I have considered how essential to Justice it is, to have Scale Beams constructed on true principles, for which purpose with great deference, I have ventured the following opinions, which, if convey any Instruction’s you may dispose of as you think proper.

1st. Beams made with centres on a straight line, I conveive can never answer the intended purpose, for when either end has preponderated by what is generally called the draft, that draft taken out, tis’ impossible for the Beam to return to its true horizontal position, because there is no power to cause that return.

2nd Beam’s constructed with their middle centre’s below their ends, acts in a greater extream than the first for when the draft is put in one Scale, that scale will not cease to lower until, the other end takes against that part that supports the whole beam and I find the Beam never will resume its equilibrium state with out some weight or other force; for the centre of the preponderating end always continues a greater distance from a perpendicular line through the centre of the Beam than the other end, which is an insuperable barr to its ever returning to a Horizontal state; therefore tis’ evident a Beam constructed on this plan never will answer the intended purpose.

3rd But a Beam whose middle centre is above that of its ends in a due proportion which I have not exactly ascertained, but suppose of the angle of one degree in all Beams, I conceive will answer the desired purpose, for when one end is depressed by the draft, that end will be found to be nearer to a perpendicular line through the Centre of the Beam than the other end, therefore when the draft is taken out of that end, the other being a greater distance from the perpendicular line is alway ready and does Act the moment the draft is taken out and after a few vibrations, rests in the true Horizontal position, the Vibrations will be in proportion as the middle centre is above those of the ends. Those last principles I conceive are the true ones upon which all Beams should be constructed. I am with great Respect Your Humble Servant