Even after many efforts to have a uniform unit of
measurement—metric system—all across the globe, we still all see variations in
the measurement of units, whether it is length, or weight. While most countries
have switched to the International Unit of System, countries such as Liberia,
Myanmar, the United Kingdom, the United States, still adhere to mile. The same
is true for other units, such as, inches to cm. This variation emanates from history, as at different times when
world was not globalized, regulatory authorities of different country put
forward guidelines for units to be used.
Let us look at this history, which will give you better
insight.
Mile in Roman Times
The Romans first introduced the mile, not as what we know it
today. It meant the distance equal to one thousand paces; in today’s unit of
measurement, it is equal to 1,480 meters. The present day definition of mile
was not in practice until the 13th century. At that time, obviously, the notion
of standardized unit was not conceived.
Act of Weights and Measurements
It was British, who in 1824, passed an act of weights and
measurements, which made the Imperial Units of Measurement standard. The act
applied uniformly in Britain and the colonies it had. Apparently, independent
nations followed their own unique unit of measurement for length, or weight.
Present Standardized
System
The confusion because of the variation in the units kept on
going for almost 200 years, until 1959. In that year, the present standardized
system—almost standardized—was came into existence, where international
community related to of measurement agreed upon the International Mile. At
present, the international mile equals to 0.3048 m
.
Even after officially embracing the standardized system,
countries are not able to change the road signs and speedometers, as people,
having used mile as unit of measurement for centuries, are not comfortable with
the sudden change.
Although, we can say the purpose of the metric system is
fulfilled as the scientific community has accepted the standardized units. The
Metric System simplifies measurements, as accepted units of measurements being
divisible by ten, are much easier to understand. This change makes easy teach
to future generations. It is hoped that the future generation will learn, chucking
the baggage of history, to use the standardized units. Hope for the time, when measurement converter would not be used
anymore.
