This speech was prepared for the National Conference on Metrication which was planned for April 1977 (but cancelled). In it the author observes that it is necessary to be clear about which of the several versions of the metric system is being adopted. He cites the relationship between the metric system and decimal numeration, and calls to task those who try to think in terms of halves, quarters, and eighths of metric units. He discusses selected aspects of conversion to the metric system in England, Canada, and South Africa. He concludes the paper with discussions of five conditions he finds inextricably related to successful conversion to the metric system: freedom, voluntarism, concensus, leadership, and cost. (SD)