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{{Short description|Measuring in various degrees during the Middle Ages}}
Medieval systems of weights and measures arose from ].
{{Citation style|date=November 2019}}
The following systems arose from ], and in many cases utilise parts of much older systems. For the most part they were used to varying degrees in the ] and surrounding time periods. Some of these systems found their way into later systems, such as the ] and even ].


== English system ==
From Medieval guilds and trade associations to banks, and from church to state, everyone had vested interests in keeping weights and measures the same. Over time even non essential changes, like the definition of the inch as three barleycorns, caused widespread confusion and concern. Every time they changed they changed to the advantage of one group and the detriment of another.
Before Roman units were reintroduced in 1066 by ], there was an ] (Germanic) system of measure, of which few details survive. It probably included the following units of length:


* ''fingerbreadth'' or ''digit''
Whenever things were changed, as by a king ordering churchgoers to stand in line so the average of their feet could form the basis of a new standard, the essential parts of much older systems were retained by the competant administrators and judges because they defined property.
* ''inch''
* ''ell'' or ''cubit''
* ''foot''
* ''perch'', used variously to measure length or area
* ''acre'' and ''acre's breadth''
* ''furlong''
* ''mile''


The best-attested of these is the ''perch'', which varied in length from 10 to 25 feet, with the most common value (16{{frac|1|2}} feet or 5.03 m) remaining in use until the twentieth century.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fernie |first1=E. C. |title=Anglo-Saxon Lengths: The 'Northern' System, the Perch and the Foot |journal=Archaeological Journal |date=1985 |volume=142 |issue=1 |pages=248–249 |doi=10.1080/00665983.1985.11021064 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00665983.1985.11021064 |access-date=1 November 2021}}</ref>
One example of how this worked occured during the French Revolution when French revolutionaries attempted to use the confusion of definitions to their advantage in order to overthrow the feudal system. They conspired to further confuse the definition of ancient obligations of land in return for service, through their support of the expert authority of various savants who were busily modifying the ancient standards of measure into the metric system.


Later development of the ] continued in 1215 in the Magna Carta.<ref></ref> Standards were renewed in 1496, 1588 and 1758.<ref name=knight>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Charles|title=The Penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Volume 9|year=1840|publisher=Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge|location=London|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-BHnAAAAMAAJ|pages=221–2|quote=In 1758 the legislature turned attention to this subject; and after some investigations on the comparative lengths of the various standards, ordered a rod to be made of brass, about 38 or 39 inches long, graduated (measured) from the Royal Society's yard: this was marked “Standard Yard, 1758,” and was given into the care of the clerk of the House of Commons. For commercial purposes another bar was made, with the yard marked off from the same standard; but it had two upright fixed markers, placed exactly one yard apart, between which any commercial yard measures might be placed, in order to have their accuracy tested: it was graded in feet, one of the feet was graded in inches, and one of the inches in ten parts. This standard yardstick was kept at the Exchequer. In 1760, a copy of Bird's standard, made two years before, was constructed.}}</ref>
Up to then it had always been counted among the divine rights of kings and popes to establish the standards of what was right and proper and equitable. Now the ability of scientists to measure weigh and judge accurately made it difficult if not impossible for church and state to simply decree rather than measure, weigh and judge by the standards of science what was due them.


Some of these units would go on to be used in later ] and in the ], which are based on the ] from the 1700s.
This made it somewhat difficult to establish and collect their tithes and taxes without turning to the experts for the arbitration of disputes.


== Danish system ==
Earlier during the crusades many Europeans had encountered familiar units of measure in the Ancient Near East. By the Renaisance the study of Greek and Roman measures and cannons of proportion had been extended to the study of Egypt.
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
From May 1, 1683, King ] introduced an office to oversee weights and measures, a ''justervæsen'', to be led by ]. The definition of the ''alen'' was set to 2 Rhine feet. Rømer later discovered that differing standards for the Rhine foot existed, and in 1698 an ] ] standard was made. A pendulum definition for the foot was first suggested by Rømer, introduced in 1820, and changed in 1835. The metric system was introduced in 1907.


=== Length ===
Sir Issac Newton was only one of many medieval scholars fascinated by the stability of earlier systems that it was thought might be resablished and overcome the confusion of the ] as to what should be the proper standard for the common system.


* ''skrupel'' &ndash; Scruple, {{frac|1|12}} ''linie''
The French Metric Sytem which re-introduced the innovative concept of decimalizing the ancient standards as the Greeks had done was first proposed by the Abbe Mouton in 1670.
* ''linie'' &ndash; Line, {{frac|1|12}} ''tomme''
* ''tomme'' &ndash; Inch, {{frac|1|12}} ''fod''
* ''palme'' &ndash; Palm, for circumference, 8.86&nbsp;cm
* ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, {{frac|1|4}} ''alen''
* ''fod'' &ndash; Defined as a ''Rheinfuss'' 31.407&nbsp;cm from 1683, before that 31.41&nbsp;cm with variations.
* ''alen'' &ndash; Forearm, 2 ''fod''
* ''mil'' &ndash; Danish mile. Towards the end of the 17th century, Ole Rømer connected the mile to the circumference of the earth, and defined it as 12000 ''alen''. This definition was adopted in 1816 as the Prussian ''Meile''. The coordinated definition from 1835 was 7.532&nbsp;km. Earlier, there were many variants, the most commonplace the '']sk miil'' of 17600 ''fod'' or 11.130&nbsp;km.


The British Imperial System ] arose out of an attempt to resist the adoption of the Metric System in Europe because it was clearly being used to undermine the foundation of the kings right to rule or establish the standards.

The metric system itself had come out of Napoleons savants attempting to restablish the Ancient measures that they had found reference to in Egypt. ].

=== English System ===
The English Myle and its subdivisions of length, area and volume was derived from the Greek Milos which spread widely through Europe North from the Danube as far West as the Rhine by about 800 BC.

Within a millenia the Romans had substituted the Milliare for the Milos everywhere to the west of that. The so calledAnglo-Saxon (Germanic) system of measure based on the units of the barleycorn and the gyrd (rod) were traced by the Roman surveyor Hyginus Gromaticus back to Claudius Ptolomy as the Romans first entered Germanica.

Normanized Roman units from Hispania and Gaul introduced further modifications after 1066 under the influence of William the Conqueror.

Later development of the English system continued by defining the units by law in the Magna Carta of 1215, and issuing measurement standards from the then capital Winchester. Standards were renewed in 1496, 1588 and 1758.

The last Imperial Standard Yard in bronze was made in 1845; it served as the standard in the United Kingdom until the yard was internationally redefined as 0.9144 metre in 1959 (statutory implementation: Weights and Measures Act of 1963).

