A Measure of Everything: An Illustrated Guide to the Science of Measurement

by Christopher Joseph (Editor), Adam Parfitt (Contributor), David Price (Contributor)

A comprehensive reference and history book on what is measured and why. Measurement is one of humankind's oldest and most vital activities. By measuring height, speed, size, temperature, strength and many other factors, humans can compare, improve and progress. In fact, measurement is an essential tool for survival. A Measure of Everything is a wide-ranging and comprehensive guide to what is measured and why. The book begins when the basic measurements were as simple as more, less and enough. As societies evolved, relative measurements were no longer sufficient. Advances in language allowed more precise measurements. Short distances were measured in relation to parts of the human body. For example, the ancient measurement cubit was the length of a pharaoh's arm plus the width of his hand. As society and culture progress and change, so do measurements. The rise of astronomy and the sciences demanded more exact measurements. These measurements are typically named after the discovering scientist, e.g., henry, curie, watt, rutherford, fahrenheit. This book features 28 categories organized into three - Earth and Life astronomy, distance, time, meteorology, medicine, and five others. - Physical chemistry, mathematics, physics, speed, weight, temperature, and three others. - Technology and computers, engineering, finance, food, textiles, and four others. A Measure of Everything is an informative and entertaining book that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Genres: Reference, Mathematics

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2006