what is the historical origin of the 24-inch gauge and how do preston and mackey interpret its division

The tool originates in operative stonemasonry, where craftsmen used a two-foot rule divided into twenty-four inches to measure and take the dimensions of stone during preparation 1. Speculative Freemasonry adopted it as a working tool of the Entered Apprentice 1.

Albert Mackey interprets the twenty-four divisions as representing the twenty-four hours of the day 1. In his reading, the gauge teaches the Mason to measure his time by dividing the day into three eight-hour portions: eight hours devoted to the service of God and a worthy distressed brother, eight to his usual vocation, and eight to refreshment and sleep 1.

The supplied passages do not contain William Preston's commentary or interpretation of the gauge.