most of the States, like the Federal

Government, go on the proposition that they do not have to be protected. As a matter of fact, most people spend a very small amount

on food, and we, in the State of New York, believe we should be

given honest weight or measure on every commodity. The fellow

who is crooked will find it the easiest thing in the world to get away

with it on paper towels and toilet paper, and he can get away with

a good deal.

The Chairman. The next on the list of manufacturers is Neidlinger Bros. [After a pause.] There seems to be no representative

here from that company.

REMARKS BY G. CARLTON HOSCH, PRESIDENT OF THE MEASUREGRAPH CO.

Through the courtesy of the Bureau of Standards I was allotted

time, and as it is getting late I will only take a few minutes and

demonstrate the new fabric-measuring machine, the measuregraph,

for use in dry-goods stores. We have developed various types of

this machine, but we have .put on the market only three sizes at the

present time, and we are presenting just these three to this convention.

The need for a machine of this kind is well known among all of

the trades. This machine enables a clerk to give 36 inches to the

yard, and it computes prices automatically and simultaneously with

the movement of the goods through the machine, thereby affording

protection to the merchant, the clerk, and the customer. We have

in our home offices every patent that has ever been granted on a measuring and computing device, and the number is about 500. I

am sure you will ask, then, why have not some of these machines or

devices been put on the market. The answer is very easy. The

average mechanic attempting to work out a maehine of this kind

knows nothing about fabric textures or thickness of cloth; conse- quently, when it comes to building a machine that is to be practical

on the counter, they do not get much further than the Patent Office.

We are the first to present a machine of this kind.

The measuregraph is the outgrowth of 20 years' experience of a

successful dry-goods merchant, a man who spent his life in the

trade, and by employing mechanics to assist in the mechanical part

of the development we have perfected a practical machine, and I

use the word " practical " again because practicability in a machine

of this kind counts for more than anything else outside of its ac- curacy.

The measuregraph is simple to operate, it is durable, and the

method of installation on the counters means convenience to the

clerk, because it is installed on a track, on the edge of the counter,

which enables the clerk to move the machine to any position desired

in other words, two or more clerks can use one machine.

As you all know, there are two present devices for measuring,

either the tack driven into the counter or the yardstick. There are tacks of all sizes with heads from the large size down to the very

small. Some stores use yardsticks by hand and others have the yardsticks fastened to the counter, and I have in mind one store in the
118 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

West that has gone to the expense of several hundred dollars of

mortising into the counter several yardsticks. That is bad, because

it leaves it to the eye of the clerks to gauge the distance. With the

nieasuregraph there is only one way. The amateur can take this

machine and in two minutes be using it, but when* we install them

we first teach the clerk in the classroom how to use the machine.

We send our experts, who spend hours at the big stores instructing

the clerks before it goes on the counter. A clerk is paid for his

ability to make sales and not to measure goods. You will find that

that is the case. The mental counting of the yards and the computing of the price are both mechanical movements and should be done

by a machine, and with this machine the clerk can measure the

yardage for the customer and it is computing the price at the same

time. Therefore, the clerk can give you his entire time and attention.

Those of you who know something of the department-store busi- ness and the crowded counters and the clerks trying to do two or

three things at once, answering questions and trying to count 1,

2, or 3 yards, and the customer wanting to know where the glove

counter is

; know of the chances for error all along the line. With

this machine all of that is prevented.

The percentage of failures among dry-goods merchants is very

large, and I think we are right when we say that the shrinkage cost

from inaccurate measurements by the clerks is one of the great

causes of so many failures of dry-goods stores. A merchant will

buy 20,000 yards of goods and charge the department with that

number of yards. When he takes an inventory and figures how much

has been sold and how much remains on the shelves he finds quite a shrinkage, due to inaccurate measurement.

The dry-goods economists of New York got out a little book entitled " Twenty store leaks," which they gladly furnished to all merchants and subscribers, and in this list they designate as No. 1 " Leakage of goods," so they think it the greatest or they would not

list it as No. 1. They figure the overmeasure as 1 per cent.

We have made an exhaustive study of this subject and made purchases in every State in the Union at practically all the larger stores

in the largest cities and in the smaller cities, and our records show

the average loss in overmeasurement, together with the errors of computation, to be about 3 per cent. That 3 per cent comes out of the

merchant's profit, and is quite a loss. Oftentimes the customer will

get short measure, and these machines will prevent that.

A gentleman was yesterday discussing the weighing of groceries,

meats, etc., and he brought up the subject of pork chops. The

measuring of fabric is different from the weighing of groceries.

One customer says that she wants 2| yards. That is a predetermined measure and the clerk can measure 2^- yards. Some of the

largest stores in the country have made a demonstration there, and

one-eighth of a yard is as close as they care to come to the price,

and this machine computes the price in quarters and eighths of

yards.

There is one point I also want to bring out, that this machine is entirely free of adjustments which you will find on some scales. It

is so designed that it can only measure and measure right, which I

am sure will make it welcome to all of the weights and measures

officials.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 119

It is the desire of the merchant to give full, true, and accurate

measure at all times, but he does not want to give a customer more

than she pays for. If she gets several inches more than she pays for

she is getting the best of the merchant. For instance, I made

several purchases in Washington, as we do everywhere we go, and

here is a piece of goods bought where I called for 2§ yards, and it will interest you to know there are inches of goods more than I

paid for. Here is another piece, supposed to be 2f yards, which

contains 2-J inches more than I paid for.

Here- is a piece of silk chiffon 2£ inches over. Ninety per cent of

the measurements made by the clerks in the stores we find are over. Five per cent are within 1 inch of being correct and 5 per cent short.

Our inquiries so far show that 1 out of every 11 sales checks shows

error in computation.

The efficiency of the machine is this: The customer walks in a

store and asks for 2| yards of this piece of goods; the clerk takes

the goods, not from the side, but from the end, which is the proper

way to measure, drops the goods in the machine and the thumb

touches a button in line with the cutting shears. The only operation necessary is to draw the goods through the machine until the

proper amount is recorded. By pressing the button we notch the

goods in the same line we started, which gives correct measurement.

The machine makes a little notch in the goods to show the clerk

where to cut and the total price at a given price per yard is recorded.

The third move is simply the touching of the button which returns

the hands to zero automatically. This machine is the type suitable

for silk goods.

We have another type of machine for the ribbon department. This

machine is the same, so far as the measurement is concerned, but in

addition it holds the bolt, rolls, and rerolls the ribbon, and computes

the 'price simultaneously. By touching a button the ribbon is held

firmly and the cutter instantly cuts it off. There are 2| yards of

ribbon rolled as it comes from the merchant and it will not crease. Two and one-half yards at 49 cents amounts to $1.23. The young

lady working at the silk department has no longer to use scissors

because by a touch of the thumb the machine instantly makes the

cut squarely across. We have a third machine of this character used by the belting

houses and wholesale stores. We also have three other types of

machines which we are not showing here, one a large machine for

taking any width of bolts, which works electrically, and will unroll,

measure, and reroll any kind of goods.

In order to appreciate the measuregraph you have to see it in

operation in such a manner that you can see the dial, etc., and I will

be very glad to demonstrate to any of you gentlemen personally

what the machine is. In the last six or eight months we have been

introducing our machines in the Middle West and we will soon be

in the East. We will be in to see the inspectors as we want to

cooperate with you, and we are doing this before we are putting the

machine on the market.

I will be glad to answer questions now or later and demonstrate

the machines further to any of you who would like to see them.
120 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION.

The Chairman. Gentlemen, this is very interesting that we should

begin to take cognizance of measurements of lengths. We have

always let that go by, paying but little attention to it. But here we

have an instrument for measuring lengths, and what is still more

surprising, a machine for computing. Let us hope for a time we will

not have too much rivalry in the machines here, and then let us hope

this machine will be developed and put on the market in the proper

way. Let us hope it does not follow the usual line of such devices,

and I refer to all sorts of typewriting and computing machines and

devices of that kind. Unfortunately the cost of distribution is tremendous—it is one of the most important things before the using

public to-day. A machine that cost $10 or $12 to manufacture should

not cost the public $100 and more. Let us hope that this will remain

free from that ill. REMARKS BY B, F. CHATILLON, OF JOHN CHATILLON & SONS.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I have been very fortunate in the

fact that my paper has not arrived, so I can not keep you very long.

There are a couple of points that I want to bring up in regard to the

paper read by the Toledo Scale Co. One thing they mention in that,

is about regulations being different for spring and computing scales.

To a great extent it should be so. To a lesser extent they ought to be

the same. Some spring scales go into shops, but at the same time

many are used on wagons. You can not have a delicate instrument

for such purposes when a distance of 0.12 of an inch between the indicator and the dial is needed. In a scale in the shop we do not need

so much distance. Make your regulations and we can meet anything

you want. T I want to say the house of Chatillon is ready to meet you on any

accuracy you want on spring scales, but again bear in mind the

more accurate you get a scale the more delicate it is, and do not forget

your regulations not only apply to shops, but also to peddlers' scales

and those used on wagons, which to-daj^ have a good service that is over 99.6 per cent correct. Gentlemen, I thank you.

REMARKS BY ALBERT GUARDIA, SALES MANAGER, PELOUZE

MANUFACTURING CO.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I was mighty glad to receive an invitation to attend here. In my notification calling me to Washington

I was informed that Mr. Triner was to speak on the subject of

springs. He has a comprehensive paper and I am hoping he may

send the paper in because I think it will be instructive.

Therefore I am not prepared to talk on the spring-scale subject,

only following the words just uttered by Mr. Chatillon, the spring

scale of to-day is an entirely different proposition from the spring

scale of yesterday.

The manufacturers have always thought what a wonderful thing

it would be if they could have a little more spirit of cooperation between the inspectors of weights and measures and the manufacturers,

and since I have been in Washington I want to take up a subject

which I think will appeal to all of the inspectors. I have had a little
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 121

over 20 years' experience in scales. In the course of time I have met

a great many inspectors of weights and measures; I have seen the

difficulties under which they work; the difficulties that they have to

meet out in the field, and their desire to do the right thing. I re- member years ago when a manufacturer would look upon an inspector of weights and measures as a joke, all that he was after was

the fee for sealing a scale irrespective of whether the scale was

correct or not. I am glad to say that that is a thing of the past.

The manufacturers to-day look upon the inspectors of weights and

measures as a component part of the system. The inspector of

weights and measures knows what he has to do ; he gets his information, I presume, from the Bureau of Standards, and he meets in conference, takes up different subjects, and he believes that the decisions are right. When he meets the manufacturer, instead of finding an

enemy he finds a friend. So, bringing up the subject from what I

have found out in Washington on this trip, I have thought if the

conference could devise some method or some manner where they

could organize a committee to cooperate with a committee from the

manufacturers on difficult points it would be a very good thing . Another vital point is the sending of inspectors of weights and

measures from the different States to the conference. I find there

are quite a few States not represented here. I have run across some

of the inspectors in these States that you gentlemen no doubt do not

know, and I have found them intelligent; they work right up to the

standard and want to do the right thing, but the failure of a State

appropriation and the low salaries they get preclude them from

attending the conference. I know in my own city of Chicago we

have what is known as the manufacturers' association, and they are ready at all times to help any movement that is a betterment for the

trade. I know that our manufacturers' association would not hesitate a moment to invite the officials at Springfield, 111., with the

inspectors from cities and towns, to attend these conferences, and

appropriations should be made by the State government so that they can attend the conference. I do not mean simply allowing them

their railroad fare and a scaled-down hotel bill, but money sufficient

to carry them through for the work they have in hand, and I feel

that if the conference was to take this up and work on it that you

will have the cooperation of every manufacturers' association in

America, and they would be back of you in it, because they do the

right thing and they want to follow out the suggestions of the conference. I do not mind saying what takes place in this building is

more vital than anything else that can take place. We have to

come to you for knowledge, and if we work against you we can not

accomplish results.

My paper will be submitted, and I want to say that we of the

spring-scale end are doing everything possible to meet your views,

and I am glad to say we are accomplishing results. Gentlemen, I

thank you.

REMARKS BY D. A. COREY, OE S. F. BOWSER & CO. (INC.).

Mr. Corey. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I agree to take a very

few minutes, because it was not my personal privilege to be here on

Tuesday when the subject of measuring pumps was taken up. I do
122 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

not know just what was said, because the paper was not available,

but I have felt, in view of some conversations I have had with the

sealers here, that it might be in order to emphasize some points

which would be advantageous and, I trust, useful.

I presume there is no business in the United States that is so harassed as the manufacturers of the measuring pumps. We have

State laws and regulations to comply with; we have city laws and

ordinances and department regulations of every kind—street department, fire department, combustible department, etc. We also have

to meet the insurance requirements ; and there is no uniform standard,

but instead a large variety of standards. Many of these things enter

into measurement and mismeasurement.

The height of lift pumps, as you all know, is a factor, the liquid to

be handled is another, and the depth at which the tanks are buried

enters into the equation. In one of the large cities of the country

they specify that the tanks shall be buried 18 inches under ground.

Two feet is a common designation, 3 is frequent, and 4 feet is not

unknown, and one Southern city has gone to the extent of saying that

the tank must be buried 6 feet under ground—absolutely absurd, of

course. I am speaking of regulations which the pump manufacturer must

meet, and speaking of them simply so that you may know that we

are up against. Some of the regulations say that gasoline must be

discharged directly from an underground tank to the automobile

through a hose without exposure to air. Most of the regulations

provide that no open vessel shall be permitted. Others say that there

should be a shut-off nozzle, and others not. Some of those things do

not concern the sealer, but all of them are requirements that the

dealer must meet and with which you should be acquainted.

The handling of gasoline has a special hazard and requires more

than passing consideration. At the same time, from the meager

reports that I have had opportunity to see, it appears measuring

pumps are higher in accuracy than most other kinds of measuring

devices. I take that from reports of sealers of weights and measures

that I have seen. In this connection there is a condition worthy of your careful

thought and consideration, and I refer to the tolerances allowed.

One of your prominent members has made the suggestion—I heard

this a long time ago—that in view of the conditions of use and mechanical nature of the devices, that tolerances be increased over those

designated for liquid measures. This man is one of long and broad

experience and one to whom I am sure you will listen. Recently a

sealer refused to seal a 5-gallon pump because he used a measure

with a glass slicker plate, and in drawing 5 gallons there were

bubbles under the glass. That is an actual occurrence.

I believe that you will agree that that man was not a man of

broad experience. The probability is he could not have come as

close as that if he had filled a measure through a faucet from a gravity tank.

Another sealer issued an edict that all gasoline should be delivered

from sealed measures, and the probability is he is going counter to

the fire ordinance of the city or State. There are many things we

have to meet, and there are many conditions which the sealer has to

take into consideration.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 123

I believe, as a rule, that the pumps are found to be all right, and

I believe the sealers generally make that statement, but errors are more frequently due to pipe lines and faulty installation rather than

to any other cause. This, of course, does not excuse an incorrect

measuring pump, but it does emphasize one of the troubles and shows

what to look out for.

There are other things that enter into this. It is not an infrequent occurrence that they send for a man to come to adjust a pump. It

happened that one pump had been condemned and they could not get

an accurate measurement, and after some long-distance telephone

conversations with one of our service men, he went and tried the

pump and it failed to measure ; he could not get the gallon. He went

and looked into the tank and he said, " If you get some oil in the

tank it will be all right." That proved to be the case, and it has

not been an infrequent occurrence. One thing a pump can not do

is to manufacture oil. In another case we had a wire, collect, saying that a pump was

condemned, and it could not be used since they could not get a gallon.

The sealer had condemned it, and in this case, after we had an imperative demand for the nearest service man we had, who was over 200 miles away, we wired this man to go to the point and make an

inspection. He did this, first going to see the sealer, and together

they went to the location of the trouble. He did not try the pump,

but looked at it. To appreciate the story you ought to hear the service man tell it. He turned to the sealer and said, "Don't you see that pump is of a half-gallon capacity?" We had sent that man

over 200 miles to show why a gallon could not be gotten out of that

pump.

Those things seem funny but they are serious, and I am speaking

of them simply so that you may know something of the frequent

troubles and the things that should be looked into and understood.

I am sure all the pump manufacturers are ready to cooperate in any

way they can, because the pump manufacturers, I believe, without

exception are as reputable manufacturers as there are in any business. The oil pump is regarded as a present-day necessity, and I

believe this idea is generally accepted. I have asked your indulgence that I might speak of some of those things for your information, thinking it quite possible there were some of them you were not

acquainted with. I thank you.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Schlink. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Corey's remarks are very good.

He did not hear my paper of yesterday, but it should be called to his

attention that I emphasized the fact that a good many cases of faulty

measurement were due to bad installation. In that regard I want to

call attention to another point, and that is to unfair publicity. In

this morning's paper a number of notes appeared in regard to the

paper on measuring pumps, in which the news writers had written

it up purely from the sensational point of view of making it a scare head. By such publicity honest manufacturers are given unfair

treatment. In this case in particular the attempt was merely to

catch the public eye by suggesting that measuring pumps in general

were inaccurate. That is unfair, and I know that in many jurisdic-
124 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

tions there is a tendency for sealers to give out information in that

manner and allow it—perhaps due to failure to properly restrain the

news writers—to contain misrepresentations. By so doing the manufacturer is given the idea that the weights and measures men are going to allow misrepresentations to occur. I do not think that

condition should be permitted, as it is not fair to the manufacturer

himself, who is just as anxious to have correct instruments as the

sealer is. The Chairman. It is unfortunate in these days that our news is

dished up to us not in the form of truth, but in the form that will

please the sensational tastes of most people. It is not what occurred

that is related, but what would have made a good story if it had

occurred in that way. Often there is one sensational feature, and

that is taken up throughout the land and attracts a great deal of

attention. News to-day has become largely fiction—more fiction

than fact.

This has been an exceedingly interesting discussion this morning.

Some facts have been irrelevant, but on the whole a great many

important technical facts have been brought out, and in the end I

think you will find that these discussions will be confined to the

discussion of the technical facts, the manner in which these things can be best improved in their manufacture, or, as some gentleman

has said, the conditions that the sealers want to bring about. We

can overlook a good deal of abuse and bad advertising if in the end

we accomplish our purpose.

Mr. Hanson. Before we close I wish to make another announce- ment relative to the informal dinner which we are to have to-night.

We will have the dinner at 6.30 o'clock at the Raleigh Hotel. The

price of tickets is $1. The tickets are going like hot cakes, and I

suggest to those who have not purchased their tickets that they do

so immediately. Immediately after the dinner we take in the moving-picture show in the hotel. Tickets can be purchased from Mr.

Willett, Mr. Schoenthal, or myself.

RESOLUTIONS IN REFERENCE TO THE SCALE JOURNAL.

Mr. Beichmann. I do not know whether it is an appropriate time

to bring up this subject or not; but there was some talk on yesterday

about the program or the proceedings here having early publication,

and the editor of the Scale Journal seems to feel a little hesitancy as

to the propriety of publishing the proceedings of this national conference.

I would like to make a motion to the effect that it is desirable for

the Scale Journal to publish such papers as the editor of the Scale

Journal wants to publish, and also a general synopsis of the whole

proceedings so that we can get early publication, as some of the con- ference reports may not get to some of these people who are subscribers of the Scale Journal.

I would like to make a motion that the Scale Journal be requested, as it may see fit, to publish such reports as were presented at this

conference in their next and succeeding issues.

The Secretary. I second that motion.

(The motion was agreed to.)
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 125

The Chairman. We have a practice at the bureau that works out

well that might be applied here. In case of papers, which are not

complete or are in process of completion, abstracts are sent to technical journals, and while the Scale Journal might not want to publish the whole paper, a section of such papers would be very good

information at this time.

Mr. Keichmann. I would like to go a little further and get an ex- pression from the delegates to this conference. I would like to put

another motion, namely, that the Scale Journal be made the official

organ of the National Conference on Weights and Measures. I

would like to make a remark on that motion.

I think the Scale Journal deserves a great deal of credit in taking

the initiative in publishing a journal which, as everyone knows who

has ever had any experience in that kind of work, takes a great

deal of energy and money to publish. They may be on a paying

basis, but I doubt it. They may pay a dividend to some of their

stockholders, but from the mere fact that they are people who are working hard and are drawing no salaries, any encouragement that

the national conference can give to the Scale Journal I think would

be in timely recognition of the work they are doing.

(The above motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I would like to have the remarks

and discussion relative to the question raised by the gentleman from

the Old Dutch Market eliminated from the report. He was allowed

to speak, though he got in through a misunderstanding. I was asked

by some one from the District office if a local dealer could speak on

what I supposed would be a subject of interest to the conference, and

we find that he wants us to settle a question between him and the

local office in Washington. It seems to me we should not allow

ourselves to be used in that manner. That is my reason for asking

to have the remarks withdrawn. It was purely a question between

the local sealer of weights and measures and this storekeeper. I

move you, Mr. Chairman, that the remarks of the gentleman be

eliminated.

Mr. Eeichmann. I second that motion.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. I would like to make an announcement in regard

to the photograph. We will have a photographer out at 1 o'clock,

and he wants to take a picture of this group of weights and measures

officials. I thought if the gentlemen had in mind that it would be

taken on the lawn they might regulate their movements accordingly.

The Chairman. Are there any further notices? The conference

will reassemble at the same time as on yesterday; so if there is no

other business, the meeting will stand adjourned until 2 o'clock.

(Thereupon, at 12.45 o'clock p. m.5 a recess was taken for luncheon.)
FIFTH SESSION (AFTERNOON OF THURSDAY, MAY 25,

1916).

The conference reassembled at 2.30 o'clock p. m.

Mr. Waldron, of New Jersey, assumed the chair.

APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, at this time I think we had better

appoint a committee on nominations, and I make a motion to the

effect that the Chair be authorized to appoint a committee of either

three or five to consider and make nominations.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Acting Chairman. The Chair appoints on that committee

Mr. Johnson, of California ; Mr. Farrell, of New York ; and Mr. Sullivan, of Newark, N. J. Before we start on the report of the committee on tolerances and specifications, is there any special business

to come up?

ANNOTJNCEMEN TS.

The Acting Chairman. Gentlemen, the committee on the proposed

dinner for to-night have asked me to state that if there is any person

here who has not procured a ticket they would like to have him do so

as early as possible, in order that they can make their final arrangements.

Mr. Cluett. At this time, Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that the

session to-morrow instead of being held at the bureau be held down

town at the Raleigh Hotel. I think if it was held here we would not

get a corporal's guard, and we would get a good attendance down

there.

The Secretary. I might say, having anticipated that, I called up

the Raleigh and found out we could have their ballroom to-morrow

at 10 o'clock.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

(Mr. Stratton assumed the chair, relieving Mr. Waldron.)

The Chairman. If there is no objection, we will proceed with the

report of the committee on tolerances and specifications.

The Secretary. Before we proceed with the report, I would say

that through an oversight on the part of the committee no mention

has been made of the almost indispensable aid we have received from

Mr. Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook has been able to meet with the committee right along and very often has met with them when it was

impossible for me to do so. I feel somewhat guilty in signing

this report without having his name on it. Mr. Holbrook is perhaps as familiar with the subject as anybody on the committee,

because he has tried to apply the tolerances and specifications in

Porto Rico and did apply them, and since has been working on a book of instructions.

126
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 127

Mr. Downing. I might also say that we have received valuable

assistance from Mr. Bearce on the subject of graduates. He has

helped in editing and in the compiling of the tables. Mr. Bearce

visited Wisconsin and conferred in this matter with me and then

took it up directly with the other members of the committee.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TOLERANCES AND SPECIFICATIONS.1

Your committee on tolerances and specifications respectfully submits the following report:

For some time past there has been a demand from some of the

States for tolerances and specifications for glass graduates and prescription scales, since these States have already included in their

work the inspection of these classes of apparatus or are awaiting

the issuance of tolerances and specifications in order that such work

may be begun. Your committee, therefore, has held a number of

meetings during the past year and has consulted with the various

manufacturers and with some of the weights and measures officials

most directly concerned. Having in mind the suggestions received

and the results of the investigations conducted, your committee has

drafted a set of specifications and tolerances for these two classes of

apparatus.

At the meeting? of the committee other criticisms and suggestions

made with reference to the specifications and tolerances adopted last

year have received consideration. The majority of these suggestions

and criticisms were believed not to be well taken, but a few amendments were agreed upon by your committee.

These new tolerances and specifications and the amendments to

the old report were incorporated in the advance report of the committee which was sent out May 3 to all State officials, delegates, and

persons attending the conference last year, and to all manufacturers.

These reports were accompanied by the following letters of transmittal : Mat 4, 1916.

To State Sealers:

Dear Sir : There was forwarded to you yesterday an advance copy of the

report of the committee on tolerances and specifications which will be pre- sented to the Eleventh Annual Conference on Weights and Measures of the

United States, together with a copy of the tolerances and specifications in their present form as adopted by the tenth annual conference.

The committee will recommend that these new tolerances and specifications

be adopted to take effect as in the case of the former report ; that is, only

those most urgently needed for the prohibition of actual fraud should be made

retroactive, while all others should not be made retroactive in their effect,

but should be limited to apply only to apparatus brought into or manufactured

in a jurisdiction after their promulgation. The committee will make specific

recommendations as to this classification in a supplemental report to be pre- sented to the conference with the advance report. It is also probable that the

committee will recommend that none of the amendments to the specifications

ta^re effect before a definite future date so that any necessary changes in

construction may be made by the manufacturers without hardship to them.

The main additions consist of tolerances and specifications for glass graduates and for prescription scales, which classes of apparatus are included for

the first time. These are urgently needed in a number of States which have

already inaugurated an inspection service of this apparatus and will become

1 The tolerances and specifications as adopted will be found in Appendix 1.
128 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

of more and more service as additional States take up this class of work.

The remaining additions are largely devoted to the broadening of the application of some of the specifications which have heretofore been limited to applyonly to special types. The changes in the old specifications are in the main

slight ones, since the experience of several years has now developed a set of specifications and tolerances which meet the requirements of trade throughout the country.

You are requested to consider this advance report carefully and inform yourself as to the additions and amendments proposed, to the end that you may be

prepared to take such action as you may deem advisable and proper when the

report comes before the conference for action thereon. If you desire to submit

any written suggestions or criticisms to the committee before the conference

convenes, we will be very pleased indeed to receive and consider them and, if any such suggestions or criticisms appear to be well taken, appropriate changes

or amendments will be recommended to the conference by the committee. In

order that proper time may be given for consideration it is suggested that

such matter be submitted as soon as possible, and in any event it should be

received not later than Friday, May 19. Please bring with you the reports sent you yesterday.

Respectfully,

Louis A. Fischer,

Chairman, Committee on Tolerances and Specifications.

May 4, 1916.

To Delegates to the Eleventh Annual Conference on the Weights and Measures

of the United States. Dear Sib: We are inclosing herewith an advance copy of the report of the

committee on tolerances and specifications which will be presented to the

Eleventh Annual Conference on Weights and Measures of the United States,

to be held in Washington, D. C, May 23-26, 1916.

The committee will recommend that these new tolerances and specifications

be adopted to take effect as in the case of the former report; that is, only

those most urgently needed for the prohibition of actual fraud should be made

retroactive, while all others should not be retroactive in their effect, but should

be limited to apply only to apparatus brought into or manufactured in a jurisdiction after their promulgation. The committee will make specific recom- mendations as to this classification in a supplemental report to be presented

to the conference with the advance report. It is also probable that the committee will make a general recommendation that none of the amendments take

effect before a definite future date, so that any necessary changes in construction may be made by the manufacturers without hardship to them.

The main additions are tolerances and specifications for glass graduates and

for prescription scales, which classes of apparatus are included for the first time. The remaining additions are largely devoted to the broadening of the

application of some of the specifications which have heretofore been limited

to apply only to special types. The changes in old specifications are in the main

slight ones, since the experience of several years has now developed a set of

specifications and tolerances which meet the requirements of trade throughout

the country.

Delegates are requested to consider this advance report carefully and in- form themselves as to the additions and amendments proposed, so that they

may come to a conclusion as to their advisability. If you desire to submit any

written suggestions or criticisms to the committee before the conference convenes, we will be very pleased indeed to receive and consider them ; and if any

such suggestions or criticisms appear to be well taken, appropriate changes

or amendments will be recommended to the conference by the committee. In

order that proper time may be given for consideration, it is suggested that such

matter be submitted as soon as possible, and in any event it should be received not later than Friday, May 19. Please bring the inclosure with you. Respectfully yours, Louis A. Fischer,

Chairman, Committee on Tolerances and Specifications.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 129

May 2, 1916.

To Manufacturers of Weights and Measures and Weighing and Measuring

Devices.

Gentlemen : We are inclosing herewith an advance report of the committee

on tolerances and specifications which will be presented to the Eleventh Annual

Conference on the Weights and Measures of the United States, to be held in

Washington, D. C, May 23-26, 1916. There is also inclosed a copy of the

tolerances and specifications in their present form, as adopted by the tenth

annual conference.

The committee will recommend that these new tolerances and specifications

be adopted, to take effect as in the case of the former report; that is, only

those most urgently needed for the prohibition of actual fraud should be made

retroactive, while all others should not be retroactive in their effect, but should

be limited to apply only to apparatus brought into or manufactured in a

jurisdiction after their promulgation. The committee will make recommendations as to this classification in a supplemental report to be presented to the

conference with the advanced report. It is also probable that the committee

will make a recommendation that none of the amendments take effect before a definite future date, so that any necessary changes in construction may be

made without hardship.

This report will be of main interest to manufacturers of glass graduates

and of prescription scales since these classes of apparatus are included for

the first time. However, other manufacturers will be interested in the additions and in the changes which affect their products. The additions are mainly in the broadening of the application of some of the specifications which

heretofore have been limited to apply only to special types. The changes are,

in the main, slight ones, since the experience of several years' enforcement has

now developed a set of specifications and tolerances which meet the requirements of trade throughout the country.

You are requested to consider this advance report carefully and, if you sodesire, to make any written suggestions or criticisms to the chairman of the

committee. The committee will be pleased to receive them and to give them

consideration, and if any such criticisms or suggestions appear to be well taken,

appropriate changes will be recommended to the conference. In order that

proper time may be given for consideration, it is advisable that such matter

be submitted as soon as possible and, in any event, not later than Friday,

May 19. A half day will be set aside at the conference for manufacturers, and this

time will be equally apportioned among those manufacturers signifying their

desire to address the conference on the subject of tolerances and specifications, cr on any other subject of interest to the delegates. The time allowed to each

manufacturer must necessarily depend upon the number of those desiring to be

heard.

If you desire additional copies of inclosures, they will be furnished upon

request.

Respectfully, Louis A. Fischer,

Chairman, Committee on Tolerances and Specifications.

It will be noted that suggestions and criticisms were invited by

the committee. A number of these have been received and have

been carefully considered. As a result your committee has drafted

and respectfully recommends the amendments and additions to the

advance report which have already been distributed.

Respectfully submitted.

Louis A. Fischer,

J. C. Connors,

F. P. Downing,

Committee on Tolerances and Specifications.

62254°—17 9
130 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Reichmann. I desire to make a suggestion that we take the

advance copy of the report up first in connection with the amendments and take them up subject by subject. In other words, I see here No. IV, "Liquid capacity measures." Why can we not ex- pedite the matter by taking up the whole of that subject? Some of

the subjects are not particularly new and some of them are particularly faulty ; some have points that are particularly vicious, and

I think we should take them up by subject matter instead of paragraph by paragraph, and in that way save time, as everyone has the

tolerances and specifications before him.

The Chairman. If there is no objection they will be taken up

subject by subject. There are not many paragraphs underneath subjects, and it could be handled more quickly in that way. If there

is no objection we will proceed with the first subject.

Liquid Capacity Measures.

Mr. Connors. At a former meeting the committee recommended,

and the conference adopted, specification No. 1, relating to the material to be used in the manufacture of liquid capacity measures. To clarify that subject we recommend the following:

Amend by adding thereto the following words : " Provided, however, That when the measure' is made of iron or steel, or

iron or steel plated with tin, zinc, or copper, or is made of copper, the minimum

thicknesses of the metal shall in no case be less than those given in the following

table

:

Capacity of measure.

Minimum

thickness

if of iron or

steel or of plated iron or steel.

Minimum

thickness

if of copper.

Inch. Inch. 0.016 0.032

.014 .028 y2 gallon .014 .028

.014 .028

.010 0.020

The following commercial tin plates will comply with these requirements:

Over 1 gallon, 2XL; 1 gallon, % gallon, and 1 quart, IX; 1 pint or less, 1CL.

The specification will then read as follows:

1. Liquid measures shall be made of metal, glass, earthenware, enameled

ware, composition, or similar and suitable material, and shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand ordinary usage without becoming bent, in- dented, distorted, or otherwise damaged : Provided, however, That when the measure is made of iron or steel, or iron or steel plated with tin, zinc, or copper, or is made of copper, the minimum thicknesses of the metal shall in no case be less than those given in the following table. (See table above.)

We also recommend that that specification should not be made re- troactive on account of the large number of measures in use at the

present time which are not of the required minimum thickness.

The Chairman. This first subject as I see it relates almost entirely

to the thickness of material, a matter of which most of us can have

very little knowledge. I presume you have measured this from
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 131

standard measures, and unless there is some objection we might pass

on. Has anyone any objection to this particular amendment?

Mr. Eeichmann. I have a suggestion that when this is printed

these particular thicknesses of metal and also the approximate number of the metal gauge be given for the benefit of the manufacturer.

The Chairman. You had better keep away from metal gauges if

you can unless you will specify the gauge.

Mr. Eeichmann. Specify some gauge—I do not know which one it

is. Most of the manufacturers of metals talk about some particular

gauge, and they do not know anything about the thickness of metals.

The Chairman. The trouble is that copper is of one gauge and

steel of another. There we are liable to get into confusion. But if

there is any one gauge which will apply here, and I could not tell

you offhand whether the Brown-Sharpe gauge applies, I would say

put it in.

Mr. Holbrook. How about the note which states, " The following

commercial tin plates will comply with these requirements," and

which then gives the commercial symbols?

Mr. Eeichmann. I suppose that will do. I merely raised the

point because some one suggested that to me last night.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I have to admit I do not know a great

deal about this and I rise for information. Possibly my question

may seem foolish, but if it is I hope you will forgive me for taking

up the time of the convention. I see in the first section it says

Liquid measures shall be made of metal, glass, earthenware, enameled ware,

composition, or similar and suitable material, and shall be of sufficient strength

and rigidity to withstand ordinary usage without becoming bent, indented, dis- torted, or otherwise damaged.

I do not see any mention of the strength.

Mr. Downing. That has been taken care of by this very table.

The Chairman. The thickness covers that.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). That table mentions iron or steel.

What are some of the cheaper measures made of?

Mr. Downing. They are all made of steel coated with tin, and

they are considered steel with a tin coating.

The Chairman. The point was very well made if the table did not

follow, but the table covers that case and covers all of the metals

from which these measures are made unless it is brass. I do not see brass, and perhaps that should be added.

The Secretary. No. They are mostly made out of tinned sheet

metal or copper, but there is no reason why we could not include

brass. We would not object to brass being used, but we do not know

of any such measures. The Chairman. Brass is more common as a sheet metal than

copper.

The Secretary. Not for commercial measures. There is no objection to it that I can see. The Chairman. Are there any remarks?

Mr. Dusseault. Do I understand, Mr. Chairman, that that applies

to the fiber measure such as they use in grocery stores ? Mr. Connors. That is taken care of by the word " composition "

in the original specifications.

The Chairman. Are they considered reliable for liquids?
132 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Connors. Yes. There are fiber measures on the market used

mostly for vinegar that are of thick paper fiber. The acid of the ' vinegar will attack metal. Fiber measures are considered by the

sealers as a very good measure so far as I know.

Mr. Johnson. Is it the consensus of opinion that each specification

should be disposed of as we come to it?

The Chairman. I understand so. The Secretary. I think that would be the best way.

The Chairman. If the subject is agreed to, all right; if it is not,

this is the best time to .discuss it. Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of specification No. 1, under

the head of " Liquid capacity measures."

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Connors. The next specifications are on the subject of glass

graduates.

Before the subhead " Measuring pumps " acid a new subhead with

specifications and tolerances to read as follows:

GLASS GRADUATES.

Specifications.—1. Graduates shall be made to contain or to deliver the

indicated volume at 20° C. (68° F.) . They shall be legibly, conspicuously,

and permanently marked to indicate whether they are graduated to contain or

to deliver.

2. Graduates shall be either cylindrical or conical in shape. In the case of

all cylindrical graduates the ratio of length of the graduated scale to the

internal diameter shall not be less than 5 to 1. In the case of conical graduates

the ratio of length of the graduated scale to the internal diameter at the highest

graduation shall not be less than 2 to 1, and at one-fourth of the total capacity

this ratio shall not be less than 1 to 1. 3. Graduates shall be made of good-quality glass, thoroughly annealed, clear,

transparent, of uniform but not excessive thickness, and free from bubbles

and streaks.