Much of the units would go on to be used in later Imperial units and in the US system, which are based on the English system from the 1700s

== Danish system ==
From ] ], King ] introduced an office to oversee weights and measures, a ''justervæsen'', to be led by ]. The definition of the ''alen'' was set to 2 Rhine feet. Rømer later discovered that differing standards for the Rhine foot existed, and in ] an ] ] standard was made. A pendulum definition for the foot was first suggested by Rømer, introduced in ], and changed in ]. The metric system was introduced in ].
=== Length ===
* ''mil'' &ndash; Danish mile. Towards the end of the ], Ole Rømer connected the mile to the circumference of the earth, and defined it as 12000 ''alen''. This definition was adopted in ] as the Prussian ''Meile''. The coordinated definition from ] was 7.532 km. Earlier, there were many variants, the most commonplace the '']sk miil'' of 17600 ''fod'' or 11.130 km.
* ''palme'' &ndash; Palm, for circumference, 8.86 cm
* ''alen'' &ndash; Forearm, 2 ''fod''
* ''fod'' &ndash; Defined as a ''Rheinfuss'' 31.407 cm from ], before that 31.41 cm with variations.
* ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, 1 / 4 ''alen''
* ''tomme'' &ndash; Inch, 1 / 12 ''fod''
* ''linie'' &ndash; Line, 1 / 12 ''tomme''
* ''skrupel'' &ndash; Scruple, 1 / 12 ''linie''
=== Volume === === Volume ===
* ''potte'' &ndash; Pot, from 1683 1 / 32 ''fot''&sup3; * ''potte'' &ndash; Pot, from 1603 {{frac|1|32}} ''foot''<sup>3</sup>
* ''smørtønde'' &ndash; Barrel of butter, from 1683 136 ''potter'' * ''smørtønde'' &ndash; Barrel of butter, defined as 136 ''potter'' from 1683
* ''korntønde'' &ndash; Barrel of corn, from 1683 144 ''potter'' * ''korntønde'' &ndash; Barrel of corn, defined as 144 ''potter'' from 1683


=== Weight === === Weight ===
* ''pund'' &ndash; Pound, from 1683 the weight of 1 / 62 ''fot''&sup3; of water, 499.75 g * ''pund'' &ndash; Pound, from 1683 the weight of {{frac|1|62}} ''fot''<sup>3</sup> of water, 499.75&nbsp;g


=== Miscellaneous === === Miscellaneous ===
Line 58: Line 49:
* ''gross'' &ndash; 144 * ''gross'' &ndash; 144


==Dutch system== == Dutch system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
The Dutch system was not standardized until Napoleon introduced the metric system. Different towns used measures with the same names but differing sizes.
The Dutch system was not standardised until Napoleon introduced the metric system. Different towns used measures with the same names but differing sizes.


Some common measures: Some common measures:
===Weight===
*''Ons, Once'' &ndash; 1/16 pond = 30.881 g
*''Pond'' (Amsterdam) &ndash; 494.09 grams (other ponds were also in use)
*''Scheepslast'' &ndash; 4000 Amsterdam ''pond'' = 1976.4 kg = 2.1786 short tons


===Length=== === Length ===
*''duim'' &ndash;2.54 cm *''duim'' &ndash;2.54&nbsp;cm
*''kleine palm'' &ndash;3 cm *''kleine palm'' &ndash;3&nbsp;cm
*''grote palm'' &ndash;9.6 cm, after 1820, 10 cm *''grote palm'' &ndash;9.6&nbsp;cm, after 1820, 10&nbsp;cm
*''voet'' &ndash;12 duim = abt. 29.54 cm, many local variations *''voet'' &ndash;12 duim = abt. 29.54&nbsp;cm, many local variations
*''el'' &ndash; about 70 cm *''el'' &ndash; about 70&nbsp;cm


===Volume=== === Volume ===
*''Pint'' &ndash; 0.6 l *''Pint'' &ndash; 0.6 L


== Finnish system == === Weight ===
*''Ons, Once'' &ndash; {{frac|1|16}} pond = 30.881&nbsp;g
In ], approximate measures derived from body parts and were used for a long time, some being later standardised for the purpose of commerce. Some ], and later some ] units have also been used.
*''Pond'' (Amsterdam) &ndash; 494.09&nbsp;g (other ponds were also in use)
*''vaaksa'' &ndash; The distance between the tips of little finger and thumb, when the fingers are fully extended.
*''kyynärä'' &ndash; (c. 60 cm) The distance from the elbow to the fingertips. *''Scheepslast'' &ndash; 4000 Amsterdam ''pond'' = 1976.4&nbsp;kg = 2.1786 short tons
*''syli'' &ndash; Fathom, (c. 180 cm) the distance between the fingertips of both hands when the arms are raised horizontally on the sides.
*''virsta'' &ndash; 2672 m (Swedish) 1068.84 m (Russian)
*''peninkulma'' &ndash; (c. 10 km) The distance a barking dog can be heard in still air.
*''poronkusema'' &ndash; (c. 7.5 km) The distance a ] walks between two spots it urinates on. This unit originates from ].
*''leiviskä'' &ndash; (8.5004 kg)
*''kappa'' &ndash; (5.4961 l) Still in use at market places to measure potatoes.
*''tynnyrinala'' &ndash; (4936.5 m<sup>2</sup>) The area (of field) that could be sown with one barrel of grain.
*''kannu'' &ndash; (2,6172 l)
*''kortteli'' &ndash; Used for both length (14.845 cm) and volume (3.2715 dl).


== French system == == Finnish system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
In ], again, there were many local variants. For instance, the ''lieue'' could vary from 3.268 km in ] to 5.849 km in ]. Between 1812 and 1839, many of the traditional units continued in ''metrified'' adaptations as the ''mesures usuelles''.
In ], approximate measures derived from body parts and were used for a long time, some being later standardised for the purpose of commerce. Some ], and later some ]n units have also been used.


In Paris, the redefinition in terms of metric units made 1 m = 443.296 ''ligne'' = 3 ''pied'' 11.296 ''ligne''.

In Quebec, the surveys in French units were converted using the relationship 1 ''pied'' (of the French variety; the same word is used for English feet as well) = 12.789 inches (of English origin). Thus a square arpent was 5299296.0804 in&sup2; or about 36,801 ft&sup2; or 0.8448 acre.

There were many local variations; the metric conversions below apply to the Quebec and Paris definitions.
=== Length === === Length ===
*''vaaksa'' &ndash; The distance between the tips of little finger and thumb, when the fingers are fully extended.
* ''lieue commune'' &ndash; French land league, 4.452 km, 1/25 Equatorial degree
* ''lieue marine'' &ndash; French (late) sea league, 5.556 km, 3 ]s. *''kyynärä'' &ndash; c. 60&nbsp;cm &ndash; The distance from the elbow to the fingertips.
*''syli'' &ndash; fathom, c. 180&nbsp;cm &ndash; The distance between the fingertips of both hands when the arms are raised horizontally on the sides.
* ''lieue de poste'' &ndash; Legal league, 2000 ''toises'', 3.898 km
* ''lieue metrique'' &ndash; Metric system adaptation, 4.000 km *''virsta'' &ndash; 2672 m (Swedish), 1068.84&nbsp;m (Russian)
*''poronkusema'' &ndash; c. 7.5&nbsp;km &ndash; The distance a ] walks between two spots it urinates on. This unit originates from Lapland (i.e. ]).
* ''arpent'' &ndash; 30 ''toises'' or 180 ''pieds'', 58.471 m
*''peninkulma'' &ndash; 10.67&nbsp;km &ndash; The distance a barking dog can be heard in still air.
* ''toise'' &ndash; Fathom, 6 ''pieds''. Originally introduced by ] in ], it is now considered to be 1.949 m.
* ''pied'' &ndash; Foot, varied through times, the Paris ''pied de roi'' is 324.84 mm. Used by ] in manuscripts relating to the inverse square law of electrostatic repulsion. ] used the "Paris foot" in his '']''.
* ''pouce'' &ndash; Inch, 1/12 ''pied'' 27.070 mm
* ''ligne'' &ndash; 1/12 ''pouce'' 2.2558 mm


=== Area === === Area ===
*''tynnyrinala'' &ndash; 4936.5&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> &ndash; The area (of field) that could be sown with one barrel of grain.

