On 19 Dec 2002, at 21:31, Bill N wrote:

> I was sitting in my Westy, wrapping Christmas presents, many of which
> needed batteries, when I noticed something.
>
> Some of the items took D batteries, and some took C batteries.  Some took
> AA batteries, and some took AAA batteries.
>
> This lettering system implies the existence of size A and size B batteries.
>  Why have I never seen one of those?  I was just wondering...
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill in the Southwest

Possibly those terms (A & B) are not used to avoid confusion with earlier
conventions.  In the tube days, "B" batteries referred to the high voltage
batteries used to supply plate voltage; ie, multi-cell batteries.  I have
a vague recollection of an "A" battery but the synapses aren't all firing.
 I think the term referred to the large cells used for tube filaments.
Maybe someone else can help more.

//Jack