4. Graduates shall be provided with a base at right angles to the axis and

of such a diameter that the graduate will stand when placed on a surface

making an angle of 25 per cent, or approximately 15 degrees, with the horizontal.

5. All graduates shall be provided with lips.

6. The graduation marks shall be perpendicular to the axis and parallel to the base and to each other.

7. The graduation marks shall be varied in length in such a manner that

they may be conveniently read, but in no case shall any graduation mark

extend less than one-fourth of the distance around the graduate. The main

graduation marks shall extend at least one-half of the distance around the

graduate : Provided, however. That on duplex or double scale graduates a clear

space shall be left between the ends of the main graduation marks on the two

scales, and this space, measured parallel to the graduation marks, shall con- form to the following values

:

Circumference of graduate at the graduation marks.

Distance between

ends of graduation marks.

Inch.Ys

3/8 From 5 inches to 10 inches inclusive.

.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 133

8. Graduation marks shall be clear and distinct and uniform in character.

They shall be etched or engraved and shall not exceed 0.015 inch (0.38 mm.) in width. Blown or pressed graduation marks shall not be allowed.

9. The clear interval between the graduation marks shall not be less than

0.04 inch (1 mm.).

10. The value of the main graduation marks shall be plainly designated, each

number being placed either directly upon or immediately above the graduation

mark to which it refers, but the position of the numbers shall be consistent

throughout the graduated scale. If placed upon the graduation marks the

numbers shall be placed from the ends a sufficient distance to allow the ends

to be used in making a setting. Intermediate graduation marks shall not be

numbered.

11. On all single scale graduates where the main graduation marks do not completely encircle the graduate, the middle points of the main graduation

marks shall be directly opposite the lip. On duplex or double-scale graduates

the center of the clear spaces between the ends of the main graduation marks,

provided for in specification 7, shall be approximately 90 degrees from the lip.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on glass

graduates shall not be greater than the values given in the following table. Note.—The tolerance to be used at any point on any graduate shall be determined by measuring the inside diameter of the graduate at the point under

test, and taking from the table the tolerance value corresponding to this

diameter.

Tolerance for graduates of various diameters.

[In metric units.*]

Diam- Toler- Diam- Toler- Diam- Toler- Diam- Tolereter. ance. eter. ance. eter. ance. eter. ance.

Mm Ml Mm Ml Mm Ml Mm Ml

10 0. 04 33 0.55 56 1.9 79 4.4

11 .05 34 .60 57 2.0 80 4.5

12 .06 35 .60 58 2.0 81 4.6

13 .07 36 .65 59 2.1 82 4.8

14 .08 37 .70 60 2.2 83 4.9

15 .09 38 .75 61 2.3 84 5.0

16 .10 39 .80 62 2.4 85 5.1 17 .12 40 .85 63 2.5 86 5.2

18 .14 41 .90 64 2.6 87 5.4 19 .16 42 .95 65 2.7 . 88 5.5

20 .18 43 1.00 66 2.8 89 5.6

21 .20 44 1.05 67 2.9 90 5.7

22 .22 45 1.10 68 3.0 91 5.9 23 .24 46 1.15 69 3.1 92 6.0

24 .26 47 1.25 70 3.2 93 6.1 • 25 .28 48 1.30 71 3.4 94 6.2

26 .30 49 1.35 72 3.5 95 6.4 27 .35 50 1.4 73 3.6 96 6.5

28 .35 51 1.5 74 3.7 97 6.6

29 .40 . 52 1.6 75 3.9 98 6.8

30 .45 53 1.6 76 4.0 99 6.9

31 .45 54 1.7 77 4.1 100 7.1

32 .50 55 1.8 73 4.2

J The term "milliliter" or "ml" is used herein to designate the one-thousandth part of the liter. This

unit is also commonly known as the cubic centimeter or the "cc." The latter is not an accurate usage as the units are not exactly equal, but the difference between them is of no consequence for the purposes of this table, and therefore they may be used interchangeably.
1S4 BUKEAU OF STANDARDS.

Tolerance for graduates of various diameters—Continued.

[In United States customary units.l

Diameter.

Inches.

Sixteenths.

6

7

8

9

10

1112

13

14

15

12

34

5

10

1112

1314

15

12

3

Tolerance.

Minims.

0.6

.8 1.0

1.3 1.6 2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

5

66

78

9

10

1112

14

1516

17

19

212224

2628

30

Diameter.

Inches. Sixteenths.

6

78

9

10

1112

1314

15

12

3

4

56

78

9

1011

12

1314

15

Tolerance.

Drams Minims.

3234

30

39

4144

474952

55

582

58

12

1518

21

24

27

31

34

38

41

44

47

51

55

The Chairman. If there is no objection, we will go at once to

the discussion.

Mr. Reichmann. Has the expert on glassware of the Bureau

of Standards gone over these particular specifications and tolerances ? The Secretary. As Mr. Downing said a few moments ago, Mr.

Bearce has been consulted on this.

Mr. Reichmann. Then, Mr. Chairman, I move you that that sec- tion be adopted.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

MILK BOTTLES.

Mr. Connors. This first amendment is to clarify specification No. 1

of the old tolerances and specifications which readBottles used for the sale of milk or cream shall be made only in sizes heretofore specified under the heading, " Liquid capacity measures."

The committee recommends that there be added the words

and they shall be made to contain their indicated capacities at a temperature

of 68° F. (20° C).

Mr. Reichmann. Has this committee a letter of any kind from the

Bottle Blowers' Association of the United States and Canada in any

way approving of this milk-bottle specification ? They are the people

who have to make the bottles.

The Chairman. Has it been taken up with the manufacturers ?
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 135

The Secretary. These specifications have been published for a couple of years and we have not heard of any complaints from the

bottle manufacturers.

Mr. Eeichmann. That answers my question. I move you, sir, that

that section be adopted.

The Chairman. Has the committee any other explanations to

make?

Mr. Connors. No. The committee felt that milk bottles were

tested at a temperature of 68°, the same as glass graduates.

Mr. Eeichmann. I would like to respectfully suggest when those

temperatures are printed that we reverse them and say 20° C. and

in parentheses 68° F., in order to be consistent with the bill which

we have discussed.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. I am not at all opposed to the adoption of this

specification, but while on the subject of milk bottles I want to remind

you of the fact that California has taken a decided stand on specification No. 3, referring to the point to which the capacity should be

measured. After a year of inspection work, wherein we have handled

a million bottles or more, we find the Eastern manufacturers and the

California manufacturers are making their bottles to contain or to

approximate the contents within one-eighth of an inch of the capseat. They have substantiated their contentions to me on many occasions that when a bottle is filled to within one-quarter of an inch

below the cap-seat churning of the milk in the bottle is permitted.

Mr. Hanson informs me they have the capacity fixed in Massachusetts up to the cap-seat. All of the bottle-filling machines in common use can not fill to the cap-seat, but they all fill to within approximately one-eighth of an inch of the cap-seat—not one-quarter

of an inch—and you will find upon inspection that the statement I am

making is verified by facts in every instance.

I simply want to make a record of that contention here, and we

eventually will substantiate the practicability of changing the specifications from one-quarter to one-eighth of an inch. I would like

to make that suggestion in the form of a motion.

To restate it, the amendment to the section that I desire to make

is this: Instead of fixing the capacity at one-quarter inch below the

cap-seat, fix it at one-eighth inch below the cap-seat on both sizes

of bottles. I make that as a motion.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. It might be well to have discussion on this point.

You have heard the motion seconded. Are there any remarks ? We

certainly ought not change the specifications without a thorough

discussion and a statement of the reasons therefor.

Mr. Reichmann. May I amend that motion by referring that sec- tion back to the committee for report next year? I think that is an

important thing that ought to be taken up, and we should get the

expression of opinion of the glass blowers' association of the United

States and Canada as well as the glass bottle manufacturers, and if

the practice in Massachusetts and California varies so widely, it seems to me it would be a simple matter to get a report from these

States and get an equitable proposition. Mr. Johnson says he has

documentary evidence which he can submit showing why they want
136 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

that. There is no particular hurry about passing this specification

this year.

The Secretary. I might say it is not a question for the bottle

maker, but it is a question of filling, as I understand it. The bottle

maker may make his measures just as accurately whether the Gapacity

is measured right up to the stopple or to a point one-quarter of an

inch below it. The committee was of the opinion that one-quarter

inch of space would have to be allowed, since it was believed that

this was the point to which the bottle is filled in practice. But we

want to be governed by facts. If it is better to have it a less distance

and consider it full, we would be glad to amend the section.

Mr. Reichmann. I take it that the general scheme is, of course,

to have some specification that is equitable to all concerned, because

there is no legal basis for all of these specifications. We can not

enforce them unless we do that which is equitable and consistent with

the best practice.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, as the result of the inspection of

milk bottles I believe that California has tested more milk bottles

during the last year than perhaps any other State in the Union.

All of the Eastern manufacturers of bottles who sell bottles in California comply with the specifications as adopted there, and we have

adopted the one-eighth inch below the cap-seat. I have had interviews with the manufacturers of various kinds of machinery built to

fill milk bottles. In California, which is conceded to be one of the

farming States in the Union particularly adapted to dairying. I

have gone through approximately 10 of our largest dairies and inspected thousands of filled bottles, and in no instance have we found

a bottle only filled to within one-quarter of an inch below the capseat. They have been filled to within one-eighth of an inch as the

minimum, and from that up to the stopple. We adopted a one- eighth inch maximum below the cap-seat or stopple, and we have

obtained uniform and universal cooperation both with the dairies

and the bottle manufacturers. It is perfectly satisfactory, and at

the last session the only person who opposed my contention here in

the conference was the local sealer of Washington, and as the report

of the conference will prove, there is not a substantial argument in

his contention to sustain his opinion. I was overruled, I presume, as a matter of expediency.

From a practical point of view you will find my contentions are not based alone on my personal observation, but as a result of careful

gathering of data from many places. You will find that one-eighth

inch below the cap-seat is sufficient space to allow for the bubbling

of the milk and not enough to permit the churning of the milk, and

it is satisfactory to the dairy and creamery interests. I do not want

this to confuse the adoption of these specifications. I do not want

these specifications to be returned to the committee. I would rather

withdraw my motion. If necessary, let us adopt the specifications

and defer my contention until next year.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). Mr. Chairman, it strikes me that we

are spending time needlessly on this question. It seems to me if these

tolerances are going to be adopted by the National Bureau of Standards, and they are recommended for adoption in the various States,

then if California sees fit to adopt a specification requiring the meas- urement to be made at a point one-eighth of an inch below the cap or
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 137

stopple, that is all right. They are not going below the one-quarter

inch prescribed in your tolerances, and it strikes me no harm is done.

If some one adopted a half-inch, or something in excess of the quarterinch, there would be reasonable cause for us to stop and object, but

where the tolerance they are accepting is less than that which you are

establishing, I think it would be useless to waste time on the subject.

Mr. Johnson. I do not think Mr. Sweeney realizes the importance

of my contention. California is not a manufacturer of glass bottles,

and these specifications, as adopted, are followed by Eastern manufacturers. However, they in their practical judgment have seen wise

to accept one-eighth tolerance instead of the one-quarter. I do not

want to have to apologize for taking up this time, as I think this

is the proper forum to discuss these matters so that we can obtain

a practical working understanding, and if I can demonstrate the

fact that the conference at a prior year has taken the matter up I do

not think it unwise to take the matter up at this time.

The Secretary. Some one made a suggestion that this amendment

be passed, and that the committee investigate and report next year.

It seems to me that is the best way to handle this subject. The committee will promise Mr. Johnson that a thorough investigation will

be made. If his contention is right, I would be glad to make a recommendation next year that the distance be changed.

Mr. Jounson. Then I will withdraw my motion.

Mr. Reichmann. I offer an amendment to your motion that this

be left to the next conference.

Mr. Johnson. I accept that.

Mr. Reichmann. The reason for the confusion on this whole milkbottle proposition is that it is not an instrumental subject, but con- cerns the way the bottles should be filled, which is decidedly differ- ent. Some of the States, like Massachusetts and New York, require

that they be measured to the cap-seat or stopple for the purpose of

certifying accuracy.

The Chairman. Do you accept the amendment?

Mr. Johnson. Yes, sir. The Chairman. Are you ready for the motion as amended? It

refers this particular point on specification No. 3 to the committee

for report next year. All those in favor say " aye," contrary " no."

The motion is carried.

Dry Capacity Measures.

Mr. Connors. The next amendment relates to dry capacity measures. It reads as follows

:

Page 8, specification 6. Amend by adding thereto the following words

:

"All metal dry measures shall be adequately reinforced around the top."

Mr. Deaussauxt. Mr. Chairman, I move that the specification be

adopted.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Scales.

Mr. Connors. The next section includes amendments to the specifications under the heading " Scales, general specifications."
138 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Chairman. The subject here is scales, general specifications.

We take up the whole subject, but the discussion, of course, will have

to be by sections because the sections are on different points.

Mr. Connors. The first proposed amendment reads:

Add a new retroactive specification to each type of scale mentioned in the

subheads under this title to be properly numbered and to read as follows:

" When not modified by the above, the specifications given under the heading

' Scales, general specifications,' shall apply to these scales in so far as they

are applicable."

The Secretary. This amendment before you now merely states

and calls attention to the fact that in so far as general specifications are not modified by the special ones under each class that the general ones shall apply to each class of scales. Nobody has any objection

to that as this has always been intended. It is just common sense. It simply brings the attention of sealers to the fact that they must

look at the general specifications when reading the special ones. Mr. Connors. The next proposed amendment reads as follows

Add a new retroactive specification to be numbered 2-a and to read as follows

:

" 2-a. No scale shall be used in weighing loads greater than its nominal

or rated capacity."

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, it is perfectly obvious that no

one but a fool would so use a scale, but if I want to buy a scale with

a capacity of 10 pounds, and then put 100 pounds on it, I do not

think it is anybody's business but mine, so far as that is concerned. This is a regulation as to the use of the scale.

The Secretary. I might state that I think Dr. Reichmann's contention in that particular case is pretty well taken. I think in these

specifications we have really injected a new proposition which is more

or less in the nature of a guide to the sealer. I think it can be defended as a regulation.

Mr. Reichmann. The time is coming when we will have regulations outside of the strict questions of specifications and tolerances.

There is no objection to having it in or to leaving it out, but if it is

put out from the conference, intelligent and thinking people will

say, " They want to cover everything and have become confused."

It is simply to preserve the dignity of the bureau and the national

conference that I raise that point.

Mr. Connors. There seemed to be no doubt in the mind of the

committee as to the necessity for this specification or regulation if

you wish to call it that. Suppose a scale is marked 50 pounds

capacity, and the sealer tests it to this capacity and the scale is correct for 50 pounds. It does not seem proper that that scale should

be allowed to be used for 75 pounds when tested only to 50 pounds.

Anything might happen when a load of 75 pounds is placed upon

it—for instance, the levers might bend, torsion might come into the

frame, or one hundred and one things might happen that would

result in inaccuracies.

It seemed to the committee that the regulation, or specification, as we call it, was necessary, and I think almost every sealer will admitf

that it is necessary. Whether you call it a specification or regulation,

we make regulations or specifications for other types of scales. For

instance, in some parts of the specifications we say that the maximum

graduation shall be of 1 ounce upon a scale used in making a sale of
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 139

food at retail. I would like to hear the views of some of the sealers on that before we let it go.

Mr. Cltjett.' Would it not be better in this instance to make that a

sort of advisory measure, and say that no scale should be used for

weighing loads greater than the nominal rated capacity?

The Secretary. I think as a regulation it is perfectly proper to

say that a scale should not be so used. I think Mr. Connors's argument for that as a regulation is very good. We have found in our

investigation of railroad-track scales that they may be tested and

found to be correct for one capacity and utterly fail when used at a higher capacity.

Mr. Hanson. We might just as well take out the word " used " and

say no scale shall be " tested." I think there is just as much sense

in one as in the other.

The Secretary. That would be a perfectly proper regulation also.

The sealer should not test beyond capacity.

Mr. Hanson. Do you not think he should know enough not to test beyond capacity?

The Secretary. I would not say they are tested, but I will say

they are used beyond the rated capacity and by very intelligent

people, too. They are used beyond their rating capacity right along.

I do not think it is a matter of importance whether it is struck out

or not.

Mr. Howe. From a practical view of inspection of scales, I think

that is absolutely necessary. If we take a 400-pound scale and weigh

an 800-pound load on it, we often find the scale will bind, and that

often occurs in junk shops where the man piles too much on it. He

is then getting more than he is paying for. I think that is a most

important regulation.

Mr. Reichmann. I move that the specification be adopted.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Connors. The next recommendation is on the same page and

reads

:

Add a new retroactive specification to be numbered 3-a and to read as

follows

:

" The construction of all scales shall be such that when the beam is displaced

to the full extent allowed by the construction of the scale it will return to its normal position."

The reason for that specification is that there are quite a number of

scales on the market—mostly of the cheaper grades—so constructed

that when the beam is displaced from one side to the other it gets out

of balance and stays there. Most of the sealers have seen platform

scales with the beam rubbing along the side of the trig loop, creating binding and throwing it out of balance. You have also seen some counter platform scales with a side motion of the beam, and it

is hard to keep them in balance. The loops may take a different

position, which would throw the scale out of balance. We do not

specify the means of eliminating such conditions, but we specify that

this condition shall not obtain. This is thought to be a good specification and a fair one. The Chairman. You have heard the last section. Is there a motion in regard to that?

The Secretary. I would suggest, Mr. Chairman, that if there is no

objection suggested to any proposed amendment that we assume
140 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

there is none and go right along. I think we lose a lot of time in

waiting for some one to make a motion.

The Chairman. If there is no objection, this will stand approved.

Mr. Connors. The next specification is in the advance report

:

No scale having a platform or plate upon which commodities might be

weighed shall be equipped with a removable scoop designed or constructed to be

set upon such plate or platform unless the scale is also equipped with a per- manently attached device which will counterbalance or otherwise compensate

for the weight of such scoop, and in the latter case this device shall clearly

indicate on the customer's side of the scale whether the scoop should be on or

off the scale. In no case shall any scale equipped with a removable poise or removable weight intended to counterbalance or otherwise compensate for the

weight of a scoop be used.

The question came up during the past year whether the specifications forbid the use of the scales known commonly as the family

type of scoop-on and scoop-off scales; that is, a scale with a platform above the beam and dial and a scoop that is removable. The

usual way of using such a scale is to have it set at zero with the scoop

off, then to fill the scoop and put it on, thereby short weighting the

customer the weight of the scoop. The committee found that there

was a great deal of doubt about the present specification, and so recommended this amended specification, which takes care of it. Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of the specification.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Searle. If I am in order, I would like to inquire if that paragraph as it reads is not a regulation preventing the use of a scoop on any platform scale?

Mr. Connors. No. That does not prevent the use of a scoop on

any platform scale, because the wording is, " equipped with a re- movable poise or removable weight." A counter platform scale

may be equipped with a scoop, provided the weight used to counterbalance the weight of the scoop is not removable. For instance, a

scale commonly known as a platform scale with a latch poise—that

is, one that may be turned over to counterbalance the weight of the

scoop—is a proper one provided that scale has on the customer's side a device indicating whether the scoop is on or off the scale. This

specification does not prevent the use of that scale.

Mr. Searle. Then I think it is unfortunately expressed, because, if

I read correctly, " No scale having a platform or plate upon which

commodities might be weighed shall be equipped with a removable

scoop designed or constructed to be set upon such plate or platform

unless the scale is also equipped with a permanently attached device

which will counterbalance or otherwise compensate for the weight

of such scoop, and in the latter case this device shall clearly indicate on the customer's side of the scale whether the scoop should be on or

off of the scale."

That would prevent a groceryman putting a scoop full of sugar on

a platform counter scale.

Mr. Connors. Unless on the scale there was " a permanently at- tached device which will counterbalance or otherwise compensate for

the weight of the scoop."

Mr. Guardia. Some of the spring-scale manufacturers have in

mind and propose putting out this coming year a new type of so- called household scale. I have here, if you will permit me, a little

cut of the machine we have.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 141

The Chairman. You are speaking to this particular point ? Mr. Guardia. Yes, sir. This is a hanging scale with a base that

rests on the table or on the floor. The hanging scale is attached to

the support by a hook. Everything meets the specification of the

conference. We have here a plate that the scoop rests on. The idea

of adding this scoop is that in country districts the farmer, in putting

up preserves and things of that kind, has to have a scoop to weigh

the commodities in. This scoop rests on this platform. We think

this type of scale will ultimately be the universal type of household

scale. It is a hanging scale of family type, and what I would like to

know is, in this ruling here, would this scoop be eliminated ? Mr. Connors. I should say it would. That is no different from the

family scale with the scoop on top. You have a plate on which the

commodity can be weighed and then you have a scoop which is to be

placed upon the plate. We found the common practice was to set the

scale at zero without the scoop, take the scoop to one side and fill it with the commodity, and then place it on the scale.

The Chairman. As I saw that picture, you did not expect to use

it except as a scoop scale?

Mr. Guardia. As a scoop scale for household use. The Chairman. How is it when it is off?

Mr. Guardia. A hanging scale. We have an adjusting bar that

throws it back to zero after the scoop is put on. Mr. Mikesell. Is not the gentleman out of order ? He is speaking

distinctly of a household scale. What jurisdiction has the department over a household scale ? Many of those scales, as I have found

them, are labeled " Not legal in trade."

The Chairman. To have such a distinction is a bad plan.

Mr. Guardia. I said this morning that the spring-scale manufacturers had advanced further in the past year on spring scales than

they have ever done before, and we are following closely all of the

rules and regulations that the conference puts out, and I will safely

say we can make spring scales to meet these specifications.

There is one point that I would like to have the conference take up,

and that is the question of price of scales. If the men in the field can

educate the public to the fact that they can not get a satisfactory

weighing on a cheap scale, and then condemn that scale, you will

have no trouble on spring scales. If you can educate your people

to buy a better-class scale that will meet tolerances, I will assure you

your inspectors will not have any trouble with spring scales.

Mr. Mikesell. You all know it is impossible to educate all of the

people, and the gentleman himself, representing his company, will

probably admit that it is impossible to make a scale of that type,

costing from 75 cents to $1.50, that will come within any tolerance

of any State within the United States. I have never yet found one

such scale, even when new and never removed from the box, that

would come within the shift-test tolerance.

The Chairman. Several have called my attention to the fact that

we are wandering away from the point, and I will ask you all to

speak to the point under discussion ; otherwise we will not get

through.

Mr. Guardia. All I wanted was information as to the scoop.

Mr. Connors. In my opinion, Mr. Gardia, the scale which you

showed in the illustration is nothing more or less than the scoop-on,
142 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

scoop-off scale of the ordinary family type, except that the pan is suspended instead of being over the spring ; and I would say that, in

my opinion, the specifications forbid the use of a scale of that character—that is, a scale which can be used with a scoop on and scoop

off without any compensating device attached.

The Chairman. There is no objection to anyone registering their

opinion in regard to this, but do not let us get off on to springs when

talking about another subject. If there is no objection, this item

will be passed.

Mr. Watson. Suppose you have an equal arm balance with a scoop on one side and a ring on the other to balance that scoop, could

not that ring be fastened to that scale and make it legal if it could

not be taken off without a screw driver or a wrench? Would that

pass?

Mr. Connors. I would say where the ring or fiat Weight on an

even-arm scale is fastened permanently to a weight plate which can

not be mistaken for a commodity plate that that scale would not be

thrown out under the regulations. This regulation as it is, was passed

in 1913 and has been in force three years. It is not a new specification. In these cases the sealer has at times had the scoop weight

fastened to the counter poise or to the beam in order to make them

comply with the specifications.

Mr. Johnson. There are a great many similar objections to these

specifications, and rather than refer these back to next year we can

refer them back for consideration to-morrow morning. I would

suggest that instead of throwing out specifications entirely for an- other year, where there are substantial arguments in favor of a change, that we refer the specifications back to the committee for

further deliberation and for further consideration to-morrow morning. Let us adopt the specifications subject to change to-morrow if

necessary.

The Chairman. I must confess, with the last speaker, I would

like to see the specific objections brought out in plain English and

discussed on their merits. We are getting into a maze of details.

Mr. Barnard. I would like to ask if it will be possible to enforce

this specification. I took this particular matter up one time with

our city attorney and asked if he thought we could successfully

prosecute a man because he refused to comply with this specification.

His opinion to me was that we could not, that the average jury

would return a verdict of not guilty in a case of that kind, and I

am wondering what use there is of passing a specification we can not

enforce.

Mr. Downing. We have had two of these specifications in force

in Wisconsin for several years and the specification is in force now.

I had a large number of scales of the type that Mr. Deaussault, of

Massachusetts, referred to. They have all been condemned. The

policy that we followed was that where a merchant did not want to

replace the old type with a new one. we allowed him to fasten down

the weight and use the scoop on the scale. That is a common practice

in our hardware stores, but a good many of the hardware men were

dissatisfied and wanted new scales. I doubt whether you will find

any scales in Wisconsin not in compliance with the former regula-
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 143

tion, and this regulation is to apply the same proposition to a spring scale of the family type.

There is no doubt in my mind but what the regulation is enforceable, because a scale of that type can be used for the perpetration of fraud, and we certainly have jurisdiction when it comes to

making regulations.

Mr. Mikesell. I move you that the section be accepted.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to ask the gentleman who

has presented these specifications a question. We have in the city

of Boston, especially on some of the big fish wharves, men who use platform scales not equipped with tare beams, but they supply the

scales with a homemade box, in some instances lined with zinc, in

which to put the fish as a matter of convenience in weighing them.

In some instances these men offset the tare of the box which they

place upon the platform by the addition of a small weight to the

counterpoise, which brings about a perfect equilibrium on the platform scale before the fish are placed in the box. Would that regulation prevent these men from using that type of box on a scale ? The Secretary. Can the box be put on and taken off ? Mr. Sweeney. It is removable ; yes.

The Chairman. What is the capacity of the scale?

Mr. Sweeney. From 500 to 1,000 pounds.

Mr. Connors. I know the condition you speak of, and it is very

common on the fish wharves to take these big zinc-lined boxes and

put them on and make a weight to compensate for it. That is not

a scoop within the meaning of the specification, and to my mind the

specification would not prevent that.

Mr. Farrell. I think that is mincing words. I think that is

purely a scoop-on and scoop-off scale. It is a platform scale used

with the scoop off and on. It is absolutely the same principle.

The Chairman. Do not let us go too far with this, but confine

ourselves to the actual change in question.

Mr. Connors. I think that is in the same class with dump-freight

scales, where they roll on freight and have a standard truck to put

barrels on, and they have a separate weight that will counterbalance

the weight of the truck, so that they can get a direct reading on the

beam. They roll on the truck with a barrel of sugar and read directly, because they have a counterbalancing weight, and I think Mr.

Sweeney's fish box would come in the same class.

Mr. Ballou. The gentleman from Wisconsin has given a reason

for this regulation. The same opportunity for fraud is given on the

scale Mr. Sweeney speaks of, if the weight is left off the beam the

box is not compensated for.

Mr. Lincoln. We have to use common sense in all of these things.

I live in a town where they deal in fish. These big boxes weigh 20

pounds or more, and the weight will be short by that amount. I do

not think anyone will make a mistake along that line.

Mr. Sweeney. I contend, and I suppose that it is the opinion

of the majority of the men here to-day, that the intention of the

gentleman who introduced this amendment was to prevent fraud,

and if that is a fact some definition of what a scoop is must be presented to us before that is accepted. If this regulation went into
144 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

effect, we would be authorized by the State commissioner at some

later period to go to these people and tell them to stop selling fish in

this fashion.

The Chairman. Does the fishman take off this box and scoop up

fish with it—does he use it as a scoop ? Mr. Sweeney. No ; they fork the fish into it. The Chairman. Therefore it is a container, and not a scoop at all. I think it is a good thing to bring out these questions. I would suggest that the committee add a word or two' defining the character of

these scales. Evidently it was not intended to cover these large

scales, and just a word in there will straighten the whole thing out.

The Secretary. I believe everybody understands what we mean

b}' the word u scoop," but if we have not made it clear I am willing

to have it referred back and have it made clear.

The Chairman. There is a motion before us to accept this.

Mr. Reichmann. I want to amend the motion. If they go by the

original specification, it will not delay matters particularly if we

refer this back to the committee for report next year on this specific

amendment. Substantially the same thing has been in the specifications before, so why would it not be simpler to delay final action in

this proposition until next year ? This is a more or less unimportant

section.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. That is an amendment to the previous motion.

Mr. Johnson. I suggested a moment ago in the correction of these

specifications that we can save time by referring these matters back

to the committee for report to-morrow. A gentleman a moment ago

informed us they were about to build a new scale of this type. Why

delay our answer to these people for another year when we can give

it to them to-morrow ? 1 think we should refer this back to the committee to report to-morrow morning.

The Secretary. I object to that very much indeed. I want to say,

in regard to making any changes here, that the committee have debated for a long time over the changing of one little sentence or a

single word, and it is not quite as simple as Mr. Johnson thinks. You

have to visualize all the possible t}7 pes of scales that might be affected,

and when you get the specifications drawn up, as we have in this

case, we find that we never considered any such box. We thought

that everybody would understand ,what we meant when we talked

about a scoop. We have had this rather unusual view presented to

us. We have to anticipate those things as much as we can, and I

would not like to undertake to report anything back to-morrow morning without mature consideration.

Mr. Reichmann. If we can get the report to-morrow morning, I

am in favor of Mr. Johnson's suggestion.

The Secretary. I will say, Dr. Reichmann, that the committee

will be unable to report on that by to-morrow.

The Chairman. The amendment is before us. The amendment is to carry this over and. report next year. All in favor of the amendment say " aye," contrary " no."

(The amendment was agreed to.)

The Chairman. Those in favor of the original motion as amended

please say " aye," contrary " no." The original motion is carried.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 145

Mr. Connors. The next specification is on page 6 of the advance

copy

:

Page 11. Add two new specifications to be numbered " 12-a " and " 12-b,"

and to read as follows

:

" 12-a. The graduations on all beams and reading faces shall be clear and

distinct, and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch."

In the specifications for computing scales adopted by the conference the minimum thickness of the graduation was specified as 0.008 inch, and it seemed only fair to the committee that the con- ference should be advised of that fact and the specification adopted,

providing that all beams and reading faces should have a graduation

with a minimum width of 0.008 inch. There is no reason why it should apply especially to computing scales, but it should apply to all

scales with reading faces.

Mr. Farrell. I move the adoption of that.

The Chairman. If there is no objection, section 12-a will stand

approved.

Mr. Connors. The next is 12-b [reading] : The clear interval between the graduations on all beams shall not be less than

0.04 inch.

In the case of computing scales and spring scales you will find a

specification adopted by the conference some years ago stating that

the clear interval between graduations on all dials should not be less

than 0.04 inch. The question came up last year, and the committee

felt that the clear interval between graduations on all beams also

should be not less than 0.04 inch. The clear interval between all

graduations may not be less than 0.04 inch if this specification is

adopted, since this makes the requirement apply to all scales.

The Chairman. If there is no objection, this will stand approved.

Mr. Connors. The next amendment is to specification No. 19, on

page 11; and reads:

Strike out this specification and insert in lieu thereof the following:

" Reading edges or indicators of all poises shall be sharply defined, and all reading edges shall be parallel to the graduations on the beam : Provided,

however, That all poises on graduated unnotched beams shall be so constructed

that the immediate region, including at least one of the minimum weight

graduations on both sides of the graduation indicated by the poise, are visible. The indicators of these poises shall be sharply defined and practically symmetrical to the graduations on the beam at the reading point. Reading edges on poises on graduated unnotched beams shall not be allowed."

Mr. Reichmann. Last evening the secretary of the conference

asked me about this particular specification. Unfortunately I had

not seen this before. I want to say that this particular specification

to my mind is impracticable because, in the first place, this same

kind of poise was tried some 15 or 30 years ago and there are some

in use on old scales still. I move you that this specification be not

adopted.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, I am certainly very surprised to

learn, as I have recently, that the manufacturers regarded this as a very drastic change. To us here at the bureau who are in the habit

of using symmetrical poises, and insist upon them, it seems a matter

one would admit without argument; but apparently that is not the

case. It is a fact, however, that any indicator that is symmetrical

62254°—17 10
146 BUREAU OP STANDARDS.

with respect to a line is very much more accurately read. If you

have a line or point meeting another line it is all right, but if you

have an edge covering part of the line it is an extremely difficult

matter to set it. If one graduation line is thicker than another you

have to look at a similar line over here before you can estimate half

of the one which is partly covered. I am talking about a poise that

has the reading edge on it. A few months ago we got out some suggestions to the manufacturers along these lines and recommended

that they follow them, and it was not until after we had received a large number of replies that we thought of incorporating that in our specifications. I might say that at the present time there is a

poise of this style that is coming into very general use. I claim that

that is an attempt to meet our recommendations. The point on the

poise in the best ones I have seen is practically a straight line. Some

of them are of other types which would not meet this specification,

but there are poises of this kind, and there are going to be more and

more of them. I do not think there is any question but what the

symmetrical index lends itself to accuracy.

Mr. Lincoln. Would that regulation do away with the poise on

this type of scale here [indicating a scale] ? The Secretary. It would not do away with any of them that are already in use. Mr. Reichmann. Would it do away with any of those being made

now? In other words, could a manufacturer of that scale continue

making that poise, presuming you enforced the regulation ? The Secretary. I might state that the only reason that I did speak

with Dr. Reichmann about this was because I thought he was one of

the men who would get our point of view immediately.

Mr. Reichmann. Many of you have undoubtedly seen poises like

this [making a sketch on the board] that used to be made 15 or 20

years ago, where it had a beam like this [indicating], and a poise

like this [indicating] , with an opening and a wire or point over here,

which made an ideal symmetrical proposition. This either joined it or came above it with graduations here. Such a poise I saw only last

Friday in a plant in New Jersey, one of the most progressive concerns in the United States, used by people who are used to accurate

work. It was on an old scale which used to be made. I believe some

of them are still made. This particular scale had been in use there

for 25 years, and the weighmaster who used it had weighed thousands

of drums of chemicals. The only big kick he had on this scale was,

as he called it, " That fool poise." There is a practical

proposition.

Theoretically I will agree with you if I had a beam like this [making a sketch on the board] and had a poise over here, and I was usiwg

it in a laboratory, I would prefer to have an index out here, with the

fiducial line here and the graduations on the beam, so that I could

make readings, one as against the other. But as a practical idea this

would not be suitable, because the weighmaster would have this in a great deal worse shape than a poise like that.

The Secretary. There is one that has nothing but a wire.

Mr. Reichmann. That type of poise is the most vicious that can

be designed for use on any kind of scale except a postal scale, where

it is used in the office. That wire would not last one day, and in the

second place in the hands of any but the highest-priced weighmaster
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 147

he would read either to that wire or to this edge or to that edge

[indicating].

Mr. Briggs. Mr. Chairman, would it be in order for me to give

some of the results of practical experience on the form of poise here?

The Chairman. That is what we are looking for.

Mr. Reichmann. If the gentleman wishes to emphasize the point

that my experience was not practical, I raise an objection.

The Chairman. Mr. Briggs wants to bring out some facts encountered in his experience.

Mr. Briggs. I think I can bring out some points in this matter.

In the last year and a half I have personally tested somewhere

between 70 and 80 scales of capacity of about 500 pounds of a type

commonly used by the Post Office Department. In carrying out the

provisions of the specifications it was necessary to apply tolerances

to the poises. The poises in use were common poises, which were

of this shape here [making a sketch on the board]. The tolerance on

the beam was stated as a certain fraction of the graduation, which I

do not pretend to carry in mind, but suffice it is to say, in attempting

to apply the tolerances, the whole matter became absurd and was admitted to be so by the representative of the company with whom I

was working. I could easily decide that these poises should belong

in one position, and he would agree with me, and have to agree with

me, that it was a fair proposition. He could place the poise in an

entirely different position on the beam, and I would have to agree

with him that that was an entirely possible setting of the poise. No

doubt there are serious difficulties in introducing the symmetrical

type of poises, but those are some of the difficulties you have at the

present time with the present type of poise.

When you have a poise operating on a beam where it is located

in definite positions by means of notches then the importance of this

thing disappears, because the function of the pointer is merely to indicate the number on the beam. This question of the nonsymmetrical pointer brings out a question we have to contend with all the time

in measuring. For instance, in our precision work, if we are reading on a micrometer and making settings on lines on a meter bar, the

settings and readings are made by turning the micrometer head

which moves two cross-hairs so that they are apparently equally

spaced on either side of the line you are measuring. The object is

to acquire precision, and it is necessary to get the thing as symmetrical as possible. When you come to using the nonsymmetrical pointer> no matter how sharp, you have to practically consider the personal

equation, which is strongly emphasized in this type of poise. It

does not really matter if you have an indicator which is of this type

[making a sketch on the board] which has a very fine line down here.