* ''arpent'' &ndash; square arpent, 900 square ''toises'', 3419 m&sup2;


=== Volume === === Volume ===
* ''litron'' &ndash; 0.831018 liters *''kannu'' &ndash; 2.6172 L
*''kappa'' &ndash; 5.4961 L


===Weight=== === Weight ===
* '']'' &ndash; 100 ''livres'', 48.95 kg *''leiviskä'' &ndash; 8.5004&nbsp;kg
* ''livre'' &ndash; 0.4895 kg


== German system == === Miscellaneous ===
*''kortteli'' &ndash; 148&nbsp;mm (length) or 0.327&nbsp;L (volume)


== French system ==
: It's interesting how many of the German Meile make a geocentric cluster
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
: around either 5 Greek Milos of 7.4 km. or a whole number subdivision or multiple of it.
In ], again, there were many local variants. For instance, the ''lieue'' could vary from 3.268&nbsp;km in ] to 5.849&nbsp;km in ]. Between 1812 and 1839, many of the traditional units continued in ''metrified'' adaptations as the ''mesures usuelles''.
: While up to the introduction of the metric system,
: almost every town in Germany had their own definitions and
: it is said that by 1810, in Baden alone, there were 112 different Ellen,
: most divide fairly well into a degree.


In Paris, the redefinition in terms of metric units made 1&nbsp;m = 443.296 ''ligne'' = 3&nbsp;''pied'' 11.296 ''ligne''.
: Length
: 5 Greek Milos = 7400 m
: Meile – A German geographische Meile or Gemeine deutsche Meile
: was defined as 7.420 km, but there were a wealth of variants:
: Böhmen – 7498 m
: Bayern – 7415 m, connected to a 1/15 Equatorial degree as 25406 Bavarian feet.
: Württemberg – 7449 m
: Reichsmeile – New mile when the metric system was introduced,
: 7.5 km. Prohibited by law in 1908.
: Anhalt – 7532 m
: the Danish mile at 7532 m, or 24000 Prussian feet. Also known as Landmeile
: Sachsen – Postmeile, 7500 m. Also 9062 m or 32000 feet in Dresden
: Hamburg (Prussia) – In 1816, king Frederick William III of Prussia
: adopted the Danish mile at 7532 m, or 24000 Prussian feet. Also known as Landmeile
: Vienna – 7586 m


In Quebec, the surveys in French units were converted using the relationship 1 ''pied'' (of the French variety; the same word is used for English feet as well) = 12.789 inches (of English origin). Thus a square arpent was 5299296.0804&nbsp;in<sup>2</sup> or about 36,801&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup> or 0.8448 acre.
: 6 Greek Milos = 8880 m
: Schleswig-Holstein – 8803 m
: Baden – 8889 m before 1810, 8944 m before 1871, 8000 m


There were many local variations; the metric conversions below apply to the Quebec and Paris definitions.
: 6.25 Roman milliare of 625 Roman feet = 9250 m
: Hessen-Kassel – 9206 m
: Lippe-Detmold – 9264 m


=== Length ===
: 7.5 Roman milliare = 11100 m
* ''ligne'' &ndash; {{frac|1|12}} ''pouce'' 2.2558&nbsp;mm
: Westfalen – 11100 m, but also 9250 m
* ''pouce'' &ndash; Inch, {{frac|1|12}} ''pied'' 27.070&nbsp;mm
: Oldenburg – 9894 m
* ''pied'' &ndash; Foot, varied through times, the Paris ''pied de roi'' is 324.84&nbsp;mm. Used by ] in manuscripts relating to the inverse square law of electrostatic repulsion. ] used the "Paris foot" in his '']''.
* 1 Roman cubit = 444&nbsp;mm (so 10000 Roman cubits = 4.44&nbsp;km, a closer approximation to {{frac|1|25}} degree)
* '']'' &ndash; Fathom, 6 ''pieds''. Originally introduced by ] in 790, it is now considered to be 1.949&nbsp;m.
* ''arpent'' &ndash; 30 ''toises'' or 180 ''pieds'', 58.471&nbsp;m
* ''lieue de poste'' &ndash; Legal league, 2000 ''toises'', 3.898&nbsp;km
* ''lieue metrique'' &ndash; Metric system adaptation, 4.000&nbsp;km
* ''lieue commune'' &ndash; French land league, 4.452&nbsp;km, {{frac|1|25}} Equatorial degree
* ''lieue marine'' &ndash; French (late) sea league, 5.556&nbsp;km, 3 ]s.


=== Area ===
: 3 Greek Milos = 4440 m
* ''arpent'' &ndash; square arpent, 900 square ''toises'', 3419&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>


: Rheinland – 4119 m
: Pfalz – 4630 m
: Brabant – 5000 m
: Osnabrück – 5160 m
: Other variants
: Wiesbaden – 1000 m
: Rute – Roman origin, use as land measure.
: Schainos – Uncertain use, between 10 and 12 km, (11.1 km = 1/10 degree =)
: Wegstunde – One hours travel, used up to the 18th century.
: In Germany 1/2 Meile or 3.71 km, in Switzerland 16000 feet or 4,8 km
: Stadion – 1/8 Greek Milos
: Often definitions appear to be different but are just unit fractions ie;
: 10, 12, 14, 15, 18 or 20 feet,
: The same is true of apparent variations between approx. 3 and 5 m.
: Klafter – Fathom, usually 6 feet.
: Regional changes from 1.75 m in Baden to 3 m in Switzerland.
: Elle – Distance between elbow and finger tip.
: In the North, often 2 feet, In Prussia 17 / 8 feet,
: in the South variable, often 2 1/2 feet.
: The smallest known German elle is 402.8 mm, the longest 811 mm.
: Fuss – The foot varied between 23.51 cm in Wesel and 40.83 cm in Trier.
: Rheinfuss – Rhine foot, used in the North, 31.387 cm
: Zoll – Inch. Usually 1 / 12 foot, but also 1 / 10.
: Linie – Usually 1 / 12 inch, but also 1 / 10.
=== Volume === === Volume ===
* ''Klafter'' &ndash; For firewood, 2.905 m&sup3; * ''litron'' &ndash; 0.831018 litres

=== Weight ===
* ''livre'' &ndash; 0.4895&nbsp;kg
* '']'' &ndash; 100 ''livres'', 48.95&nbsp;kg

== German system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
Up to the introduction of the ], almost every town in ] had their own definitions. It is said that by 1810, in ] alone, there were 112 different ''Ellen''.

=== Length ===
* ''Linie'' &ndash; Line, usually {{frac|1|12}} inch, but also {{frac|1|10}}.
* ''Zoll'' &ndash; Inch, usually {{frac|1|12}} foot, but also {{frac|1|10}}.
* ''Fuss'' &ndash; Foot, varied between 23.51&nbsp;cm in ] and 40.83&nbsp;cm in ].
* ''Rheinfuss'' &ndash; Rhine foot, used in the North, 31.387&nbsp;cm
* ''Elle'' &ndash; Ell / cubit, distance between elbow and finger tip. In the North, often 2 feet, In Prussia {{frac|17|8}} feet, in the South variable, often {{frac|2|1|2}} feet. The smallest known German ''elle'' is 402.8&nbsp;mm, the longest 811&nbsp;mm.
* ''Klafter'' &ndash; Fathom, usually 6 feet. Regional changes from 1.75&nbsp;m in ] to 3&nbsp;m in ].
* ''Rute'' &ndash; Rod, Roman origin, use as land measure. Very differing definitions, 10, 12, 14, 15, 18 or 20 feet, varied between approx. 3 and 5 m.
* ''Wegstunde'' &ndash; 'Way's hour', one hours travel (by foot), used up to the 18th century. In Germany {{frac|1|2}} ''Meile'' or 3.71&nbsp;km, in ] 16000 feet or 4.8&nbsp;km
* ''Meile'' &ndash; 'Mile', a German ''geographische Meile'' or ''Gemeine deutsche Meile'' was defined as 7.420&nbsp;km, but there were a wealth of variants:
** ] &ndash; 7532 m
** ] &ndash; 8889&nbsp;m before 1810, 8944&nbsp;m before 1871, 8000&nbsp;m thereafter
** ] &ndash; 7498 m
** ] &ndash; 5000&nbsp;m
** ] &ndash; 7415 m, connected to a {{frac|1|15}} Equatorial degree as 25406 Bavarian feet.
** ] (]) &ndash; In 1816, king ] adopted the Danish mile at 7532&nbsp;m, or 24000 Prussian feet. Also known as ''Landmeile''.
** ] &ndash; 9206 m
** ] &ndash; 9264 m
** ] &ndash; 9894 m
** ] &ndash; 5160 m
** ] &ndash; 4630 m
** ] &ndash; 4119 m
** ] &ndash; ''Postmeile'', 7500 m. Also 9062&nbsp;m or 32000 feet in ]
** ] &ndash; 8803 m
** ] &ndash; 11100 m, but also 9250&nbsp;m
** ] &ndash; 7586 m
** ] &ndash; 1000 m
** ] &ndash; 7449 m
* ''Reichsmeile'' &ndash; 'Imperial / (The) Realm's mile', new mile when the metric system was introduced, 7.5&nbsp;km. Prohibited by law in 1908.
* ''Schainos'' &ndash; Uncertain use, between 10 and 12&nbsp;km,
* ''Stadion'' &ndash; Uncertain use


