The weight of his body--which, not being a constant quantity, is at all times an unsafe standard--would not serve in the present instance.

The calculation they desired to make was of too important a character to be based upon such an untrustworthy foundation.

Karl perceived this plainly enough; but it did not discourage him from prosecuting his purpose to make the attempt he had proposed.
"Well, brother!" said he, looking smilingly towards the latter, and apparently rather pleased at Caspar's acuteness; "I acknowledge you have had the better of the argument this time; but that's no reason why I should give up my plan.

There are many other ways of ascertaining the weight of an object; and no doubt if I were to reflect a little I could hit upon one; but as luck has it, we need not trouble ourselves further about that matter.

If I mistake not, we have a standard of weight in our possession, that is just the thing itself." "What standard ?" demanded Caspar.
"One of the leaden bullets of your own gun.