Millions of transactions each day depend on a reliable network of weights and measures. This network has been called a greater invention than the steam engine, comparable only to the development of the printing press. Robert P. Crease traces the evolution of this international system from the use of flutes to measure distance in the dynasties of ancient China and figurines to weigh gold in West Africa to the creation of the French metric and British imperial systems. The former prevailed, with the United States one of ...
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Millions of transactions each day depend on a reliable network of weights and measures. This network has been called a greater invention than the steam engine, comparable only to the development of the printing press. Robert P. Crease traces the evolution of this international system from the use of flutes to measure distance in the dynasties of ancient China and figurines to weigh gold in West Africa to the creation of the French metric and British imperial systems. The former prevailed, with the United States one of three holdout nations. Into this captivating history Crease weaves stories of colorful individuals, including Thomas Jefferson, an advocate of the metric system, and American philosopher Charles S. Peirce, the first to tie the meter to the wavelength of light. Tracing the dynamic struggle for ultimate precision, World in the Balance demonstrates that measurement is both stranger and more integral to our lives than we ever suspected.
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Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $1.25, good condition, Sold by Once Upon A Time Books rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tontitown, AR, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear. This is a used book in good condition and may show some signs of use or wear.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $1.99, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.01, good condition, Sold by Read&Dream rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from SAINT LOUIS, MO, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by WW Norton & Co.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.08, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.08, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.10, very good condition, Sold by Open Books Ltd rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.99, like new condition, Sold by 8trax Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mansfield, MA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.99, very good condition, Sold by 8trax Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mansfield, MA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.99, good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of World in the Balance: the Historic Quest for an to cart. $2.99, good condition, Sold by Books From California rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Simi Valley, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by W. W. Norton & Company.