== Norwegian system == == Norwegian system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
Before ], there were no common definition for length measures in ], and local variants flourished. In ], an ''alen'' in ] and ] was defined by law to be the ] ''alen''. Subsequently, the ''alen'' was defined by law as 2 Rhine feet from ]. From ], the basic unit was defined as a ''fot'' being derived from ] as the length of a one second pendulum times 12/38 at a ] of 45&deg;. The ] was introduced in ].
Before 1541, there were no common definition for length measures in ], and local variants flourished. In 1541, an ''alen'' in ] and ] was defined by law to be the ] ''alen''. Subsequently, the ''alen'' was defined by law as 2 Rhine feet from 1683. From 1824, the basic unit was defined as a ''fot'' being derived from ] as the length of a one-second pendulum times {{frac|12|38}} at a ] of 45°. The ] was introduced in 1887.

=== Length === === Length ===

* ''alen'' &ndash; Forearm, 62.748 cm from ], 62.75 ] from ], 63.26 cm from ]. Before that, local variants.
* ''favn'' &ndash; ] (pl. ''favner''), 1.882 ]. * ''skrupel'' &ndash; Scruple, {{frac|1|12}} ''linje'' or approx. 0.18&nbsp;mm.
* ''fjerdingsvei'' &ndash; Quarter mile, alt. ''fjerding'', 1/4 ''mil'', i.e. 2.82375 km. * ''linje'' &ndash; Line, {{frac|1|12}} ''tomme'' or approx. 2.18&nbsp;]
* ''tomme'' &ndash; Thumb (inch), {{frac|1|12}} ''fot'', approx. 2.61&nbsp;cm. This unit was commonly used for measuring timber until the 1970s. Nowadays, the word refers invariably to the ] ], 2.54&nbsp;cm.
* ''fot'' &ndash; Foot, 1/2 ''alen''. From ], 31.374 cm.
* ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, 1/4 ''alen''. * ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, {{frac|1|4}} ''alen''.
* ''linje'' &ndash; Line, 1/12 ''tomme'' or approx. 2.18 ] * ''fot'' &ndash; Foot, {{frac|1|2}} ''alen''. From 1824, 31.374&nbsp;cm.
* ''alen'' &ndash; Forearm, 62.748&nbsp;cm from 1824, 62.75&nbsp;] from 1683, 63.26&nbsp;cm from 1541. Before that, local variants.
* ''favn'' &ndash; ] (pl. ''favner''), 1.882&nbsp;].
* ''stang'' &ndash; Rod, 5 ''alen'' or 3.1375&nbsp;m
* ''lås'' &ndash; 28.2 m * ''lås'' &ndash; 28.2 m
* ''steinkast'' &ndash; Stone's throw, perhaps 25 ''favner'', used to this day as a very approximate measure.
* ''landmil'' &ndash; Old land-mile, 11.824 km.
* ''fjerdingsvei'' &ndash; Quarter mile, alt. ''fjerding'', {{frac|1|4}} ''mil'', i.e. 2.82375&nbsp;km.
* ''mil'' &ndash; Norwegian ], spelled ''miil'' prior to ], 18000 ''alen'' or 11.295 ]. Before 1683, a ''mil'' was defined as 17600 ''alen'' or 11.13 km. The unit survives to this day, but in a ] 10 km adaptation
* ''rast'' &ndash;Lit. "rest", the old name of the ''mil''. A suitable distance between rests when walking. Believed to be approx. 9 km before ]. * ''rast'' &ndash;Lit. "rest", the old name of the ''mil''. A suitable distance between rests when walking. Believed to be approx. 9&nbsp;km before 1541.
* ''mil'' &ndash; Norwegian ], spelled ''miil'' prior to 1862, 18000 ''alen'' or 11.295&nbsp;]. Before 1683, a ''mil'' was defined as 17600 ''alen'' or 11.13&nbsp;km. The unit survives to this day, but in a ] 10&nbsp;km adaptation
* ''steinkast'' &ndash; Stones throw, perhaps 25 ''favner'', used to this day as a very approximate measure.
* ''stang'' &ndash; Rod, 5 ''alen'' or 3.1375 m * ''landmil'' &ndash; Old land-mile, 11.824&nbsp;km.
* ''tomme'' &ndash; Thumb (inch), 1/12 ''fot'', approx. 2.61 cm. This unit was commonly used for measuring timber until the ]. Nowadays, the word refers invariably to the ] ], 2.54 cm.
* ''skrupel'' &ndash; Scruple, 1/12 ''linje'' or approx. 0.18 mm.


=== Area === === Area ===
* ''kvadrat rode'' &ndash; Square ''stang'', 9.84&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''mål'' &ndash; 100 ''kvadrat rode'', 984 m&sup2;. The unit survives to this day, but in a ] 1000 m&sup2; adaptation.
* ''mål'' &ndash; 100 ''kvadrat rode'', 984&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>. The unit survives to this day, but in a ] 1000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> adaptation.
* ''kvadrat rode'' &ndash; Square ''stang'', 9.84 m&sup2;
* ''tønneland'' &ndash; "Barrel of land", 4 ''mål'' * ''tønneland'' &ndash; "Barrel of land", 4&nbsp;''mål''


=== Volume === === Volume ===
* ''favn'' &ndash; 1 ''alen'' by 1 ''favn'' by 1 ''favn'', 2.232 m&sup3;, used for measuring firewood to this day. * ''skjeppe'' &ndash; {{frac|1|8}} ''tønne'', i.e. 17.4&nbsp;L.
* ''skjeppe'' &ndash; 1/8 ''tønne'', i.e. 17.4 ]. * ''tønne'' &ndash; Barrel, 139.2&nbsp;L.
* ''favn'' &ndash; 1&nbsp;''alen'' by 1&nbsp;''favn'' by 1&nbsp;''favn'', 2.232&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup>, used for measuring firewood to this day.
* ''tønne'' &ndash; Barrel, 139.2 ].


