REVIEW.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2793, 30 January 1872, Page 2

REVIEW.

Gauging Tables, for finding the Content and Ullage Quantities of Hogsheads , QuarterCasks, and Octaves, with directions for taking the necessary measurements. By S. J. Jackman. H. Wise, Princes street, Dunedin. Gauging has always been a specialty, be* cause it involves intricate calculations based upon geometrical rales, which require the exercise of judgement, owing to the peculiar forms of casks. If only straight lines were as strong as curved ones, equally able to resist shocks from without, and to protect the precious liquids contained within, and if casks were the same diameter from end to end, gauging would have been a comparatively simple affair. Like Sir Hudibras, with a cylinder only to deal with, one might then have gauged by geometric scale the quantities in casks of ale. But those horrid curves hg.ve nftt fcitjierto submitted to be dealt with so simply. We have examined Mr Jackman’s book, however, and think he has done much to remove the difficulty. In our young days, we had the good fortune to become a sort of quasi pupil of an able gauger, who, like Mr Jackman, published an elaborate work on the science- True to the spirit of times, the two books present strong contrasts. Our early friend, long since passed to his rest, wrote for the learned. He prefaced his work by telling the world that none need attempt to master his system who was not a mathematician. Mr Jackman, on the other hand, seeks to help those who are not mathematicians, to ascertain for themselves the contents of casks of liquor. The knowledge of how to do this is of vast importance, when it is considered that every merchant is an importer of wines, ale, and spirits; and as the Government will not allow their officers to practice privately, every man must be his own gauger. We have not subjected the tables by which this desirable purpose is attained, to the test of calculation, but we have examined the plan and arrangement of the work, and we should say he must be a very poor arithmetician who.cannot, by a few hours study, so far master the method prescribed, as to be able to ascertain for himself the contents of. casks. Mr Jackman has conferred a boon upon the mercantile world which ent ties him to their thanks. His labor must have been immense, and we fear thap ths ffeiSfiapd % Sft vMpablq a bpok, inviting such an expenditure of time and mental application, wi}l be top limited to repay him. It is neatly printed and sewed, and in such a form as to be readily used. We heartily commend this work to every dealer in wine, spirits, or ale,—no matter whether buyer or seller. Whatever the price, it is worth the money, in order that merchants and traders may be able to protect their own interests.