Subject
Weights and measures -- History Books
Best books
William Ridgeway
The Origin of Metallic Currency and Weight Standards
"The Origin of Metallic Currency and Weight Standards" by William Ridgeway is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work primarily explores the inception and development of metallic currency and weight standards throughout ancient civilizations, utilizing a comparative method to analyze how these systems evolved over time. The author delves into the significance of these standards in the advancement of civilization and critiques previous scholarly approaches to the subject. The opening of the book sets the stage for a thorough investigation into the origins of currency and weight systems, focusing particularly on the evidence of early Greek records. Ridgeway begins by linking the concepts of wealth in ancient societies to barter systems, noting that value was often expressed in terms of livestock, such as cows. He critiques existing theories and emphasizes the importance of revisiting Greek literature, particularly the works of Homer, to uncover the relationships between early units of exchange. This initial discussion indicates Ridgeway's aim to provide fresh insights into the mechanisms that underpinned ancient economies, suggesting that understanding these roots is critical for comprehending modern monetary systems.
Edward Nicholson
Men and Measures
"Men and Measures" by Edward Nicholson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work provides a comprehensive exploration of the development and evolution of weights and measures from ancient civilizations to modern times. Nicholson aims to showcase the significance of various measurement systems, particularly focusing on the origins of the metric and imperial units commonly used today. The opening of the book introduces the concept of measurement systems as fundamentally related to human anatomy, with ancient measures derived from parts of the human body, such as the cubit and span. The author discusses the transition from these natural standards to established units, highlighting the historical importance of precise measurements in various cultures. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of ancient systems, such as the Egyptian cubit, and forms a foundation for examining the broader implications of evolving standards throughout history.
Arthur S. C. Wurtele
Standard Measures of United States, Great Britain and France History and actual comparisons. With appendix on introduction of the mètre
"Standard Measures of United States, Great Britain and France" by Arthur S. C. Wurtele is a scientific publication written in the early 1880s. The book explores the various systems of measurement used in the U.S., Great Britain, and France, focusing on the historical evolution and practical comparisons of standard units of length. In his work, Wurtele delves into the complexities and inconsistencies associated with measurements such as yards, meters, and toises. He provides a thorough historical account of how standards were established and refined over time in each country. Through extensive comparisons, Wurtele highlights the discrepancies between different standards while emphasizing the importance of context, such as material composition and temperature, in achieving measurement accuracy. The book concludes with a critical assessment of the practicalities of adopting the metric system in the U.S., arguing for the value of existing standards in everyday life and commerce.
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