=== Weight === === Weight ===
* ''bismerpund'' &ndash; 12 ''pund'', 5.9808 ] * ''ort'' &ndash; 0.9735&nbsp;g
* ''laup'' &ndash; Used for butter, 17.93 kg (approx. 16.2 l). 1 ''laup'' is 3 ''pund'' or 4 ''spann'' or 72 ''merker''. * ''merke'' &ndash; From Roman pound, (pl. ''merker''), 249.4&nbsp;g, 218.7&nbsp;g before 1683.
* ''merke'' &ndash; From Roman pound, (pl. ''merker''), 249.4 ], 218.7 g before ]. * ''pund'' &ndash; Pound, alt. ''skålpund'', 2 ''merker'' 0.4984&nbsp;kg, was 0.46665&nbsp;kg before 1683
* ''ort'' &ndash; 0.9735 g * ''bismerpund'' &ndash; 12 ''pund'', 5.9808&nbsp;]
* ''pund'' &ndash; Pound, alt. ''skålpund'', 2 ''merker'' 0.4984 kg, was 0.46665 kg before ] * ''vette'' &ndash; 28.8 ''mark'' or 6.2985&nbsp;kg.
* ''skippund'' &ndash; Ships pound, 159.488 kg. Was defined as 151.16 kg in ]. * ''laup'' &ndash; alt. 'spann', used for butter, 17.93&nbsp;kg (approx. 16.2&nbsp;L).
* ''spann'' &ndash; Same as ''laup'' * ''våg'' &ndash; {{frac|1|8}} ''skippund'', 17.9424&nbsp;kg.
* ''vette'' &ndash; 28.8 ''mark'' or 6.2985 kg. * ''skippund'' &ndash; Ships pound, 159.488&nbsp;kg. Was defined as 151.16&nbsp;kg in 1270.

* ''våg'' &ndash; 1/8 ''skippund'', 17.9424 kg.
=== Nautical === === Nautical ===
* ''favn'' &ndash; Fathom (pl. ''favner''), 3 ''alen'', 1.88 m * ''favn'' &ndash; Fathom (pl. ''favner''), 3 ''alen'', 1.88&nbsp;m
* ''kabellengde'' &ndash; ], 100 ''favner'', 185.2 m * ''kabellengde'' &ndash; ], 100 ''favner'', 185.2&nbsp;m
* ''kvartmil'' &ndash; Quarter mile, 10 ''kabellengder'', 1852 m * ''kvartmil'' &ndash; Quarter mile, 10 ''kabellengder'', 1852&nbsp;m
* ''sjømil'' &ndash; Sea mile, 4 ''kvartmil'', 7408 m, defined as 1/15 Equatorial degree. * ''sjømil'' &ndash; Sea mile, 4 ''kvartmil'', 7408&nbsp;m, defined as {{frac|1|15}} Equatorial degree.

=== Monetary === === Monetary ===
* ''ort'' &ndash; See ''riksdaler'' and ''speciedaler''.
* ''riksdaler'' - Until ], Norwegian ]. 1 ''riksdaler'' is 4 ''ort'' or 6 ''mark'' or 96 ''skilling''.
* ''skilling'' &ndash; Shilling, see ''riksdaler'' and ''speciedaler''. * ''skilling'' &ndash; Shilling, see ''riksdaler'' and ''speciedaler''.
* ''speciedaler'' &ndash; Since ]. 1 ''speciedaler'' is 5 ''ort'' or 120 ''skilling''. From ], 1 ''speciedaler'' is 4 ''kroner'' (Norwegian crown, ]). * ''ort'' &ndash; See ''riksdaler'' and ''speciedaler''.
* ''riksdaler'' – Until 1813, Norwegian ]. 1 ''riksdaler'' is 4 ''ort'' or 6 ''mark'' or 96 ''skilling''.
=== Miscellaneous ===
* ''speciedaler'' &ndash; Since 1816. 1 ''speciedaler'' is 5 ''ort'' or 120 ''skilling''. From 1876, 1 ''speciedaler'' is 4 ''kroner'' (Norwegian crown, ]).

=== Miscellaneous===
* ''tylft'' &ndash; 12, also ''dusin'' * ''tylft'' &ndash; 12, also ''dusin''
* ''snes'' &ndash; 20 * ''snes'' &ndash; 20
Line 241: Line 222:
* ''gross'' &ndash; 144 * ''gross'' &ndash; 144


==Romanian system== == Portuguese system ==
The various systems of weights and measures used in Portugal until the 19th century combine remote Roman influences with medieval influences from northern ] and ].The Roman and northern European influences were more present in the north. The Islamic influence was more present in the south of the country. Fundamental units like the {{lang|pt|alqueire}} and the {{lang|pt|almude}} were imported by the northwest of Portugal in the 11th century, before the country became independent of León.


The gradual long-term process of standardization of weights and measures in Portugal is documented mainly since the mid-14th century. In 1352, municipalities requested standardization in a parliament meeting ({{lang|pt|Cortes}}). In response, ] decided to set the {{lang|pt|alna}} ({{lang|pt|aune}}) of ] as standard for the linear measures used for color fabrics across the country. A few years later, ] carried a more comprehensive reform, as documented in the parliament meeting of 1361: the {{lang|pt|arrátel folforinho}} of ] should be used for weighing meat; the {{lang|pt|arroba}} of Lisbon would be the standard for the remaining weights; cereals should be measured by the {{lang|pt|alqueire}} of Santarém; the {{lang|pt|almude}} of Lisbon should be used for wine. With advances, adjustments and setbacks, this framework predominated until the end of the 15th century.
The measures of the old Romanian system varied greatly not only between the three Romanian states (], ], ]), but sometimes also inside the same country. The origin of some of the measures are the Latin (such as ''iug&#259;r'' unit), Slavic (such as ''vadr&#259;'' unit) and Greek (such as ''dram'' unit) and Turkish (such as ''palmac'' unit) systems.


Further information: ].
This system is no longer in use since the adoption of the metric system in 1864.


== Romanian system ==
===Volume===
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
The measures of the old Romanian system varied greatly not only between the three Romanian states (], ], ]), but sometimes also inside the same country. The origin of some of the measures are the Latin (such as ''iugăr'' unit), Slavic (such as ''vadră'' unit) and Greek (such as ''dram'' unit) and Turkish (such as ''palmac'' unit) systems.


This system is no longer in use since the adoption of the metric system in 1864.
* ''Oca'' - 1,5 litres (]); 1,25 litres (])
* ''Litr&#259;'' - 1/4 ''oca''
* ''Bani&#355;&#259;'' - 21,5 litres (Moldavia); 33,96 litres (Wallachia)
* ''Chiup'' - 30 - 40 litres (a ''chiup'' was a large clay pot for liquids)
* ''Câbl&#259;'' - A bucket of wheat
* ''Mer&#355;&#259;'' - 110 - 120 ''ocale'' (Moldavia); 22,5 litres (Transylvania)
* ''Feredel&#259;'' - 1/4 bucket (Transylvania)
* ''Obroc mare'' - 44 ''ocale''
* ''Obroc mic'' - 22 ''ocale''
* ''Gium&#259;tate'' - 80 - 100 ''vedre (poloboc)''
* ''Vadr&#259;'' - 10 ''ocale''; 12,88 litres (Wallachia); 15 litres (Moldavia)
* ''Pint&#259;'' - 3,394 litres (Transylvania)
* ''Tin&#259;'' - ''Vadr&#259;'' (Transylvania)


===Weight=== === Length ===
* ''Cot'' (cubit) – 0.664&nbsp;cm (Moldavia); 0.637&nbsp;cm (Wallachia)
* ''Dram'' - 3,18 - 3,25 g sau 3,22 - 3,80 cm<sup>3</sup>
* ''Font'' - 0,5 kg (]) * ''Deget'' (finger) the width of a finger
* ''Palmac'' – 3.48&nbsp;cm (Moldavia)
* ''Lat de palmă'' (palm width) – {{frac|1|2}} ''palmă''
* ''Palmă'' (palm) – {{frac|1|8}} of a ''stânjen''
* ''Picior'' (foot) – {{frac|1|6}} of a ''stânjen''
* ''Pas mic'' (small step) – 4 ''palme'' (Wallachia)
* ''Pas mare'' (large step) – 6 ''palme'' (Wallachia; Moldavia)
* ''Stânjen'' – 2&nbsp;m (approximately)
* ''Prăjină'' – 3 ''stânjeni''
* ''Funie'' (rope) – 20 – 120 m (depending on the place)
* ''Verstă'' – 1067 m
* ''Leghe'' (league) – 4.444&nbsp;km;
* ''Poştă'' – 8 – 20&nbsp;km (depending on the country)