I have taken quite a number of words to express a fact which is

probably to you self-evident.

Mr. Beichmann. Mr. Briggs raised a very great number of important points that I would like to elucidate, because these diagrams

may not be clear. Let us get down to precision and let us analyze

this. On most scales you will find graduations where the poise comes

down to the graduations in this shape [making a sketch on the

board]. There is your graduation. A man moves his poise to that

point and he wants to read carefully ; furthermore, the idea of most

weighing is not the question of precision, but a question of com-
148 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

mercial accuracy, to accurately weigh within the least graduation,

and the graduations are generally spaced far enough apart. One

reason why this type of poise, which would absolutely comply with

that specification, has been found objectionable and has been discarded by every weighmaster, is that it is hard to read because it

always throws a shadow, and yet here you have a condition where you

are reading to a symmetrical mark. I do not know of a scale that

would not be practically thrown out. Mr. Farrell. Would the poise, such as suggested by Mr. Briggs,

do away with the personal equation in weighing ? Mr. Reichmann. Absolutely not.

The Secretary. I might say that poises in accordance with this

specification would reduce it to a minimum. That is the real answer. Mr. Farrell. Is not that precision work ? The Secretary. I am saying that for practical work it is the same. The question Mr. Briggs discussed is of importance in determining

tolerance. I think that Mr. Schlink has looked up these things for

me and he knows what the practice is in other countries. We do

not have all the experience and they none. It seems to me these people in Germany, England, and France do not make such specifications

for nothing.

Mr. Farrell. I have gone over the laws governing Germany, England, France, Italy, and Spain, and practically all the laws of Russia which have been translated, but I believe the American laws are good enough for America. We are entitled to the best, and I think

we have the best. I found no country with laws better than ours. The Secretary. Are you speaking of laws or of specifications?

Mr. Farrell. Of specifications.

The Secretary. I am very glad to hear you say that.

Mr. Farrell. Take our specifications, and especially if you take the

New York State specifications, you will find them far in advance of

any of the countries of which I have spoken.

Mr. Schlink. Dr. Reichmann intimated that certain manufacturers are prepared to go out of business rather than make this type

of poise. It happens that we have on hand prints from practically

every manufacturer in this country, to whom the matter has been

offered, and it appears from a careful study of their letters that

about one-third of the manufacturers protest the construction of

this type of poise, but their objection is chiefly grounded on the

cost of change of patterns, and another objection was that it would

be impossible to replace a new poise on an old type of scale, which

is of no point, since the specification is not retroactive. Two-thirds

of the manufacturers approved of the idea and offered to put it into

effect immediately, or as soon as their present stock of castings was

exhausted, and in pursuance of that a number have submitted designs, many of which are satisfactory.

I would like to ask Dr. Reichmann whether he would like an

automobile speedometer or steam gauge with a nonsymmetrical

index?

Mr. Reichmann. May I answer the gentleman on that point?

There is no use answering that question, because I can not answer it. Mr. Schlink. If you were to cover up this much of your dial on

a speedometer [making a sketch on the board], and read on that

edge, you would be merely obscuring a part of your reading face
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 149

and obtaining no benefit whatever. Steam gauges and automobile

speedometers and practically every sort of engineering instrument

use symmetrical indexes.

Mr. Eeichmann. I will answer the question by saying my room

is 330, Ealeigh Hotel, and I will be delighted to ask Mr. Schlink

to come to dinner with me and I will be glad to stay up with him

and discuss automobile speedometers and steam gauges until the

wee small hours. I may have some ideas on the subject, but at the

present juncture I think we are discussing a proposition of scales.

The Chairman. No. We are discussing the question of reading

graduations.

Mr. Eeichmann. The specific specification is on a poise.

The Chairman. It has to do with the reading of graduations, and

the gentleman simply presented other graduations as an illustration.

Mr. Eeichmann. I submit, Mr. Chairman, that the manufacturers

want to cooperate with the bureau and the bureau wants the co- operation of the manufacturers. The letter which goes out from

the manufacturer, as a rule, is written by some administrative offi- cer of the concern, who applies a little soft soap and one thing and

another. The gentlemen I have been talking to are not those people,

but they are the superintendents of construction and the engineers

and sales managers, and supposing that it will unquestionably cost a little more, Avho will have to pay the fiddler? The consumer and

the sealer will have the greatest kind of diversity of apparatus in

the field and he will have to determine whether that was from a casting which was cast or molded prior to April 1, 1916, or some

such date.

It will be a hardship on the dealer; it is an impractical proposition from the weighmaster's standpoint; it is an enormous expense

to the manufacturer, which he is going to charge to the consumer

because the manufacturer is not going to lose.

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, in view of all the dire consequences

of this being adopted, as stated by Dr. Eeichmann, I move that the

specification be withdrawn.

The Chairman. There is a motion which has been seconded before.

The Secretary. Then I will amend any motion that has been made

in order to do that. I think we can get the manufacturers to do it without the necessity of this action.

The Chairman. The matter is not, however, as difficult as it has

been made out to be. It is a simple matter. In the first place, such

a poise as this (indicating) should not be allowed because it covers up some graduations. I want to say a word on this question myself,

that none should be allowed that come over the front of the beam

and cut out figures thereon when it is so easy to avoid it. This metal

can be cut away. If this represents a cross section of the beam

(indicating), it is a very easy thing to have the poise so constructed

that it does not go clear around it. Mr. Eeichmann. I am sorry that I did not show a side view of it. The Chairman. That bevel was cut off for that purpose.

Mr. Schlink. To answer that you need only put a bevel surface on the lower portion instead of on top.

The Chairman. A motion was made and seconded to strike out

this amendment.

(The motion was carried.)
150 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Connors. The next is on page 7 of the advance copy of

report.

Mr. Connors. The next is on page 7 of the advance copy of report.

Add two new specifications to be numbered 23-a and 23-b, and to read as

follows

:

" 23-a. All scales shall give correct weight indications whether the load is being increased or decreased."

The reason for the amendment is that all scales should give correct

results, whether the load on the platform is increased or decreased,

instead of having it apply to special types as it did before. We now

make it a general specification and apply it to all scales. It is perfectly obvious if it applies to spring and computing scales, it should

apply to all other scales.

Mr. Barnard. Is there any tolerance on that?

Mr. Conners. The word "correct" is used; that is, it is to be

accurate within the tolerance.

On page 7 of the advance report we find

23-b. All devices intended to increase or decrease the capacity of a scale by

the addition or subtraction of a weight or weights shall operate properly irre- spective of the speed with which they are manipulated.

We place that in the general specifications in order to apply the

specification to all scales.

The Chairman. You have heard these sections, and if there is no

objection they will stand approved.

PLATFORM SCALES.

Mr. Connors. The next specification is under the heading of platform scales:

7-a. The maximum value of the minimum graduations of the graduated beams

of counter platform scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be 1 ounce : Provided, however, That this shall not apply to scales used exclusively

in the sale of vegetables.

We already have that requirement under computing scales and

under spring scales, and it seems fair that it should also be placed

under counter platform scales to make it uniform throughout, that

any scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall have a maximum value of graduation of 1 ounce. The Chairman. If there is no objection this section will stand

approved.

Mr. Connors (reading)

9-a. Counter platform scales whose weight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent, or approximately 3 degrees with

the horizontal, shall be equipped with a device which will indicate when the

scale is level, and in no case shall any pendulum operating the scale be con- sidered a leveling device. The scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during this test. That specification already relates to counter scales, spring scales,

computing scales, cream-test scales, and prescription scales, and

there is no reason why it should not apply to counter platform

scales.

The Chairman. If there is no objection the section will stand

approved.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 151

Mr. Connors. This amendment is necessary to correct a typographical error in the report on tolerances and specifications adopted

last year.

Page 15. Specification 12. Amend specification by making it nonretroactive.

This was a typographical error which crept into this report since

the specification on counter scales, defining the minimum drop or

fall, was made nonretroactive, and the specification relating to the

drop or fall in the trig loop of platform scales was made retroactive.

To correct this typographical error we recommend the above.

Mr. Reichmann. This is an inquiry for information. Retroactive

means going backward, does it not ? The Chairman. That is what I understand.

Mr. Reichmann. Nonretroactive means not going backward.

That means going forward ? The Chairman. Yes, sir. Mr. Reichmann. Why does not this make it " effective " or "active"?

The Chairman. It is just a matter of the choice of English. If it is not retroactive, it is effective on the passage of this specification.

That is a matter easily fixed. Is that your only objection?

Mr. Reichmann. I am not objecting, but I was asking for information.

The Chairman. It may not be the best form of expression.

Mr. Egan. I should think it meant nonretroactive in a legal sense, for the purpose of prosecution, that it would not apply to anything

in existence.

Mr. Connors. That is the committee's idea, that where we say

" nonretroactive " it does not apply to anything that may have been

made up to the date of the specifications. After that date it will go

in force.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, I can not make myself clear and

I withdraw my request for information.

The Secretary. There is no discussion here as to the meaning of

the word "retroactive," is there?

The Chairman. No. The question was what is meant by the

word " nonretroactive." If there is no further objection, this will

stand approved.

Mr. Johnson. It is getting along toward 5 o'clock. Is there not

some way we could expedite the approval of these specifications?

We have given them careful study, and if there is no objection why

not approve of the entire subject after reading the heading?

The Chairman. I think that is a good suggestion.

Mr. Farrell. May I ask Mr. Johnson how long he has been studying these specifications?

Mr. Johnson. Approximately two weeks. I read mine two days

on the train and I had them at the office for a couple of days.

Mr. Hole-rook. I wish to state that copies of the specifications and

of the advance report went forward from here on May 3 to all the

members who attended the conference last year; to all State sealers;

to all persons delegated to this conference; and to all manufacturers

of weights and measures. Mr. Johnson. I will make my former remarks as a motion.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)
152 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

COUNTER BALANCES AND SCALES.

Mr. Connors. The next amendment comes under " Counter bal- ances and scales," and refers to a matter just discussed, and is simply

for the purpose of harmonizing the specifications. It is as follows

:

The maximum value of the minimum graduations of the graduated beams of

counter scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be 1 ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not apply to scales used exclusively in the sale

of vegetables.

The Chairman. If there is no objection to the recommendation

of the committee on the subject, it will stand as it is. That takes up

all under the subject of counter balances and scales, beginning at the

bottom of page 7 and ending about the middle of page 8. If there

is no objection, we will pass to the next subject. We do not want to

hurry you if you do not understand these matters. The next will be

the subject of suspension scales of the lever type.

Mr. Connors (reading) :

SUSPENSION SCALES OF THE LEVEE TYPE.

Definition.—Amend by adding, in line 6, after the words " suspension creamery scales," the words " suspension pendulum scales." This definition will then

read as follows:

"Definition.—Suspension scales of the lever type are lever scales designed

and adapted to be hung from or attached to some support above and outside of

the structure of the scale itself and which are not included within other classes

herein defined. This class shall include steelyards, butchers' meat beams, sus- pension abattoir scales, crane scales, overhead tramway scales, suspension

creamery scales, suspension pendulum scales, and the like." Specifications and tolerances.—Amend this paragraph by adding thereto the

following words

:

" In the case of suspension scales equipped with an indicator and a reading

face or dial such parts shall conform to all the specifications applicable to them

given under the heading ' Spring scales,' except that the graduations are not required to be equally spaced."

The paragraph will then read as follows

:

"Specifications and tolerances.—Suspension scales of the lever type having a

capacity of more than 400 pounds shall be subject to the same specifications,

in so far as these are applicable, and the same sensibility reciprocals and toler- ances as platform scales. Suspension scales of the lever type having a capacity

of 400 pounds or less shall be subject to the same specifications, in so far as

these are applicable, and the same sensibility reciprocals and tolerances as

coiinter scales. In the case of suspension scales equipped with an indicator

and a reading face or dial, such parts shall conform to all the specifications

applicable to them given under the heading ' Spring scales,' except that the

graduations are not required to be equally spaced."

Mr. Connors. This adds the words " suspension pendulum scales."

We had no class for the hanging scales of the pendulum type, and we

wanted to make a class for them and put them under some definite

subhead, so we include them in suspension scales of the lever type,

which is the proper place.

The Chairman. There seems to be no objection, and the specification stands approved.

SPRING SCALES.

Mr. Connors. The next heading is " Spring scales," page 9, and,

as it is short, I will read it

:

Page 21, specification 2. Amend this specification by adding thereto the fol- lowing words

:

" and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch."
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 153

The specification will then read as follows:

2. All graduations shall be clear and distinct and equally spaced, and in no

case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch.

Mr. Reichmann. For a point of information, I would like to ask

if that beam scale we looked at just now on the counter would be

classified as a computing scale? Under what classification does that

scale come ? Mr. Connors. That comes under the classification of computing

scales, and also counter scales. I am giving snap judgment, however.

Mr. Reichmann. They would have to comply with all the specifications as to computing scales ? Mr. Connors. So far as the chart is concerned, yes. It would come

under specifications for computing scales and counter scales in so far

as they are applicable.

Mr. Reichmann. It is either a computing scale or it is not.

Mr. Connors. Well, it is. Mr. Reichmann. That is all we want.

Mr. Connors. It also comes in under counter scales.

The Chairman. If there is no objection to the section on spring

scales, it will stand approved. The next section refers to cream-test

and butter-fat-test scales.

CREAM-TEST AND BUTTER-FAT-TEST SCALES.

Mr. Connors (reading)

Page 26. Sensibility reciprocal.—Amend by striking out in lines 2 and 3 the

words " one-half grain or approximately 30 milligrams " and inserting in lieu

thereof the words " 1 grain or approximately 65 milligrams " ; also by adding

the following words thereto

:

"Provided, however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new scales shall not be greater

than one-half of this value. (The maximum load is defined as 18 grams multiplied by the number of bottles for which the scale is designed, plus the total tare of these bottles.)"

This paragraph will then read as follows:

" Sensibility reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal allowable for

these scales shall not exceed 1 grain, or approximately 65 milligrams, when the

maximum load is placed upon the scale : Provided,- however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on

all new scales shall not be greater than one-half of this value. (The maximum

load is defined as the weight of the sample used in each bottle multiplied by the

number of bottles for which the scale is designed, plus the total tare of these

bottles.)"

Page 26. Tolerances.—Amend by striking out in lines 2 and 3 the words " one- half grain, or approximately 30 milligrams," and inserting in lieu thereof the

words " 1 grain, or approximately 65 milligrams " ; also by striking out in lines 3

and 4 the words " when the scale is loaded to capacity " and inserting in lieu

thereof the following words

:

"Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerance, or the tolerance to be

allowed on all new scales, shall not be greater than one-half of this value.

" These tolerances shall be applied to single loads of 18 grams each, added

successively until the maximum load as defined above is placed upon the scale." The paragraph will then read as follows

:

" Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all cream-test and butter-fat-test scales shall not be greater than 1 grain, or ap- proximately 65 milligrams: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' toler- ance, or the tolerance to be allowed on all new scales, shall not be greater than

one-half of this value.

"These tolerances shall be applied to single loads of 18 grams each, added

successively until the maximum load as defined above is placed upon the scale." Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of the section.
154 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

The Chairman. If there is no objection, the section will stand

approved and we will pass to the next subject, " Prescription scales

and balances."

Mr. Connors. This is an absolutely new subhead.

PRESCRIPTION SCALES AND BALANCES.

Definition.—Prescription scales and balances are scales and balances designed for or adapted to weighing the ingredients of medicinal and other

formulas prescribed by physicians and others and entering into the ordinary trade

of pharmacists and chemists, and which are used or intended to be used for

such purpose.

Specifications.—1. All balances and scales shall be equipped with a device

which will accurately indicate the position of equilibrium of the beam. If this

device is provided with only one indicating edge, line, or point, then it shall

also be provided with a graduated scale or arc. If this device consists of a

scale or arc and a single indicating edge, line, or point, or of two indicating

edges, lines, or points which move in opposite directions, these shall be so designed and constructed that when the beam vibrates one will oscillate with

reference to the other.

2. Any graduated scale or arc similar to that referred to in specification 1, shall be divided into equal spaces with at least 0.04 inch clear interval between

the graduations.

3. If the indicating device referred to in specification 1 is provided with a

single indicating edge, line, or point, this shall reach to the graduated scale or arc and shall be designed and constructed to enable the readings to be made

with precision. If provided with two indicating edges, lines, or points, these

shall be sharply defined and shall in no case be more than 0.04 inch from

each other when the scale is in balance, this space to be measured horizontally.

4. The distance between the graduated scale and the indicator shall in no

case exceed 0.04 inch.

5. All knife edges and bearings shall be made of hardened and tempered

steel or agate.

6. The graduations on all graduated beams shall be clear and distinct, and

in no case shall their width be less than 0.00S inch.

7. The clear space between graduations on all graduated beams shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

8. All scales and balances shall be provided with a device for arresting the

vibration of the beam.

9. All scales shall be so constructed and adjusted that when the beam is released or disturbed it will return to its original position of equilibrium.

10. All scales and balances whose weight indications are changed by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 3° with the

horizontal, shall be equipped with a device which will indicate when the scale

is level, and in no case shall any pendulum operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position

is altered during this test. 11. For the purpose of applying the sensibility reciprocal and tolerances

the capacity of all prescription scales and balances shall be taken to be

1 ounce.

Sensibility reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal allowable for pre- scription scales and balances shall not exceed 0.2 grain, at the capacity or at any

lesser load, with the exception that when this value is larger than that repre- sented by two of the minimum graduations on any beam with which the scale

may be equipped, the latter value shall be applied and used as the maximum

sensibility reciprocal at the capacity or at any lesser load : Provided, however,

That the manufacturers' sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility re- ciprocal on all new prescription scales and balances shall be one-half of the

value given unless this value is greater than one of the minimum graduations on

the beam, in which case this latter value shall be applied and used as the maximum sensibility reciprocal.

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight required to move the

position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale or balance a definite amount. In the case of scales provided with a
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 155

single indicator and a graduated scale or arc, one of which oscillates with refer- ence to the other to form a convenient means for determining the position of

equilibrium of the beam, and which does not of itself directly indicate in terms

of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required to cause a change in

the position of rest of the pointer equal to one division of the graduated scale or arc. In the case of scales equipped with two indicators which move in opposite

directions and oscillate with reference to each other to form a convenient means

for determining the position of equilibrium of the beam, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required to cause a separation of the indicators 0.04 inch.)

Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all prescription scales and balances shall not be greater than 0.4 grain or approximately 25 milligrams on the ratio of arms when the maximum capacity load of

1 ounce is placed upon each pan.

If the scale is equipped with a graduated beam, the tolerance at any graduation on the beam shall be equal to the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load in question.

Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of this section.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Connors. The specification with regard to weights reads as follows

Weights.

Page 26, specification 2. Amend by striking out the words " and no sharp

points or corners " and inserting in lieu thereof the following words : " and no

weight representing a value of, more than 1 gram, 1 pennyweight, or 1 scruple

shall have sharp points or corners." The specification will then read as follows

" 2. Weights shall have smooth surfaces, and no weight representing a value

of more than 1 gram, 1 pennyweight, or 1 scruple shall have sharp points or

corners." Page 27, specification 6. Amend by adding thereto the following words

" Provided, hoivever, That the values of weights of less than 1 gram, 1 pennyweight, or 1 scruple may be designated by dots, lines, figures, definite shape, or other appropriate means."

The specification will then read as follows

" 6. All weights shall be clearly marked with their nominal value, and in

addition weights intended for use on multiplying lever scales shall be clearly

marked with the value they represent when used upon the scale for which they

are intended : Provided, however, That the values of weights of less than 1

gram, 1 pennyweight, or 1 scruple may be designated by dots, lines, figures,

definite shape, or other appropriate means."

Mr. Farrell. Do these specifications do away with coin weights?

Mr. Connors. No ; they do not do away with coin weights. Under

my interpretation they would allow the coin prescription weights,

if that is what you mean.

The next change is to make retroactive that part which reads,

"All weights shall be clearly marked with their nominal value."

Mr. Watson. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman spoke of weights being

marked. If you take a 1-pound weight, is it necessary to have the

word "pound" on it, or may it just have "1" on it or "2" on it?

You can not get it all on some of the weights.

Mr. Connors. I should say that when we specify that weights

have their nominal value marked on them, I think that the figure 1

would designate to anyone that it is 1 pound and not 1 ounce, for

instance.

The Chairman. If there is no objection, that section will stand

approved.
156 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Discussion of Application of Tolerances and Specifications.

Mr. Connors. The last recommendation the* committee makes is

that all tolerances and sensibility reciprocals go into effect at once,

and that the specifications which are not retroactive go into effect

January 1, 1917, in order to give the manufacturers a chance to

change over what they have to change or what they may have to

change.

The Chairman. You have heard the last suggestion, which is

rather an important one, and I think we should give that serious

consideration. That could be stated—that the specifications which

are not retroactive take effect January 1, 1917.

Mr. Reichmann. May I have explained the first paragraph of

article 1?

The Chairman. Is that in reference to the present matter before

us? If not, I have not put the motion in regard to that. You have

heard the last suggestion of the committee, and if there is no objection that will stand approved.

Mr. Reichmann. I have to ask for another point of information

as to the section headed " I. Application of tolerances and specifications," in this printed form. I take it the section 1 means to apply

only to commercial weighing devices used in trade—that is, used

in the buying and selling of commodities.

The Chairman. I take it that it refers to all those you gentlemen

inspect and seal. However., that is a personal opinion.

Mr. Connors. Mr. Chairman, that is a matter of law and not

something we should discuss here.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, that is a most extreme and vital

question of importance to industrial concerns who use scales in

their internal affairs. In some instances the weights and measures

officials do not take cognizance of them for lack of time, lack of law,

or for some other reason. I am assuming these only apply to scales

used in commercial weighings.

Mr. Connors. This is a matter of law. In the city of New York

they have an ordinance which says that all weights and measures

instruments offered for sale in the city of New York must be approved by the mayor's bureau of weights and measures. In Massachusetts it is limited to scales used for buying and selling and public

weighing. The conference has no jurisdiction over this matter. If

the city of New York adopted these specifications, they would apply

to all scales sold or used in the city of New York.

Mr. Reichmann. I am very grateful to the member of the committee for giving an interpretation of the New York City ordinance,

especially in the presence of the deputy commissioner. I would not

venture to give an interpretation of that ordinance. I am perfectly

serious in my question and it is an extremely important one. Is it the idea of this conference that these apply to scales used in the

ordinary transactions of trade of buying and selling or are they to

1 The section referred to reads as follows : /. Application of tolerances and specifications.—These tolerances and specifications are

to be construed to apply to the usual types of weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices used in ordinary commercial transactions or usually coming within

the jurisdiction of the weights and measures official, but only when a proper classification

is herein provided for them. They shall also be construed to apply to apparatus used for special purposes, whenever and in so far as they are clearly applicable, but not otherwise.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 157

apply to all types of weighing instruments used in all establishments

for weighing purposes? If Mr. Fischer will answer me by letter, I

will be pleased to write to him. I want an answer to that question.

The Chairman. By whom ? Mr. Reichmann. From the bureau, or I would like to have it from the conference. I want to know whether the tolerances and

specifications apply only to such weighing and measuring devices as are used in trade; in selling and buying commodities?

The Secretary. I think what the committee has tried to do is to cover all the weighing and measuring devices that the sealer would

have to deal with. Cream-test scales, and things of that sort, are not

used in buying and selling in the sense that some of the others are. Mr. Downing. In our State we have modified that application of

the specifications so as to conform to our law. We put in the proviso, " offered for sale," because that is incorporated in our law.

Under that we have authority to go into our stores where weighing

and measuring appliances are offered for sale and test them, and

condemn them if they do not comply with the specifications and

tolerances adopted by our superintendent.

The Chairman. Dr. Reichmann, is it your idea that this paragraph

should be modified as not sufficiently clear?

Mr. Reichmann. It is not sufficiently clear to me to answer the

question to a gentleman who would like to know. However, I will

submit the matter in writing, and see if I can get an answer from

the bureau. I do not like to go into any personal matters, but I do

not want to have simply an ordinarily clap-trap interpretation of

law from people who are not lawyers. I want an intelligent answer,

so I will write for it and withdraw my question at this time.

The Secretary. It seems to me the wording of that paragraph is

perfectly clear. If Dr. Reichmann wants that modified in any way

and he will give us a specific modification we will be glad to entertain it. The Chairman. If it is not clear or specific it is entirely proper

for us to discuss modifications of it just as much as it is for us to

discuss what we have been doing. If there is any reason why it

should be changed to make it more consistent with the State laws, or for any other reason, I would be glad to have you make a suggestion.

I think this grew out of the act of the conference. You might think

that over, and to-morrow make a suggestion for modification if you

wish it modified. I will be glad to entertain a motion on that at any

time.

RESOLUTION REGARDING THE SALE OF WRAPPED MEATS.

Mr. Maroney. Mr. Chairman, one of our members here who has

a resolution and does not know whether he is going to be here for

the rest of the conference would like the privilege of introducing it, and I move you, sir, that we suspend the order of business and give

Mr. Eylers an opportunity to introduce his resolution.

The Chairman. Does Mr. Eylers want to present this without

giving it to the resolutions committee?

Mr. Maroney. Yes, sir. (The motion was seconded and agreed to.)
158 BTJEEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Eylers. Mr. Chairman, I will read the resolution:

Resolved, That the National Conference on the Weights and Measures of the

United States, in conference assembled in Washington, D. C, May 23-26, 1916,

records its disapproval of the opinion and regulation established by the Bureau

of Chemistry, United States Department of Agriculture, dated June 5, 1914,

regarding the permissibility of the offer for sale and the sale of wrapped meats

on the basis of gross weight for net weight. This regulation aforesaid permits

in interstate-commerce traffic the sale of all character of wrapped meats gross

for net, and in so doing, when these commodities arrive in local communities

within the border line of States, conflict arises with State, city, and county

laws providing for the offer for sale and sale of wrapped meats on a strictly

net-weight basis : Be it further

Resolved, That this regulation, established under the three Secretaries of the

Departments of Agriculture, Treasury, and Commerce, of the United States Government, respectively, militates to the serious injury of the consumers of wrapped

meat products in the United States, as well as affecting trade conditions regarding retail merchants in such wrapped products, and it further operates in interfering with the conduct of the administration of the office and duties of weight

and measure officials in the United States, who are confronted with the conditions that commodities come into their territory through interstate commerce,

the origin of the evil being with packers of these products at a distance from

local communities, thus forcing a condition upon local weights and measures

officials to the injury, expense, and nuisance of local communities : And be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to each of the Secretaries of

the departments aforementioned, as well as to each Member of the House of

Representatives and to each Member of the Senate of the United States and to the governor of each State in the Union.

Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. I wished to speak against that resolution as at

present worded, but inasmuch as it is passed I presume it is too late.

Mr. Johnson. May I explain that resolution? . That is for the

purpose of creating public opinion throughout the country to over- come the regulation established in the Bureau of Chemistry of the

Department of Agriculture. As a second resolution, I am willing

that the matter be not referred to the House of Representatives.

The Chairman. If there is no further business this evening a motion to adjourn is in order.

Mr. Johnson. I move that we adjourn.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

(Thereupon, at 5 o'clock p. m., the conference adjourned to meet

at 9.30 o'clock a. m.5 at the Raleigh Hotel, Friday, May 26, 1916.)
SIXTH SESSION (MORNING OF FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1916).

The conference reassembled at 10 o'clock a. m. at the Raleigh

Hotel, Dr. Stratton presiding as chairman.

PROPER REGULATIONS EOR THE WEIGHING OF COKE, BY E. G. BARNARD, CITY SEALER OE BATTLE CREEK, MICH.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the convention, I can assure you

that my remarks this morning will be rather short and I hope to the

point. I wish to have a heart-to-heart talk on a proposition which

I am extremely interested in and which I believe you will be more

or less interested in if your section of the country uses this commodity commonly called coke.

The question of the moisture contained in coke and the regulation

of the sale of that commodity is becoming a very important question,

especially in the Middle West, on account of the high cost of anthracite coal, due largely to the exorbitant freight rates that we are compelled to pay out there, and it has required the public to look for

fuel that is more reasonable than anthracite coal; consequently they

have decided to use coke. On account of that reason we have been

compelled to do something to protect the people from buying a lot

of moisture in coke. In the first place I will give you briefly a few

of my reasons for going into this proposition.

I commenced to get complaint after complaint on account of the

great amount of moisture in coke, and, in fact, there was so much

moisture that after the coke had been deposited in the bins streams

of water, in some instances, would be running out of the bins. As

I have said before, complaint after complaint came into the office,

and I was unable under our law to do anything. Consequently I

commenced to cast about for some data with a view of drafting a regulation for that commodity. I found the data was very meager,

other than what the chemists had determined to be the chemical

analysis. I commenced my experiments in the first place having

in view the sale of coke by cubical content, but I soon discovered,

however, that that was not practical. We could enforce that so far

as our city was concerned, but when we commenced to deal with

corporations from other States which were manufacturing coke it would be impossible to enforce a proposition of that kind. Consequently we then endeavored to determine what the commercial dry

weight of coke might be. Our experiments were carried on with

our local gas company and the Solvay Coke Co., one of the largest

coke manufacturing companies of Detroit. We carried on a series

of experiments for practically six months before we got down to an

159
160 BUBEAU OF STANDARDS.

equitable basis. We got these commercial dry weights in this way:

Our experiments were tried by the cubic foot and then by the cubic

yard. We dried the coke out and then submitted the coke to favorable domestic conditions ; that is to say, we took coke which was bone

dry and set it outdoors on a sunshiny day, and we found on the

average of all the different sizes and grades of coke that there would

be an increase in weight of about 5 per cent on account of the

absorption of moisture. We added to the bone-dry weight this 5

per cent and established what we determined to call our commercial

dry weight of coke. The weights of the various grades of coke per

cubic foot are as follows: Gas coke, furnace or egg size, 25 pounds

per cubic foot; the stove size, 27 pounds per cubic foot; the mixed

size, 26 pounds per cubic foot ; and the nut size, 28J pounds per cubic

foot. The product coke, which is a denser coke, furnace or egg size,

27 pounds per cubic foot; the stove size, 29 pounds per cubic foot;

and the nut size, 30-| pounds per cubic foot. In order to take care of contingencies bound to arise in the transportation of coke from

one point to another, we allowed a tolerance on furnace and egg size

of all grades, 8 per cent ; on all other sizes beneath that, 10 per cent. That was, as I said before,- to take care of any contingencies that

might arise. That we embodied into an ordinance, which is very

short and which I will read to you.

An ordinance regulating the manner and method by which all kinds of coke

shall be sold, exposed for sale, offered for sale, kept for sale, or attempted to be

sold within the corporate limits of the city of Battle Creek

" Be it ordained by the commission of the city of Battle Creek as follows

" Section 1. That from and after the passage of this ordinance it shall be un- lawful for any person or persons, firm, or corporation to sell, expose for sale,

keep for sale, offer for sale, or attempt to sell within the corporate limits of the

city of Battle Creek any kind of fuel known as coke, either Solvay, Otto, gas, or any other kind of coke, without fully complying with the terms of this ordinance,

and any violation thereof shall be punished as hereinafter specified. " Sec. 2. All persons, firms, or corporations who, by themselves, their agents,

employees, or servants, are engaged in handling any kind of coke, shall not sell, keep for sale, offer for sale, or attempt to sell, or expose for sale any coke of any

kind that shall be wet or dampened by any process whatsoever prior to the

weighing and delivery of the same to the retail purchaser. It shall be unlawful

for any person, firm, or corporation, by themselves, agents, employees, or servants, to sell, offer for sale, attempt to sell, expose for sale, or keep for sale any

coke the maximum amount of moisture in which exceeds in furnace coke 8 per

cent and in stove, nut, and all other sizes 10 per cent. " Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the sealer of weights and measures to inspect

and test, or cause to be thoroughly inspected and tested, all coke as above designated within the city of Battle Creek, to determine the amount of moisture

therein contained as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of this ordi- nance.

" Sec. 4. Any person, firm, or corporation who, by themselves or itself, his or

its employees, servants, or agents, shall violate any of the provisions of this ordi- nance, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $10 and not to exceed $100

and costs of prosecution, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than

10 days nor more than 60 days, or both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.

" Sec. 5. This ordinance shall take immediate effect upon publication in the

Battle Creek Moon."

A little later on I will explain to you an amendment that I am

going to put into this ordinance that I think would be a good thing.

The matter of checking up the coke is another important proposition.

I compel all dealers to provide themselves with a cubic-foot measure.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 161

and each day, or twice a day or three times a day—as many times as may be necessary—they must test the coke they are selling, in order

to determine the amount of moisture the coke contains. If that coke

contains over the tolerance allowed by this ordinance, they are compelled by regulation, in order to sell that coke, to compensate for the

excess amount of moisture in overweight and to so designate the same

on their bill. Then I take a sample from the earliest wagon going

through the street and in a few minutes I can determine what the

moisture percentage is in this way. I have our commercial dry

weight and I know the weight of our cubic-foot measure, and I take

a sample from the wagon or car to the scale and weigh it ; that is, I

take a cubic foot, well shaken down, so that there is no opportunity

for holes, then strike it off and get the weight ; then I subtract from

the weight just found the commercial dry weight, and we will have

the number of pounds of excess moisture in that particular cubic foot

of coke. Then it is a very easy matter to compute that into per cent

and determine what amount of excess weight they have to allow in

order to comply with this ordinance. I have had very little trouble

in enforcing the ordinance, as the dealers test the coke several times

a day, as required, and only on very few occasions have I been compelled to make the wagon go back to the yard and refill. We also test various cars of coke that come into the city. Whenever a car of coke comes into the city the dealer tests it by cubic

measure, and if he finds it shows an excess amount of moisture he

immediately notifies the department and the inspector tests the

car, taking a composite sample from various sections of the car in

order to determine what the average moisture is. That record is

brought to the office and a certificate is issued showing what percentage of excess moisture the coke in the car contains, and the

producer who sold the car of coke to the local dealer is compelled to

deduct from his invoice price that per cent of moisture when our

local dealer remits to him for his particular car or cars of coke.

Just to show you what has been saved in our city, a city of 40,000

population, I will give you a tabulation of the records we have kept.

We require the various companies to keep a record each day of the

moisture that they allow—that is, the excess moisture on every wagon,

ton, or car shipped into the city—and send that record to the office. Then as we make the test that record is compiled. Our local gas

company sold last year 14,000 tons of coke. The average excess percentage of moisture—that is, over and above the tolerance which

we allow—was 3 per cent, or 420 tons. Four hundred and twenty

tons of coke were compensated to the users of that fuel on account

of the excess moisture contained in the coke. At the retail price

of $6.25 per ton it meant a matter of $2,625 saved to the consumers of

coke in the city of Battle Creek. There were 7,000 tons of product

coke shipped into the city and sold, and the average excess per cent of

moisture found in that coke was 4 per cent, or 280 tons of coke delivered for excess moisture, at $7 a ton, which amounts to $1,960.

Adding the two together, it would make a matter of $4,585 saved on

coke alone to the city of Battle Creek during the past fiscal year.

That is all I have to say relative to the matter, and if there are any questions any of you desire to ask I will do my best to answer. 62254°—17 11
162 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Downing. I would like to ask if in determining upon your

method you have made any comparison with the chemical analysis

by which the moisture contained in the coke is obtained. If so, how did they compare?

Mr. Barnard. Some; but we discovered right away that chemical

analysis would not be practical in the field and we had to adopt a method that any dealer could use ; consequently this was the method

we adopted. There was a slight variance between the amount found

by the chemist and what we found, because the chemist in getting

the bone-dry weight would mash the coke all up and in that way got

out more moisture than we did.

Mr. Downing. How do you get an average sample from a car ? Mr. Barnard. We take a cubic-foot measure and fill it from the

different parts of the car; that is, we start at one end and every

few feet we take a sample and then we dig down beneath the sur- face and take another sample, and so on through the car, until we

get what we call a fair average from that particular car. Mr. Briggs. Do you always use a cubic-foot measure of the same

shape ? Mr. Barnard. Yes, sir. Mr. Briggs. How many samples do you take and what variation

do you get on the sampling of the same car ? Mr. Barnard. You mean what the difference might be in one sample from another?

Mr. Briggs. Yes. The point is, the weight given by you runs from about 26 pounds to 30 pounds per cubic foot. The tolerance runs from 8 to 10 per cent. So that, roughly, the tolerance allowed

corresponds to about 2^ pounds on a cubic-foot basis, and my con- ception of coke is that it is in rather large pieces, and it seems to me

in selecting your sample you might easily get a variation of 2£

pounds. I was interested in finding out how well you could repeat.

Mr. Barnard. You mean if I took two or three samples from the

same place in a car where it ought to weigh practically the same ? Mr. Briggs. Yes; by repeating your work.

