DEVELOPMENT OF
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
What is measurement?
Measurement refers to the methods used to determine length, volume, distance, mass
(weight), or some other quantity or dimension. Each measurement is defined by spe-
cific units, such as inches and centimeters for length, or pounds and kilograms for
weight. Such measurements are an integral part of our world, from their importance
in travel and trade, to weather forecasting and engineering a bridge.
Is measurement tiedto mathematics?
Yes, measurement is definitely tied to mathematics. In particular, the first steps
toward mathematics was using units (and eventually numbers) to describe physical
quantities. There had to be a way to add and subtract the quantities, and most of those
crude “calculations” were based on fundamental mathematics. For example, in order
to trade horses for gold, merchants had to agree on how much a certain amount of
gold (usually as weight) was worth, then translate that weight measurement into their
barter system. In other words, “x” amount of gold would equal “y” amount of horses. 41
MATHEMATICS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
When did people first start using measurements?
N
o one knows for certain the who, where, or when of the first use of measure-
ments. No doubt people developed the first crude measurement systems out
of necessity. For example, knowing the height of a human, versus the height of a
lion, versus the height of the grass in which a human hid were probably some of
the first (intuitive and necessary) measurements.The first indications of measurements being used date back to around 6000
BCEin what today encompasses the area from Syria to Iran. As populations grew
and the main source of food became farmland rather than wild game, new ways
of calculating crops for growing and storage became necessary. In addition, in
certain cultures during times of plenty, each person—depending on their status
(from adult men who received the most, to women, children, and slaves who
were given less)—received a specific measurement of food. During a famine, in
order to stretch supplies, a certain minimal measurement of food was divided
between each person. It is thought that the first true measuring was done by
hand—in particular, measuring grains by the handful. In fact, the half-pint, or
the contents of two hands cupped together, may be the only volume unit with a
natural explanation.