===Area=== === Area ===
* ''Prăjină'' – 180–210&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''Falce'' - 1,43 ha
* ''Pogon'' - 0,5 ha * ''Feredelă'' {{frac|1|4}} ''pogon''
* ''Pr&#259;jin&#259;'' - 180 - 210 m<sup>2</sup> * ''Pogon'' 50000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''Iugăr'' – the area ploughed in one day by two oxen{{snd}} 7166&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (Transylvania in 1517); 5700&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> or 1600 ''square stânjeni'' (later)
* ''Feredel&#259;'' - 1/4 ''pogon''
* ''Falce'' – 14300&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''Iug&#259;r'' - the area ploughed in one day by two oxen - 7166 m<sup>2</sup> (Transylvania in 1517); 0,57 ha or 1600 ''square stânjeni'' (later)


===Length=== === Volume ===
* ''Palm&#259;'' (palm) - 1/8 of a ''stânjen'' * ''Litră'' {{frac|1|4}} ''oca''
* ''Oca'' – (pl. ''ocale''), 1.5 litres (]); 1.25 litres (])
* ''Stânjen'' - 2 m (approximately)
* ''Palmac'' - 3,48 cm (Moldavia) * ''Pintă'' 3.394 litres (Transylvania)
* ''Vadră'' – (pl. ''vedre'', in Transylvania 'Tină''), 10 ''ocale''; 12.88 litres (Wallachia); 15 litres (Moldavia)
* ''Po&#351;t&#259;'' - 8 - 20 km (depending on the country)
* ''Pas mic'' (small step) - 4 ''palme'' (Wallachia) * ''Baniţă'' 21.5 litres (Moldavia); 33.96 litres (Wallachia)
* ''Pas mare'' (large step) - 6 ''palme'' (Wallachia; Moldavia) * ''Chiup'' 30–40 litres (a ''chiup'' was a large clay pot for liquids)
* ''Lat de palm&#259;'' (palm width) - 1/2 ''palm&#259;'' * ''Obroc mic'' 22 ''ocale''
* ''Obroc mare'' – 44 ''ocale''
* ''Cot'' (cubit) - 0,664 cm (Moldavia); 0,637 cm (Wallachia)
* ''Merţă'' – 110–120 ''ocale'' (Moldavia); 22.5 litres (Transylvania)
* ''Funie'' (rope) - 20 - 120 m (depending on the place)
* ''Giumătate'' – 80–100 ''vedre (poloboc)''
* ''Leghe'' (league) - 4,444 km;
* ''Feredelă'' – {{frac|1|4}} bucket (Transylvania)
* ''Deget'' (finger) - the width of a finger
* ''Câblă'' – A bucket of wheat
* ''Pr&#259;jin&#259;'' - 3 ''stânjeni''

* ''Verst&#259;'' - 1067 m
=== Weight ===
* ''Picior'' (foot) - 1/6 of a ''stânjen''
* ''Dram'' – 3.18–3.25&nbsp;g sau 3.22–3.80&nbsp;cm<sup>3</sup>
* ''Font'' – 0.5&nbsp;kg (])


== Russian and Tatar systems == == Russian and Tatar systems ==
Line 294: Line 280:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]



== Scottish system == == Scottish system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}


=== Length === === Length ===
* inch &ndash; 2.554 cm * inch &ndash; 2.554&nbsp;cm
* foot &ndash; 12 inches, 30.645 cm * foot &ndash; 12 inches, 30.645&nbsp;cm
* ''ell'' &ndash; Elbow, 37 Scots inches. 94.5 cm * ''ell'' &ndash; Elbow, 37 Scots inches. 94.5&nbsp;cm
* ''fall'' &ndash; 18 Scots feet * ''fall'' &ndash; 18 Scots feet
* mile &ndash; 320 ''falls'', 1814.2 m * mile &ndash; 320 ''falls'', 1814.2 m


== Spanish system == == Spanish system ==
Line 309: Line 295:


=== Length === === Length ===
* ''punto'' &ndash; Point, 1 / 12 ''línea'' * ''punto'' &ndash; Point, {{frac|1|12}} ''línea''
* ''línea'' &ndash; Line, 1 / 12 ''pulgada'' * ''línea'' &ndash; Line, {{frac|1|12}} ''pulgada''
* ''pulgada'' &ndash; Inch, 1 / 36 ''vara'', 0.02322 m * ''pulgada'' &ndash; Inch, {{frac|1|36}} ''vara'', 0.02322 m
* ''pie'' &ndash; Foot, 12 ''pulgadas'', 0.2786 m * ''pie'' &ndash; Foot, 12 ''pulgadas'', 0.2786 m
* ''vara'' &ndash; Yard, 0.8359 m * ''vara'' &ndash; Yard, 0.8359 m
* ''paso'' &ndash; Pace, 60 ''pulgadas'' * ''paso'' &ndash; Pace, 60 ''pulgadas''
* ''legua'' &ndash; ], 5000 ''varas'', approx 4.2 km * ''legua'' &ndash; ], 5000 ''varas'', approx 4.2&nbsp;km


== Swedish system == == Swedish system ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2019}}
In ], a common system for weights and measures was introduced by law in ]. Before that, there were a number of local variants. The system was slightly revised in ]. In ], a decimal reform was instituted that defined a new Swedish inch as 1/10 foot. It did not last long, because the metric system was subsequently introduced in ]. Up to the middle of the ] there was a death penalty for falsifying weights or measures.
In ], a common system for weights and measures was introduced by law in 1665. Before that, there were a number of local variants. The system was slightly revised in 1735. In 1855, a decimal reform was instituted that defined a new Swedish inch as {{frac|1|10}} foot. It did not last long, because the metric system was subsequently introduced in 1889. Up to the middle of the 19th century there was a death penalty for falsifying weights or measures.

