A Brief History Of Units Of Measurement

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

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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.