EARTH MODELS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2687, 17 November 1882, Page 2

EARTH MODELS.

The weighty question of the supply of models of the earth for schools is now before the Board of Education. The price of the article provided by Professor Bickorton is, wo believe, about £ L Is, while Mr. O. C. Howard profea ses that he has attained the same object as that served by the more expensive article at a cost of 10s 6d each. Bat another Richmond is in tho field, who, at the ridiculously low price of 2s fid per model, is prepared to open tho youthful mind as to tho figure, weight, and proportions of this stib-luuar sphere. The Board’s decision in the matter is deferred until it has convinced itself as to the respectivs merits of the models, hut there is hard wort ahead of that body. Its members have not been hoisted into their present position by reason of any large mathematical knowledge they may individually possess. A really good model, we believe, bears a proportion to the true weight of the earth—that is to say, by multiplying i<s weight by a certain number the true weight of tho earth is obtained. Even in the case of the one guinea model the numbers need will have to be large, and will bo such as might wall appal a more scientific body than the Board. But as to tho twoand-sixpenny model, it is difficult to imagine that tho Beard can be at all up to tho necessary mark. We prosumo a special meeting will bo held to examine tho relative merits of tho models. After a little exercise of this description the Beard might take observations on the transit of "Venus, and otherwise make themselves scientifically useful.