In order to help us to understand the world, we measure and record an enormous amount of information. This book covers units used both in everyday life and in scientific subjects, complete with explanations, conversion equations and conversion tables.
Systems of measurement were created to quantify natural phenomena and to allow us to deal more effectively with everyday life. People have measured lengths, weights and time since earliest times. Accurate measurements of weight were needed for trading goods and of length for marking out property and for building - and for these measurements to work they have to be based upon agreed standards. From those early measurements, many other units have been developed, each designed for a particular purpose.