A Measure of All Things: The Story of Man and Measurement

by Ian Whitelaw

Book Overview

Every wonder how long a cubit really is? How much is in a hogshead and what it refers to? Or the difference between a light year, a parsec and a Planck length? How many pings there are in an acre and who uses which term in what context? Every wonder where all these terms and formats came from and how they are used? Well, wonder no more In the tradition of Schott's Miscellany, A Measure of All Things is a well-researched page-turning, illustrated look...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312370261
• ISBN13: 9780312370268
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Fascinating Romp Through the World of Measurement

When I first leafed through this book, I got the impression that it was simply a listing of various units used in the measurement of various quantities. However, upon closer examination, I realized that it was much more that. For each of the various units that are discussed, the author gives its historical origin, its evolution and its current standing. In eleven chapters, the author covers everything from length, area and volume to energy, radioactivity and lasers. The last chapter covers miscellaneous topics such as the perceived hotness of chili peppers, the hardness of various materials and ring sizes. The writing style is very clear, authoritative and friendly. Although anyone would be fascinated by this book, it would likely be most enjoyed by science buffs - especially those with a passion for the physical sciences.