Mr. Barnard. I will get within a pound each time. I have tried

that a great many times in making the experiment. That was the reason we allowed this tolerance, because this is a practical method

and not a technical method. It is a method that could be adopted

by any dealer. In order to take care of the contingencies that might

arise we allowed this tolerance, and I might say the various coke

manufacturers we have been dealing with are perfectly satisfied

with the proposition and call it fair and have adopted it in other

States.

Mr. Briggs. What shape is this cubic measure?

Mr. Barnard. One foot square and 1 foot deep. I require every

dealer to have a cubic-foot measure similar to mine, and it has to

be brought to the office and inspected before I allow it to be used. I

require every dealer to have the same size measure of the same dimensions as mine, so that the tests will correspond.

Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to ask the gentleman if,

in his experience as a weights and measure official, the question has
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEBENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 163

ever arisen in a court case as to the correctness of the method he has

adopted? That is, if some concern with whom he has had some

difficulty on this question has seen fit to test the legality of the

method which he has adopted as compared with a strict technical

analysis by a chemist?

Mr. Barnard. In answering that question I will have to say it has

never gone to the courts, because a coal dealer in Battle Creek would

have very small chance if he attempted to fight a case of that kind

in our city. But, nevertheless, I went into that matter with our

city attorney and he took it up with the higher authorities as to

what would be the probability of losing out in the supreme court if

it went there, and the city attorney told me that as long as we could

verify our standard that it would be the standard of the city of

Battle Creek, and if anyone wished to do business in the city of

Battle Creek they would have to comply with the standards adopted

by that city, and as long as we could prove our standards it would

undoubtedly be upheld in the supreme court. But we have never had a case go to the courts.

Mr. Ferner. By 8 and 10 per cent tolerance you mean 8 and 10

per cent over commercial weight?

Mr. Barnard. Yes, sir. We do that because 5 per cent we could

not control. Then we have allowed 8 and 10 per cent to take care

of contingencies, such as Mr. Briggs spoke of, because it is not as technical a test as it might be.

Mr. Hanson. I would like to ask Mr. Barnard if he does not

think it more practical to sell coke by measure rather than by weight ? Mr. Barnard. I do not; no, sir. Mr. Hanson. Our law in Massachusetts is that coke in quantities

of 100 pounds or more may be sold only by weight. In Massachusetts

coke is stored outside in open air and it absorbs a lot of moisture. We

have not gone into this as thoroughly as you have, but it was my

opinion that I should recommend to the legislature the enactment of a law which would allow the sale of coke by measure instead of compelling the sale by weight. I am still of the opinion that selling

it by measure would be the practical way and easier for the sealers

throughout the State to check it up. What you want is the con- sumer to get what he pays for. I think you would get the same

result in selling by measure. Mr. Barnard. In answering that question, in my opinion, that is a step backward.

Mr. Farrell. Do I understand you want coke sold by measure?

Mr. Hanson. Yes.

Mr. Farrell. I thought you were against dry measure in Massachusetts.

Mr. Hanson. We are on certain commodities.

Mr. Farrell. Do you think coke should not be included in that?

Mr. Hanson. From our experiments I believe that coke should

be sold by measure. Mr. Barnard. Continuing, Mr. Chairman, I believe that would

be a step backward, and in the second place you would have to establish so many standards you would have a headache trying to keep

up with them. I gave that up as not being practical.

Mr. Howe. Is the coke kept under cover in the yards?
164 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Barnard. We do not state in the ordinance that it should be

kept under cover. We say the moisture must not be above this tol- erance. Mr. Sweeney (of Boston). I would like to ask the gentleman if

he has ever taken the analysis under his method of, say, approximately a ton of coke, and then have that ton watered down to a certain degree, and if he has then made a subsequent test ; if so, what

were the results of the tests?

Mr. Barnard. I have taken several tons, and I have taken a car of coke and done the same thing In coming to my figures, I worked

with Mr. Bluefield, who is superintendent of one of the coke companies of Detroit, and with the superintendent of the gas company of

my city, and both of these concerns were very nice to me and furnished anything I wanted in the way of wagons and teams or even

cars of coke to experiment with. I found in some instances that

gas coke would take on as high as 40 per cent of its own weight in

moisture. Solvay coke would take on about 25 or 30 per cent. Mr. Downing. I am very much interested in this subject of moisture in coke in my State, and I have made a comparison of the

method used by Mr. Barnard and the chemical method. I took

Solvay coke, egg size, and made six determinations. Before shaking

down, the weights were 28 pounds, 27 pounds 2 ounces, 29 pounds 6

ounces, 29 pounds 4 ounces, and 29 pounds, and the average was 28

pounds 9 ounces. Then I shook that coke down and I found that

there was a variation of nearly 3 pounds. It ran from 27 pounds

to 30 pounds. Then I dumped out the coke and put it back in a cubic-foot box, and I got a variance from the same coke of over a pound, which would mean approximately 3 per cent. This was coke

that contained less than 9 per cent of moisture. I understand Mr.

Barnard's ordinance allows 13 per cent. I took coke that had been

exposed to the elements, following very heavy rains, and that coke

contained less than 9 per cent of moisture. Of course it was Solvay

coke and not gas coke, but it does seem to me that if one were to

carry this thing into court and use the method Mr. Barnard uses

in his city, that one would not have a ghost of a show of convicting

the dealer. I do not think the method is practical or would stand the

test of the court.

Mr. Barnard. In reply to that, it has stood in our city for two

years, and they have not attempted to take a case to court. I wish

they would. I agree with Mr. Downing that it is not a scientific,

technical way of handling the situation, but we can not do that as sealers of weights and measures, for we have not a chemist and we

can not run to him to have a test made. Suppose we did have? It would take some time for a chemist to determine what per cent of

moisture was in that particular coke. We want a proposition we

can determine right away on a practical basis as to how much moisture there is in the coke. We believe in Battle Creek that this ordinance has solved that problem, and at least we have succeeded in

saving the city $4,585 in the last year, and I think that is argument

enough in itself.

Mr. Ferner. I would like to ask the speaker if the retail price of

coke has increased since the passage of this ordinance?

Mr. Barnard. It has not.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUBES. 165

REMARKS MADE BY SEVERAL CITY AND COUNTY SEALERS.

The Chairman. That closes the regular order of papers. I must

confess I have been greatly pleased at the number of technical subjects taken up and the great interest shown in them, and in that

respect this meeting has been an immense improvement over all of our previous meetings. The last paper is a good illustration. It

shows the various officials are getting interested in the real questions

of their work.

At the beginning of the meeting many expressed a desire to hear

from some of the principal city officials who are present. I think it would be a mistake to go away without hearing from some of the

city officials, and I will ask one or two from each State, especially

where there are large cities, to speak, and we will start with Mr.

Cluett, of Chicago. We would like a brief report from Mr. Cluett.

CHICAGO, ILL.

By AV. F. Cluett, Chief Deputy Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased with the opportunity of being at the

convention and meeting the members, but I did not come down with

the understanding that I was to be called upon to make any re- marks. Speech making is not my forte. I am a good listener.

We are continuing to enforce ordinances in Chicago to the best of our ability the same as we have in the past. We have not had any

new ordinances passed since the last conference. There are several

new situations that have come up, one in regard to the toilet-paper

matter which was taken up yesterday. That was presented to the

Chicago department, and we are now looking into that. At the

present time I feel the selling of rolls of paper by count of the

sheets would be a very good thing, and believe that each of the rolls

should be so marked.

We have considered the question of wrapped hams and sides of

bacon, and feel that they should be sold on a net basis instead of

gross weight.

I do not wish to take up the time of the convention, but if allowed

I will submit a report as to what we have done in the past year.

The Chairman. We will be glad to have you do so. We would

now like to hear from Mr. Farr, of California.

KERN COUNTY, CAL.

By L. H. B. Fake, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, California is a State of its own, and I was fortunate in getting to come to this convention as the only representative outside of Mr. Johnson, the State representative. I traveled a long time to get here, and I consider it very much of an honor to

talk to you this morning.

I am only a local sealer, but in our State the local sealers think

quite a good deal of themselves; they do not only have a good impression of themselves, but also of the State department in general.

Our superintendent works with us hand in glove, and anything we
166 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

do we are backed up in by the superintendent. We have a local

association formed by the different sealers, and Mr. Johnson is president ex officio. We go to the meetings and discuss questions.

Last year we formed our association, and from now on we think we

will have a very efficient body.

I will give you an idea of how the county sealer's work is laid out.

If we go into a store, and there is a scale in there that we think

should be condemned after a test, we simply condemn it. If it is a new scale which does not meet with our approval, we condemn it,

but give the dealer a receipt for it and notify him to turn it in to

the wholesaler who sold it to him. Then we take it up with the

wholesaler and notify him that the scale does not meet with our

approval. Of course this also applies to any measure or weight that

comes under our supervision. We tell them that such apparatus does

not meet with our approval, and they send it back to the manufacturer and the manufacturer makes it good. We take this stand : On

first or second offenses we have been lenient and do not prosecute.

The prosecutions in California, especially in my district, are very

few, and, in fact, I have not had any, though I have thrown scares

into three or four people by bringing suit and afterwards dismissing

suit, bringing to mind that we do mean business. When we go back

the wholesaler has the opportunity of making good or standing a prosecution, and to avoid the notoriety of prosecution he makes good.

It is the same way with milk bottles. As Mr. Johnson told you on

yesterday, milk bottles come from the East ; and if they do not meet

with our approval we condemn them and write to the eastern manufacturers, but their bottles are never returned. Once we get our

hands on them, those bottles belong to us. But the eastern manufacturer must make his bottles good, and he does in every case, be- cause you can realize that a man's name, which he builds up in business, is the greatest asset he has ; and if you take it away from him

by prosecution of any kind, you have taken away from him that

which it has taken him a lifetime to gain.

As to the way I get publicity in my particular county, I have a big

special truck, with a body on it like a patrol wagon. In the center

there is a partition and at the end of each one of these different

boxes, holding eight 50-pound weights, there is a ratchet to fix the

weights securely. That truck carries nearly a ton of weights. Then

in the center I put the rest of my testing devices, and that truck goes

all over the county. The way I carry on publicity is this: When I

was first appointed, the grocerymen called me into conference with

them, and they cordially invited me to address them. So I appeared

on the scene about half past 8 in the evening without having eaten

any dinner and in readiness for a huge banquet. But I found they

had finished after being invited to a dinner. So I addressed them

and explained the weights and measures proposition. Then the

druggists took it up, and they were a little more lenient, and I did

get a glass of wine. Then the ladies' club invited me to address

them, and there are lots of ladies in that town and lots of young girls, so I prepared quite an elaborate display of the different milk bottles,

etc., and made it elaborate and explained to them when I started that

it was a bachelor's dispute. I talked for a little over two hours to

those people explaining weights and measures. From then on it was

an endless chain, and wherever I go the different ladies' clubs have

requested me to address them.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 167

Occasionally we put an article in the newspaper letting them

know that I am alive. That is the publicity campaign we carry on, or at least I do. I am speaking of " I " because I am the one who

got the trip. My county is particularly blessed with wealth,

although the representative is not. My county has a million and a half in reserve in bank and our bonds sell at a big premium.

One-fourth of the world's production of oil is produced in that

county from the fields of Bakersfield. My board is very lenient

with me ; they realize the efficiency of the sealer and the importance

of his work, etc., and all that I do is to tell them what I want and

they give it to me. In fact, I expect my county is one of the most

oddly situated counties in this respect, that there is in the country.

A local sealer, being a county official, may issue the budget each year

to cover the cost of apparatus and cost of my expenses, and also the

cost which I have to assume at times. That is the way I carry on

the work and, as I said before, the first thing I did I made the merchant know that I was his friend. I do not go through and try to

make myself known by prosecutions and prosecuting indiscriminately here and there, for I do not believe that is the right method.

If anything comes into my county, milk bottles or measures of any

description or kind, before anything is unpacked, before a scale is put

in use, the dealer notifies me and I go and inspect it, or give him the

privilege of putting it on his counter for sale without inspection.

However, I will say that I work without deputies, as I do not consider

them a desirable asset, because sometimes they are like the man in

the Ohio Penitentiary, they tunnel under you.

Everybody cooperates with me; the merchants and the people

know that I am their friend. The idea of the local sealer, I believe,

should be to cooperate with his people and make them know that he

is their friend; he should work with them and not discriminate

against the producer in favor of the consumer, because I think the

producer has as much right to legislation and protection as the consumer.

I will give you one little instance in particular. I went to a diary

to inspect bottles and the proprietors knew what was coming and

they knew they were going to lose something. I tested the bottles,

and in testing them I began to set away the bad and the good, and

they were very uncivil to me. I kept going on and paying no at- tention because those things do not affect me very much, and when I

finished the delivery man came with the milk. He had ten 10-gallon cans of milk to deliver to this particular dairy. They did not have

their own cows. When the delivery man came with the milk I tested

his 10 cans and all 10 of them went on the wagon together with the

bottles that I had taken from the dairy, and I showed those people

that they had been losing over 2£ gallons of milk out of the hundred

gallons. Then they set up the cold milk to me. I am their friend,

and I showed them that. I believe that is the method of the State

and county officials.

If there are any questions I can answer officially I will be very

glad to do so. The Chairman. I want to say to some of these orators from the

East that you have to look to your laurels hereafter. Is Mr. Austin,

of Michigan, here ?
168 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DETROIT, MICH.

By George F. Austin, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Mr. Chairman, I only wish to say that I have been greatly interested in these meetings and think that they have been profitable

to all. In Detroit there has not been very much progress, for the reason that, although the city has grown about 50 per cent within

the last five years, owing to the great number of manufacturing

interests which have been located there in that time, it has been

impossible for me to get any increase in the numbers of my force.

However, we think we are keeping fairly abreast with the situation and hope, at least, that we are not losing ground. I do not wish

to take up any more time of this convention, but desire to express my

satisfaction at being here.

The Chairman. There are others we ought to hear from, but some

have expressed a desire to take up one or two matters of business, and

if we get rid of them we can go on with hearing from the local

sealers.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS,

PRESENTED BY W. F. CLUETT.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, as a member of your committee

on constitution and by-laws, I herewith beg to submit to the officers

and delegates of the Eleventh Annual Conference on Weights and

Measures of the United States a majority report, wherein all members of your committee concur with the exception of one. We desire to recommend the adoption by this conference of all of

the provisions of the constitution and by-laws as proposed at the

tenth annual conference and as reported in the official report of said

conference, with the exception of article 3, section 3, in reference to

which we recommend as follows

:

Strike out all of section 3 of article 3 and insert in lieu thereof the following

:

" Senior members shall be the chief executive (by whatever title designated)

of Federal or State departments of weights and measures or their representatives, and the chief executives of departments of weights and measures of

insular possessions of the United States or their representatives.

" They shall have all the privileges of members and shall have the sole vote on

questions of tolerances, specifications, and matters of future Federal or State

legislation: Provided, however, That in States where there is no active State

department of weights and measures and there is one or more active city or county departments of weights and measures within that State, or in States

where there is an active State department having no jurisdiction over such city

and county department, then the chief executive of such city or county department or his representative shall have the same rights and privileges as a chief

executive of a State department would have.

" If the aforesaid proviso gives to any one State more than one representative,

then such city or county departments shall select one of their number, who

shall have the full privilege of a senior member."

In the preparation of our report we have carefully and conscientiously deliberated on each provision taking into full consideration

the purposes and objects attending the inception of this association as a national conference.

We have carefully reviewed the progress and development that

has been made from year to year, and it is with a sincere purpose

of intention that we desire to so ordinate as to prepare an equitable
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 169

and substantial basis or plan for future guidance as will perpetuate the true purposes of this conference.

We must not measure the future development of possibilities for

usefulness and excellent work by what has been done in the past.

We must be truly progressive and constructive.

Each State must be a unit in the proceedings of this conference

with equal privilege, and those who have State jurisdiction, thereby

carrying the responsibility, should here be vested with the powers of

full privilege.

By the adoption of this report you do not deprive any representative from the privilege of participation in discussion or voting on

general matters as may come before the conference. It will not

divert in any manner the useful service of this conference. It will

conserve, to those who are as executive heads directly responsible to

the people, the privilege to effectively represent them in a manner

that redounds to the general efficiency of all State weights and measures officials, which will make his work and their work the useful

work to the people which they have a right to demand.

Respectfully submitted.

Charles G. Johnson.

William F. Cluett.

Mr. Farrell. May I request that the resolution under which this

committee was appointed to handle this report be read ? Mr. Cluett. I would like to move the adoption of this report.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Hartigan. As a member of the committee on constitution and

by-laws, I desire to submit a minority report, and, prefacing my re- marks in this report, I desire to inform this conference that I have

not been in perfect agreement and accord with the chairman of the

committee, Mr. John H. Sherman, with whom I have had many discussions during the last two months, and the report as submitted by

the majority of this committee is in direct bearing with the discussion

and disagreement had by me with Mr. Sherman. I am in absolute

opposition to Mr. Sherman and his views and have been for the last

two months. I am likewise in opposition with the views as submitted

by the majority of this committee.

I do not mean to intimate that there is any bad faith on the part

of any of the members of this committee, but apparently this report

has been submitted on the spur of the moment. There have been

many changes made in the mind of the chairman of that committee.

Without inflicting myself upon you much longer I shall read my

minority report which is based entirely upon my disagreement with

Mr. Sherman, and in principle it disagrees fundamentally with the

views expressed in the report of Mr. Cluett.

MINORITY REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON" CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS, PRESENTED BY JOSEPH HARTIGAN.

As a member of the committee on the constitution appointed by

the chairman of the conference on the Aveights and measures of the

United States for the year 1916, I respectfully submit the following

report expressive of the minority opinion of the committee on certain

phases of a proposed constitution for the National Association of

Weights and Measures officials of the United States.
170 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

To all tentative provisions of the proposed constitution as described in articles 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, except certain minor word

changes, and to all tentative provisions in the proposed by-laws as described in articles 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, except certain minor word

changes, your constitutional committee minority member approves.

The tentative provision in the proposed constitution known as

article 3 is disapproved, and the following tentative provision is

respectfully recommended to be substituted therefor:

Article 3, Section 1. The membership of this association shall be classified as " members and honorary members."

Sec. 2. Members shall be persons who are actively engaged in the enforcement

of weights and measures legislation in Federal, State, county, or city employ.

They shall have full privileges of the floor in all regular meetings of the association, may take part in all discussions, serve on committees, and be entitled

to enjoy all the rights and privileges provided for by this constitution.

Sec 3. Honorary members shall be persons who, by virtue of services ren- dered in the advancement of weights and measures legislation, or in the improvement of weights and measures work, or in long and faithful service in the

practical field of weights and measures work, have earned this mark of respect

from the association, or such persons actively engaged in research or other work

subsidiary to or necessitated by weights and measures legislation. They shall be

elected by two-thirds vote of the association in conference assembled, upon re- port from the committee on qualifications for membership. They shall have all the privileges of the floor, and may serve on committees, but shall have no vote and shall not hold office. In submitting this report to the conference, the dissenting member

of the committee on the constitution humbly advances the opinion

that in his judgment the National Conference on the Weights and

Measures of the United States has not progressed sufficiently to at- tempt any discrimination to the prejudice of any authorized and legal

representative official of weights and measures in the United States.

While the history of weights and measures in the United States

dates its origin through 127 years of the Republic, nevertheless the

National Government through the Houses of Congress has only infrequently and seldom enacted legislation under and toward the situation of the United States Government in the development of Federal

control of weights and measures matters.

Recent activity in weights and measures affairs evidence National

or Federal interest in country-wide uplift of these subjects.

In the absence of the Federal authorities assuming proper interest

in weights and measures matters, local authorities—beginning with

the township and ending with the State—have during these 127 years

given their attention to laws, rules, regulations, and policies directed

to the upbuilding of weights and measures legislation and its en- forcement.

In presenting the minority report of the committee disregard has

been made of the situation being either academic or politic. It is essentially economic and educational, and the attendance with voting

rights on all subjects at the annual meeting of the proposed national

association of weights and measures officials, with the enthusiastic

interest that is naturally consequent thereof, is especially necessary

at this particular time in the economic and educational movement

that is now being forwarded by local weight and measure officials

throughout the United States.

In the absence of definite and specific national legislation on the

subject of weights and measures in its relation to Federal control
ELEVENTH ANNUAL. CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 171

over weights, measures, scales, and balances, with tolerances and

specifications thereunder as might come with congressional action,

the interest of the local weight and measure official is governed by

local conditions, which local conditions are protected by local laws.

The interest of the township weight and measure official is as important as that of the State commissioner or superintendent. When

membership carrying with it all rights and privileges is limited

principally to the chief executive of Federal or State departments

of weights and measures, or their representatives or chiefs of departments, or representatives from cities having populations of 300,000

or over, the inference may be drawn that weight and measure legislation in the United States is so perfect that only In such large cities

and States higher weight and measure intelligence prevails, or that

there is comity between city and county officials with the State

weight and measure executive, or that the State commissioner or superintendent authoritatively controls under the respective State

law weight and measure officials in the cities and counties of that

State. This conclusion is unfortunately true of weight and measure

conditions in the United States, in so far as it affects many States of

the Union. Our system of government traditionally brought down

to the present emphasizes local self-government with particularity

to weight and measure legislation and officials, because of its longdelayed development as contrasted with the present modern tendency

for National or Federal centralized control.

The forward-looking aspect of the present-day weight and measure situation should hold encouragement to communities to have

their local weight and measure officials in a national association until

such time as perfect State or Federal control prevails—the bars

should be let down, not put up, against what may be considered an

unimportant official or community engaged in enforcing the law

on weights and measures or in advancing the propaganda to educate

the people on the subjects and laws of weights and measures. In submitting my minority report my disagreement with my colleagues on the committee, who have been painstaking and conscientious in the performance of their duties—and this applies especially

to the chairman of the committee, Mr. John H. Sherman—my

difference of opinion as outlined in the foregoing passages is held

closely to the principle involved and in no manner is ifo be interpreted as personal to any group or individual engaged in weight

and measure work.

Within the provisions of the proposed constitution the exemplary

position held by the National Bureau of Standards is inferentially

preserved, and its influences with a national association are fostered.

Under the shadow of the Bureau of Standards of the National Government these conferences annually will be held, and the local

weight and measure official who comes to the mecca of the work he

is engaged in will afford him new experiences, ideals, and intelligence.

Respectfully submitted, May 26, 1916.

Joseph Hartigan,

Commissioner, Mayor's Bureau of Weights and

Measures, City of New York; Member of

Committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
172 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. Farrell. Do I understand there is a motion before the house?

The Chairman. Yes.

Mr. Farrell. I rise to a question of order. I believe the resolution

under which the chairman appointed the committee to report on the

constitution and by-laws required that a copy of the constitution

should- be submitted to the members of this convention at least one month prior to the meeting. As no copy of the constitution was

submitted to the convention, I suggest that it would be out of order

to vote on it at this time, and that it must go over until next year.

The Chairman. I must confess, as chairman, my sympathies are much with the last speaker. I remember last year how this was put

off on the ground that no one had had an opportunity to look it over.

It might have been settled, but we felt that it was unwise to put it through in that way. That objection holding last year, it ought to

hold this year. I think that ought to be submitted in due form, in

proper time, and I think State and city delegates should come here

with this one question before them, What shall be the official status

of the delegates? It is a question of State representation—how do

you want the States to be represented—and I want the States to

settle that question. It is not a question for us to settle, but a question for them to settle themselves, and if we put it off last year it would seem advisable that the same thing be done this year.

Mr. Sweeney (of Pennsylvania). I move that the motion be laid

on the table.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. Those in favor of the motion to lay on the table

say " aye," contrary " no." The motion is carried.

Mr. Barnard. Would a suggestion, with the intent of creating

harmony in this respect, be in order at this time ? The Chairman. Yes, sir; I think it would, if there is no objection.

I think the committee would like to have suggestions, and, inasmuch

as the debate was cut off on this at the last meeting, I think it is

entirely in order to have a few re'marks.

Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, having in view a desire for harmony,

which I believe every delegate has, I wish to respectfully submit the

suggestion I am about to make.

It seems to me that it would be a very good plan, as Dr. Stratton

has suggested, that this matter be settled largely by the individual

States themselves. I suggest this : That possibly it might be a good

plan for each and every State to be represented officially at this con- ference with a delegate—we will say, for illustration, that the State

superintendent, or whoever might be appointed by the head of that

department, be one ; then at the State conference two delegates should

be elected to attend this convention as delegates from that State,

making three delegates in all ; then each and every State would have

an equal opportunity before the convention. If any State had a particular specification or tolerance or proposition that they wanted

to bring up at this convention, they could instruct their delegates

at their State convention how they would like to have them vote

on that proposition. I believe, Mr. Chairman, that under a proposition of that kind this convention could get down to a harmonious
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 173

basis. I believe that every representative here looks forward to that

end, and I respectfully submit that as a suggestion.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman and members of the conference, I am

in great measure responsible for the preparation of the paper, as read by Mr. Cluett, and I do not believe that the wording or spirit

of that paper was fairly understood or given the mature thought of

the thinking minds of this convention. I have labored with your

committee and we have carefully considered all of the conditions

which may, it develops, tend for the infusion of a lack of harmony,

which ultimately results in the nullity of the deliberations of this

organization.

I have discussed this proposition with the minority member of

the committee, and at that discussion there was no substantial argument put forth counteracting my contention. I believe in view of

the action taken by this conference that I have an erroneous conception of the purposes and intention of this organization. I believe

that my governor has the wrong impression. To illustrate to you,

under the present regulations and under the present course of procedure, we will take Mr. Creswell, who is here from Arizona, we will

take myself, from California, we will take Mr. Howell, from Washington, and Mr. Buchtel, from Oregon. You have there four representatives of four of your progressive States of the Union—I say

progressive, because it appears that the coast is not thoroughly

understood. We are a progressive people and we have a large

population, and I feel that in this work, which is in a measure a new

work, we are entitled to a respectful hearing on matters wherein

we are the chosen representatives of the people of those States. We

will take the combined service of these four men, representing the

weights and measures departments in those four States; we will

travel here at the expense of the people of these four States, dignified in our positions and feeling that we are important units in the

deliberations of this conference. Mr. Farrell or Mr. Hartigan of

New York—which is approximately only a step from the place where

the convention is held—can, on a Wednesday, appoint four men who

have had no experience in dealing with weights and measures problems, who can come here on a Thursday, and those four men can undo all of the representation that is vested in the four men by the

people of these four States on the western coast.

I will leave it to your own sense of judgment, gentlemen, is that

fair and is that equitable? If you will give to me the courtesy of

holding this convention in San Francisco I will undo all of the

work, if I so desire, that has been done by this institution since its

inception. I will reverse your specifications and your tolerances; I

will elect a new president of this convention ; and I will hold the

convention in California for all time to come. Those problems are to-day vested in the majority rule of this

convention, and, 'owing to its close proximity to the border States,

you can bring 10, 15, or 20 of your men, and, I am satisfied, if he

were to exhaust his influence, that Mr. Hanson could by reach of

telephone call 100 men here with the same privilege we have.

Our work should be fair, our work stands for honest;/ of purpose,

and for the cleanest things in life. We should exemplify those things

here by being fair and equitable under the conditions I have stated.
174 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

This is an educational institution, and the county weights and

measures officials and the city weights and measures officials have

the privilege of voicing their sentiments here and voting on all matters excepting specifications and tolerances and laws appertaining

to Federal and State jurisdiction.

It may be contended that the weights and measures officials in the

counties and cities are being discriminated against. We hold a con- vention in the State of California, and I believe a similar meeting

is held in the State of New York, where all of the weights and measures officials assembled are given the privilege of the convention

in a full degree and in a full measure. There they have a voice

in the conduct of the affairs of the State. Does Mr. Hartigan

accept all of their recommendations and does he extend to them

the privilege in that connection as vested in him? They have this

privilege there the same as they haAT e in California, and they are

just as intellectual in their deliberations as we are, and they propound practical problems of weights and measures regulation; and

the presiding officer, being desirous of the efficiency of the deputies,

must be amenable to any resolutions there enacted directing him to

introduce certain resolutions for consideration here at the conference.

I am sure that the State representatives have the welfare of the

counties and the city delegates in their keeping, and they would not

be substantial men, fair-minded, if they were to disregard those

recommendations. That gives to the counties and to the cities a

direct representative here in the deliberations of the annual Federal

conference. We must have a unit of conservative power. We are

responsible to the people for the efficiency of our State organizations.

The people of the State of California do not find the fault with the

county sealers, they will find it with the executive heads; and as long as I must bear the responsibility of efficiency for my deputies

I am certainly entitled to a consideration in the deliberation of

matters pertaining to weights and measures. My men thoroughly realize this situation, and in their community,

the organization in the State, they propound these problems along

educational lines; and there they make recommendations to the

State, which I am always conscious of and which I can adhere to

and adopt if the conditions warrant their adoption.

We must get away from the idea that this organization is an ex- pedient one. We have had 10 years of pioneer work here and it is

time that we dignified this organization by consummation of the

power of this organization into a channel where it will do the most

good for the benefit of our respective jurisdictions.

I speak on the subject fairly and openly, and I am sure I have

not offended anyone. If I have, I want to retract. I come here virtually a new member of the conference, but I have had a great deal

of experience in the commercial world—to the extent of 20 years.

I know the sentiment of the commercial man; I know what his

problems are and should be, and I believe in a progressive, effective

enforcement of weights and measures regulations, standing for the

privileges for which it is intended and for which the people expect

to have its benefit and usefulness. I thank you very kindly.

Mr. Fakrell. I just want to state to the previous speaker that

under the constitution submitted, Mr. Hartigan, who represents
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 175

some 6,000,000 people—more people than the four gentlemen to

whom Mr. Johnson just referred—does not have a vote in this con- ference under that constitution. I, as the State man, of course would

have one vote ; but Mr. Hartigan, who represents, as I said, a greater

population than the four men spoken of by the previous speaker,

does not have a vote in the conference.

Mr. Mikesell. Mr. Chairman, I do not know exactly what immediate supervision Mr. Johnson has over the sealers in the State of

California, but my impression of the work in this Nation is that

there are many, many more city departments and immediate districts than there are State departments. That is my impression.

My impression at this minute is that the number of States represented is small as compared with the cities and the districts. Am I

right ? The Secretary. Most city and county representatives, I might say,

come from the States that are represented by State officials.

Mr. Farrell. I understand there are only seven men who are

entitled to vote under the ruling of the chairman last year.

The Secretary. There are 22 States represented.

Mr. Farrell. Designated by the governor, and not chief executive,

under the constitution.

The Chairman. That is all right. We have always taken those

who have been delegated by the governor.

Mr. Mikesell. I would state, for the enlightenment of the Western

representatives, that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a population of from seven to eight million, and your constitution would

require Pennsylvania to have one vote in this conference as compared

•with the gentlemen enumerated from the coast. The gentleman from

Battle Creek submitted a plan whereby each State was to have a State and two other representatives. If that process was to hold

true to every State in the Union, why three votes instead of one?

Would not one vote each be just the same as three each in a conference ? Mr. Barnard. Mr. Chairman, I would like to speak in defense of

my suggestion for just a moment. With due respect to my friend,

Mr. Johnson, from California, I wish to take issue with him on one

or two points relative to what he said with regard to Mr. Hanson, of

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to Mr. Hartigan, of the

great State of New York. He intimated that there might be a disposition to put something over in this convention. I do not believe

that there is a delegate elected to this conA-ention who would have any

desire to put anything over. I have a very high respect for Mr.

Hanson ; I have known him personally for some two or three years,

and I do not believe that he has any such ideas as that whatever.

So far as my acquaintance with him is concerned, it has been fair and

open-handed, and I can say the same thing relative to Mr. Hartigan,

whom I have also known for two or three years.

Now, if you please, my suggestion to appoint two delegates to

this conference from the State conference in addition to the State

superintendent, was very brief. Your State superintendents are the

political heads of the States, and as a rule I think my colleagues will

bear me out that they are removed every three or four years, and

your city and county sealers are removed only for cause. The State

superintendent comes in and gets a slight knowledge of the work, and
176 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

then he goes out. He, under your plan, would be the sole representative of the State; he might have ideas peculiar to himself, and not

knoAving the practical working conditions of the problems might vote

to suit himself. County or city sealers from your conference coming

as representatives would know the practical problems and, as a rule,

they would be returned year after year to this conference and would

be in better condition to vote on these problems than the State superintendent. That is my contention, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Waldron. I would like to know in what condition the majority report is now.

The Chairman. It has been laid on the table. This is a discussion

for the benefit of the committee. It did not seem wise to cut off

all discussion of the subject.

Mr. Waldron. This is only for information.

The Chairman. It is merely an expression of opinion for the

benefit of the committee on constitution.

Mr. Waldron. The report now is practically dead. Does this re- port have to remain over until next year ? The Chairman. Yes.

Mr. Waldron. Is this committee dead?

The Chairman. No, sir. Mr. Waldron. Is this committee supposed to send a report to each

one here now?

The Chairman. Yes, sir; they should have done it this year.

That was the technical point upon which the ruling was made. It

was postponed last year on that condition, that they would send this

draft of the constitution to the delegates 30 days before the meeting,

but that was not done and it has gone out on that technical point.

Otherwise, there is no reason why it should not be considered and

settled to-day. But everyone here wants this to have a careful consideration, and I can assure you next year even that point will not

be entertained.

Mr. Sweeney (of Pennsylvania). I move that the matter be taken

up in the different State conferences which will meet shortly and

let the States decide for themselves. It can not be settled here.

Mr. Reichmann. I move, sir, that when this proposed constitution is sent out that at the same time a copy of the majority report

and a copy of the minority report be sent with it. That will give

them the basis on which the whole discussion revolved.

The Chairman. Would you add to that the discussion that has

taken place here?

Mr. Reichmann. No, sir; just the majority and minority reports.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Reichmann. I want to emphasize an ethical question, which

is this : That it would be a very unwise action to pass a constitution

of that kind. I think this conference is more in the nature of an

ordinary business men's association, where they come to interchange

ideas and to discuss questions of general policy. If you have a constitution of that kind, naturally it is a body, with the constitution

of a closed corporation—only certain members and delegates have

any powers—and it is a very nice question as to whether it would

not be improper for the Bureau of Standards, as a Government office,

to print and send out all the literature in relation to this. In other

words, the association itself becomes practically liable for a number
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 177

of those debts. We would be morally liable for them anyway,

whereas under our present condition we can make efficient use of

the services of the Bureau of Standards.

I would like to raise a second practical point, which is this : That in

any kind of an organization, to get any kind of efficiency, you have to

have some head who has the power, you might say, to dictate lines of

policy—you must do so and so and fall in line. The State superintendent or the State officer of a State where organized, if he is any

kind of an executive, will entrust the local weights and measures

official with his authority. In a similar way these tolerances are suggestions to these people to guide themselves by in exercising authority for the very reason that the gentleman from Battle Creek

mentioned, namely, that many of the State executives change from

time to time, whereas the local representatives are more or less

under civil service and these tolerances are to guide them. So far

as the privilege of voting on tolerances is concerned, I do not think

it amounts to so very much, for the reason that the committee on

tolerances very properly assumes the right to dictate to the con- ference as it is. Mr. Lttton. Mr. Chairman, it seems to me if copies of the majority and minority reports go out, together with any constitution,

that it would be in order to add to that the argument that we have had

this morning, in order that everyone may be informed as to what has

to be considered. I therefore move to amend the motion of Dr.

Beichmann to include those arguments.

Mr. Beichmann. I accept that.

Mr. Hartigan. It has impressed me very deeply, that in an aggregation of this character, composed of men who are working along

ethical and moral lines, that we should reach a more perfect conclusion if we disregard entirely a constitution for this conference or for

future national conferences of weights and measures men because of

the progress which has been made in the past. We are already with-

•out a concrete, definite constitution, or regulations and rules to follow.

Until that time has arrived in this country when the National Government has perfect control it would be a high order of morality

on the part of this conference if they disregarded entirely even consideration of a constitution.

I make these remarks merely for the purpose of the record, so that

when the men go back home they may be able to study well the question, because what they are engaged in, so far as weights and measures work is concerned, is a work for the people. We are not to feel

more dignified, we are not to have our self-respect increased merely

because we come to a conference. We are paid servants.

During the past 10 or 11 years you have made wonderful progress.

The statement has been made that you have in this conference 22

State representatives delegated by their governors. There certainly

has been an increase over what you had here 10 years ago and you

have not had any constitutional question to bother or disturb the

deliberations of this conference, except that of last year, and if this

question continues it is bound to be a thorn in the side of future

progress and it is bound to introduce the personal issue, all of which

is disgusting to the mind and retards the progress of the ethical side

of the question in which we are engaged.

62254°—17 12
178 BUBEATJ OF STANDARDS.

The Chairman. Are you ready for the question ? Those in favor,

say " aye "; contrary, " no." The motion is carried.

The next report is that of the committee on the metric system. Is

the chairman of that committe present ? Mr. Hartigan. I am making a few corrections in my report and it should be here in 15 or 20 minutes.

