World in the Balance
The Historic Quest for an Absolute System of Measurement
Robert P. Crease (Author, Stony Brook University)
“Shows that the story of metrology . . . can in the right hands make for a riveting read.”—The Economist
Millions of transactions each day depend on a reliable network of weights and measures. But achieving such a network was anything but easy, as Robert P. Crease, physicist and philosopher, demonstrates in this endlessly fascinating, always entertaining look at just how this international system evolved. From the link between musical pitch and distance in the dynasties of ancient China and the use of figurines to measure gold in West Africa to the creation of the French metric and British imperial systems, Crease takes readers along on one of history’s greatest philosophical and scientific adventures.
Book Details
- Paperback
- October 2012
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ISBN 978-0-393-34354-0
- 5.5 × 8.3 in
/ 320 pages
- Territory Rights: Worldwide
Other Formats
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Hardcover
Endorsements & Reviews
“A colorful tale of global conquest driven by kings, revolutionaries, polyglots and privateers.” — Science News
“[A] fascinating book.” — New Scientist
“By any measure, this book is a delight.” — Natural History
“Takes the seemingly mundane questions we unthinkingly ask dozens of times a day and reveals them to be thrillingly profound.” — Richard Panek, author of The 4% Universe
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Paperback
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