I HAVE read with interest the article in NATURE of September 2, p. 325, on the weights and measures of India by Mr. Silberrad, president Indian Weights and Measures Committee. Mr. Silberrad reports conditions much the same as I found them in India in 1910. One of the pleasures in reading NATURE is that the desirability of producing commodities and methods of service is taken for granted. Now in attacking this problem it is assumed that a simple, useful system of weights and measures is desired for India. While in India I was asked to rewrite the article on weights and measures for the “Times Year-book,” and in looking up data in this connexion, I came across the permissive Metric Act of 1871. This Act represents one of the attempts of the leaders of India to secure the advantages of the general use of the metric system. By it the Viceroy of India is empowered to make what preliminary arrangements might be necessary, and proclaim the date after which metric weights and measures shall come into general use.