REPORT OP THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS, PRESENTED BY

J. F. FARRELL.

Your committee on nominations makes the following report:

For president, S. W. Stratton; vice president, William L. Waldron;

secretary, Louis A. Fischer; treasurer, Burr B. Lincoln. For the

executive committee: S. W. Stratton, Louis A. Fischer, John F.

Farrell, George E. Carpenter, Charles G. Johnson, Leo S. Schoenthal, Thomas F. Egan, John M. Mote, Fred EL Tighe, W. F. Cluett,

Edward C. Lytton, James Sweeney (of Pennsylvania), James R.

Smith, and F. G. Barnard.

Mr. Reichmann. I move that the report be accepted and that the

officers be elected by acclamation.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. It is moved and seconded that the report be

adopted by acclamation.

Mr. Johnson. May I have the pleasure of adding one or two names

to the executive committee?

The Chairman. Unless it is fixed by resolution.

The Secretary. It is fixed by resolution adopted a year or two ago,

Mr. Johnson. You would have to introduce a resolution and have it carried.

The Chairman. It is entirely in order to increase the committee,

but I think it stands at 14 now. That is according to the previous

resolution.

Mr. Reichmann. Would a resolution be in order to increase the

committee by three?

The Chairman. There is already a motion before the house.

Mr. Reichmann. I would like to restate the motion and add that

to my previous motion.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. I would like to suggest that we add Mr. O. N. Creswell, of Arizona ; Mr. I. M. Howell, of Washington ; and Mr. Thure

Hanson, of Massachusetts.

The Chairman. Does that meet the consent of the committee on

nominations ? Mr. Farrell. We accept that.

(The motion was agreed to.)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS, PRESENTED BY

CHARLES G. JOHNSON.

Your committee on resolutions have a number of resolutions which

we will introduce one by one.

Resolved, That this, the Eleventh Annual Conference on the Weights and

Measures of the United States, record its approval for the adoption of the' metric system by our interests in the United States to be applied in trade,

commerce, and industry. And further be it recommended that local weights
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 179

and measures officials cause the attention of merchants, manufacturers, boards

of trade, and chambers of commerce to be attracted to the advantages and

facilities of the metric system for both domestic and foreign affairs ; and be it further

Resolved, That the committee on the metric system be empowered to circulate

through the medium of journalism, such as daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers, magazines, and such other periodicals, trade, commerce, scientific,

political, and economic information relating to the metric system.

The Chairman. Inasmuch as there is a special committee on that

subject may I ask if that is a resolution of that committee?

Mr. Johnson. This is signed by the members of that committee.

Mr. Reichmann. I move that the resolution be adopted.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Hanson. I would like to ask if that was signed by the committee on the metric system or supposed committee on the metric

system ? The Chairman. Is Mr. Hartigan present?

Mr. Hartigan. Mr. Chairman, that resolution was signed by three

individual members of this conference.

The Chairman. I am not familiar with the personnel of that

committee.

Mr. Downing. Is this a report of the committee on the metric

system ? The Chairman. That is the question I asked.

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, allow me to clarify this, if I may.

The chairman of the committee on the metric system is going to submit a report in which he is having some corrections made, but this is a separate and distinct proposition from this resolution which is

signed by individual members of the conference. It happens that one of the individual members of the conference is the chairman of

the committee on the metric system, and he acts in a dual capacity in

that respect.

The Chairman. It is perfectly in order, but I wanted the members

to understand it. (The motion was agreed to.)

The Chairman. The next resolution is as follows:

Resolved, That weights and measures officials throughout the United States

consult with educational and school authorities with a view to improving the

method of teaching and the learning of subjects in arithmetic, mathematics,

domestic science, and social economy concerning weights and measures ; and

further be it resolved that a committee of three members of this conference be

appointed by the chairman of the conference as a committee on public education, who will consider and report a plan or syllabus for a constructive method

of teaching and learning under the subjects of weights and measures in the

schools, colleges, and universities of the United States, said committee to report

to the 1917 conference, in the interim, however, sending a copy of their proposed

report to all weights and measures officials in the United States to be used for

such purposes as they may consider appropriate.

Mr. Fakkell. I move the adoption of the resolution.

Mr. Hartigan. For the information of the conference I might

state that in the city of New York during the last three months, at

one of the schools in the Bronx, we have introduced a new system of

teaching the system of weights and measures. It may be astounding

to some of you gentlemen to know that the subject of weights and

measures in elementary and in some high schools has been entirely

stricken from the curriculum. The responsibility for that rests en-
180 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

tirely upon the shoulders of local weights and measures officials in

not keeping in touch with the present trend of affairs. I do not

like very much at the present moment to go into the details of the

subject, but I did have a paper prepared, and if you will allow me

the courtesy or the opportunity of making it a part of the record, it may be very intei*esting reading along instructive lines if you will

take the time. You should see to it that your local authorities not

alone introduce or reintroduce the teaching of the weights and

measures system in your schools, but you should improve upon your

present system of teaching. How are you going to expect the housewife, the general consumer, to intelligently buy or sell unless she

has been taught at the mother seat of public education something in

the way of weights and measures, and taught in the same manner as you are at the present time trying to teach both the merchant and

purchasing public through various methods. In this school in the

Bronx we have introduced what we consider a practical method. It

is by no means perfect, but we are experimenting. Unfortunately at

the present time the matter has not been considered by our general

department of education, but if this system proves to be satisfactory

in this free vocational school, it will be recommended to all the other

schools in the city of New York, and we have close on to one million

and a half pupils. It will be adopted in private, parochial, and

public schools generally throughout the country, so it may be well, so long as we have made the start and taken the leadership, to impress upon the children in the beginning and tell them just what 16 ounces mean and what a pint and a gallon means, and that will be one more step in the progress of weights and measures. The Chairman. If there is no objection, Mr. Hartigan will be

allowed to place his description of the system and the method in

the record, and the motion before us is on the resolution. All those

in favor say " aye," contrary " no." The motion is carried.

Mr. Johnson. The next resolution is:

Resolved, That within 10 days from date a copy of the resolution which

unanimously passed the conference on Thursday, May 25, pertaining to

" wrapped meats," be sent by the secretary to each of the public officials mentioned therein ; in the event of this being inconvenient, then it is directed

that the mover and seconder of this resolution may send a copy thereof to the

said officials mentioned acting officially as the representatives of this conference.

The Chairman. You have heard the resolution with reference to

the one passed the other day.

Mr. Hartigan. That was to prevent unavoidable delay in getting the report to this conference. Mr. Eylers and myself suggest

that if the secretary is without facilities to get out a copy of the

resolution, we are willing to do it at our own expense and time.

The Secretary. I might state there is no difficulty about the

secretary getting it out. What I was hoping was that Mr. Hartigan wanted to relieve me of the necessity of doing it. If you put it on that ground I would be very glad of it. As a matter of fact, I

would dislike very much to send out resolutions of that kind, and I

think Dr. Stratton would also.

Mr. Farreix. This relieves you of the necessity.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 181

Mr. Johnson (reading)

Resolved, That a committee on the metric system, comprised of three members, be appointed by the chairman of the conference within 10 days from

date, and that as an appreciation of the service rendered by Joseph Hartigan,

the chairman of the present committee, it is suggested that he be named as chairman of the new committee on the metric system.

Mr. Reichmann. I move its adoption.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. Mr. Chairman, in this connection I would like to

read a communication received a day or two ago and then to inquire

whether this committee will be authorized to represent the association in this particular case. This letter is from Dr. A. E. Kennelly,

representing the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. It is

directed to L. A. Fischer, secretary National Conference of Weights

and Measures, Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C, and reads

as follows:

Deajr Sib: I beg to inquire whether the city and county sealers of weights

and measures would be willing to appoint a committee on the metric system in case some of the engineering societies desire cooperation from your association. It seems likely that such cooperation may be sought for in a general

discussion of the metric system, and information on this matter in advance will

be appreciated.

Yours, very truly, A. E. Kennelly.

I would like to know whether it is the desire of the association to

have this committee represent us in this particular case. Mr. Reichmann. I move you, sir, that this matter be referred

to the committee on the metric system.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. The next resolution is as follows:

Resolved, That this, the Eleventh Annual Conference on the Weights and

Measures of the United States, in conference assembled, on the 26th day of

May, 1916, do declare and record our disapproval of a bill now pending in

the House of Representatives of the United States known as H. R. 9323, to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, and use of weights and measures,

known as the weights and measures act. Mr. Farrell. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded.)

The Chairman. Are there any remarks?

Mr. Johnson. Speaking on the motion, would it not be well to

define just what bill this is? There are a great many weights and

measures bills.

The Secretary. The bill in question is the Ashbrook bill, which

has been approved twice before by this association, and I believe by

every weights and measures association in the United States at some

time or other.

Mr. Johnson. This conference went on record last year as approving this bill, and I do not believe it to be good policy for the con- ference at this time to change its attitude and fluctuate in a matter

of this character. We had this matter before us and discussed it at

length last year.

The Chairman. In other words, the resolution reverses the action

of last year?

Mr. Johnson. Yes, sir.
182 BUBEAU OF STANDARDS.

Mr. Downing. I withdraw my second of the motion. I misunderstood it before.

Mr. Clttett. I move that the resolution be laid upon the table.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. The next resolution is as follows:

Be it resolved, That this conference extend to Mr. L. A. Fischer a vote of

confidence, thereby signifying its disapproval of the circulation of any pamphlet

or statement unjustly reflecting on the integrity and efficiency of weights and

measures officials. Mr. Clttett. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. The next resolution is as follows

Resolved, That the Eleventh Annual Conference of Weights and Measures do

hereby extend a vote of thanks to the chairman of this convention, Dr. S. W.

Stratton. Mr. Farr. I move the adoption of the resolution.

The Secretary. All those in faA7 or of the motion signify by rising.

(The motion was seconded and unanimously agreed to by rising

vote.

)

The Chairman. Gentlemen, I want to express my appreciation of

this resolution and, as I have said before, my great appreciation and

satisfaction at the line which this conference has taken. It is more

along the lines intended in the first place than any we have ever had,

and I think you will all agree with me that we have gotten more good

out of it than any other conference we have held. There has been

more real discussion of weights and measures affairs than in the

previous conferences.

Mr. Johnson (reading) :

Resolved, That the Eleventh Conference on Weights and Measures do hereby

extend a vote of thanks to the Secretary of Commerce, Hon. W. C. Redfield,

for his remarks and interest in the conference.

Mr. Cltjett. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson (reading) :

Resolved, That the Eleventh Annual Conference of Weights and Measures

officials go on record as favoring the universal adoption of the count standard

in marking toilet paper and paper towels; that is, every roll or package shall

be plainly marked to show the number of sheets in each roll or package and

the size thereof.

Mr. Waldron. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Farrell. There is a question of law now being considered in

the State of New York in regard to marking toilet paper. I therefore move you that the resolution be laid on the table until the toiletpaper manufacturers decide for themselves how it should be marked.

Mr. Reichmann. I do not think that is a question for the toiletpaper manufacturers to decide, but the public should decide that.

Mr. Waldron. Mr. Chairman, if we are going to wait for the

manufacturers to decide, we might just as well wait for the scale

men to decide on the type of scale to be used.

(The motion was agreed to.)
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFEBENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASUEES. 183

Mr. Johnson (reading) : Resolved, That a vote of thanks be accorded Mr. L. A. Fischer and the staff of the weights and measures division of the National Bureau of Standards for

their labors in behalf of the conference.

Mr. Cltjett. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson (reading) : Resolved, That the Eleventh Annual Conference of Weights and Measures

officials do extend a vote of thanks to Mr. Warren M. Mitchell for his diligent

services as reporter for the conference.

Mr. Farrell. I move the adoption of the resolution.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Reichmann. Mr. Chairman, I move that a vote of thanks be

extended to Mr. Parry for his work in connection with the conference.

I believe Mr. Parry has been so busy that he has not been able to

attend the conferences, but the work of sending out the thousands

of letters has devolved upon Mr. Parry. I move you, therefore, that

a vote of thanks be extended to Mr. Parry.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Johnson. I move the adoption of a resolution extending a vote of thanks to all of the members of the conference who have

acted on committees. I also desire to embody in that resolution a tender of thanks to Mr. W. W. Boyd, of the Bureau of Standards,

for his courtesy and efficiency in serving the conference.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

Mr. Reichmann. I wish to introduce the following resolution:

Resolved, That when the reports of the tolerance committee are sent out

that such reports bear in conspicuous places on the title page the wording,

" These specifications are not legal—they are merely suggestions."

Mr. Farrell. I move its adoption.

Mr. Johnson. May I amend that by moving that some such state- ment be put upon the specifications when sent out and the wording be

left to the Director of the Bureau of Standards?

Mr. Farrell. I second that motion.

(The motion was agreed to.)

The Secretary. I might state that these specifications do not contain any statement except what is absolutely true. It stated that

they are specifications adopted by the conference. I do not see why

we should weaken them in any way by saying they are not legal.

The Chairman. We will leave it as it is. Specifications suggested

for adoption by all weights and measures officials.

Mr. Reichmann. The way it is now printed is deceptive.

Mr. Farrell. May I introduce a resolution thanking the manufacturers for appearing at the conference and demonstrating their

scales and measuring instruments in connection with the conference?

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Chairman. Mr. Hartigan, are you ready with your committee's report?

Mr. Hartigan. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I want to acknowledge

at the outset what might appear to be a discourtesy to my colleagues

on this committee. I have been very much pressed during the last

year with work, and it was only during the last 10 days that I was

able to complete my report, based upon notes acquired through
184 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

study and research made in the last three years, and to Mr. Hanson

and Mr. Downing and the other members of this committee I offer

my personal apology for not having consulted with them. My intention was absolutely all right, and after you have heard the report

you will find that there is nothing radical in it, nothing by way of

going up to President Wilson and saying that he must immediately

have the people of this country adopt the use of the metric system.

REPORT BY JOSEPH HARTIGA.N, CHAIRMAN" OF THE COMMITTEE

ON THE METRIC SYSTEM.

Your committee on the metric system respectfully submits the

following report, based upon the observations of the committee during the past two years, giving study and attention to the rapidly

changing economic conditions, domestic and foreign, as they pertain

to the financial, trade, commercial, and industrial welfare of the

people of the United States.

The unexampled opportunity afforded by the great war in Europe

for the advancement of the metric system, and its adoption and use

in this country by bankers, merchants, and manufacturers engaging

in foreign trade, has given such impetus to the metric system in

domestic economic circles as to cause a new revival of the advocacy of the metric system as a practical business factor in this

country.

The business community of the United States, as never before in

its history, is reaching out in the world for trade. The opening of our new foreign-trade era will result in dismal failure or in pronounced success according to whether our financial and commercial

adventurers do not or do proceed by competent methods in languages,

customs, and weights and measures to do business. The last mentioned of these factors, as it concerns the unit or the individual in

foreign lands, is the first in point of importance since the individual,

the ultimate consumer, is the one to be catered to with a greater

degree of attention than the importer or the banker or the distributor in these lands.

Weights and measures, whether concerning the metric system or other system used outside the United States, is a subject, of primary

importance in the relation between peoples; its knowledge in everyday affairs as necessary as is the knowledge of the language of the

people of that foreign country.

The enterprise of countless American merchants and manufacturers, engaging in foreign trade heretofore never approached by

them, satisfied with domestic concerns, should promote the study,

adoption, and use of the metric system in their world trade. These

fellow citizens, preparing to make new trade conquests, should make

as part of their plan of campaign the introduction of the metric

system of weights and measures. It is generally known that all

countries outside of the United States, except Russia and Great

Britain, use this system, and in these countries the use of this system is permissive. The system was legalized by the American Congress in 1866. It is permissive in character. Thus far, however,

its operation as an element in domestic trade is practically unknown,

its activity promoted only by diffident scholars whose ambition

ceases with an exposition of its merits. There are only two nations
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 185

in the world with whom we can trade on the basis of our own complicated system of weights and measures, namely, Russia and Great

Britain; and even here there is no general uniformity; for in the

former country only one unit is similar, namely, the inch; and in

the latter country the capacity measures are entirely different, thus

making conversions necessary in these units. Are our new trade

internationalists aware of that fact? The other countries in their use of the metric system promise us present and future trouble

unless our people in dealing with them discard our system and

adopt theirs. The United States and England have lost European

and Latin-American trade because of this handicap. The world

needs a universal language. That, however, will be longer in coming

into realization than a universal metric system of weights and

measures.

It may be many years delayed in being adopted generally for use

in this country. Its adoption here, however, will be hastened by the

new era of foreign-trade expansion, through which the American

merchant and manufacturer will be obliged to adopt it in order to

satisfy foreign-trade conditions. The demands made upon domestic

firms for commodities made and to be distributed upon the metricsystem basis will familiarize thousands heretofore ignorant of its

usefulness Avith the system and its proverbial simplicity.

These demands, which must be met or prepared for before being

made, will do more to educate our people in the uses and advantages

of the system than a fortune spent in a literary propaganda. The

American manufacturer is shipping and will continue to ship tons

of raw material abroad, little realizing the immensity with which

an item like the metric system of weights and measures counts with

foreign trade. Added to the disadvantages of not making the terms

of measurement understood to the foreign trader is the loss of profit

in trade by reason of our goods not being in metric units, while

various other items bring the total loss to material figures.

For simple convenience the metric system should be used by our

people for both domestic and foreign trade. This system is as much

superior to our system of weights and measures as the decimal system in money is superior to the English pounds, shillings, and pence.

Considering the fact that there is not one American or Englishman

in fifty who can give the values of half of our tables of weights and

measures, it would seem an easy matter to make the change, but it is far otherwise. The fact that farms and town lots are laid off in

acres, feet, or rods, that we are accustomed to the thought of the distance represented by a mile and the weight represented by a pound,

makes it extremely difficult to inaugurate a change. To weights and

measures officials, who are imbued with the metric system and advocate its adoption, its use is replete with meritorious advantages over our archaic system of weights and measures, but they consider it hopeless to attempt the accomplishment of a change. Tradition and

custom and habit—brothers in misfortune—have dictated to our loss our system of weights and measures. It is difficult to explain how

our wide-awake American populace for years has maintained two

systems. Could not gold and diamonds be weighed with divisions of

the same unit that measures flour? Why buy drugs by apothecaries'

weight, rings by troy, and sugar by avoirdupois? Sometimes the

architect makes his plan in tenths and hundredths of feet, and the
186 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

carpenter follows to do the work with twelfths of feet and sixteenths

of inches.

Our foreign-trade expansionists have not stopped to count the

cost involved in expensive duplication of machinery for firms en- gaged in foreign trade. Our system creates confusion and waste

every year. In comparison with a long list of resultant evils caused

by our system can be set down the benefits to be derived under the

metric system.

In the metric system there is but one standard of weight, but one

standard of measure for liquid and dry commodities alike, and but

one standard of length.

The metric system of weights and measures has so much in it to

commend it that this report will be silent as to a summary of the

benefits and equally free from reference to the manifold complexities

and wastefulness of our present system of weights and measures.

It is hard, as you know, for old dogs to learn new tricks, but it is

easy for young dogs to learn "new and better tricks than the older ones

learned. The time taken in school with the subject of weights and

measures would be materially shortened by use of the metric system,

leaving children free to master some of the newer things considered

necessary.

We all have been used to thinking in terms of the old standards

for so long that the idea of changing to a simpler system strikes us

in the lazy spots of our mentality, and we try to bolster up the old

with all manner of scares about the new. A striking illustration of the adoption and use of the metric

system from a practical commercial standpoint is furnished by a bridge-building company in the Pittsburgh district several years ago

which was running short of structural steel. Competition tried to

hold them up on prieces, so they ordered from Belgium. The orders

for sizes and drilling had to be given in the metric system. The

draftsmen thought at first they would have a hard time of it, but

in three days they became so used to it they wished all their work

might be in that system. The steel was used by the United States

Government and it passed inspection.

At this particular time an agitation was started to have the United

States Government require all its work to be done and its supplies to

be furnished according to the metric system. It was thought by the

advocates of the metric system that factories supplying the Government with material would comply in short order. The general opinion at that time was that some machines would have to be scrapped

entirely, but most machines would require only changes in gears, and

in gear cutting the metric system would be a distinct gain.

The American woman, however, quick to discern the new things

affecting the economic situation, would perhaps be the most formidable objector to the adoption and use of the metric system. The

particular reason underlying this attitude of mind is due, of course,

primarily to the absence in our public educational system of more

extensive methods of teaching and studying the various systems of

weights and measures. It is surprising to know that in this modern

day many of the lower-grade schools in this country have eliminated

the tables of weights and measures from their curriculum. This

must be attended to in time. The American women, however, do the

bulk of the family buying, and these same American women have
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 187

shown themselves equal to most, if not all, of the tasks set before

them by the changes in modern life; and should the metric system,

although not compulsory under the law of the land, in time become

by common consent the weights and measures system of this country,

they would soon be buying by the liter, the kilogram, and the meter

as readily as they do now in the old system, and the family treasurer

would pay the bill in decimal currency as he has to do to-day.

Since the metric system was legalized in the year 1866 in the

United States the agitation for its adoption and use has come primarily from men of science and students enthusiastically imbued

with the simplicity of the system. Its application, however, to all

the needs of the practical everyday life is absent.

While only permissive under the laws of this country, and while

the United States Government itself has adopted and used the system only in certain of the governmental departments, its use has

been made mandatory by law in the Philippines. Yet in the governmental statistical publications anything other than our own weights

and measures system is very rarely used. In our tariff schedules

specific duties are mostly fixed by our own weights and measures

permissive under the Constitution of the United States, under which

schedules, articles are to pay duties in terms of gallons, feet, yards,

tons, etc. The border line between foreign and domestic commerce is at the

entrance port to the United States, and the crucial test of a system

of weights and measures is its use in the tariff schedule. This is

particularly true when nearly two-thirds of the world is using the

metric system, and yet under the laws of the United States it appears

that the American Congress prefers the old system of weights and

measures to the metric system, both of which are permissive. It is

obvious, therefore, that Congress has chosen our present system

either because they are convinced of its greater practicability or

else, in pure ignorance, they are not familiar intimately with the

simplicity and advantages of the metric system.

Metric-system advocates favor a law requiring its adoption for

governmental purposes, and also compelling its use generally, so ordering the law that the permissive or discretional feature be

eliminated and the metric system solely substituted.

These advocates in this country in their ideal seek too much at

the outset. Perhaps this is a cause for the delay in the adoption and

use of the metric system here. While you may induce the Government to adopt and use it, commerce and industry will not use it and you can not force its use, until the people understand and are educated up to its beneficent advantages. But the mere introduction

of a law compelling the adoption and use of the metric system will

do some good. Its introduction alone attracts attention—especially

the attention of the opponents of the system—and their opinions,

loudly and forcefully expressed, are accepted by the people as the

utterances of wise men, because the people are unacquainted with

its meaning and construe the metric system as some horrible ogre

that threatens disturbance, distress, and destruction. It is unfortunately true that metric-system advocates are regarded as typical

reformers, and reformers in this country are looked upon askance.

In these modern days let us not be known as reformers, promoters,
188 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

or propagandists. Let us be projectors in the sense of advancing

a project of mutual interest and advantage to all the people.

The metric advocate in his conflict with the uninformed is unwise

when he ruthlessly combats their settled habits, their established

usages, their domestic and individual economy, their ignorance, their

prejudice, and their wants; all of which is unavoidably done in the

attempt radically to change or to originate a totally new system

of weights and measures without first laying an adequate foundation

for its reception.

In any plan which may be contemplated for the adoption and use of the metric system in the United States generally, it would be

unwise to attempt to force this system through any legislative body

unless a genuine public demand was first created. The adoption by

law and the use of the metric system by the people should come

naturally and without trouble, inconvenience, or coercive measures. The people of the various strata of society must first be educated

by the introduction of the system in this branch of trade, that

channel of commerce, through this gateway of industry, at the same

time advancing the fundamental conception by building for future

generations on a foundation to be laid through the public educational system in the schools, colleges, and universities of the United

States.

The attitude of the American people must be so made up as to want

this thing before it can be made a part of the general compulsory

organic law of the United States. You must first create a demand

from the people; otherwise the American Congress will not listen.

A bill will be accepted, referred to an appropriate committee, discussed and deliberated upon, hearings will be open to all concerned,

with the ultimate result that the committee will declare that although

the members are unanimously in favor of its legislation, it is wise

not to report it to the main body, for two reasons: First, the

Congress itself, able and intelligent in many matters, would not

accept so radical a change by way of compulsory laws because

there was no public demand; and, secondly, because the country,

being unfamiliar with the metric system, would resent any action

taken by the Congress to compel the use of that with which they

were neither in accord nor understanding.

The metric system, then, if in time it is to be generally used in this

country, must first be clearly understood before you attempt to compel

by law the use of it. The system should be learned and made use of.

You will grant that while this system has been before the country

for years, it has a reputation generally for being a fad or a fancy.

This impression must be removed. If, in the next generation, it can

be taught to the children at the mother's knee a great advance has

been made toward its adoption.

It is needless to go into the meritorious advantages of the metric

system to a conference of weights and measures officials. Your ex- perience teaches you how difficult it is to unravel present-day problems arising under our present system. You dream of and yearn

for the simplicity of the metric system.

Into the work of scientific men the metric system was easily introduced. The scientific man, however, Avho advocates the adoption

and use of the metric system must see beyond his own horizon in
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 189

these matters. Those with him in advocating the metric system are

liable to create for themselves a pitfall of error. Scientific men,

like other men, are subject to the limitations of human nature.

.Scientific men believe the change to the metric system for general use will be easy because in scientific work it was easy. The

scientific use of measurement consists of measuring things. The industrial use of measurements consists in making things to certain

sizes. It has been the rule that the advocates of the metric system are measurers of things, while those who generally come from the ranks

of the opposition are makers of things. Now these things are at

present made in our customary system unless the makers, be- cause of commercial demands, are obliged to furnish the supply in

the metric system. A change to the metric system, from the scientific

man's standpoint, involves nothing but a change in measuring instruments, while the manufacturing interests of the country, the makers

of things, are naturally affected to a greater degree, for they are compelled to pay the bills which come with the change. The scientist,

the weights and measures official, and those engaged in a special

study of the metric system, are familiar with its advantages and

should now be generous and treat those liberally who are in ignorance. The primary object of the metric advocate should be to

familiarize those with it who are without special interest therein.

A conspicuous example of the confusion arising from having more

than one system is displayed in the building of the Panama Canal.

This great twentieth century engineering feat was begun by the

meter and completed by the yard.

Should the metric system come into general use in this country you

must appreciate the salient and incontrovertible fact that the enthusiasm, sympathy, and intelligence which bring it about will cause new and grave problems to arise, which at that time must be treated

with the same consideration as we give conditions which arise when

night changes into day.

The modern advocate for the adoption and use of the metric

system in the United States must have a plan—a constructive, definite, and detailed plan and program with accompanying directions.

This plan should be so formulated as to arrange from time to time,

year after year, for its introduction into new and virgin fields

where it is now unknown or opposed. That which has already been

accomplished through economic needs, foreign and export demands,

through industrial efficiency, and engineering interests; that which

has already been accomplished in the halls of medicine and medical

practice, and in the numerous arts, sciences, and industries wherein

it is now a fact, stands out to the credit of the advantages of the

metric system and can be pointed to as an example for its adoption

and use elsewhere. The plan should follow the permissive law of

1866, taking up the subjects and conditions which it may control,

not generally, but phase by phase, situation by situation, condition

by condition, trade by trade, and so on ad infinitum until the top is

reached, even if it takes a generation or two to reach the goal.

It would be absurd to hope to accomplish the apparently impossible

unless the field to which you expect to apply the metric system is sur- veyed, nurtured, and harvested through the medium of a distinct and

separate plan for each particular purpose.
190 BUBEAU OF STANDABDS.

The project, when introduced in practical modern-day fashion, beginning at the bottom rung of the ladder, not at the top, will render

to the projectors a return commensurate to the effort they put forth.

Since he may provide himself with the tools which are so ready

to his hand, namely, the ancient and modern example, the history,

political, financial, and economic of the world through which, strange

to say, the metric system has wormed its way with curious results,

good and bad, and the literature printed in all the modern languages

pro and con, the missionary who goes out is well equipped for the

project.

Under a plan of action well prepared and practical to bring about

the adoption and use of the metric system in the United States you

will have, for the first time in the history of the metric system, and

more especially in this country, attempted the projection of a revo- lutionary change with all the prospects of success. Never before in

the economic history of this country has such a plan been proposed

or attempted.

A committee on the metric system, national in character, should be

retained by the National Conference on the Weights and Measures of

the United States from year to year. Its report might be based upon

what it has been able to accomplish during the year preceding with

reference to the progress made in the adoption and use of the system

in the various factors of trade, commerce, industry, public education,

and legislation, and the committee should be authorized to make such

recommendations as are deemed necessary for the continued forwarding of the project with the cooperation of its advocates.

The plan as outlined should be definite and exact, subject, however,

to changes which may be necessary which can not now be foreseen.

The plan should comprise, for example, during the year 1916-17

an introduction of the metric system to commercial and industrial

firms who, although not now affected by foreign-trade expansion,

are within the same circle of influence as many firms who have been

affected and who have adopted and are now using the metric system.

So on to the end of the line, year after year, the project to be carried

into the shop of the worker, instead of requiring or waiting for the

worker, the pupil, to come to the teacher.

The project can not in the wildest dream of its most enthusiastic

supporter expect immediate adoption and use. The road is long and

difficult of travel and many and serious obstacles beset the program.

While the metric system has millions of advocates in the world, our purpose is gradually to enlist the support of millions who will then

commence to use it in the United States, with the ultimate aim of

the destruction of the many horned species of weight-and-measuresystem animals now roaming through the Nation.

We can only attain our aim by patient and persistent effort on a

definite plan applied to the elements now ignorant of the metric system or opposed to it. The conditions before us may not hold promise

in this generation of its universal adoption and use in the United

States. The attempt to bring it about, however, in this generation

through systematic effort may be rewarded by surprising results. If

in this generation we are unsuccessful and have ended our labors

here at the call which comes from on high, our successors may con-
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 191

tinue the spread of the gospel of weight and measure simplicity

represented by the metric system with more assurances of a suc- cessful outcome in view of the coming of an expected superior

intelligence with future generations, who will accept the metric

system as truth and tradition, as a force to cement world relations,

hand in hand with a universal language.

The metric system' of weights and measures fits into the general

scheme for international friendly intercourse. To that end all just

men are striving. When the millennium comes the energizing forces

of men will have accomplished much under the definite guidance of

Almighty God if they have agreed upon a universal language and

the universal use of the metric system of weights and measures.

DISCUSSION.

The Chairman. Gentlemen, you have heard the report of the chairman of the committee on the metric system. What shall we do

with it?

Mr. Farreix. I move that it be accepted with the thanks of the

conference.

(The motion was seconded.)

Mr. Hanson. As I understand Mr. Hartigan to say, this was not a committee report but simply a report by himself. I happen to be a member of the committee, as is Mr. Downing, of Wisconsin, and

neither of us knew anything of a report to be submitted until a few

moments ago.

Mr. Hartigan. Before I read the report I apologized to Mr. Hanson and Mr. Downing and said that under the conditions under which

I worked, with the members scattered throughout the country, it was

not possible to get in touch with any of the members of the committee.

If there are any features of this report to which Mr. Hanson and Mr.

Downing have objections, I am willing to withdraw from the report

those particular features.

Mr. Hanson. I simply want to state my position in this. I have

come down to New York at various times, and have heard nothing of

this committee whatsoever since I was appointed by the president of

the association. I have been interested in the metric system, and

naturally would have liked to have given some thought to it. Personally, I have no objection to Mr. Hartigan's report, but, as a member of the committee, I do object to it going in as a committee

report.

secretary's note.

At this point Mr. F. A. Halsey was given an opportunity to

address the conference in opposition to the metric system of weights

and measures. On account of the rapidity with which he spoke,

the stenographer failed to obtain a transcript of his remarks, which

were made extemporaneously. The secretary of the conference informed Mr. Halsey to this effect and invited him to submit a report

in writing for inclusion in the record. Mr. Halsey replied under date

of July 6, 1916, that his remarks had been " impromptu and casual

brought out by points covered by the report of the committee and
192 BUREAU OF STANDARDS.

of corresponding minor importance," and continued, " I have no particular desire to see them included in your proceedings, which in

fact I had not contemplated until your letter arrived." We are, therefore, unable to include them here.

Mr. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, is it possible to refer back to the re- port of the resolutions committee ? . If so, I have a resolution which

has been overlooked.

The Chairman. Read the resolution.

Mr. Johnson (reading) : Resolved, That this ' conference extend its sympathy and encouragement to such groups of individuals who may form themselves into a metric organization, the objects of which are to advance and protect the metric system, its adoption, and use throughout the United States. Mr. Reichmann. I move its adoption.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Chairman. A motion is before us with regard to Mr. Hartigan's report. You have heard the motion and the remarks. Are

there any further remarks?

Mr. Farrell. Was there a minority report or not ? The Chairman. No, sir; unless we consider Mr. Hanson's re- marks as a report.

Mr. Farrell. I would like to hear Mr. Hanson extend his remarks

on the metric system either now or in writing.

The Secretary. As I understand it, Mr. Hanson does not object

to the report but he merely said that it was not the report of the

committee. He has not, so far as I know, differed from Mr. Hartigan at all. Mr. Farrell. Is it proper to suggest that the minority member

file a minority report?

Mr. Hanson. We are not the minority. There are two of us here.

Mr. Farrell. Then may I suggest the majority file a report on

the metric system either now or at some future date ? The Chairman. The motion before us is action on this report.

Those in favor say " aye " ; contrary, " no." The motion carries.

Mr. Guardia. Mr. Chairman, there is a branch of the industry I

have been connected with that does not come under the province of

weights and measures, and that is the electrical industry. Knowing

that I was coming to Washington, quite a few local manufacturers

and people identified with the industry asked me to take up this

subject of the metric system. There were quite a few cases where

resistance wire is used, and some factories are measuring in the metric

system and others not. I feel sure that if any committee here who

favors the metric system will get in touch with the electrical industry they will get a volume of information which they do not have at

the present time.

The Chairman. While this is not strictly in order, I may state

that that communication Mr. Fischer read was from a member of

the Institute of Electrical Engineers, and the case you have taken

up is much more far-reaching than you suppose. The question of

the, wires, even if we should decide upon a system of measurements,

is a question of whether the area or diameter should be used.

The secretary has one or two announcements to make.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONEEEENCE ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 193

QUESTIONS SUBMITTED AND REFERRED.

The Secretary. I want to read the following question which has

been handed to me:

As city and county weights and measures officials have little benefit in conference, so far as their field work is concerned, what could be the objection to forming a sort of bureau within the conference to be composed of such officials or providing for one day's separate meeting for them to discuss field problems

and exchange views?

I might suggest the best way to dispose of that would be to refer

it to the executive committee in order that they may have it in

mind when the program is being made up.

Mr. Farrell. I move this disposition of the question.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

The Secretary. The next question is as follows

Should there not be a general specification for the bushel basket used in the sale of all commodities?

Mr. Farrell. I move that that be referred to the committee on

tolerances and specifications.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to.)

REPORT OF THE TREASURER, JOHN T. WILLETT, CHIEF STATE

INSPECTOR OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF INDIANA.

Gentlemen : I herewith submit my annual report as treasurer for

the year ended May 22, 1916

Receipts

May 28, 1915, from J. H. Sherman, chairman committee on

entertainment $23.35

Aug. 16, 1915, from F. S. Holbrook, chairman committee on

lunch at Bureau 4. 75 — $28. 10

Disbursements

June 5, 1915, to the Westminster Press, for printing 300

badges 3. 00

June 5, 1915, messenger service from Raleigh Hotel to Bureau : . 75

3. 75

Balance on hand May 22, 1916 24. 35

Respectfully submitted,

John T. Willett, Treasurer.

The Chairman. That is all of the business we have before us now.

Mr. Farrell. I move you, Mr. Chairman, that we adjourn.

(The motion was seconded and agreed to, and the conference, at

1 o'clock p. m., adjourned.)

62254°—17—13

APPENDIX 1

SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR WEIGHTS AND

MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND MEASURING DEVICES

AS ADOPTED BY THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AND RECOMMENDED BY THE BUREAU OF

STANDARDS FOR ADOPTION BY

THE SEVERAL STATES

(The paper constituting this appendix has been issued also as Bureau of Standards Circular No. 61. For discussion of the specifications and tolerances, see page 127 et seq. of the Conference Report.)

1

SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES FOR WEIGHTS

AND MEASURES AND WEIGHING AND

MEASURING DEVICES

CONTENTS

Page.

I. Application of specifications and tolerances 3

II. Classification of specifications 3 III. Linear measures 4 IV. Liquid capacity measures 5 Glass graduates 7 Measuring pumps 10 Milk bottles .'

