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

by Ian Whitelaw

The progression and evolution of measurement has run parallel to the development of civilisation. From early systems that made universal trade possible all the way to modern methods that allow investigation, understanding and control of the chemical, physical and biological processes of the natural world. Understand the origins of our units of measurement, who discovered them, the ways in which they have developed and changed over time and the many connections between them. Together units of measurement help us to fathom the scale of the universe and give mankind a set of tools that enable us to think in detail about the physical world and extend our knowledge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2007

Reviews

[Siobhan Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of some history of units and measurements and also relationships between systems of measurement. My biggest conclusion, however, is that the Imperial system is very, very, very stupid.

[Ian Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy to digest book that gives an insight into the haptic origins of measurements

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Christopher Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those rare books in which you learn something surprisingly interesting in every single chapter.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about various forms of measurement. I was most interested in the history behind the units rather than the units themselves. I did skip sections if it was more about the definition of units or anything that reminded me too much of physics 101.

[geekboy42 · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are scientist, engineer, or techie, it is worth a borrow and a quick read. Not a reference book, thanks to that, but more of the background of "where units of measurement came from".

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book! Very informative. The world would indeed be in chaos without standardized measurements. :)