If, therefore, 45,240 tenths inches correspond to 1,296,000 seconds, then one-tenth inch equals 1,296,000 divided by 45,240, or 28.6 seconds. The definition is therefore 28.6 seconds, or practically half a minute.
The definition should be as follows:
| For 6.5 power glass | 30 seconds. |
| For 5.5 power glass | 35 seconds. |
| For 4.5 power glass | 40 seconds. |
| For 3.5 power glass | 55 seconds. |
(d) Light: The light of a field glass is expressed by a number which is the ratio of the amount of light which reaches the eye through the glass to the amount which enters the eye unaided. This comparison will be reached by means of the absorption apparatus furnished by the Signal Corps. This apparatus consists of two wedge-shaped vessels made of brass with glass windows in the sides, and are filled with a perfectly black liquid. The sky line is first viewed through the apparatus with the naked eye and the instrument adjusted to limit of visibility. The reading of the scale is then noted. The sky line is again observed, using the glass, but in other respects as before, and a second scale reading obtained. The ratio of these readings measure the illuminating power of the glass which must conform to the standard sample.
4. Service field glass, type A.—(a) This glass shall conform in general to the model, now on file in the office of the Chief Signal Officer at Washington. The arrangement for changing automatically from the low power to the high power, and vice versa, by the interposition of the plus lens at the proper distance in front of the eyepiece, must be strictly adhered to.
(b) The low power shall be approximately 3½ diameters and the high power shall be approximately 5½ diameters. The figure of merit given by multiplying the numbers of diameters power by the number of degrees of field will be considered in the examination of samples, along with the other properties of light, sharpness of definition, and general excellence.
(c) The tubes, frame, and metal fittings shall be of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, with the exception that such metal parts as in the opinion of the maker require greater strength may be made of brass.
Tubes shall be held firmly in the frame, single draw, the draw action to be through a bearing surface of at least five-eighths of an inch of best black felt, perfectly fitted so as to preserve perfect alignment.
The exterior metal parts, except where leather covered, must be given the best and most durable, lusterless black finish. The tubes and shades will be neatly covered with best quality tanned calfskin, the leather to be sewed on, and the seams to lie flat next to the focusing standard.