, 11 V. Dry capacity measures 12 Berry baskets or boxes 14 VI. Scales 15 Platform scales 20

Counter balances and scales 25 Suspension scales of the lever type 29

Spring scales 30

Straight-face spring scales 33 Computing scales 33

Cream-test and butter-fat-test scales 36

Prescription scales and balances 37 VII. Weights 41 VIII. Metric system 44

I. APPLICATION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND TOLERANCES

These tolerances and specifications are to be construed to applyto the usual types of weights and measures and weighing and

measuring devices used in ordinary commercial transactions or

usually coming within the jurisdiction of the weights and measures official, but only when a proper classification is herein provided

for them. They shall also be construed to apply to apparatus

used for special purposes, whenever and in so far as they are

clearly applicable, but not otherwise.

II. CLASSIFICATION OF SPECIFICATIONS

The following specifications on weights and measures and weighing and measuring devices shall be divided into two sets, the first

to be retroactive and to apply to all apparatus immediately upon

adoption of the specifications, the second to apply only to new

apparatus.

3
4

Circtdar of the Bureau of Standards

For the purpose of administration the following classes of

apparatus are established.

Class i. Weights and measures and weighing and measuring

devices which, after the promulgation of these specifications, are manufactured in the State or brought into the State.

Class 2. Weights and measures and weighing and measuring

devices which are in the State at the time of promulgation of

these specifications, either in use, or in the stock of manufacturers

of, or dealers in, such apparatus.

All the specifications shall apply to apparatus of class i. The specifications printed in italics shall not apply to apparatus

of class 2, and therefore shall not be retroactive.

III. LINEAR MEASURES

Specifications.—i . Measures of length shall be made of a material the form and dimensions of which remain reasonably permanent under normal conditions—for example, steel, brass, hardwood, etc.: Provided, however, That tapes for commercial purposes may be made of cloth, but only when this is wire-woven,

and when by this means an actual and sufficient reinforcement

and permanency is obtained.

2. The ends of measures of length made of wood, or of other nonmetallic material liable to wear away through use, shall be protected

by some metal not softer than brass, firmly attached to the measure.

3. Rigid measures of length shall be smooth and straight.

4. Folding measures of length shall be so constructed that each

section will come to a definite stop when straightened out.

5. Measures of length shall be graduated in units of the cus- tomary system and its usual subdivisions.

6. All graduations shall be clear and distinct and the main

graduations shall be plainly designated. The length of these

main graduations shall be greater than that of the intermediate

graduations, and the latter shall be varied in length in such a way

that they may be conveniently read.

7. Graduations shall not be greater in width than one-quarter of

the width of the smallest subdivision: Provided, however, That if line graduations are employed, their width shall not exceed 0.03 inch;

if raised graduations are employed, their width shall not exceed

0.12 inch at their widest point.

8. All graduations shall be uniformly spaced and be perpendicular to the edge of the measure.
Specifications and Tolerances 5

9. Measures of length, so called, defined by tacks driven into a

counter, or in any similar way, shall not be allowed.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on all measures of length except tapes of steel or other metal shall

not be greater than the following values: Provided, however,

That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed

on all new measures of length, except tapes of steel or other metal,

shall not be greater than one-half of the values given.

Length Tolerance

Feet Inch 6 3/16

5 5/32

4 1/8

3 3/32

2 1/16

1 1/32

1/2 1 .... 1/64

1 Or less. The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all tapes

of steel or other metal shall not be greater than the following

values

:

' Length Tolerance Tension

Feet Inch Pounds

100 1/4 10 66 3/16 10

50 1/8 10

33 3/32 10

25 1/16 10

10 1/16 5

6 1/32 5

3 1/32 5

IV. LIQUID CAPACITY MEASURES

Specifications.—1. Liquid measures shall be made of metal,

glass, earthenware, enameled ware, composition, or similar and

suitable material, and shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity

to withstand ordinary usage without becoming bent, indented,

distorted, or otherwise damaged: Provided, however, That when the

measure is made of iron or steel, or iron or steel plated with tin, zinc, or copper, or is made of copper, the minimum thicknesses of the metal

shall in no case be less than those given in the following table:
6 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Caphcily of measure

Minimum

thickness if of

iron or steel or of plated iron or steel 1

Minimum

thickness if of copper

Inch Inch

(idpy t nn Ilnw O. Ol6 O. 032

. 014 .028

. 014 .028

. 014 .028

. OIO . 020

1 The following commercial tin plates will comply with these requirements: Over 1 gallon, 2XL; 1 gal- lon, Yz gallon, and 1 quart, IX; 1 pint or less, ICI,.

2. Liquid measures of the customary system shall be of one of the

following capacities only : One gallon, a multiple of the gallon, or a binary submultiple of the gallon; that is, a measure obtained

by dividing the gallon by the number 2 or by a power of the

number 2: Provided, however, That nothing in this specification

shall be construed to prevent the use of forms for ice cream, exclusively, in 5-pint and 3-pint sizes, or bottles for milk or cream in

the 3-pint size.

3. Liquid measures shall be so constructed that the capacity is

determined by a definite edge, plate, bar, or wire at or near the

top of the measure. When one of the last three forms is employed

the capacity shall be determined to the lowest point of such plate,

bar, or wire.

4. No subdivided liquid measures shall be allowed, and the only

reinforcing rings which may be used are those which are firmly

attached to the outside of the measure and do not, by indentations

or in any other manner, show divisions or lines on the inside

surface of the measure.

5. The capacity of the measure shall be conspicuously, legibly, and

permanently indicated on the side of the measure. This shall be in

combination with the word " Liquid" or the letters "Liq" in the case of measures in which the word "quart" or "pint" occurs. In

the case of measures made of earthenware , enameled ware, or composition, this marking shall be of a different color than the measure.

6. If a liquid measure is provided with a tap or spigot, the construction shall be such that the measure may be completely emptied by the tap or spigot while it is standing upon a level surface.

7. When a lip or rim, designed both to facilitate pouring and

to receive any overflow, is provided, the measure must be so constructed as to hold its full capacity exclusive of the lip or rim,

while it is standing upon a level surface.
Specifications and Tolerances 7

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess and in

deficiency on all liquid capacity measures shall not be greater than

the following values: Provided, however, That the manufacturers'

tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on all new liquid

capacity measures, shall not be greater than one-half of the values

given.

Capacity of measure

Tolerance

In excess In deficiency

Liquid ounces Cubic inches Liquid ounces Cubic inches 10 gallons 10 18. 5.0 9.

5 gallons 6 11.0 3.0 5.4

4 gallons 4 7.0 2.0 3. 6

3 gallons 4 7.0 2.0 3. 6

2 gallons 2 3.5 1.0 1. 8

Drams

1 gallon 1 1.8 4.0 .9

Drams

i/2 gallon 6 1.4 3.0 .7

1 quart 4 .9 2.0 .5

1 pint 3 .7 1.5 .3

Vz pint 2 .4 1.0 .2

1 gill 2 .4 1.0 . 2

GLASS GRADUATES.

Specifications.i. Graduates shall be made to contain or to deliver the indicated volume at 20 C {68° F). They shall be legibly,

conspicuously, and permanently marked to indicate whether they are graduated to contain or to deliver.

2. Graduates shall be either cylindrical or conical in shape. In

the case of all cylindrical graduates the ratio of length of the graduated

scale to the internal diameter shall not be less than five to one. In

the case of conical graduates the ratio of length of the graduated

scale to the internal diameter at the highest graduation shall not be

less than two to one, and at one-fourth of the total capacity this ratio

shall not be less than one to one.

3. Graduates shall be made of good quality glass, thoroughly

annealed, clear, transparent, of uniform but not excessive thickness, and free from bubbles and streaks.

4. Graduates shall be provided with a base at right angles to

the axis and of such a diameter that the graduate will stand when

placed on a surface making an angle of 25 per cent, or approximately

1

5

, with the horizontal.

5. All graduates shall be provided with pouring lips.
8 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

6. The graduation marks shall be perpendicular to the axis,

and parallel to the base and to each other.

7. The graduation marks shall be varied in length in such a

manner that they may be conveniently read, but in no case shall

any graduation mark extend less than one-fourth of the distance

around the graduate. The main graduation marks shall extend at

least one-half of the distance around the graduate: Provided, however,

That on duplex, or double-scale, graduates a clear space shall be left between the ends of the main graduation marks on the two scales, and

this space, measured parallel to the graduation marks, shall conform

to the following values:

Distance between Circumference of graduate at the graduation marks ends of graduation marks

Inch Up to 5 inches 1/8

From 5 inches to 10 inchest inclusive 1/4

3/8

8. Graduation marks shall be clear and distinct and uniform in

character. They shall be etched or engraved, and shall not exceed

0.015 inch (0.38 mm) in width. Blown or pressed graduation

marks shall not be allowed.

g. The clear interval between the graduation marks shall not be

less than 0.04 inch (1 mm).

10. The value of the main graduation marks shall be plainly

designated, each number being placed either directly upon or immediately above the graduation mark to which it refers, but the position

of the numbers shall be consistent throughout the graduated

scale. If placed upon the graduation marks, the numbers shall be

placed from the ends a sufficient distance to allow the ends to be used

in making a setting. Intermediate graduation marks shall not be

numbered.

11. On all single-scale graduates, where the main graduation marks

do not completely encircle the graduate, the middle points of the main

graduation marks shall be directly opposite the lip. On duplex, or

double-scale, graduates the center of the clear spaces between the ends

of the main graduation marks, provided for in specification 7, shall

be approximately go° from the lip.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on glass graduates shall not be greater than the values

given in the following table.
Specifications and Tolerances 9

Note.—The tolerance to be used at any point on any graduate shall be deter- mined by measuring the inside diameter of the graduate at the point under test and

taking from the table the tolerance value corresponding to this diameter.

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters (in Metric Units)

Diameter Tolerance mm mn

10 0. 04

1 1

. Uo

12 . 06

13 . 07

14 . 08

15 . 09

i a . 11)

17 . 12

18 . 14

19 . 16

20 . 18

91

22 . 22

23 . 24

24 . 26

25 . 28

. OU

27 . 35

28 . 35

29 . 40

30 . 45

si

32 . 50

33 . 55

34 . 60

35 . 60

36 . 65

37 .70

38 .75

39 .80

40 .85

41 .90

42 .95

43 . 1. 00

44 1. 05

mm

45...

46...

47...

48...

49...

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

Tolerance Diameter Tolerance mn mm ml i

1. 10 80 4. 5

I. 13 CI 4.

1. 25 82 4. 8

1. 30 83.. 4. 9

1. 35 84.. . 5.

1. 4 85 5.

1

1. o O. 1

1. 6 87 5. 4

1. 6 88 . 5. 5

1. 7 89 5. 6

1. 8 90 5. 7

i. y o.c oy

2. 92 6.

2. 93 6.

1

2. 1 94 6. 2

2. 2 95 6.4

i,. o 0. O

2. 4 97 6. 6

2. 5 98 6. 8

2. 6 99 6. 9

2. 7 100 7. 1 9 Qa

2. 9

3.

3. 1

3. 2

3. 4

3.5

3. 6

3.7

3.9

4.

4. 1

4. 2 4.4

i The term milliliter, or "ml," is used herein to designate the one-thousandth part of the liter. This

unit is also commonly known as the cubic centimeter, or the "cc." The latter is not an accurate usage,

as the units are not exactly equal, but the difference between them is of no consequence for the purposes

of this table and therefore they may be used interchangeably.
io Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Tolerance for Graduates of Various Diameters (in U. S. Customary Units)

Diameter Tolerance Diameter Tolerance

Inches Sixteenths Drams Minims Inches Sixteenths Drams Minims

-- 6 •• 0. 6 2 4 -- 32

-- 7 -- .8 2 5 -• 34

8 1. 2 6 36

* y " l. o z 1 * *

* a * 1. z

QO

-- 11 -•' 2.0 2 9 •• 44

-- 12 -• 2.5 2 10 47

13 3.0 2 11 49

*

1

A

* " o. o z j. 4 "" oz

_ 10 z

1 5 2 14 -- 58

1 i ... 6 2 15 1 2

1 2 ... 6 3 1 5

1 o a . /

1 1 QO

1 A QO

2a z JLZ

1 5 .. 9 3 3 1 15

1 6 - 10 3 4 1 18

1 7 11 3 5 1 21

1 QO iZ .5 O

OA

1 y

1 A /

0*1

1 10 -- 15 3 8 1 31

1 11 •- 16 3 9

J

34

X 4 3 10 38

13 19 3 11 41

14 21 3 12 44

15 22 3 13 47

2 24 3 14 51

2 1 26 3 15 55

2 2 28 4 2

2 3 30

MEASURING PUMPS

Specifications.1. When a measuring pump is provided with

adjustable stops, the construction shall be such that each stop can be

separately sealed in such a manner that its position can not be changed

without destroying the seal.

2. When a measuring device is provided with a graduated or notched scale to indicate the amount to be delivered, this scale shall

be riveted or otherwise permanently fixed in position.
Specifications and Tolerances 1

1

3. The amounts delivered shall not vary by more than the

tolerance allowed, irrespective of the speed with which the pump

is operated and of the time elapsing between operations.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess and in

deficiency shall not be greater than the values given for the liquid

measure of corresponding capacity and kind in the preceding

tolerance table for liquid measures.

MILK BOTTLES

Specifications.—1. Bottles used for the sale of milk or cream

shall be made only in sizes heretofore specified under the heading

"Liquid Capacity Measures," and they shall be made to contain

their indicated capacities at a temperature of 20 C (68° F).

2. Each bottle shall have its capacity clearly blown or otherwise

clearly and permanently marked in or on the side of the bottle, and

in or on the side or bottom the name, initials, or trade-mark of the

manufacturer thereof.

3. Glass bottles with an inside diameter of not over 2 inches

immediately below the cap-seat or stopple shall hold the correct

capacity when filled to within one-fourth inch of this cap-seat or

stopple; bottles with an inside diameter of over this amount

immediately below the cap-seat or stopple shall hold the correct

capacity when filled to within one-eighth inch of this cap-seat or

stopple: Provided, however, That a larger distance shall be

allowed below the cap-seat or stopple when the bottles are provided

with a clearly defined line blown or otherwise clearly and permanently marked in or on the bottle, and extending at least

half-way around it, which indicates the correct capacity, and

directly over, below, or beside this line, with the words "Fill to

line " or a similar and suitable inscription clearly and permanently

marked in or on the bottle. The distance between the line herein

mentioned and the cap-seat or stopple shall in no case exceed

that given in the table below.

Capacity of bottle Maximum

distance allowable

Inches 2 quarts 2

3 pints

1 quart iy2

1 pint 1

V2 pint 5/8

1 gill 5/8
12 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on individual bottles, and on the average capacity of

bottles, shall not be greater than the values shown in the following

table. The error on the average capacity of bottles shall be determined by finding the error on each of not less than 25 bottles

selected at random from at least four times the number tested,

and taking the algebraic mean of these errors.

Note.—To find the algebraic mean of a number of errors, first add all those errors which are in excess; then add all those errors which are in deficiency; then subtract

the smaller sum from the larger; and finally divide this result by the total number

of bottles tested.

Capacity of bottle

Tolerance on individual

bottles Tolerance on average

capacity

Drams Cubic

inches Drams Cubic

inches

V2 gallon 6 1. 4 1.5 0.35

3 pints 5 1. 2 1. 25 .29

1 quart. 4 .9 1.0 .23

1 pint 3 .7 .75 . 17 Y2 pint 2 .5 .5 . 12

1 gill 2 .5 . 5 . 12

V. DRY CAPACITY MEASURES

Specifications.—1. Dry capacity measures, and baskets used as dry measures, shall be made of metal, well-dried wood, or composition, or similar and suitable material, and shall be of sufficient

strength and rigidity to withstand ordinary usage without becoming materially warped, bent, dented, distorted, or otherwise

damaged.

2. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures, when such

are allowed by the other specifications, shall be of one of the

following capacities only: One bushel, a multiple of the bushel, or a binary submultiple of the bushel ; that is, a measure obtained

by dividing the bushel by the number 2 or by a power of the

number 2.

3. The capacity of all dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures, shall be conspicuously, legibly, and permanently indicated on

the side of the measure. This shall be in combination with the word

"Dry" in the case of measures in which the word "quart" or "pint"

occurs. The letters shall be at least one-half inch high and one-
Specifications and Tolerances 13

quarter inch wide on measures having a capacity of 1 peck or less,

and at least 1 inch high and one-half inch wide on those having a

capacity of one-half bushel or more.

4. All dry measures having a capacity of one-half bushel or less

shall be cylindrical or conical in shape. If of the latter shape, the

top diameter shall be greater than the bottom diameter, but never

by an amount exceeding 10 per cent of the latter. In no case

shall the bottom diameter exceed the top diameter.

5. The bottoms of all dry measures shall be perpendicular to the

axis of the measure and shall be flat, or when made of metal may be

slightly corrugated when such corrugations aid in strengthening the measure. Such corrugations, when employed, shall be parallel or

radial straight lines only.

6. Wooden dry measures having a capacity of more than 1 pint

shall have a metal band firmly attached around the top. All metal

dry measures shall be adequately reinforced around the top.

7. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures, having a

capacity of 1 bushel or more shall be equipped with handles.

8. Baskets shall not be used as dry measures when having a

capacity of less than one-half bushel.

9. Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures, shall be of

such construction that the capacity is determined by the top rim

of the measure, and no subdivided measures or baskets shall be

allowed.

10. Dry measures shall not be double-ended; that is, have the

bottom set part way up into the measure so that both ends may be

utilized as measures, either of the same or of different capacities.

1 1 . Dry measures, and baskets used as dry measures, shall not

have adjustable or movable bottoms.

12. The minimum diameters of dry measures of various capacities shall conform to the following table

Capacity of measure Minimum

diameter

Inches

1/2 bushel

1 peck..

V2 peck.

2 quarts

1 quart.
Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess and in

deficiency on dry capacit}^ measures and baskets used as dry

capacity measures shall not be greater than the following values:

Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the

tolerances to be allowed on all new dry capacity measures and

baskets used as dry capacity measures shall not be greater than

one-half of the values given:

Capacity of measure

Tolerance

In excess In defi- ciency

Cu. is. Cu. in.

1 bushel 50.0 25.

1/2 bushel 30.0 15.

1 peck 16. 8.0

i/

2 peck 10.0 5.0

2 quarts 5. 2.5

1 quart 3.0 1.5

1 pint 2.0 1.0

V2 pint 1.0 . 5

Vt pint .5 .3

BERRY BASKETS OR BOXES

Specifications.—i. Baskets or boxes for berries or small fruits,

of a capacity of i dry quart or less, shall be of one of the following

sizes : One quart, i pint, or one-half pint, dry measure.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency,

on baskets or boxes for berries or small fruits, constructed of wood,

shall not be greater than the following values

Capacity of basket

Tolerance

In excess In defi- ciency

1 quart

1 pint

y2 pint

Cu. in.3

2

1

Cu. in. 1.5

1.

.5
Specifications and Tolerances 15

The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency, on baskets

or boxes for berries or small fruits, constructed of pasteboard or

fiber, shall not be greater than the following values

:

Capacity of basket

Tolerance

In excess In defi- ciency

Cu. in. Cu. in.

1 quart 2. 1.

1 pint 1. . 5 V2 pint .5 .25

VI. SCALES

General specifications.—1. The nominal or rated capacity of a

scale is the largest weight indication which can be obtained by

the use of all its reading or recording elements in combination.

When one reading or recording element of the scale is designed

for auxiliary use only, such as a small bar and poise intended for

use in determining weights intermediate between two graduations

on the principal bar of the beam, the weight value of this reading

or recording element need not be included in the sum, provided

that it does not exceed 2 per cent of the sum of the weight values

of the remaining reading or recording elements. (Thus, a platform scale with the principal bar of the beam graduated to 100 000

pounds by 1000-pound subdivisions and with an auxiliary bar

graduated to 1000 pounds by 20-pound subdivisions may be considered as having a nominal capacity of 100 000 pounds.)

When a scale is designed for use with removable weights and

these are furnished with the scale, the amount which these represent when used on the scale shall be included in the sum of the

weight values of the reading elements. When the scale is designed

for use with removable weights, but these are not furnished with

the scale, the amount which those represent on the scale that

are usually furnished with the scale when weights are included,

shall be included in the sum of the weight values of the reading

elements.

2. All scales not equipped with a beam or reading face graduated

to the full capacity of the scale, or those not equipped with a graduated beam .or reading face, which, taken in connection with another

54958°—16 2
1 6 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

graduated beam or beams or with a graduated runner, indicates the

capacity of the scale, shall have the nominal or rated capacity con- spicuously, clearly, and permanently marked upon them.

2a. No scale shall be used in weighing loads greater than its

nominal or rated capacity.

3. All scales shall be of such construction that they will support

a load of maximum capacity without undue bending or straining

of the parts.

3a. The construction of all scales shall be such that when the

beam is displaced to the full extent allowed by the construction

of the scale, it will return to its normal position.

4. All knife-edges shall be firmly secured to the levers.

5. All knife-edges shall be of hardened and tempered steel. They

shall be sharp and bear throughout the entire length of the parts

designed to be in contact.

6. All bearings shall be smooth and at least as hard as the knifeedges. For scales of more than 5000 pounds capacity, the bearings

shall be made of hardened and tempered steel. {The term " bearing "

used in this paragraph refers to the entire surface which is designed

to be in contact with the edge of a knife-edge or with a point bearing.)

7. When plates or caps are used to limit the longitudinal motion of

a knife-edge, the parts of such plates or caps which are liable to come

into contact with the knife-edge shall be smooth and at least as hard

as the knife-edge. The parts of the knife-edge liable to come into

contact with these plates or caps shall be so formed that the friction

between them is reduced to a minimum.

8. If a scale has a nose-iron, the position of this at the time of

installation of the scale shall be clearly and accurately indicated.

9. If the scale has interchangeable or reversible parts, these shall

be so constructed that their interchange or reversal will not affect

the balance or the accuracy of the instrument.

10. No scale shall be equipped with a scoop counterbalanced

by a removable poise or weight.

11. When the scale is equipped with a permanently attached

device intended to counterbalance the weight of a removable

scoop, this device shall clearly indicate on the customers' side of

the scale whether the scoop should be on or off the scale.

12. The graduations on all beams shall consist of lines, or notches, or of a combination of these. All lines shall be uniform

in spacing and parallel to each other. All notches shall be evenly
Specifications and Tolerances 17

cut, arid the lines formed by the intersection of the sloping planes

of their sides must be uniform in spacing and parallel to each

other. When a combination of lines and notches are employed,

the lines must be properly placed with reference to the notches so

as to indicate the value of each notch clearly and correctly.

12 a. The graduations on all beams and reading faces shall be

clear and distinct and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008

inch.

12b. The clear interval between the graduations on all beams

shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

13. Each main weight graduation on a beam shall be so marked

as to indicate the weight represented by the poise at that point.

14. Shoulders or stops shall be provided on all beams to prevent

the poise traveling and remaining back of the zero graduation.

15. The adjusting material in all poises shall be securely inclosed

and firmly fixed in position. If of lead or other material softer

than brass, it shall not be in contact with the beam.

16. Poises shall be so constructed that no part can be easily

detached, and if equipped with a set screw, this shall not be

removable.

17. Poises on notched beams shall be provided with a pawl or other device, so constructed as to cause the poises to be seated

into a definite and correct position in each notch, wherever in the

notch the pawl or other device is placed, and to be held there

firmly and without appreciable movement.

18. The bearing edge of a hanging poise shall be hard and

sharp, and shall be so formed as to allow the poise to swing freely

in the notches of the beam.

19. Reading edges or indicators of poises shall be sharply defined, and all reading edges shall be parallel to the graduations

on the beam.

20. Poises shall not be readily detachable from the beam : Provided, however, That this specification shall not apply to poises

on steelyards unless there is a zero graduation on the beam.

21. When scales are equipped with a beam, the position or

oscillation of which is used to indicate the balance of the scale,

the normal position of this beam shall be horizontal, and it shall

have equal play above and below the normal horizontal position.

22. No scale shall be so constructed that the beam is unstable

or accelerating. '
1 8 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

2j. Scale pans in which fish or other wet commodities are placed

when weighed shall be so constructed as to provide for drainage.

23a. All scales shall give correct weight indications whether the

load is being increased or decreased.

23b. All devices intended to increase or decrease the capacity of a

scale by the addition or subtraction of a weight or weights shall operate properly irrespective of the speed with which they are manipulated.

24. All scales shall be of such construction that they are reason- ably permanent in their adjustment and will repeat their weight

indications correctly, and are not designed to, or may not be used

to facilitate the perpetration of fraud.

25. All scales shall be in balance.

A scale is in balance, as the term is used herein, when it cor- rectly gives a weight indication of zero, when there is no load on

the platform, plate, pan, or scoop.

A lever scale of the nonautomatic type not having an indicator

and a graduated scale or arc, is in balance when the beam comes

to rest at, or oscillates through approximately equal arcs above

and below, the center of the trig-loop when one is provided; or a

position midway between other stops when these are provided;

or a horizontal position when no trig-loop or other stops are provided.

A scale of the nonautomatic type having an indicator and a

graduated scale or arc, is in balance when the indicator comes to

rest at, or oscillates through progressively smaller arcs about, a

definite and clear zero graduation.

A scale of the automatic type—that is, one having a reading

face or dial—is in balance when the indicator comes to rest at a

definite and clear zero graduation.

Sensibility reciprocal.—The term "sensibility reciprocal " hereinafter referred to is defined as the weight required to move the

position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a definite amount, at the capacity or

at any lesser load, the effect of friction in causing inconstancy of

this position of equilibrium being eliminated.

In scales provided with a beam and trig-loop, the sensibility

reciprocal is the weight required to be placed upon the platform

to turn the beam from a horizontal position of equilibrium in the

middle of the trig-loop to a position of equihbrium at the top of

the loop, the effect of friction being eliminated as above. The

.sensibility reciprocal may be determined by subtracting the weight
Specifications and Tolerances 19

instead of adding it, thereby causing the beam to assume a position of equilibrium at the bottom of the loop; or indirectly, by

moving the sliding poise on the beam the required amount in

either direction, to obtain the specified change in the position of

equilibrium of the beam; or by adding or subtracting small

weights to or from the counterpoise until the specified change is

obtained, and determining the equivalent of the small weights

used, in terms of weight on the platform.

In the case of equal-arm scales and scales with a single pan or

plate above, or hanging from, the beam, which are not provided

with a pointer moving over a graduated arc or scale, the sensibility reciprocal is the amount of weight required on the pan or

plate to cause it to move from its position of equilibrium, when

the scale is in balance, to a position of equilibrium at the limit of

its motion.

In the case of scales provided with a single indicator and a

graduated scale or arc, one of which oscillates with reference to

the other to form a convenient means of determining the position

of equilibrium of the beam, and which does not of itself directly

indicate in terms of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight

required to cause a change in the position of rest of the pointer

equal to one division of the graduated scale or arc. In the case of scales equipped with two indicators which move

in opposite directions -and oscillate with reference to each other to

form a convenient means for determining the position of equilibrium of the beam, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight

required to cause a separation of the indicators of 0.04 inch.

Note.—The two preceding paragraphs are limited to apply only to cream-test or

butter-fat-test scales and apothecaries' prescription scales, bitt they are included

here for the sake of completeness of the definition.

The sensibility reciprocal does not apply to reading faces or

dials which indicate directly in terms of weight; but no such reading face or dial which is purely auxiliary to the scale mechanism

such as one, for instance, which may or may not be employed in

the determination of weight—shall be construed to exempt a scale

from the sensibility reciprocal requirement, when this face or dial

is detached.

Note.—The effect of friction on a scale is to make possible a variation of the load on the pan, plate, or platform without any corresponding change in the indication.

The value of the sensibility reciprocal which is determined with the effect of friction present will, therefore, be in error by a variable amount. However, in making tests this error must be neglected.
20 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

PLATFORM SCALES

Definitions.—A platform scale is a scale having a load-receiving

platform carried on multiplying levers which transmit the load to

the beam or other reading element, such platform having four or more lines of support comprised in bearings which rest directly

upon knife-edges in the multiplying levers.

A counter platform scale is a scale of the above type which is

especially adapted on account of its compactness, light weight,

moderate capacity, and arrangement of parts, for use upon a

counter or table. Within the meaning of this definition, a platform scale is a counter platform scale when it conforms to both

of the following

(1) Its weighing capacity is not more than 400 pounds.

(2) Its beam or other reading element is located at an elevation

sufficiently low in relation to the weighing platform to be accessible

and easily read when the scale is used upon an elevated table or

counter.

Specifications.—1. The foundations of all built-in scales shall be

firm and substantial.

2. Platform scales having an outside frame around the platform

shall be equipped with means for centering and checking the platform. These shall cause the platform bearings to return to their

normal line of contact on the knife-edges when the platform is

displaced to the full extent allowed and also shall prevent the

platform bearings from such a displacement that the centering

will not take place. The above results may be obtained by any

proper means that will not introduce excessive friction and will

not cause binding when the parts have been so caused to return

to their normal weighing positions.

3. Platform scales shall be so constructed that there is sufficient

clearance between the platform and the frame to allow for any

expansion due to weather effects. Sufficient clearance shall also

be provided to prevent the five parts of the scale from binding on

account of an ordinary accumulation of dirt or other ordinary

causes.

4. A wagon scale should have at least 12 feet of straight driveway

on either end of the scale in the same plane as the platform.

5. Platforms and levers shall be of sufficiently rigid construction that the degree of deflection under the maximum load will

not endanger the accuracy of the scale.
Specifications and Tolerances 21

6. If a scale is equipped with a relieving device, this shall be so constructed that when the beam is balanced and the device is

used to relieve it and engage it again, one or more times, the

former balance will again be assumed by the beam.

7. When corner platform loops are removable, each shall be so marked or shaped as to identify it with its proper corner.

7a. The maximum value of the minimum graduations of the

graduated beams of counter platform scales used in the sale

of foodstuffs at retail shall be 1 ounce: Provided, however,

That this shall not apply to scales used exclusively in the sale of

vegetables.

8. All devices for adjusting the balance of a counter platform

scale shall be of such construction that they are operative or

accessible only by the use of some tool or device which is outside

of and entirely separate from the movable mechanism of the scale

itself, such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting

pin.

9. All devices for adjusting the level of a counter platform

scale shall be of such construction that they are operative or

accesssible only by the use of some tool or device which is outside

of and entirely separate from the leveling devices, such as a screwdriver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

ga. Counter platform scales whose weight indications are changed

by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal, shall be equipped with a device

which will indicate when the scale is level, and in no case shall any

pendulum operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The

scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during

this test.

10. All platform scales, except track scales, shall be so constructed that when a load consisting of test weights representing

one-half or more than one-half of the capacity of the scale, and not

exceeding such capacity, is placed so that its center of gravity

lies over the points designated by circles in diagram No. 1, the

error at each point shall not exceed the tolerance allowed for the

load employed. If a load equal to one-quarter of the capacity is

used, this shall be placed so that its center of gravity lies directly
22 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

over the platform bearings designated by the circles in diagram

No. 2, and the errors shall not exceed those indicated above.

_______ y i >

/_

© ©

© ©

Diagram No. i. Diagram No. 2.

11. Any device for altering the sensibility of the scale shall be so

limited in its adjustment that the beam can not be made unstable by

the manipulation of the device.

12. The minimum travel of the beam in the trig-loop shall conform

to the follozving table:

Length of beam 1 Minimum

travel of beam in

trig-loop

Inch Under 12 inches 0.4

Over 12 inches including 20 inches 5

79

1 The "length of beam" refers to the distance from the fulcrum to the trig-loop.

13. All weighing beams shall be so marked and graduated and

all poises on these beams shall be so constructed that the weight

corresponding to any position of the poise, can be read directly

on the beam. This condition shall be fulfilled whether a registering or stamping device is used or not.

14. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the heading "Scales: General specifications" shall apply to

platform scales in so far as they are applicable. . Sensibility reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal

allowable on all platform scales, except counter platform scales,

shall not exceed the value of two of the minimum graduations on

the beam at the capacity of the scale or at any lesser load: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility
Specifications and Tolerances 23

reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new platform scales, except counter platform scales, shall not exceed the

value of one of the minimum graduations on the beam at the

capacity or at any lesser load. The maximum sensibility reciprocals for counter platform scales are given hereafter under the

heading "Counter balances and scales."

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight required

to move the position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a definite amount. In scales

provided with a beam and trigdoop the sensibility reciprocal is

the weight required to be placed upon the platform to turn the

beam from a horizontal position of equilibrium in the middle of

the trig-loop to a position of equilibrium at the top of the loop.

The sensibility reciprocal may be determined by subtracting the

weight instead of adding it, thereby causing the beam to assume

a position of equilibrium at the bottom of the loop ; or indirectly,

by moving the sliding poise on the beam the required amount in

either direction, to obtain the specified change in the position of

equilibrium of the beam ; or by adding or subtracting small weights

to or from the counterpoise until the specified change is obtained,

and determining the equivalent of the small weights used, in

terms of weight on the platform.)

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on all platform scales, except counter platform scales, shall not be

greater than the values shown in the following table: Provided,

however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances on

all new platform scales, except counter platform scales, shall not

be greater than one-half of the values given: And provided further, That these tolerances on all these platform scales shall in no

case be less than the value of one of the minimum graduations on

the beam, except that the manufacturers' tolerances or the toler- ances on new apparatus shall in no case be less than the value of

one-half of one of the minimum graduations on the beam. The

tolerances for counter platform scales are given hereafter under

the heading "Counter balances and scales."
24 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Load

Tolerance, Class A Tolerance, Class B

On ratio On beam On ratio On beam

Pounds Ounces Ounces Ounces Pounds

50 Vz 1 100 1 2

200 2 4

240 3 6 oUU 3 6 Ann 4 8

5 10 10 Ann 6 12 12

J (J II11LI 3 Jtr DUUtta 800 8 1 1 2

l nnn J.UUU 8 1 1 2

1 ?nn 10 IK 1M

i Knn loUU 12 3

i Qnn loUU 14 \% i% 3^

Pounds

2000 1 2 2 4

2500 1M V/2 5 4000 2 4 4 8

6000 3 6 6 12 8000 4 8 8 16

10 000 5 10 10 20

12 000 6 12 12 24

16 000 8 16 16 32

20 000 10 20 20 40

24 000 12 24 24 48

30 000 15 30 30 60

40 000 20 40 40 80

80 000 40 80 80 160

100 000 50 100 100 200

160 000.... 80 160 160 320

200 000 100 200 200 400

300 000.... 150 300 300 600

400 000.... 200 400 400 800

Explanation of Preceding Table.—"Class A" scales include the

following: Scales of the portable platform type; and also scales of

the dormant type which are installed inside of a building having

side walls and roof, which protect the scale from weather effects

and from sudden changes of temperature.

"Class B" scales include the following: Scales of the railroad

track and wagon types ; and also scales of the dormant type which
Specifications and Tolerances 25

are not installed inside of a building having side walls and roof,

and which are exposed to weather effects and sudden changes of

temperature.

Note.—The latter effect, since it causes the condensation of moisture on the scale

parts, often has as serious results on the condition of the scale as have weather effects. The columns with the heading "Tolerance on ratio" refer to

the error in the ratio or multiplying power of scales with which

counterpoise weights are used.

The columns with the heading "Tolerance on beam" refer to

those parts of scales not requiring the use of removable weights;

for example, a beam.

The column with the heading "Load" refers to the amount of

weight on the platform of the scale.

Application of Tolerances to Railroad Track Scales.—In the case

of railroad track scales, designed and used for weighing ordinary

freight traffic, when the test load consists of a one-truck test car,

the largest algebraic mean of any two errors found for different

positions of the test truck shall not exceed the tolerance corre- sponding to the test load used: Provided, however, That no two

errors shall be selected, corresponding to positions of the test

truck closer together than the distance between extreme positions

which the truck can assume on opposite ends of the shortest span.

The tolerance given in the table is not to be applied to the error found for a single position of the test load. (The largest algebraic

mean of any two errors may be defined as one-half of the largest

plus ( + ) or minus ( — ) sum that can be obtained by adding any

two errors, such as two plus errors, two minus errors, a numerically

large plus error and a numerically small minus error, or a numerically large minus error and a numerically small plus error.)

In order that the largest algebraic mean of any two errors, which

represents the maximum error of freight car weighing, may not

differ appreciably from the true amount, a test car having a wheel

base not exceeding 7 feet should be used.

COUNTER BALANCES AND SCALES

Definition.—A counter scale is a scale of any type which is

especially adapted on account of its compactness, light weight,

moderate capacity, and arrangement of parts, for use upon a

counter or table. It is to be noted, however, that those types

embraced in the definitions of platform scales, spring scales, and

cream-test and butter-fat-test scales are considered under thenspecific headings.
26 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Specifications.—i. Bearings shall be so shaped that when the

beam or levers are displaced in any manner the knife-edges will

return to their proper lines of contact. (The term "bearing" as used in this specification is defined as that part of the scale designed to be in contact with the edge of the knife-edge.)

