Plummet

This word is derived from the Latin Plumbum, lead, as a piece thereof is fastened to the end of a thread. The instrument itself is used by masons, . to draw perpendiculars with, in order to judge whether walls, . be upright planes, horizontal, . Pilots, at sea, likewise ascertain their soundings by it. In the forming of recruits it is used to fix lines. Plummets which vibrate the required times of march in the minute, are of great utility, and can alone prevent, or correct uncertainty of movement; they must be in the po e ion of, and be constantly referred to by each instructor of a squad. A musquet ball suspended by a string which is not subject to stretch, (and must of course be kept constantly dry) and on which are marked the different required lengths, will answer the above purpose, may be easily acquired, and should be frequently compared with an accurate standard in the adjutant’s, or serjeant-major’s po e ion. The length of the plummet is to be measured from the point of suspension to the centre of the ball. Accurate distances or steps of 24 inches must also be marked out on the ground, along which the soldier should be practised to march, and thereby acquire the just length of pace.