=== Length === === Length ===
* ''linje'' &ndash; Line, after 1863 {{frac|1|10}} ''tum'', 2.96&nbsp;mm. Before that, {{frac|1|12}} ''tum'' or 2.06&nbsp;mm.
* ''aln'' &ndash; Forearm (pl. ''alnar''). After ], 59.37 ]. Before that, from ], 59.38 cm as defined by king ] in ] ] based on the ''Rydaholmsalnen''.
* ''tum'' &ndash; Thumb (inch), after 1863 {{frac|1|10}} ''fot'', 2.96&nbsp;cm. Before that, {{frac|1|12}} ''fot'' or 2.474&nbsp;cm.
* ''tvärhand'' &ndash; Hand, 4 inches.
* ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, {{frac|1|4}} ''aln''
* ''fot'' &ndash; Foot, {{frac|1|2}} ''aln''. Before 1863, the ] ''fot'' was the commonly accepted unit, at 29.69&nbsp;cm.
* ''aln'' &ndash; Forearm (pl. ''alnar''). After 1863, 59.37&nbsp;]. Before that, from 1605, 59.38&nbsp;cm as defined by king ] in ] 1604 based on the ''Rydaholmsalnen''.
* ''famn'' &ndash; ], 3 ''alnar''. * ''famn'' &ndash; ], 3 ''alnar''.
* ''kvarter'' &ndash; Quarter, 1 / 4 ''aln''
* ''fot'' &ndash; Foot, 1/2 ''aln''. Before ], the ] ''fot'' was the commonly accepted unit, at 29.69 cm.
* ''linje'' &ndash; Line, after ] 1/10 ''tum'', 2.96 mm. Before that, 1/12 ''tum'' or 2.06 cm.
* ''mil'' &ndash; Mile, also ''lantmil''. From ], defined as a unity mile of 18000 ''aln'' or 10.69 km. The unified mile was meant to define the suitable distance between inns.
* ''nymil'' &ndash; New mile from ], 10 km exactly. Commonly used to this day, normally referred to as ''mil''.
* ''kyndemil'' &ndash; The distance a torch will last, approx 16 km
* ''skogsmil'' &ndash; Also ''rast'', distance between rests in the woods, approx 5 km.
* ''fjärdingsväg'' &ndash; 1 / 4 ''mil''
* ''stenkast'' &ndash; Stone's throw, approx 50 m, used to this day as an approximate measure.
* ''ref'' &ndash; 160 ''fot'', for land measurement, was 100 ''fot'' after ].
* ''stång'' &ndash; 16 ''fot'', for land measurement * ''stång'' &ndash; 16 ''fot'', for land measurement
* ''tum'' &ndash; Thumb (inch), after ] 1/10 ''fot'', 2.96 cm. Before that, 1/12 ''fot'' or 2.474 cm. * ''ref'' &ndash; 160 ''fot'', for land measurement, was 100 ''fot'' after 1855.
* ''stenkast'' &ndash; Stone's throw, approx 50 m, used to this day as an approximate measure.
* ''tvärhand'' &ndash; Hand, 4 inches.
* ''fjärdingsväg'' &ndash; {{frac|1|4}} ''mil''
* ''skogsmil'' &ndash; Also ''rast'', distance between rests in the woods, approx 5&nbsp;km.
* ''nymil'' &ndash; New mile from 1889, 10&nbsp;km exactly. Commonly used to this day, normally referred to as ''mil''.
* ''mil'' &ndash; Mile, also ''lantmil''. From 1699, defined as a unity mile of 18000 ''aln'' or 10.69&nbsp;km. The unified mile was meant to define the suitable distance between inns.
* ''kyndemil'' &ndash; The distance a torch will last, approx 16&nbsp;km


=== Area === === Area ===
* ''kannaland'' &ndash; 1000 ''fot''&sup2;, or 88.15 m&sup2; * ''kvadratfamn'' &ndash; square ''famn'' or 3.17&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''kappland'' &ndash; 154.3 m&sup2;. * ''kannaland'' &ndash; 1000 ''fot''<sup>2</sup>, or 88.15&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>
* ''kappland'' &ndash; 154.3&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>.
* ''spannland'' &ndash; 16 ''kappland'' * ''spannland'' &ndash; 16 ''kappland''
* ''tunneland'' &ndash; 2 ''spannland'' * ''tunneland'' &ndash; 2 ''spannland''
* ''kvadratmil'' &ndash; Square ''mil'', 36 million square ''favnar'', from ]. * ''kvadratmil'' &ndash; square ''mil'', 36&nbsp;million square ''famnar'', from 1739.

=== Volume === === Volume ===
* ''pot'' &ndash; Pot (pl ''pottor''), 0.966 l * ''pot'' &ndash; Pot (pl ''pottor''), 0.966&nbsp;L
* ''tunna'' &ndash; 2 ''spann'' * ''tunna'' &ndash; 2 ''spann''
* ''ankare'' &ndash; Liquid measure, 39.26 l * ''ankare'' &ndash; Liquid measure, 39.26&nbsp;L
* ''ohm'' &ndash; Also ''åm'', 155 ''pottor'' * ''ohm'' &ndash; (alt. ''åm''), 155 ''pottor''
* ''storfavn'' &ndash; 3.77 m&sup3; * ''skogsfamn'' &ndash; for firewood, 2.83&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> = 6×6×3 ''fot''
* ''kubikkfavn'' &ndash; 5.85 m&sup3; * ''storfamn'' &ndash; for firewood, 3.77&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> = 8×6×3 ''fot''
* ''kubikfamn'' &ndash; 5.65&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> = 6×6×6 ''fot''

=== Weight === === Weight ===
* ''skeppspund'' &ndash; Ships pound, 20 ''lispund'' or 170.03 kg. * ''ort'' &ndash; 4.2508&nbsp;g
* ''bismerpund'' &ndash; 12 ''skålpund'', 5.101 ]. * ''mark'' &ndash; {{frac|1|2}} ''skålpund'' or 212.5&nbsp;g. Used from the Viking era, when it was approx 203&nbsp;g.
* ''skålpund'' &ndash; Pound, 0.42507&nbsp;kg
* ''bismerpund'' &ndash; 12 ''skålpund'', 5.101&nbsp;].
* ''lispund'' &ndash; 20 ''skålpund'' * ''lispund'' &ndash; 20 ''skålpund''
* ''skålpund'' &ndash; Pound, 0.42507 kg * ''skeppspund'' &ndash; Ships pound, 20 ''lispund'' or 170.03&nbsp;kg.

* ''mark'' &ndash; 1 / 2 ''skålpund'' or 212.5 g. Used from the Viking era, when it was approx 203 g.
* ''ort'' &ndash; 4.2508 g
=== Nautical === === Nautical ===
* ''kabellängd'' &ndash; Initially 100 ''famnar'' or 178 m, Later, a ''distansminut'' or 1 / 10 ]. * ''kabellängd'' &ndash; Initially 100 ''famnar'' or 178&nbsp;m. Later, a ''distansminut'' or {{frac|1|10}} ].
* ''kvartmil'' &ndash; Quarter mile, 1852 m, identical to ]. * ''kvartmil'' &ndash; Quarter mile, 1852&nbsp;m, identical to ].
* ''sjömil'' &ndash; Sea mile, 4 ''kvartmil'', 7408 m * ''sjömil'' &ndash; Sea mile, 4 ''kvartmil'', 7408&nbsp;m


=== Monetary === === Monetary ===
* ''daler'' &ndash; From ], Swedish ]. From ], replaced by the ''krona'' (Swedish crown, ]). * ''skilling'' &ndash; From 1776, {{frac|1|48}} ''riksdaler''
* ''riksdaler'' &ndash; From ], 1 1/2 ''daler'', from ] 2 ''daler'', from ] 3 ''daler'', from ] 6 ''daler'' * ''õre'' &ndash; From 1534, {{frac|1|8}} ''mark''. Replaced by the ''skilling'', but from 1855 reintroduced as {{frac|1|100}} ''riksdaler''.
* ''skilling'' &ndash; From ], 1 / 48 ''riksdaler'' * ''mark'' &ndash; From 1534, {{frac|1|3}} ''daler''. From 1604, {{frac|1|4}} ''daler''.
* ''mark'' &ndash; From ], 1 / 3 ''daler''.From ], 1 / 4 ''daler''. * ''daler'' &ndash; From 1534, Swedish ]. From 1873, replaced by the ''krona'' (Swedish crown, ]).
* ''õre'' &ndash; From ], 1 / 8 ''mark''. Subsequently replaced by the ''skilling'', but from ] reintroduced as 1 / 100 ''riksdaler''. * ''riksdaler'' &ndash; From 1624, {{frac|1|1|2}} ''daler'', from 1681 2 ''daler'', from 1715 3 ''daler'', from 1776 6 ''daler''


== Turkish system ==

=== Length ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Measure
!Metric
|-
|merhale
|45480 m.
|-
|fersah
|5685 m.
|-
|berid
|227 m.
|-
|kulaç
|1.89 m.
|-
|arşın
|0.68 m.
|-
|endaze
|0.65 m.
|-
|rubu
|0.085 m.
|-
|hat
|0.00263 m.
|}