2. All loose material used for adjusting the balance of a scale

shall be securely inclosed.

3. All devices for adjusting the balance of a counter scale shall

be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only

by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely

separate from the movable mechanism of the scale itself, such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

4. All devices for adjusting the level of a counter scale shall be

of such construction that they are operative or accessible only by

the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely

separate from the leveling devices, such as a screw-driver, wrench,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

5. Counter scales whose weight indications are changed by an

amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any

position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately

3 with the horizontal, shall be equipped with a device which will

indicate when the scale is level, and in no case shall any pendulum

operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The scale shall be

rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during this test.

6. In the case of equal-arm scales, either with stabilized pans or

plates—that is, those above the beam—or with suspended pans or

plates, the minimum fall or drop of the pans or plates from their

highest point shall be as follows:

Capacity Minimum

fall

Inch o-35

From 4 pounds, including 12 pounds 5

From 12 pounds, including 26 pounds . . .

.

75

Over 26 pounds 1.0

7. In the case of counter scales having unequal arms or having

a compound lever system, and equipped with a graduated beam

which is not provided at or near its end with a trig-loop or graduated scale or arc or other suitable reference interval or point for

estabhshing the proper position of balance of the beam, the beam

shall have a minimum total angular play of 8 per cent or approx-
Specifications and Tolerances 27

imately 5. In case such scales are provided with a trig-loop or graduated scale or arc or other suitable reference interval or point, the minimum total movement of the beam at such point

shall be 0.4 inch if the beam is 12 inches or less in length and 0.5

inch if the beam is over 1 2 inches in length. (The angular motion

of the beam in terms of per cent may be obtained by dividing the

total fall or drop of the beam at its end by the distance from the

fulcrum to the end of the beam and multiplying this quotient

by 100.)

8. Scales of such construction that any weight or weights which

are not visible can be added so as to affect the indications of the

scale shall be equipped with a device which will plainly indicate on

the customers' side of the scale when the weight or weights have been

added and the value which it or they represent on the scale.

9. On scales of the equal-arm type with stabilized pans—that

is, pans above the beam—the under connections and a line connecting the outer knife-edges in the beam shall form a parallelogram. These under connections shall be straight and work freely.

10. All scales shall be so constructed that when a weight whose

body has approximately equal diameter and height and which

represents one-half of the capacity of the scale is shifted in any

direction on the weight plate or on the commodity plate, pan, or scoop to a point one-half the distance between the center and edge

of the weight plate or the commodity plate, pan, or scoop, the

additional resulting error in the weight indication, due to this cause

alone, shall not exceed the tolerance allowed at the load in question

given in the column headed " Tolerance on parts requiring employment of removable weights": Provided, however, That in this

test the edge of the weight shall not be made to project over the

edge of the weight plate or the commodity plate, pan, or scoop.

10a. The maximum value of the minimum graduations of the

graduated beams of counter scales used in the sale of foodstuffs

at retail shall be 1 ounce: Provided, however, That this shall not

apply to scales used exclusively in the sale of vegetables.

11. In the case of counter scales equipped with an indicator and

a reading face or dial, such parts shall conform to all the specifications applicable to them, given under the heading "Spring scales,"

except that the graduations are not required to be equally spaced.

12. All counter scales shall be in level.

13. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the heading "Scales: General specifications" shall apply to

counter scales in so far as they are applicable.
28 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal

allowable for counter scales shall not exceed the values given in

the table below, at the capacity or at any lesser load, with the

exception that when the maximum sensibility reciprocal herein

given is a larger value than that represented by two of the minimum graduations on any beam with which the scale may be

equipped, the latter value shall be applied and used as the maximum sensibility reciprocal, at the capacity or at any lesser load:

Provided, however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility

reciprocals or the maximum sensibility reciprocals on all new

counter scales shall be one-half of the values given in the table

unless this value is greater than one of the minimum graduations

on the beam, in which case this latter value shall be used.

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight required

to move the position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale a definite amount. In the case

of equal-arm scales and scales with a single pan or plate above,

or hanging from, the beam, which are not provided with a pointer

moving over a graduated scale or arc, the sensibility reciprocal is

the amount of weight required on the pan or plate to cause it to

move from its position of equiUbrium, when the scale is in balance,

to a position of equilibrium at the limit of its motion.)

Capacity

Maximum

sensibility reciprocal allowable

Capacity

Maximum

sensibility reciprocal allowable

Pounds Ounces Pounds Ounces

1 1/8 24 1

2 1/8

1/4

25 1 4 30 1

5 1/4 40 IM

6 1/4 50

8 1/2

1/2

1/2

3/4

3/4

60

10 75 2

12 90

15 100 3

20

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described above, the

tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on counter scales

shall not be greater than the values shown in the following table

:

Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the
Specifications and Tolerances 29

tolerances to be allowed on new counter scales shall not be greater

than one-half of the values given: And provided further, That the

tolerance on counter scales at any load shall in no case be less

than one-half of the sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load

in question; and when the scale has a reading face or dial, the

tolerance shall in no case be less than one-fourth of the minimum

graduation on the reading face or dial, except that on new scales

they shall in no case be less than one-eighth of such minimum

graduation.

Load

Tolerance on parts requiring

employ- ment of removable

weights

Tolerance on beam or reading

face

Load

Tolerance

requiring

employ- ment of

a ciuuvauic weights

Tolerance on beam or reading

face

Pounds Ounces Ounces Pounds Ounces Ounces

1 1/16 1/16 40 7/16 5/8

2 1/16 1/8 50 1/2 3/4 4 1/8 3/16 60... 5/8 1

5 1/8 3/16 75, 3/4 1

6 1/8 3/16 90 7/8 m

8 1/4 3/8 100 1

10 1/4 3/8 150 2

12 1/4

5/16

3/8

1/2

200 2 3

15 240 4

16 5/16 1/2 250 2y2 4

20 5/16 1/2 300 3

24 3/8 1/2 350 3^ 5

25 3/8 1/2 400 4 6

30 3/8 5/8

SUSPENSION SCALES OF THE LEVER TYPE

Definition.—Suspension scales of the lever type are lever scales

designed and adapted to be hung from or attached to some support above and outside of the structure of the scale itself, and

which are not included within other classes herein defined. This

class shall include steelyards, butchers' meat beams, suspension

abattoir scales, crane scales, overhead tramway scales, suspension

creamery scales, suspension pendulum scales, and the like.

Specifications and Tolerances.—Suspension scales of the lever

type having a capacity of more than 400 pounds shall be subject

to the same specifications, in so far as these are applicable, and

the same sensibility reciprocals and tolerances as platform scales.
Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Suspension scales of the lever type having a capacity of 400 pounds

or less shall be subject to the same specifications, in so far as these

are applicable, and the same sensibility reciprocals and tolerances as counter scales. In the case of suspension scales of the lever

type equipped with an indicator and a reading face or dial, such

parts shall conform to all the specifications applicable to them,

given under the heading "Spring scales," except that the graduations are not required to be equally spaced.

SPRING SCALES

Definition.—A spring scale is a scale in which the weight indications depend upon the change of shape or of dimensions of an

elastic body or system of such bodies: Provided, however, That

scales in which metallic bands or strips are employed for the

primary purpose of fulfilling the functions of knife-edges and bearings shall not be considered spring scales within the meaning of

this definition.

Specifications. 1. —Graduated faces shall be permanently fixed

in position.

2. All graduations shall be clear and distinct and equally spaced

and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch.

3. The clear interval between the graduations shall not be less than

0.04 inch.

4. The maximum value of the graduations on spring scales used

in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be 1 ounce : Provided, however, That this shall not apply to scales used exclusively in the

sale of vegetables.

5. The scale shall have a definite and clear zero graduation and

there shall be no stop to prevent the indicator from going beyond

the zero graduation. These conditions shall be fulfilled whether

the entire face is graduated or the graduations commence at a

fixed load.

6. The indicator shall be firmly attached and reach to the

graduated divisions.

7. All indicators shall be so designed and constructed that the

indications are definite and may be read with precision.

8. The distance between the indicator and the reading face

shall not exceed 0.12 inch.

9. All devices for adjusting the balance of a spring scale shall

be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only

by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely
Specifications and Tolerances 3i

separate from the movable mechanism of the scale itself ; such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

10. All devices for adjusting the level of a spring scale shall be

of such construction that they are operative or accessible only by

the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely

separate from the leveling devices; such as a screw-driver, wrench,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

11. No device to alter the working or effective length of the

spring shall be placed on the outside of the scale.

12. Spring scales of the hanging type shall be freely suspended

from the ring when in use.

13. If scales are provided with a hanging pan, this shall be

suspended from a ring and no hook will be allowed. A hook may

be used only on those scales for which no pan is provided.

14. Spring scales shall be so constructed that when a weightwhose

body has approximately equal diameter and height and which

represents one-half of the capacity of the scale, is shifted in any

direction on the commodity plate, pan, or scoop to a point onehalf the distance between the center and the edge of the plate,

pan, or scoop, the additional resulting error in the weight indication, due to this cause alone, shall not exceed the tolerance allowed

at the load in question given in the column headed "Added tolerance for shift test at half capacity": Provided, however, That in

this test the edge of the weight shall not be made to project over

the edge of the commodity plate, pan, or scoop.

75. Spring scales whose weight indications are changed by an

amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any

position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately

5 degrees with the horizontal shall be equipped with a device which

will indicate when the scale is level. The scale shall be rebalanced

at zero each time its position is altered during this test. 16. Spring scales of such construction that a weight or weights

which are not visible can be added so as to affect the indications

of the scale, shall be equipped with a device which will clearly indicate on the customers' side of the scale when the weight or weights have

been added, and the value which it or they represent on the scale.

17. Spring scales shall give correct weight indications whether

the load on the plate, pan, or scoop is being increased or decreased.

18. The specifications for each part of combination spring and

lever scales shall be the same as those for the type of scale to which

such part belongs.

19. All counter spring scales shall be in level.

54958°—16 3
32 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

20. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the heading "Scales: General specifications" shall apply

to spring scales in so far as they are applicable.

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described above, the

tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring scales

equipped with a device intended to compensate for changes in the

elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects, shall not be

greater than the values given in the tolerance table under the

heading "Counter balances and scales."

Except on the special tests described above, the tolerances to

be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring scales not equipped

with a device intended to compensate for changes in the elasticity

of the springs due to temperature effects, shall not be greater than

the values shown in the following table : Provided, however, That

the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on

all new spring scales described herein shall not be greater than

one-half of the values given.

However, the tolerances on all spring scales described in the two

preceding paragraphs shall in no case be less than one-fourth of

the minimum graduation on the reading face or dial, except that

on new spring scales they shall in no case be less than one-eighth

of such minimum graduation.

Load Tolerance

Added tol- erance for shift test at half

capacity

Load Tolerance

Added tol- erance for shift test

at half- capacity

Pounds

1

Ounces

1/8

1/4

1/4

1/2

1/2

1/2

Ounces

1/16

1/16

1/16

1/8

Pounds

40

Ounces

2

Ounces

7/16

1/2

5/8

3/4

7/8

2 50 3

3 60 3

4 75 4

5 1/8

1/8

1/4

1/4

1/4

1/4

5/16

5/16

3/8

3/8

3/8

90 4

6. 120 5 1M

IK

2

7 1/2

3/4

150 6

8 200 8

10 3/4

1

' 300 12 3

12 Pounds

15 1 400 1

20

2

500 m

24 600

25

30
Specifications and Tolerances 33

STRAIGHT-FACE SPRING SCALES

Definition.—A straight-face spring scale is a spring scale in

which an indicator or graduated face is affixed to a spring without

ntervening mechanism and registers the extension of the spring

on a straight graduated face.

Specifications.—i. The support for the spring shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to sustain the capacity load of the scale

without perceptible strain, and such support shall be permanently

fixed to the frame of the scale.

2. The graduated face shall be firmly riveted to the frame at

not less than three points.

3. The indicator shall be pointed in order to facilitate accurate

reading, and it shall not obscure the figures showing the value of

the graduations.

4. The value and spacing of the graduations shall satisfy the

requirements of the following table:

Capacity

Maximum

value of

interval

Minimum

distance between

graduations

Pounds Pounds Inch

25....... 0. 03

50 I 03

wo I 03

200 2 03

3OO. ... . 5 .04

400 5 .04

5 .04

5. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the headings "Scales: General specifications" and "Spring

scales " shall apply to straight-face spring scales in so far as they

are applicable.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on all straight-face spring scales shall not be greater than four

times the values given under the heading "Spring scales," subheading "Tolerances."

COMPUTING SCALES

Definition.—A computing scale is a scale which, in addition to

indicating the weight, indicates the total price of the amount of

commodity weighed for a series of unit prices.
34 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Specifications.—i. Computing scales shall be correct in both

their weight and value indications.

2. Computing scale charts shall not repeat the same values in

any given column or row. This applies also to charts on which

the value graduations are correctly placed, but which, in addition,

have a duplication of value figures in any given column or row.

3. The value graduations on all computing charts shall not exceed

1 cent on all prices per pound up to and including 30 cents. At any

higher price per pound the value graduation shall not exceed 2 cents:

Provided, however, That nothing in the above shall be construed to prevent the placing of a special value graduation to represent each

5-cent interval. These special graduations may take the form of dots,

staggered graduations, or similar forms. They shall be so placed

that their meaning and value may be clearly understood, but they

shall not be placed in the space between the regular graduations.

4. All computing scales equipped with a drum-shaped chart shall

be so constructed that the opening on the dealers' side discloses at least

two value graduations at the lowest price per pound. These scales

shall be so constructed that the opening on the customers' side discloses the smallest graduations and a figure representing the proper

number of main weight units when any load is placed on the pan or platform.

5. All computing scales shall be equipped with weight indicators

on both the dealers' and customers' sides, and their width shall not

exceed 0.015 inch. The distance between the chart and the weight

indicators shall in no case exceed 0.06 inch. Both indicators shall

reach to the graduated divisions and shall indicate clearly and

correctly.

6. All computing scales shall be equipped with a value indicator

on the dealers' side, and its width shall not exceed 0.015 inch. The

distance between the chart and the value indicator shall in no case exceed 0.06 inch. This indicator shall reach to each value graduation and shall indicate clearly and correctly.

7. The weight graduations and the value graduations shall be clear

and distinct, but in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch.

8. The maximum value of the weight graduations on computing

scales used in the sale of foodstuffs at retail shall be 1 ounce.

9. The clear interval between the weight graduation marks on all

computing scales shall not be less than 0.04 inch. The clear interval

between the value graduation marks on all computing scales shall not
Specifications and Tolerances 35

be less than 0.02 inch: Provided, however, That the latter requirement

shall not be construed to apply to the special value graduation denoting

the 5-cent interval, mentioned heretofore.

10. All devices for adjusting the balance of a computing scale

shall be of such construction that they are operative or accessible

only by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and

entirely separate from the movable mechanism of the scale itself,

such as a screw-driver, wrench, etc., but not an adjusting pin.

11. All devices for adjusting the level of a computing scale shall

be of such construction that they are operative or accessible only

by the use of some tool or device which is outside of and entirely

separate from the leveling devices, such as a screw-driver, wrench,

etc., but not an adjusting pin.

12. Computing scales whose weight indications are changed by an

amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any

position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal, shall be equipped with a device

which will indicate when the scale is level, and in no case shall any

pendulum operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The

scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during this test.

13. Computing scales shall give correct results whether the load

is being increased or decreased.

14. All devices intended to increase the capacity of computing

scales by the addition of an added weight or weights shall operate

properly irrespective of the speed with which they are manipulated.

15. All counter computing scales shall be in level.

16. The specifications on a computing scale and on all parts of a

computing scale, when not modified by the above, shall be the same

as those of the type to which the scale under test belongs. Also

when not modified by the above, the specifications given under

the heading "Scales: General Specifications" shall apply to computing scales in so far as they are applicable.

17. When the scale is of such a type that the definition of sensibility reciprocal is applicable, the maximum allowable sensibility

reciprocal shall be the same value as is permitted for a noncomputing scale of the appropriate type.

Tolerances.—Except on the special tests described above, the

tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring computing scales equipped with a device intended to compensate for

changes in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects,
36 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

and also all those not operated by springs, shall not be greater

than the values given in the tolerance table under the heading

"Counter balances and scales."

Except on the special tests described above, the tolerances to

be allowed in excess or deficiency on all spring computing scales

not equipped with a device intended to compensate for changes

in the elasticity of the springs due to temperature effects, shall

not be greater than the values given in the tolerance table under

the heading "Spring scales."

However, the tolerances on all computing scales equipped with

a reading face or dial shall in no case be less than one-fourth of the

minimum graduation on the reading face or dial, except that on

new computing scales they shall in no case be less than one-eighth

of such minimum graduation.

CREAM-TEST AND BUTTER-FAT-TEST SCALES

Definition.—A cream-test or butter-fat-test scale is a scale especially designed and adapted for determining the fat content of

cream or butter.

Specifications.

i. All scales shall be provided with a graduated

scale or arc divided into at least 10 equal spaces, over which the indicator shall play.

2. Tlie clear interval between the graduations on the graduated

scale or arc shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

3. The indicator shall be of such length as to reach to the graduated divisions and shall terminate in a fine point to enable the

readings to be made with precision.

4. All scales whose weight indications are changed by an amount

greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in any position

on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 5

degrees with the horizontal, shall be equipped with leveling screws and with a device which will indicate when the scale is level. The

scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered

during this test.

5. All scales shall be so constructed and adjusted that when the

pans are released or disturbed the pointer will return to its original

position of equilibrium.

6. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the heading "Scales: General specifications" (except specification No. 2) shall apply to cream-test and butter-fat-test scales

in so far as they are applicable.
Specifications and Tolerances 37

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal

allowable for these scales shall not exceed i grain, or approximately 65 milligrams, when the maximum load is placed upon

the scale: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' maximum

sensibility reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all

new scales shall not be greater than one-half of this value. (The

maximum load is denned as the weight of the sample used in each

bottle multiplied by the number of bottles for which the scale is

designed, plus the total tare of these bottles.)

(The term " sensibility reciprocal " means the weight required

to move the position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of the scale a definite amount. In the case

of scales provided with a single indicator and a graduated scale or arc, one of which oscillates with reference to the other to form

a convenient means for determining the position of equilibrium

of the beam, and which does not of itself directly indicate in

terms of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight required

to cause a change in the position of rest of the pointer equal to

one division of the graduated scale or arc.)

Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or deficiency on all cream-test and butter-fat-test scales shall not be

greater than one grain or approximately 65 milligrams : Provided,

however, That the manufacturers' tolerance or the tolerance to

be allowed on all new scales shall not be greater than one-half of

this value.

These tolerances shall be applied to single loads of 18 grams

each, added successively until the maximum load as denned above

is placed upon the scale.

PRESCRIPTION SCALES AND BALANCES

Definition.—Prescription scales and balances are scales and

balances designed for or adapted to weighing the ingredients of

medicinal and other formulas prescribed by physicians and others

and entering into the ordinary trade of pharmacists and chemists,

and which are used or intended to be used for such purpose.

Specifications.—1. All scales and balances shall be equipped

with a device which will accurately indicate the position of equilibrium of the beam. If this device is provided with only one

indicating edge, line, or point, then it shall also be provided with

a graduated scale or arc. If this device consists of a scale or arc
38 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

and a single indicating edge, line, or point, or of two indicating

edges, lines, or points, which move in opposite directions, these

shall be so designed and constructed that when the beam vibrates

one will oscillate with reference to the other.

2. Any graduated scale or arc similar to that referred to in

specification i, shall be divided into equal spaces with at least

0.04 inch clear interval between the graduations.

3. If the indicating device referred to in specification 1, is

provided with a single indicating edge, line, or point, this shall

reach to the graduated scale or arc and shall be designed and

constructed to enable the readings to be made with precision. If

provided with two indicating edges, lines, or points, these shall be

sharply defined and shall in no case be more than 0.04 inch from

each other when the scale is in balance, this space to be measured

horizontally.

4. The distance between the graduated scale and the indicator shall

in no case exceed 0.04 inch.

5. All knife-edges and bearings shall be made of hardened and

tempered steel or agate.

6. The graduations on all graduated beams shall be clear and

distinct, and in no case shall their width be less than 0.008 inch.

7. The clear space between graduations on all graduated beams

shall not be less than 0.04 inch.

8. All scales and balances shall be provided with a device for arresting the vibration of the beam.

9. All scales and balances shall be so constructed and adjusted

that when the beam is released or disturbed it will return to its

original position of equilibrium.

10. All scales and balances whose weight indications are changed

by an amount greater than one-half the tolerance allowed, when set in

any position on a surface making an angle of 5 per cent or approximately 3 degrees with the horizontal, shall be equipped with a device

which will indicate when the scale is level, and in no case shall any

pendulum operating the scale be considered a leveling device. The

scale shall be rebalanced at zero each time its position is altered during

this test.

1 1 . For the purpose of applying the sensibility reciprocal and

tolerances the capacity of all prescription scales and balances

which are in the State on January 1, 191 7, either in use or in

the stock of manufacturers of or dealers in such apparatus (class 2)
Specifications and Tolerances 39

and which shall not have the nominal or rated capacity marked

upon them, shall be taken to be i apothecaries' ounce (or 30

grams)

12. When not modified by the above, the specifications given

under the heading "Scales: General specifications" shall apply to

prescription scales and balances in so far as they are applicable.

Sensibility Reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal

allowable for prescription scales and balances of a capacity of

X ounce (or 15 grams) or more shall not exceed 0.2 grain (or

13 mg), at the capacity or at any lesser load, with the exception

that when this value is larger than that represented by two of

the minimum graduations on any beam with which the scale may

be equipped, the latter value shall be applied and used as the

maximum sensibility reciprocal, at the capacity or at any lesser

load: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' sensibility

reciprocal or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new prescription scales and balances shall be one-half of the value given

unless this value is greater than one of the minimum graduations

on the beam, in which case this latter value shall be applied and

used as the maximum sensibility reciprocal.

Note.—If any prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than y£ ounce

(or 15 grams), the maximum sensibility reciprocal to be allowed at the capacity or

at any lesser load shall be the same proportionate part of 0.2 grain (or 13 mg) that

this capacity is of % ounce (or 15 grams).

(The term "sensibility reciprocal" means the weight required

to move the position of equilibrium of the beam, pan, pointer, or other indicating device of a scale or balance a definite amount.

In the case of scales provided with a single indicator and a graduated scale or arc one of which oscillates with reference to the

other to form a convenient means for determining the position of

equilibrium of the beam, and which does not of itself directly

indicate in terms of weight, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight

required to cause a change in the position of rest of the pointer

equal to one division of the graduated scale or arc. In the case of scales equipped with two indicators which move

in opposite directions and oscillate with reference to each other

to form a convenient means for determining the position of equilibrium of the beam, the sensibility reciprocal is the weight

required to cause a separation of the indicators of 0.04 inch.)
40 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

Tolerances.—The tolerance to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on the ratio of arms of prescription scales and balances shall not

be greater than the following values

Load Tolerance on ratio

Ounces, ap. Grams Grains Milligrams

8 240 3.2 208

4 120 1.6 104

2 60 .8 52

1 30 .4 26

% 15 .2 13

Note.—If any prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than % ounce

(or 15 grams), the tolerance to be allowed shall be the same proportionate part of 0.2 grain (or 13 mg) that this capacity is of y2 ounce (or 15 grams).

If the scale is equipped with a graduated beam, the tolerance

at any graduation on the beam shall be equal to the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load in question.

CLASS B

In the case of a drug store doing prescription work, which is

provided with a "Class A" prescription scale or balance—that is,

one which meets the requirements noted above—then and in that

case only an additional prescription scale or balance meeting the

following requirements may also be sealed, but only for the

weighing of loads of 10 grains or more. Such scale shall be known

as a " Class B " prescription scale or balance and shall not be used

for weighing an}- load of less than 10 grains.

All Class B scales and balances shall be conspicuously and

clearly marked with the words "Class B. Not to be used in

weighing loads of less than 10 grains," or with a similar and suitable wording conveying the same information. 1 Such scales and balances shall conform to all the specifications

for Class A scales and balances, but will be allowed the following

sensibility reciprocals and tolerances:

Sensibility reciprocal.—The maximum sensibility reciprocal

allowable for Class B prescription scales and balances shall not

exceed 0.5 grain, at the capacity or at any lesser load: Provided,

however, That the manufacturers' maximum sensibility reciprocal

1 In the case oLClass B prescription scales and balances, which are manufactured in the State or brought

into the State alter Jan. 1, 1917 (Class 1), this requirement shall be fulfilled by the manufacturer. In all other cases the inscription shall be placed upon such scales and balances by the sealer.
Specifications and Tolerances 41

or the maximum sensibility reciprocal on all new Class B prescription scales and balances shall be one-half of the value given.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on the ratio of arms of all Class B prescription scales and balances

shall not be greater than the following values

Load Tolerance on ratio

Ounces, ap. Grams Grains Milligrams

8 240 8.0 520

4 120 4.0 260

2 60 2.0 130

1 30 1.0 65

Vz 15 0.5 30

Note.—If any Class B prescription scale or balance has a smaller capacity than %

ounce (or 15 grams), the tolerance to be allowed shall be the same proportionate part

of 0.5 grain (or 30 mg) that this capacity is of % ounce (or 15 grams).

If a Class B prescription scale or balance is equipped with a

graduated beam, the tolerance to be allowed at any graduation

on the beam shall be 0.3 grain (or 20 mg) , unless this value is

less than the actual sensibility reciprocal of the scale at the load

in question, in which case this actual sensibility reciprocal shall be

used as the tolerance at any graduation on the beam.

VII. WEIGHTS

Specifications.—1. Weights shall be made of steel, iron, brass, or any other metal or alloy of metals not softer than brass: Provided, however, That weights below one-fourth ounce shall not be

made of iron or steel, but may be made of aluminum.

2. Weights shall have smooth surfaces, and no weight of more

than 1 gram, 1 pennyweight, or 1 scruple shall have sharp points

or corners.

3. Weights shall not be covered with a soft or thick coat of

paint or varnish.

4. All holes in which foreign material is to be placed for adjusting purposes must be of such form that this material will be permanently and securely held in place. In no case shall this adjusting material project beyond the surface of the weight.

5. Rings on weights shall not be split or removable.

6. All weights shall be clearly marked with their nominal value,

and in addition weights intended for use on multiplying-lever scales
42 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

shall be clearly marked with the value they represent when used upon

the scale for which they are intended: Provided, however, That the

values of weights of less than i gram, i pennyweight, or i scruple

may be designated by dots, lines, figures, definite shape, or other

appropriate means.

Tolerances.—The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency

on commercial weights shall not be greater than the following

values: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on new commercial weights shall not

be greater than one-half of the values given.

Avoirdupois System

Weight

Tolerance,

ordinary

weighls

(ratio 1:1)

Tolerance, counterpoise weights for multiplying-lever scales

Patio less than 100:1

Ratio 100:1 and less than 1000:1

Katio iooo:l and over

Pounds Grains Grains Grains Grains

"if) 100. 60. 40. 20. ?S fin n 36. 24. 12. ?n fin n 36. Z4. 12.

1 e 24.0 16.0 8.0

10 40. 24.0 16.0 8.0

8 30.0 18.0 12.0 6.0

5 30.0 18.0 12.0 6.0

4 20.0 12.0 8.0 4.0

3 20.0 12.0 8.0 4.0

2 15.0 9.0 6.0 3.0

1 10.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

Ounces

10 10.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

8 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

5 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

4 5.0 3.0 2.0 1.0

2 3.0 1.8 1.2 .6

1 2.0 1.2 .8 .4

1/2 2.0 1.2 .8 .4

1/4 1.0 .6 .4 .2

1/8..... .5 .3 .2 . 1

1/16 .... .5 .3 .2 . 1

1/32 .... .5 .3 .2 . 1

1/64 .... .2 . 12 .08 .04
Specifications and Tolerances 43

The tolerances to be allowed in excess or deficiency on apothecaries' prescription weights shall not be greater than the following

values: Provided, however, That the manufacturers' tolerances or the tolerances to be allowed on new apothecaries' prescription

weights shall not be greater than one-half of the values given

:

Apothecaries' System

Weight

Ounces, ap 12

10

8

S4

3

2

1Drams

8

6

4

3

2

1

.5

Tolerance

Grains4.0

4.0

3.0

3.0

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.0

1.0

1.0

.7

.6

.5

.3

.2

Weight

Scruples 3

2

1Grains 20

10

s

2

1

.5....

' '".it...

. i....

Tolerance

Grains 0.3

.25

. 15

. 15

. 12 .08

.04

.03

.02

.015

.01

Metric System.

Weight Tolerance

Grams Milligrams

500 350

200 200

100 150

50 100

20 50

10 40

s 25

2 15

1 10

Weight Tolerance

Milligrams Milligrams

500 7 200 4

100 3

50 2 20 1

10 1
44 Circular of the Bureau of Standards

VIII. METRIC SYSTEM

No specifications contained in the preceding pages shall be

understood or construed to prohibit the sale or use of weights and

measures or weighing or measuring devices constructed or graduated in units of the metric system.

The tolerances to be allowed on any weight or measure or weighing or measuring device constructed or graduated in units

of the metric system, shall be the same as those specified on

similar apparatus of an equivalent size or at an equivalent load

in the customary system.
APPENDIX 2

LIQUID -MEASURING PUMPS

By F. J. SCHLINK

Assistant Physicist, Bureau of Standards

(The paper constituting this appendix ha3 been issued also as Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81. For discussion o. this paper, see page 57

et seq. of the Conference Report.)

LIQUID-MEASURING PUMPS 1

By F. J. Schlink

CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 3 Piston-type measuring pumps 6

. Counters 8

Metering systems 8

Definite-volume measuring chamber systems n

Gauge-glass systems n

Wheeled tanks. 12 Inspection and testing 14 Piping and valves 14

Hose connections. . ., 15 Height of suction lift 17 Effect of inertia of the liquid column 18

Deficient delivery due to incomplete strokes 19 Routine of test 20

Sealing 24

Records 26

Condition of pumps in service 27 Conclusion 27 INTRODUCTION

The present importance of the liquid-measuring pump is largelydue to the great extent and amount of the sale of gasoline as a

motor fuel. Although measuring pumps are used in other lines,

notably in the grocery and wholesale drug trades, it is nevertheless a fact that by far the greatest number are used in the sale of

gasoline to motorists; it appears that a very high proportion of

gasoline sold in public places for this use is sold through measuring

pumps.

The rising price of gasoline and the small margin of profit to

the retailer, often amounting to but 1 or 2 cents on the gallon, call

for accurate measurement, and make the question of the design

and testing of measuring pumps an important one. The writer is informed that there are more than 7000 measuring

pumps in use in Greater New York alone. Approximately 39

firms are engaged in the manufacture of measuring pumps and

systems.

1 Read at the Eleventh Annual Conference on the Weights and Measures of the United States on May 23, 1916. 3
4 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

The wide adoption of measuring pumps has been due to a number

of reasons, and the advantages here mentioned must be carefullyconsidered in the drafting of specifications and regulations for their

governance. First may be mentioned convenience, since the measing pump provides, through the hose which is commonly attached,

a means for delivering gasoline directly into the supply tank of an

automobile expeditiously, without spilling and soiling the car or the premises, and with a minimum of waste and evaporation.

The second and most important factor is that of safety. The

highly volatile and inflammable nature of gasoline makes its

handling in open cans or measures undesirable; the fire risk

involves not merely the premises of the merchant but also the

automobile, property, and person of the purchaser as well. Gasoline fires are particularly dangerous, on account of the quickness

with which they spread and the difficulty of their extinguishment.

So important is the fire hazard in the dispensing of gasoline that

several associations of insurance underwriters have framed special

regulations concerning the handling and storage of gasoline in

public garages and filling stations, while the need for protection

of communities against these same hazards has caused the enactment of many city ordinances similarly restricting this business.

With regard to the restrictions imposed on the construction of

measuring pumps by the insurance underwriters, the Bureau has

been unable to collect any great amount of information on account

of the limited time available, but it appears that the principal

underwriters' associations have not attempted to codify their

results, it being their present custom to consider each type of

pump individually. This method results in considerable delay

and expense to the manufacturer. The Bureau plans to take up

this question with the various associations of underwriters, and

it is possible that a code of specifications can be worked out which

will give due consideration to the requirements of proper administration of weights and measures, as well as that of fire prevention.

Naturally, the underwriters have been chiefly concerned with the

reduction of the fire risk, and in their work may have sometimes

neglected the demands imposed by weights and measures considerations. It is our hope to find a satisfactory basis upon

which these two important considerations can be jointly grounded.

A measuring pump may be defined as a pump, or a combination

of a pump with other mechanism, adapted for the measurement

of fluids in definite quantities by volume.
Liquid Measuring Pumps 5

In many instances the pump itself forms the volumetric measuring device, discharging a definite quantity for each stroke or

cycle, and in other types of apparatus the pump is only auxiliary,

operating to fill or empty a suitable measuring chamber in which

FlG. 4.— Typical piston-type measuring pump installation,

showing arrangement of tank, piping, valves, etc.

the actual apportionment of the fluid takes place. In this paper

endeavor will be made to outline the principal points of interest

and value to the inspector of weights and measures relative to the

design, construction, inspection, testing, and supervision of

measuring pumps coming within his jurisdiction.
6 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

PISTON-TYPE MEASURING PUMPS

outlet valve

outlet

outlet valve

The ordinary piston pump, familiar to all in numerous industrial

applications, possesses the measuring property if means are provided for defining the length of stroke and applying auxiliary

mechanism which will insure that each stroke of the piston will

discharge a volume of liquid equal to the space volume generated

n

by the piston in its travel.

rH-r—o This requires that valves be

tight and the piston closefitting, so as to prevent the

return of the liquid to the

supply tank or cistern, as well

as leakage or slippage of liquid past the piston during its

stroke. Other requisites will

appear in the later portions

of this discussion.

Piston pumps maybe either

single-acting or double-acting; that is, they may discharge liquid either on the

upstroke only or they may

discharge on both the up and

down strokes. As a matter

of fact, single-acting piston

pumps do discharge on the

return stroke, but the amount

of this discharge is small and

in amount equal to the volume of the piston rod. Occasionally two single-acting

pumps are used in combination, discharging on alternate strokes.

The differences between the single and double-acting pumps are

of construction only ; the principles on which they work are too

well known to need elaboration here. The points to be considered in their test are the same for each and will be taken up in

detail later.

In addition to the ordinary, or " reciprocating-piston " pumps,

rotating-piston pumps are used. Those used for measuring purposes are nearly all of one type of construction, which is illustrated

in Fig. 7. These pumps are used principally for measurement

lntaie valve

Fig. 5.Diagram of double-acting pump,

showing arrangement of valves. This type

discharges on both up and down strokes. When valves are in position shown, the piston is descending
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

Fig. 2.

Sectional elevation of typical

piston-type measuring pump

Fig. 3.

Section of piston, showing

cup-leather , expander-spring, and

lift valve

Liquid Measuring Pumps 7

AUTOMATIC STOP HANDLE

PINT &QUART INDICATOR

of molasses, tar, and similar viscous liquids; however, some are

in use for the dispensing of kerosene, gasoline, and similar mobile

liquids. Obviously, when such pumps are employed for measuring purposes, the fit of

the operating parts

must be very accurate,

and especially is this

true in the case of the

less viscous liquids,

since more opportunities for leakage are present in this type of

pump on account of the

presence of a greater

number of submerged

impelling parts. AnFlG. 6.; —Rotary measuring pump, commonly used for

molasses, tar, and other viscous liquid

other factor of importance is that in this type of pump it is not

feasible to use a flexible packing or piston material, which has the

property of yielding

and conforming closely

to the enveloping surface; on this account,

since the relative motion occurs between

metallic surfaces, great

care is required in obtaining smooth surfaces

and nicely fitting parts.

This type of pump is

often made so as to be

driven by hand or other

power, and one form is

operated as a motor by

the passage through it

of the Hquid being

measured, under suitable pressure. In the

latter case it becomes

a true "Hquid meter"

and not a measuring pump. In one case the effect of slippage

will tend to make the instrument register more than the true

amount passing, and in the other case less than this amount.

48414°—16 2

Fig. 7.Diagram showing operation of rotary

measuring pump of Fig. 6. The bars A and B

slide in the central shaft C. As the shaft rotates, the sliders take in the liquid at D and force it out

through the port E
8 . Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

A modification of this type. is made which comprises an auxiliary device arranged to shut off the flow of liquid after a certain

predetermined quantity has passed, thus making it possible to

discharge automatically into a container any desired quantity of

liquid; after such discharge the flow will cease, the amount passing

having in the same operation been registered upon a suitable

counter.

