Re: measuring systems (was: Selenites)

Carlos Thompson wrote:

> As I posted on the Colombian case, Germans adopted the metric system, and
> then "ein Pfund" would better have 500 grams, than 436 g (or what ever value
> it previusly had).  The same way, if the USA would widely adopt the metric
> system (as I know is used in many scientific and official papers, but not in
> every day life), probably the words mile and pound would be continue to be
> used but being adapted to the new system.  Then one mile would be 1.50 or
> 1.60 kilometers, and a pound would be 500 or 400 grams, an a foot 30 cm.  I
> believe this would be no problem if the metric system is adopted, but I
> believe it would be more confusing if its done by decret or something
> without adopting metric system completely.
Wait, I didn't say that we would have two systems, I said that we would
have one system, and add new elements to the international system already in
use, as part of our one system.  It would be entirely based off of the metric
international equivalents, such that anyone who learned the basic unit equivalence
would have no trouble, because it too would be based on the decimal system.

As it stands, the present pound equals 453 g;  it would be a simple matter
to have a 500 g measurement and name it "pound'.  Presently the inch is equal
to 2.54 cm;  it would be simple to make it either 2.5 cm (1/4 of decimeter) or
2 cm (1/5 of a decimeter).  There would be no possibility for confusion unless
the person refuses to learn the new system;  there is nothing difficult about having
a few new things.  And if anybody thinks it's gonna be hard to change over,
then let them see how hard it was for the British to change their monetary system.

(I frankly don't understand the argument that keeping the names would cause
confusion;  context will always tell you that, almost without exception, I'm sure)

> Let's say, don't tell people you are changing the system.
Uh... there is no way you could hide such a thing.  It wouldhave to be done on a
nationwide scale.  You're either gonna
have to change it, or don't change it.

> Make 1 foot = 10 inches
Okay, good start, but better IMO within my metric plan:1 inch = 2.5 cm
10 inches = 1 foot = 25 cm (almost the present 30.48,
but more coherent within the system)
4 feet = 1 meter

>  Make 1 mile = 5000 feet
Within my system, one could have:
1 mile = 4000 feet = 1 km = 1000 m

> Make 1 pound = 400 g
Moving the pound from its present value of 453 g to 500 would beeasier and more workable,
IMO (note also this is exactly what Germany
has already done).

> Make 1 ounce = 25 g (keep 1 pound = 16 ounces)
What about:

50 g = 1 ounce = 1/10 pound

> Then, if you were 5'9" tall you are now 5,8 feet tall, if you weighted 200
> pound, now you weight 218 pound.
I'm 5'9": in my system, I'd be:

175 cm = 70 inches = 7 feet (woohoo!).



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Tom Wier <artabanos@...>
ICQ#: 4315704   AIM: Deuterotom
Website: <http://www.angelfire.com/tx/eclectorium/>
"Cogito ergo sum, sed credo ergo ero."

We look at [the Tao], and do not see it;
  Its name is the Invisible.
                 - Lao Tsu, _Tao Te Ching_

Nature is wont to hide herself.
                 - Herakleitos
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