In the third of the series of articles on writing metric symbols, I propose a practical solution to improve the writing of metric symbols. My solution addresses one major source of metric symbol errors that I identified in my previous article.
Continue reading “One proposed solution to improve writing of metric symbols”Month: June 2023
Too many take the easy way out when writing metric symbols
Following the previous article about the limited impact of UKMA’s Metric Style Guide and the widespread mistakes in writing metric symbols, we look at one major source of these mistakes. Too many avoid the use of awkward characters that cannot be found on a standard keyboard and end up writing metric symbols incorrectly.
Continue reading “Too many take the easy way out when writing metric symbols”Metric Style Guide – has it had any effect?
Despite the best efforts of UKMA to promote correct usage, the writing of metric symbols leaves much to be desired. Former UKMA Chair Robin Paice reflects on the impact of the UKMA’s Metric Style Guide since its publication, evaluates other style guides, comments on the teaching of measurement units in schools and makes suggestions for UKMA’s committee to improve the situation.
Continue reading “Metric Style Guide – has it had any effect?”The conflict between measurement choice and accuracy
When the Government launched its “Choice on units of measurement: markings and sales” consultation, it stated that it is committed to reviewing the current law to identify how more choice can be given to businesses and consumers over the units of measurement they use for trade, while ensuring that measurement information remains accurate. These two objectives are in direct conflict. If you want to know how they conflict, read on.
Continue reading “The conflict between measurement choice and accuracy”Amended REUL Bill is a big improvement over the original Bill
When former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg introduced the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, around 4000 laws were due to be scrapped at the end of this year. He and his pro-Brexit supporters had no idea which ones will disappear, what, if anything, will replace them and which ones will be kept. This has been replaced with a list of almost 600 laws that will be revoked or sunset by the end of this year. Each law on the list is shown with its associated government department, its purpose and the reason for revocation.
Continue reading “Amended REUL Bill is a big improvement over the original Bill”The central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System
In December 2022, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published a report called “UK Measurement Strategy for the National Measurement System”. It describes the importance of measurement in our everyday lives but says little about the central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System (NMS). In fact, it barely mentions it.
Continue reading “The central role of the metric system in the UK National Measurement System”Indestructible metric standards
All seven base units in the metric system are based on constants of nature. This means that they can never be destroyed. The seven SI base units are the metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela. All other SI units are derived from these base units. Hence, they are called SI derived units. Anyone with the right laboratory equipment and expertise can reproduce any of these base units. The problem with tying units to physical objects is that they can be destroyed, and they tend to degrade over time.
Continue reading “Indestructible metric standards”Limitations of body-based measurements
The Daily Mail recently published an article on University of Helsinki research about the merits of body-based measurements. The article says that they are easily accessible, enable us to make approximate measurements and give us valuable insights into the history of measurement. However, body parts do not make good measuring devices because everyone is different and even tailors use tape measures. The historical use of body-based measurements led to the proliferation of different handspans, cubits, feet and inches. This caused problems for international trade and co-operation.
Continue reading “Limitations of body-based measurements”Pippa Musgrave’s messages to Boris Johnson are still relevant to the imperialists in power
Pippa Musgrave is a fully qualified Inspector of Weights and Measures, Food Standards Officer and Trading Standards Officer with over 20 years of experience. When Boris Johnson was prime minister, Pippa wrote some critical messages addressed to him on Twitter about his policy to reintroduce imperial units in the marketplace. Despite the fact that these messages were written in September 2021, they are still relevant to the imperialist politicians who want us to go back to imperial units.
Continue reading “Pippa Musgrave’s messages to Boris Johnson are still relevant to the imperialists in power”
Metric Views 