COUNTERS

Most measuring pumps of the mechanical type are equipped

with a counter or tally, sometimes incorrectly termed a "meter,"

the function of which is to count and indicate the number of full

strokes, which have been completed. These counters are essential appurtenances, since without their use disputes may

readily arise between the purchaser and the seller as to the number

of units which have been discharged. Obviously, in cases of

this kind both parties may believe their count to be the correct

one, and a satisfactory adjustment may be reached only after

much unpleasantness.

The following are the principal ends to be sought in the design

of these tallying devices:

(a) Maximum visibility and readibility to both operator, and

purchaser.

(b) Tallying only very near to the end of the stroke. This is

important in order to increase the difficulty of and the temptation

to "short-stroking.'.'

(c) Accurate pointing of the hand to the correct figure. Constructions which will permit the hand to stop at a position intermediate to two figures are to be avoided.

One of the most common types of counters used is, in the

writer's opinion, unsuitable, its indications being visible on the

edge or periphery of a relatively thick disk; such counters are usually so placed that their indications are readable only from

the position of the operator of the pump. Counters should have

a dial reading on a plane face, facing the purchaser; if the pump

is accessible for filling motor tanks from either front or back, a

dial should be provided at both of these aspects.

METERING SYSTEMS

The next type of pump to be taken up is one in which the

pump acts merely to discharge the liquid through a meter. One

type utilizes the lower specific gravity of gasoline to maintain its
Liquid Measuring Pumps

GASOUWE METES.

separation from a quantity of water upon which it floats, the

water acting as a sort of liquid, piston, so that by forcing additional water into the containing tank, as from a city water supply

system, the gasoline is displaced in like quantity and delivered

through suitable piping to a convenient outlet. Fig. 8 shows the

operation of the so-called hydraulic system.

The application of the so-called hydraulic system at once raises

the question: Is there any appreciable intersolution of the two

liquids; that is, does the water dissolve into the gasoline and the

gasoline dissolve into the water? In the first case the result

would be a dilution of the commodity, and in the second case a

loss of the commodity into the sewer

into which the water contents of the

system are finally drained.' Unfortunately, we have been unable to give

this question the detailed study and

experiment which it deserves, but the

data available seem to indicate that

the gasoline received from the refinery

is a saturated solution of water ; that

is, it contains all the water which it

will carry at the temperature of the

last process, since, after being treated

with sulphuric acid in the refining process the gasoline is thoroughly washed

with water to remove as far as possible

all traces of acid. During this process

the gasoline undoubtedly becomes saturated with water (the term is used in the technical sense) . L,ater, as the temperature changes, the gasoline will change its water content, so as to come, if conditions permit, into a solution equilibrium which tends to obtain at a particular temperature. It is

this fact which counts for the frequently noted presence of water

in gasoline which at the time of purchase was patently free from

water. In view of the facts just adduced, it is thought that

solution of water into the gasoline is a factor which may be safely

neglected. With regard to solution in the other direction, it

may be said that for gasoline of very high grade, which is the only

one upon which any data have been obtained, the water might

take up 0.2 per cent by weight of gasoline at a temperature of

22 C. With the modern gasolines, which, with the exception of

the casing head and blended products, are of much heavier fracFig. 8. Hydraulic system

storage and metering

of
io Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

tions than the gasoline just mentioned, facts seem to indicate that

the amount of solution of gasoline into the water is very small

and probably entirely negligible, especially in view of the fact

that conditions in the storage tank are not such as to favor rapid

diffusion; to prevent this diffusion as far as possible, baffle plates or their equivalent should be provided to prevent agitation of the

mass when either water or gasoline are added to the displacement

tank.

In the pneumatic system the pressure of air or an inert gas

is applied to the surface of the liquid in a tank, the liquid being

forced into the piping system ready to discharge through a meter

at the opening of a valve. Another type uses a piston pump of

such design as to eliminate pulsations as perfectly as possible;

this pump drives the liquid through a meter, measurement being

performed by the meter in the same manner as in the hydraulic and

pneumatic systems. The mechanical simplicity of the hydraulic,

pneumatic, and other meter systems are in their favor, as are the

steadiness and continuity of flow, and the rapidity with which

the liquid may be handled.

It would seem that the size of the meter dials should be considerably enlarged over that which is now commonly found in

service, and the fineness of graduation be increased, perhaps to

0.02 gallon. This is necessary in order to make its readings

equivalent in nicety to those of other types of commercial liquidmeasuring apparatus. In other types of pumps, under proper

conditions, the discharge may be determined and repeated within

less than i cubic inch; this would require the hydraulic-system

meter to be readable by estimation to less than 0.005 gallon.

The accuracy in measurement of these metering systems in the

forms just illustrated depends upon the precision and reliability

of the operation of the meter and the accuracy with which it may

be read. A meter for this purpose must be made with extreme

care and carefully maintained. The writer's experience shows

that in many installations it is found necessary to clean these

meters at frequent intervals; this on account of the very small

clearances permissible, and the apparent impossibility of clarifying,

gasoline commercially so perfectly that no solid or sedimentary

particles are carried into the discharge stream.

It should be noted here, that in order to obtain the best precision and reproducibility of reading from a water or gasoline

meter, a constant rate of flow should be maintained; in some systems this is provided for by arranging for the discharge of liquid
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

FiG. 9.Type of nutating-piston meter, commonly used in connection

with the hydraulic and other metering systems

deliVery cock

overflow pipe*

special foot valve which

opens and allows liquid

to return to supply tank

when pump handle is fully

raised -

glass

measuring

chamber

£3L

lift pump

Fig. 10.

Visible measurement system, discharging excess through overflow pipe

in center
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

FlG. ii.—Overflow type, pumping by vacuum. The liquid is forced into the measuring chamber 14 from a convenient supply tank by exhaustion of the air in the chamber. The float 12 rises and shuts off the valve 7. Admission of air through a two-way cock (not shown) allows the liquid in the chamber to drain back to the level of

the valve seat. The central tube is adjustable to various heights by engage- ment with stops, allowing for various

units of delivery up to Ike capacity of

the chamber

Fig. 12.In this type the excess of liquid

is abstracted by siphoning back through

pump, on opening of the foot valve in the pump base. The different deliveries are obtained by hanging measure on lugs at various heights, indicated

by numbers o, y2 < J > etc
Liquid Measuring Pumps ii

under constant head, so maintaining an approximately uniform

rate of flow through the meter. For the same reason it is suggested

that any valve or cock used in the discharge line for shutting off

the stream at the completion of the delivery be of a self-closing

type, which can only be maintained at either full or zero opening.

This will effectually prevent incorrect registration of the meter

due to intentional or inadvertent throttling of the flow.

DEFINITE VOLUME MEASURING-CHAMBER SYSTEMS

A number of measuring-pump systems are founded upon the

principle of overfilling a liquid-measuring chamber by adding

liquid until an excess is present over the nominal delivery of the

apparatus, and then by one of a number of simple expedients,

removing the excess, then discharging the adjusted quantity

remaining, through a cock or hose in the usual manner. Such

pumps are usually made with a glass measuring chamber, in order

that the operation of the apparatus and the condition of the liquid

may be observed, and that fractional portions may be estimated,

or price computation be facilitated.

The initial delivery of the total volume of fluid may be made

by any one of a number of means ; those commonly employed are the production of a vacuum in the chamber so that the liquid will

be forced by atmospheric pressure from the supply tank; forcing

* of the liquid by application of pressure in excess of atmospheric

to the interior of the supply tank ; and mechanical pumping. The

abstraction of the excess over the nominal delivery can be performed by the same methods.

These details can be better understood by reference to concrete

examples shown in the illustrations herewith.

It is suggested that in the types of pumps just described the

whole measuring chamber should be clearly visible, so that the

presence of sediment or other foreign material, which will act to

reduce the initially adjusted volume, can be readily detected and

corrected.

GAUGE-GLASS SYSTEMS

Another simple method of liquid measurement is similar to the

foregoing, with the exception of the excess abstraction feature just

described.

A tall slender tank is provided, either carrying a transparent

gauge glass, or itself made of glass. Beside or mounted upon the

gauge glass is a graduated scale reading directly in units of volume.
12 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

In some cases, instead of a gauge glass a float arrangement is used,

the float inside the cylinder being connected by a rod or wire to an

indicator outside. This device obviates the danger of breakage

which is present when gauge glasses are used, and if properly constructed, will serve the purpose well.

The graduated scale may be securely and permanently affixed, in

which case the initial level of the liquid must be adjusted to the

zero of the scale, as by discharge at a definite level through an

overflow pipe ; or it may be slidably mounted, in which case its zero

is adjusted into coincidence with the level at which the liquid

stands before each delivery is begun. The amount discharged

upon the opening of a valve is read by the fall of the liquid

column.

It should be noted that in the first case, with the scale permanently fastened, the tank need not be of uniform cross section,

since the scale can be calibrated to give correct indications for

any given tank, while in the second case, with the slidably mounted

scale, the tank must be of uniform cross-sectional area, since

the value of a scale interval must be the same for any position of

the zero point.

It will be necessary to restrict the permissible diameter of tanks

employed in this and similar constructions in order to limit the

volume equivalent of a unit length of scale interval. The writer

has found a number of such tanks in use in which the diameter was

so large that small differences in delivery were quite unreadable.

In one installation the tanks were approximately 30 inches in

diameter, the graduation corresponding to 1 gallon being but 0.33

inch. Such a high value of volume equivalent per unit of length

of graduation interval will be excluded by specification limiting

the maximum cross-sectional area of the tank.

WHEELED TANKS

The wheeled tank is coming into wider and wider use, and there are many applications in which it has decided advantages. It is

easier and more expeditious to maneuver a portable tank into position for filling a motor car than it is to place an automobile into

correct position for filling from a stationary pump. This is especially true of crowded locations, where the maneuvering of automobiles is always accompanied by the danger of striking other cars and stationary objects. There are certain other advantages

possessed by the wheeled tank, principal among which is the fact
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

Fig. 13.Gauge-glass type. The rotary pump shown (non-measuring)

supplies liquid to the tank to any desired level on the graduated scale. Delivery is completed by opening of the discharge cock

Liquid Measuring Pumps 13

that its construction favors accuracy of delivery. In the wheeled

tank the pump is carried partly submerged in the liquid, and the

tendency toward foaming or vapor formation is very greatly

diminished; in addition, the tendency toward leaking back is

reduced, and the pump can be expected to deliver its first gallon

38

Fig. 14.

Section of typical wlweled, or portable, measuring

pump , showing partial submergence of cylinder parts in

the liquid

after an interval of disuse with much greater accuracy than one

connected to a long suction pipe which may require to be partly

refilled before discharge at the hose outlet can begin. Wheeled

tanks should be provided with splash plates to reduce the liberation

of vapor from the contained liquid.
14 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

INSPECTION AND TESTING

PIPING AND VALVES

A primary requisite for accurate measurement is freedom from

leaks. A piston pump may be readily tested for the presence of

leaks in the piston and on the discharge side by tightly closing the

outlet valve and performing a number of short strokes until a

strong resistance is felt to the motion of the handle. This storedup pressure the pump should retain for some time, and if appreciable leaks are present in the piston and on the discharge side, they

will be noticeable under this test. However, the presence of leaks in the suction line is still more

likely to be fatal to the accuracy of the pump discharge, for several

reasons: First, gradual return drainage of liquid stored in the

suction line to the tank, on account of leakage of the foot valves

or of the suction piping; and, second, the admission of air through

leaky suction piping during the continuance of the vacuum which

is created on the suction stroke. This admitted air mixes with the

liquid, and the pump measurement will comprise a mixture of

liquid, air, and vapor. Under such conditions accurate measurement is impossible, and if the pump is adjusted to give an approximate accuracy at a given time with these conditions obtaining, the

slightest change in temperature, quality of gasoline, size and number of leaks, speed of operation, and action of operating parts will

result in gross inaccuracy of delivery.

Excessive constriction of either the suction or the discharge line

may result in faulty measurement. With regard to the suction

line, the resulting resistance is a kinetic one operating to increase

the virtual suction lift, but in regard to the discharge line it should

be noted that partial closing of the discharge valve or the presence

of obstructions in the discharge piping may act so as to interpose

an abnormal resistance to the liquid stream and on account of the

effects of slippage may produce large errors in deficiency. The

flow of liquid from the nozzle should be a full, smooth stream.

Constricted passages and obstructions near the nozzle are evidenced

by a characteristic appearance of eddying and agitation of the

discharge stream.

Every effort, then, should be made to install the piping of

measuring pump systems with the utmost care, and garage and

filling-station owners should be directed to follow with scrupulous

exactness the full and explicit directions which most makers furnish as a guide in the installation and operation of their systems.
Liquid Measuring Pumps 15

It would not serve any useful purpose to quote here these instructions, since they can be obtained from measuring pump manufacturers upon request. The inspector of weights and measures

can do a real service by giving this advice and supervision in the

installation of measuring pump systems, as garage and fillingstation owners often disregard the instructions furnished by the

makers of the pumps, and so make gross errors in installing their

outfits.

HOSE CONNECTIONS

A question which must be carefully considered in the matter of

insuring correct delivery from liquid-measuring pumps is the hose

which is commonly used in the filling of automobile gasoline tanks.

Even the shortest and smallest diameter hose in use hold an

appreciable quantity of gasoline; within the writer's knowledge,

the smallest diameter of hose in use on gasoline-measuring pumps

is about of 0.75 inch internal diameter. A tube 10 feet long of this

diameter will contain 53 cubic inches, or nearly 1 quart. There are many gasoline hose in use of 1 % inches or more internal diameter

;

such a hose, 1% inches in diameter and 10 feet long, will contain

147 cubic inches.

The presence of the hose in the delivery system of the pump

introduces an important element of variation in the quantity

delivered to the individual purchaser ; if the point at which the hose

is connected to the pump piping is at a properly chosen height

above the highest level at which gasoline will be normally delivered

into the gasoline tank of an automobile, the hose will in all parts

slope downward, and no liquid will be trapped in it, the whole

contents being rapidly drained toward the exit end. If, however,

the point of connection of the hose to the pump is low in relation to

the point at which the gasoline is discharged to the gasoline tank,

a considerable portion of the hose may loop downward below the

level of the discharge, and a quantity of gasoline will be retained

when the hose is finally hung back into place on the pump, unless

the purchaser takes care to lift the low-hanging portions of the

hose so as to drain the contents as completely as possible into

his tank. It may be said in passing that this expedient is being

more and more widely adopted, with the present rise in the price

of gasoline. The effect of retrograde sloping portions of the hose

in causing short delivery to individual purchasers is one that calls

for a remedy, and it is recommended that where hose or flexible

tubing is employed in the discharge end of the delivery system,

the inner end of the hose be of such height in relation to the length
1 6 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

and stiffness of the hose that all portions of the hose slant downward toward the exit end, in the delivery of gasoline to the high

est motor-car fuel tank found in common use. The writer seriously questions the advisability of the use of a

shut-off cock at the end of the delivery hose. The makers and

users of pumps frequently maintain that such a cock is neces- sary to prevent overflowing of the gasoline about the motor car

in case more fuel has been asked for than the tank will contain.

Observation seems to indicate that the occasions when such over- flow would occur are very infrequent and can be entirely eliminated by care and attention on the part of the operator, and that

in many cases the presence of a cock at the end of the hose acts so as to facilitate the retention in the hose itself of a portion of

the fuel purchased. While this involves no gain to the owner of

the pump, it does often involve short measure to the individual

purchaser, who often may not obtain the quantity of gasoline in

the hose, to which quantity he is fully entitled, unless proper

deduction is made from the reading of the pump by measuring it

back into a measure. It will surely be admitted that this amount

retained will not ordinarily be deducted in reckoning the purchase, and it is therefore urged that this use of a cock at the hose

outlet be done away with; it has already been dispensed with by

a number of makers. The cock at the pump end of the hose may

properly remain to prevent evaporation or accident by loss of

liquid from the pump contents.

While measuring pumps will frequently be found in operation

under conditions which predicate perfect tightness of valves, it

is the opinion of the writer that the valves of a gasoline pump may

not usually be relied upon as being sufficiently tight to assure a

correct first delivery after the pump has stood unused for a number of hours, as, for example, overnight. Probably when the

pumps leave the factory the valves will be tight enough to hold

gasoline for long periods. It seems certain, however, when one

considers the wear the valves are subjected to in service and the

presence of particles of grit and solid matter present in the gasoline, and coming into the gasoline from the interior walls of the

piping and the tanks, that perfect or even sensible tightness of

check and foot valves is impossible of attainment in practice.

This being the case, a proper use of defined-stroke piston type

measuring pumps would require that their delivery be not relied

upon as accurate after the pump has stood unused for a considerable length of time until at least one correct discharge has been
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

Fig. 15.

Excessively long hose due to pump being set back from

curb. The practical impossibility of draining such hose into

the purchaser's tank is obvious

Fig. 16.Showing hose connection at curb level, making it impossible to secure complete or uniform drainage in service

Fig. 17.

Delivery hose outside, pumps inside. Bad practice

unless purchaser can clearly observe the operation of the pump

from his position outside

Liquid Measuring Pumps 17

delivered. Another cause of short delivery on the first discharge,

which will be taken up in detail under the next heading, is the

formation of gasoline vapor under the piston, due to the reduced

pressure to which the gasoline is subjected on account of the

height of the liquid column above its free surface. The importance of these conditions, and the fact of their existence, may be

easily demonstrated by simple tests. It is therefore strongly

recommended that users of gasoline pumps—and the same applies to pumps used for heavier hydrocarbons in a lesser degree

be urged to discharge the first cylinderful, after the pump has so stood for a considerable period, into a can or other receptacle,

thence to be returned to the storage tank as opportunity may

afford.

HEIGHT OF SUCTION LIFT

Attention is here directed to a matter to which neither manufacturers nor users of gasoline pumps appear to have devoted

sufficient attention; this is the question of the permissible maximum suction lift. A volatile liquid like gasoline can not be

lifted on the suction side of a pump to a height nearly as great as water can be lifted under similar conditions. This is on account

of the fact that the vapor tension of the liquid on comparatively

small lifts becomes greater than the reduced pressure above the

liquid column and boiling-off of a portion of the material as well

as liberation of a portion of the dissolved air take place. Gasoline

is a mixture of a number of petroleum fractions which have

different boiling points and if the boiling point of the lowest

boiling of these several fractions is reached by reduction of pressure, that constituent will start to vaporize rapidly with the effect

of filling the space under the piston to a greater or less extent with

the vapor of that fraction, and the pump, instead of delivering

gasoline alone, will deliver a mixture of gasoline, liquid and vapor.

Various manufacturers in their literature advise the limiting of

the suction lift to a height of from 10 to 12 feet, but from a few

simple experiments performed at the Bureau of Standards this

value seems altogether too high, and it appears that a lift greater

than 7 feet may be excessive for some of the ordinary commercial

grades of gasoline.

For grades of gasoline containing a considerable proportion of

light fractions, such as casing-head gasoline, the suction head

allowable becomes practically zero. In cases where these very

volatile sorts of gasoline are to be lifted with a piston pump, the
i8 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

usual installation must be modified. Fig. 18 shows a form of

installation in which the suction head is reduced nearly to zero,

the vertical lift being all obtained on the discharge side. Under

such an arrangement the error due to vaporization practically

disappears.

Fig. 19 points out the importance of having a continuous slope

in one direction from the pump to the supply tank. If there are

crank traps or points of reversing slope in

the pipe line, any vapor formed will

tend to become lodged at these points

j*--jextended piston rod ,

. 1 . and cause irregular and incorrect

measurement due to the entrainment

of these "vesicles" of vapor.

•pipe casing to proteot

piston rod

operating bead

extended piston rod

•-pump cylinder*

piston

supply tank

Jl

EFFECT OF INERTIA OF THE LIQUID

COLUMN

A source of error, the magnitude of

which the writer has not yet had

opportunity to determine, is the inertia of the moving liquid column. In

the usual piston pump, during the

delivery stroke, all valves are open in

one direction to permit the free passage of the stream. Now, if the

stroke be suddenly completed by the

contact of the piston rod against a

rigid stop, the tendency of the liquid

column will be to continue in motion

until the energy of its motion is absorbed by the friction of piping, valves,

and fittings, and the elevation of the

mass against the force of gravity.

The energy of this stream is proportional to the product of its mass times

the square of its velocity ; the inertia

Fig. 18.Arrangement of the meas- uring cylinder at or near the level of the supply tank, employed

when the vertical lift is necessarily

great, or the liquid to be measured

very volatile

error, therefore, can be made a minimum by decreasing the velocity of flow at the expense of the mass of the moving liquid, or

practically, by increasing the diameter of the piping.

Pumps having a high rate of delivery may to advantage be

equipped with a device which will close a valve in the suction line

at the instant the delivery stroke is completed. The only effect

of inertia then will be to cause a slight and probably negligible

"water hammer."
Liquid Measuring Pumps 19

DEFICIENT DELIVERY DUE TO INCOMPLETE STROKES

Most measuring pumps of the piston type can be made to

deliver in deficiency by "short-stroking"—that is, by failing to

bring the piston to the limit determined by its stops, at either or both ends of the stroke. This is analogous to incomplete filling or incomplete emptying of a can or measure, and under present

conditions must be guarded against by vigilance on the part of the

purchaser.

It should be pointed out at this time that it is a matter of no

great difficulty to design measuring pumps which can not be

fraudulently operated through strokes shorter than the normal.

One of the simplest means is the use of the familiar crank and

connecting rod mechanism, with the addition of a ratchet to

prevent reversal of rotation before the completion of the delivery

,Ori$ D16TAMCE Pump*

Hoto

SLIOHT PiTCH IN SUCTION LiriE. Toward tank necessary

4,

FILLec GAUGE

PIPE'

SUCTION PlPC

SOLID PIPE LIMES IhDlCATE CORRECT INSTALLATION DOTTED .1 * < INCORRECT ..

Fig. 19.Illustrating correct and incorrect practice in installation of piping. Suction

pipe should have a continuous, though not necessarily uniform, pitch from pump back

to tank

and a trigger or snap to hold the crank or handle in place at the

initial and final point of the stroke. Such a mechanism will permit

adjustment of the discharge to the standard in just as convenient

and flexible a manner as those at present employed.

The inspector of weights and measures should exercise a supervision over the ordinary use of piston-type measuring pumps in

trade, and satisfy himself that the merchants do not deliver

short measure by failure to complete the full stroke. This is a

practice which is easy in execution and difficult to establish as a

violation of the law, since under some laws intent to defraud is an

element of the violation and it is often very difficult to prove that

this intent was present. It is the writer's opinion that pumps

of the piston type in which incomplete strokes may be performed
20 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

should be provided with a placard or sign reading somewhat as

follows: THIS PUMP TO DELIVER GALLONS ON EACH FULL

STROKE.

A means to fraud which should be guarded against is the bypassing of a portion of the discharge stream back into the supply

tank. Any piping connecting the discharge side of the pump to a

tank or basin may be looked upon with suspicion. A number of

types of measuring-chamber pumps may be so operated as to

allow the return of liquid to the supply tank at the same time that

the discharge to the customer is taking place. These pumps

should be so modified that the operation of returning to the supply

tank the liquid stored in the measuring chamber can not be performed except by a mechanical device, the purpose and action of

which are clearly perceptible to the purchaser, or, better still,

which can not be operated while the regular outlet is open.

A number of instances have come to the writer's attention in

which garages have in service a measuring pump which is used

merely for filling wheeled tanks or cans and not as a measuring

device, unless perhaps as a check on the distribution of gasoline

at various selling pumps. In cases of this kind in which the

inspector is assured by the owner that the pump will not be used

directly in the sale of gasoline to consumers, the pump need not

be tested and sealed, provided that steps are taken to insure

against its being used as a measuring instrument. This can be

simply done by placarding such pumps with a sign reading somewhat as follows: this pump is not to be used for measuring

PURPOSES.

In no case should the inspector permit a pump to be left uninspected and unsealed, unless some precaution of this kind is taken

to prevent its use for measuring purposes.

ROUTINE OF TEST

In testing a measuring pump the hose may often be removed

and the test deliveries taken directly from the pipe outlet. In

other installations a can-filling outlet is provided ; in such cases the

valve at the inner end of the hose should be tightly closed, and

the test deliveries taken from the can-filling outlet.

Determine first the accuracy of the initial deliver of the pump

as found, beginning with the handle in the starting position.

The error will be determined in this manner: Have ready a

standard measure of capacity equal to the nominal discharge of

the pump for each full stroke, if this size measure is available, and
Liquid Measuring Pumps 21

start pumping into the measure at about the normal speed of

operation of the pump, intercepting, however, during the process,

a portion of the discharge into a straight cylindrical graduate of

about 35 cubic inches capacity. When the discharge of the pump

is completed, and the operating handle returned to its starting

position, see that the standard measure is accurately level, and

pour from the graduate into the measure until the latter is exactly

full, or until no more liquid remains in the graduate. If the

pump is dehVering in excess a portion of its discharge will remain

in the graduate after the standard measure is exactly filled, and

this quantity may be read off as the error of the pump in excess.

If the pump is delivering in deficiency, the amount in the

graduate will be insufficient to fill the standard measure, and a

suitable amount of liquid in addition may be poured into the

graduate from any convenient supply, the reading of the graduate

being noted. Then pour from the graduate into the standard

measure until the latter is exactly filled, and again read the

quantity of liquid in the graduate. This value subtracted from

the reading of the graduate just taken will be the error of the pump

in deficiency.

The set of readings taken as above will determine the error of

the pump as found. Now, readings may be taken to determine

the action of the pump when operating under the conditions of

service. Proceed in the manner above described, operating the

pump at a slow speed for one determination, and at high speed

for the next determination, noting the error in each case. If

either of the determinations just described is in error in excess of

the tolerance allowable, the pump should be recommended for

repair or adjustment. The two speeds used for the tests just

outlined should be considerably different, one faster than normal

operation and one slower than normal operation. Neither speed,

however, should be greatly outside the range which may be ex- pected to occur in actual use of the pump.

Slicker plates may or may not be used in the work with the test

measure, according to the precision desired. The use of slicker

plates will undoubtedly give better results, and will serve to

impress observers with the need for care and accuracy in this

work.

A simple and useful form of testing standard, which can be

constructed in the i and 5 gallon sizes, will serve all the ordinary

purposes of field testing of measuring pumps. This graduate is
22 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

shown in Fig. 22. By using this measure, the design of which is

due to Theo. Seraphin, of the office of the county commissioners,

Philadelphia, the determination of the error of delivery for all

ordinary ranges of error becomes merely a matter of reading off

the height of the liquid surface on the graduated scale of cubic

inches shown. This measure can be readily hung upon the delivery tap of the pump, or it can be set upon the floor under the

pump, as circumstances may dictate. While this measure is not

at present on the market, it can doubtless be constructed to order

GLASS INSET ENLARGED PARTIAL 5ECTI0N AA.

Fig. 22.

Seraphin type of testing measure for field use, graduatedfor direct determination of excess or deficiency

within the ordinary range encountered

at a moderate price by any one of a number of firms making similar apparatus.

If a measuring pump is in good mechanical condition, and its

design and installation are not grossly incorrect, the amount of

liquid delivered should be nearly, if not quite, independent of the

speed at which it is operated, at least over all ranges of speed

which are practicable for manual operation. Exception should

be noted, however, to this statement, in those cases in which the

storage tank is so far below the cylinder of the pump that excessive reduction of pressure accompanied by volatilization occurs

in the liquid column when the piston is rapidly operated. This
Bureau of Standards Technologic Paper No. 81

Fig. 20.Testing with a ^-gallon standard, slicker plate, and

graduated cylinder. A conical i-gallon measure is seen at

the left

S3o8

Fig . 2 1

.

In testing outfits which have a low hose connection, care must be taken to insure drainage to a constant level if complete

drainage of the hose is not feasible. In this illustration the inspector is supporting the discharge cock at the level of the top of his standard measure. A stand or support might well

be supplied for use in such cases. Note that the pump m the background must force the measured liquid through a long pipe

line under the sidewalk

Liquid Measuring Pumps 23

effect is heightened by the presence of excessive resistance in the

suction line, such as will be consequent upon the presence of

numerous elbows and valves, excessive length of suction piping, or

constrictions in the pipe.

The inspector should assure himself by trial that the counter

or tallying device, whatever its type, gives correct indications.

He should see that it does not skip any numbers as the pump is

operated and that it does not fail to advance one number for

each complete cycle of operation. If the counter is found to be

unreliable, it should be removed, or else deranged in such a manner

that it does not indicate at all, pending the performance of proper

repairs.

The inspector may require that the counter be clearly visible

to both the customer and the operator, and that its indications

be legible and not obliterated by dirt or wear. There is an increasing and commendable tendency for manufacturers to increase

the size and legibility of the counters, and to place them in positions where their indications can be more easily observed.

The integrating counters with which many pumps are fitted are not of paramount interest or importance to the inspector of

weights and measures, since their indications figure principally

in the dealer's computation of his profits, losses, and sales, and

do not directly affect the purchases of the liquid commodity.

However, such counters sometimes go amiss, and lead to false

conclusions on the part of the dealer. Where such counters are shown on actual trial by counting of strokes to be reading incorrectly, they should be sent to the makers of the pump or their agents

for repair.

A number of cases have been noted in which there was an actual

siphoning of gasoline from the tank or from the filter chamber.

Such siphoning is particularly likely to occur in the case of the

wheeled tank, due to the fact that the end of the hose can be

brought to a point below the level of the liquid in the tank; the

difference in head resulting is sometimes sufficient to raise the

lift valves in the system and discharge a continuous stream without operation of the pump. In the case of stationary pumps

with tanks below grade, a similar action can occur by infiltration

of air through a point of leak at any place above the height of

outlet. Some makers have eliminated the siphoning by introducing into the discharge piping a spring check valve, which will

not open except under the relatively high pressure occurring during

the actual operation of the piston. Such a valve is desirable from
24 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

the point of view of safety as well as from its effect in reducing

the likelihood of excess delivery from the causes just outlined.

This siphoning action should not be confused with the gradual

spillage which is often noted as a result of the expansion of the

liquid in the pump chambers, due to an increase in temperature

by conduction through the cylinder walls, this action sometimes

occurring when gasoline is brought from a tank in which it is kept

relatively cool to a warmer region outside.

In connection with this topic of thermal expansion it is to be

noted that cases of short delivery are sometimes explicable on

the basis of contraction of volume of the liquid contained in the

pump due to a fall in temperature, as from evening to the next

morning. This contraction in volume will amount to about o. i per

cent for i° C. It is unavoidable

in the nature of things and suggests again the need of pumping

through a quantity of gasoline

before the pump is used for measurement after a period of disuse.

SEALING

After the pump has been tested

and found correct, or has been

adjusted by the inspector so as

to deliver correctly the indicated

amount of liquid on repeated trials,

it should be sealed . On account of

the great diversity in the types and

details of construction of the many pumps on the market, it will be

impossible in the space available fully to cover the methods of sealing each of the forms of measuring pumps; we must be content to

lay down a general principle and illustrate it by a few examples.

Obviously, a seal should be applied to every accessible part of

the pump upon which an adjustment can be made which would

directly affect the amount of liquid delivered. In the piston

type of pump this will always require the individual sealing of

the several piston limit stops; if the stop bar is threaded to permit

the rotation of the stops for the purpose of primary adjustment,

the alteration of the setting of the stops can be prevented by sealing in place the rod which limits the rotation of the stops upon the

threaded bar. This rod can be clearly seen in Fig. 25.

Fig. 26.

The slop on this pump is

sealed by inserting a lead seal into a

hole in the upper end of the pin pass- ing through washer No. I?
Bureau of Standards Technolosic Paper No. C1

Fig. 23.For sealing stops like those shown above, seals must be passed

through holes in the screws marked H

so as to engage with the slots or kerfs cut into the cast lugs in which these screws are supported

FlG. 24.

In this type the piston stops

are split vertically and may be made

secure against alteration by passing a

seal through one end of the screws which

hold together the two halves of the stop

Fig. 25.

In this type the alteration of the stops is prevented by

a vertical rod A which prevents the stops from being moved up

or down along the screw. To secure tliem against alteration

it is only necessary to seal in place the vertical rod A; provision for such sealing being usually made at its lower end

Liquid Measuring Pumps 25

In one make of pump the limit stops, instead of coacting with

the piston rod itself, are carried upon a gear wheel meshing with

a rack which forms an extension of the piston rod, as shown in

Fig. 27. These stops are usually set screws threaded through

cast lugs projecting from the face of the gear wheel. In order

to seal stops of this type it will be necessary either to drill straight

through the lugs and their contained screws, and pass the wire

seal through this hole, or to

seal in place the cover of the

case in which the gear is

contained, in such manner as to prevent effectually all ac- cess to the adjustable parts.

The type of piston stop in

which the security and permanence of the fastening

depends upon the friction of

a set screw upon a smooth

rod can not be considered

satisfactory. Sealing of this

type of stop by a metal cap

designed to make the head

of the set screw inaccessible

does not provide sufficient

security, and the only safe recourse is to drill completely through the lug and

stop bar, driving in a tightly

fitting headed pin, passing the usual wire seal through a hole in

the unheaded end of the pin.

Care should be taken in all cases to attach seals in such a manner

that they can not interfere with the proper operation of the

pump. The wires should be drawn up short so that the lead

seal lies snugly against the part secured.

The seals used for measuring pumps should be of a strong,

heavy type; exposure of the pump to out-of-doors conditions and

to hard use and abuse requires the use of seals having heavy

tinned braided wires and a lead disk large enough to afford secure clamping of the ends of the wire.

Fig. 27.

The adjustments of this type are usually secured by sealing shut the case inclos- ing the gear. If this can not be done, or if

there are slots in the gear case through -which

the screws may be reached from the outside,

holes should be drilled through the set screws in the interior of the case and the usual seal wires passed through these holes to prevent the screws from being moved
26 Technologic Papers of the Bureau of Standards

RECORDS

While the writer realizes the difficulties which frequently confront the weights and measures inspector in testing and supervising a large amount of apparatus with a limited force, it is his

opinion that the best results are to be obtained only by keeping

rather full and detailed records of inspections. By so doing the

inspector will develop a quicker and keener faculty of observation

and will grow to be more thorough in the work. Moreover, the

offering of such complete and explicit data in hearings and in court

will not fail to be impressive and convincing, and will enable the

administrative officer to deal more surely and expeditiously with

violations which may occur. The following form is suggested as one which has been used in extensive field work ; it will be found

to comprise most of the information which will be required in

the routine inspection and testing of measuring pumps. It is

of course subject to such modification as may be needed to bring

it into conformity with particular needs.

Test of Liquid-Measuring Pump Test No.

City Date Owner Address Maker of apparatus Inspector Type of apparatus Maker's No

Nominal delivery per stroke gal. Graduation of meter, measuring cylinder, gauge glass or counter gal. x gal. Selling price of commodity on date: c. a gal. Hose length. , feet. Hose diameter, internal, inches.

Number of observation

Speed o Nominal

discharge

Error (+ or -)

Within

tolerance Withouttolerance Remarks

i

2

3

4

56

78

9

10

Is hose high enough to insure satisfactory drainage? Does counter operate correctly? Other notes

Test full stroke as found and after use. Test or remove fractional stops.

« Slow, normal, or fast; or give, in seconds, time required for stroke.
Liquid Measuring Pumps 27

CONDITION OF PUMPS IN SERVICE

Of 79 measuring systems of various types chosen at random

and tested by the writer in a number of different cities, 55, or 70 per cent, had errors in excess of the tolerance allowable, and

24, or 30 per cent, had errors within the tolerances. In addition,

there were eight outfits so constructed as to be absolutely unsuited

for retail liquid dispensing. Of the 55 out of tolerance 80 per cent

gave deliveries in deficiency and 20 per cent in excess. This tendency toward deficient measurement is worthy of careful consideration, and it is only proper to call attention to the fact that

most of the causes of error in measuring-pump operation tend

toward the side of deficient delivery.1 Among these may be mentioned leaks, retention of liquid by the hose, excessive virtual suc- tion head, resulting in vaporization and other losses, failure to complete the full stroke, and slippage.

CONCLUSION

The results of this investigation will be placed at the disposal

of the tolerance committee of the conference and will form the

basis for such specifications as may be required in the normal

progress in this field. Suitable specifications suggested by the

results of this work will probably be presented at the next annual

conference, and in the interim the Bureau will treat particular

inquiries from weights and measures officials and manufacturers

in the light of the best information now in hand.

The Bureau will endeavor to maintain a full and up-to-date

mailing list of the makers of measuring pumps, and will strive to

keep in touch with current progress in the design of this apparatus.

Thanks are due a number of city weights and measures officials

who gave valuable aid in the work of this investigation, and to

manufacturers of measuring pumps generally, who in a gratifying

manner furnished drawings and other data and afforded the writer

an opportunity to visit their factories and study the methods of

manufacture.

Washington, June 30, 191 6.

1 Since the above was written, a great amount of additional field work has been done and the results show conditions generally to be in serious need of correction by thorough and regular supervision. The

results of these later investigations will soon be available in the form of a circular, which will be sent to those who request it.