Various manuscripts relating to the investigations into reforms of the standards. The volume includes R. Sheepshanks' handwritten papers on the imperial yard, correct measurement of yards and other lengths, comparisons of bars, the general history of standards and his own comparisons of standards, the selection of standard bars and his opinions on the Standards Committee. There are also memoranda on standard troy weights; reports of weights and measures for Manchester, 1850, 1852-1855 and 1857; a printed letter by Joseph Whitworth on producing 2 exact yards; a bill for weights for measuring gold bullion; a report on the superintendence of new parliamentary standards of lengths and weights; duplicate copies of the committee's proceedings; an act for preserving the restored standards of weights and measures; ordinances to the Cape of Good Hope; correspondence on Ziervogel's weights and measures bill; and a short letter by W.H. Miller.