Metrication

Metrication, or metrification, is the process of converting from the various other systems of units used throughout the world to the metric or SI (Système International) system. This process was begun in France in the 1790's and spread over the following two centuries to all but four countries, representing 95% of the world's population. The process was completed in most of the world in the 19th and early 20th centuries, replacing numerous historical weights and measures. The countries of the former British Empire completed metrification during the second half of the 20th century, with Ireland recently completing metrication on 20th January 2005. Today only the UK, U.S., Liberia and Burma (Myanmar) have not fully metricated, although Liberia and Myanmar use it in practice and the UK is currently in the process of conversion. Only France, the US, UK and Japan saw any large scale popular opposition to metrication, the main objections being based on tradition, aesthetics and distaste for a 'foreign' system.

Before Metric

:See main article: Historical weights and measures

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Medieval trade was organised on a city by city basis by city Guilds, which set local laws on weights and measures. For example, the ell or elle was a unit of length commonly used in Europe, but its value varied from 40.2 cm in one part of Germany to 70 cm in Holland to 94.5 cm in Edinburgh. When Isaac Newton wrote his important work Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica in 1687, he quoted his measurements in Parisian feet so his readers could understand their size. Various efforts were made to have local intercity or national standards for measurements, such as a Scottish law of 1641 and the British standard Imperial unit system of 1845, which is still used in the UK. However, Revolutionary France was to produce the definitive Système International which has come to be used by 95% of the world today.

Related Topics:
Guilds - Germany - Holland - Edinburgh - Isaac Newton - Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica - Imperial unit - Revolutionary France - Système International

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