PREFACE. A VERY few words will explain the object of this treatise. It purports to be a book of reference for the use of those engaged in domestic and foreign commerce. It states under each country the denominations of money used in keeping accounts, and shows their British value. It enumerates under distinct heads the gold, silver, and copper, or bronze coins, and the measures and weights of each country, and gives their English, as also their French or Metric values. This information is, to a great extent, official. It is mainly based upon the authority of gentlemen who have long resided in the countries treated of. A series of questions on the coinage and metrology of the several countries was addressed to the Foreign Ministers and Consuls in the United Kingdom, and to the English Ministers and Consuls abroad. In almost all cases clear and satisfactory answers were promptly and courteously afforded. The author is fully aware that such a species of labour does not fall within the range of either Ministerial or Consular duties, and it is for that reason that he feels, and acknowledges himself so much indebted to the members of the Diplomatic and Consular Services at home and abroad. |