Origin of length measurements from "summary" of The Long and the Short of It by Graeme Donald
The concept of measuring length is one that has evolved over time, with different civilizations coming up with their own systems and standards. The origins of length measurements can be traced back to early human history, where people used body parts such as the hand, foot, and cubit to measure length. These measurements were not standardized and varied from person to person, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in trade and construction. As civilizations developed and trade became more widespread, there was a need for a standardized system of measurement. This led to the creation of units such as the inch, foot, and yard, which were based on the dimensions of the human body. These units were later standardized by rulers and governments to ensure consistency and accuracy in measurements. One of the earliest known standardized systems of measurement was the Egyptian cubit, which was based on the length of the Pharaoh's arm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. This unit ...
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