One challenge was the lack of accurate instruments from "summary" of The Measure of All Things by Ken Alder
The lack of accurate instruments posed a significant challenge for the scientists tasked with measuring the world. In the early 18th century, precision instruments were not readily available, and those that did exist were often unreliable and inconsistent. This presented a major obstacle to the French Academy of Sciences, which had set out to create a new standard of measurement based on the natural world. Without accurate instruments, the scientists were forced to rely on less precise methods to take their measurements. For example, they used wooden rods, chains, and ropes to measure distances, which were prone to stretching, shrinking, or breaking, leading to inaccuracies in their calculations. This made it difficult to obtain reliable and consistent data, making the task of measuring the world even more challenging. In addition to the limitations of their tools, the scientists also had to contend with external factors that could affect their measurements. Variations in temperature, humidity, and elevation could all impact the accuracy of their instruments, further complicating their efforts to create a standardized system of measurement. Despite these challenges, the scientists persevered in their quest to measure the world, using a combination of ingenuity, creativity, and sheer determination to overcome the limitations of their instruments. Through trial and error, they were able to refine their methods and develop new techniques for taking measurements, eventually achieving the level of precision required to create the meter, the unit of measurement that would come to define the modern world. The story of the scientists' struggle to overcome the lack of accurate instruments serves as a testament to the human spirit of inquiry and exploration. It demonstrates the power of persistence and innovation in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and reminds us of the importance of pushing the boundaries of knowledge in our quest to understand the world around us.
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