Gabb, Thomas: Finis pyramidis or Disquisitions concerning the antiquity and scientific end of the great pyramid of Giza, or ancient Memphis, in Egypt, and of the first standard of linear measure (Retford, 1806)

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might restore the ancient standard, since our foot,
(however it has so happened,) is the only one out of
such a variety, that has this commensurate relation to
it. The table, therefore, of the comparative relation
that any number of pyramidic feet bears, to an equiva•
lent in our present foot and it's adequate fractions,
would be simple and perspicuous. Whereas the new
French metre would require a table of comparison re-
plete with unsatisfactory and endless fractions, in
attempting to ascertain the value of any number of
their pied de roy, in relation to their new metre : since
if ft.2, for example, be compared with the said metre, the
result is 2.052933 &c. if 7, again be compared, the rela-
tion is equally unattainable, the result being 74$526966Φ
&c. ad indefinitura.

Whereas any number of pyramidic feet may be
valued exactly in English feet, by the multiple .7296,
and 2 such feet, for example are == ft.1, in.5.5104; and
7 such = ft.5, in.1.2864. Hence, we English, by restor-
ing that primitive standard of the Pyramid, might, not
only recognize the foot of the remotest ancient authors,
but also retain our present denominations of yard, foot,
inch, &c. and many useful scales, thereon depending.

But the French, by their new invention, or rather
metrical project, for, in fact, they have invented nothing;
have completely destroyed all reference to their own
pied de roy, and to every established standard of the
present and past ages. Borda, aware of this effect of
his project, gave up the duodecimal division, and adopt-
ed the decimal, by which is retained a fallacious appear«
ance of commensurability with the pied de roy, as seen
in the following table, which the law obliged him to
adopt.

TABLE.