* '''Mimar arşını = 77 cm = 24 Parmak'''

* 12 Parmak = 1 Kadem

* 1 Kadem = 36,6666 cm
* 1 Parmak= 3,1573 cm
* 1 Hat = 0,2631 cm
* 1 Nokta = 0,0219 cm
* '''Çarşı Arşını'''
* 1 çarşı arşını = 68 cm=8 rubu
* 1 rubu=8,5 cm=2 kerah
* 1 kerah=4,25 cm

=== Area ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Measure
!Metric
|-
|dönüm (new)
|2720 m²
|-
|dönüm (old)
|919 m²
|}

* 1 arşın (zirai)² = 0,57417 m² = 4 ayak²
* 1 dönüm (yeni) = 2500 m²
* 1 dönüm (büyük) = 2720 m²
* 1 dönüm (atik) = 4 evlek = 1600 zirai² = 918,672 m² (bir kenarı 40 arşın (zirai) olan kare)
* 1 atik evlek = 400 arşın² = 229,668 m²
* 1 yeni evlek = 100 m²
* 1 cerip = 3600 zirai² = 2067,012 m²
* 1 ayak² = 144 parmak² = 0,14354 m²
* 1 parmak² = 144 hat² = 0,00099751 m²
* 1 hat² = 144 nokta² = 0,000006927 m² " 1 çarşı arşın² = 0,46240 m²
* 1 urup² = 0,007225 m²
* 1 kirah² = 0,0018062 m²
* 1 endâze² = 0,422500 m²
* 1 urup² = 0,0066015 m²
* 1 ar=100 m²

=== Volume ===

* kile (İstanbul) 0,037 m³ = 37 lt.
* şinik 0,00925 m³ = 9,25 lt.

=== Weight ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Measure
!Metric
|-
|çeki
|225,789 kg.
|-
|kantar
|56,449 kg.
|-
|batman
|7,697 kg.
|-
|okka
|1,282 kg.
|-
|miskal
|1 miskal = 1,5 dirhem
|-
|dirhem
|0,003207 kg. = 3,207 gr.
|-
|kırat
|0,0002004 kg. = 0,2004 gr.
|}

==== Okka ====

* 1 tonilato = 4 çeki
* 1 çeki = 4 kantar
* 1 kantar = 44 okka(kıyye)
* 1 batman = 6 okka(kıyye)
* 1 okka(kıyye) = 400 dirhem

==== Dirhem ====

* 1 dirhem = 4 dönük
* 1 dönük = 4 kırat
* 1 kırat = 4 bakray
* 1 bakray = 4 fitil
* 1 fitil = 2 nekir
* 1 nekir = 2 kıtmir
* 1 kıtmir = 2 zerre

=== Time ===

* Menzil = 80 second

=== Ottoman units ===
The ] (1299–1923), the predecessor of modern ] was one of the 17 signatories of the ] in 1875. For 58 years both the international and the traditional units were in use, but after the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, the traditional units became obsolete. In 1931 by Act No. 1782, international units became compulsory and the traditional units were banned from use starting 1 January 1933.

==== Length ====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Local name
!In English
!Equivalence
!In modern units
|-
|''nokta''
|نقطه
|point
|
|0.219 mm (0.0086 in)
|-
|''hat''
|خط‎
|line
|12 ''nokta''
|2.63 mm (0.104 in)
|-
|''parmak''
|پرمق
|finger
|12 ''hat''
|31.57 mm (1.243 in)
|-
|''kerrab'' or ''kirab''
|
|
|
|42.5 mm (1.67 in)
|-
|''rubu'' or ''urup''
|
|
|2 ''kerrab''
|85 mm (3.3 in)
|-
|''ayak'' or '']''
|آیاق
|foot
|12 ''parmak''
|378.87 mm (1.2430 ft)
|-
|'']''
|
|]
|
|650 mm (2.13 ft)
|-
|'']''
|آرشين or آرشون
|ell
|
|68 cm (2.23 ft)
|-
|''zirai''
|
|agricultural/yard
|2 ''ayak''
|757.74 mm (2.4860 ft)
|-
|''kulaç''
|
|]
|
|1.8288 m (6.000 ft)
|-
|''berid'' or ''menzil''
|بريد or منزل
|range
|600 ''ayak''
|227 m (745 ft)
|-
|''eski mil''
|
|nautical mile
|5,000 ''ayak''
|1,894.35 m (1.02287 nmi)
|-
|'']''
|فرسخ
|]
|3 ''eski mil''
|5,685 m (3.532 mi)
|-
|'']''
|مرحلة
|stage, phase
|200 ''berid''
|45.48 km (28.26 mi)
|}

==== Area ====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Local name
!In English
!In modern units
|-
|''eski dönüm''
|اسكی دونوم
|old ]
|919 m<sup>2</sup> (9,890 sq ft)
|-
|''büyük dönüm''
|بیوك دونوم
|big dunam
|2,720 m<sup>2</sup> (29,300 sq ft)
|}

==== Volume ====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Local name
!In English
!Equivalence
!In modern units
|-
|'']''
|
|]
|
|9.25 L (2.44 US gal)
|-
|'']'' (])
|كيله‎
|]
|4 ''şinik''
|37 L (9.8 US gal)
|}

==== Weight ====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Local name
!In English
!Equivalence
!In modern units
|-
|''kırat''
|قيراط
|]
|
|0.2004 g (1.002 carats)
|-
|''dirhem''
|درهم
|(Turkish) dram
|16 ''kırat''
|3.207 g (0.1131 oz)
|-
|'']''
|اوقه
|oka
|400 ''dirhem''
|1.282 kg (2.83 lb)
|-
|''miskal''
|مثقال
|
|1.5 ''dirhem''
|4.25 g (0.150 oz)
|-
|'']''
|بطمان
|
|6 ''okka''
|7.697 kg (16.97 lb)
|-
|''kantar''
|قنطار
|weighbridge
|
|56.449 kg (124.45 lb)
|-
|''çeki''
|چكی
|
|4 ''kantar''
|225.789 kg (497.78 lb)
|}

==== Volumetric flow ====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Local name
!In modern units
|-
|''hilal''
|هلال
|0.6526 L/min
|-
|''çuvaldız''
|
|1.125 L/min
|-
|''masura''
|
|4.5 L/min
|-
|''kamış''
|قامش
|9 L/min
|-
|''lüle''
|لوله
|36 L/min
|}

==== Time ====
The traditional calendar of the Ottoman Empire was, like in most ] countries, the ]. Its era begins from the ] in 622 CE and each year is calculated using the 12 Arabian lunar months, approximately eleven days shorter than a Gregorian solar year. In 1839, however, a second calendar was put in use for official matters. The new calendar, which was called the ] also began by 622, but with an annual duration equal to a solar year after 1840. In modern Turkey, the ] was adopted as the legal calendar, beginning by the end of 1925. But the Islamic calendar is still used when discussing dates in an Islamic context.
== See also == == See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist}}
* ''Measure for Measure'', Richard Young and Thomas Glover, ISBN 1-889796-00-X.
* ''Measure for Measure'', Richard Young and Thomas Glover, {{ISBN|1-889796-00-X}}.
* ''Masse und Gewichte'', Marvin A. Powell * ''Masse und Gewichte'', Marvin A. Powell
* ''The Weights and Measures of England'', R. A. Connor * ''The Weights and Measures of England'', R. A. Connor
Line 383: Line 712:
* ''De gamle danske længdeenheder'', N.E. Nørlund, 1944 * ''De gamle danske længdeenheder'', N.E. Nørlund, 1944
* ''Mål og vægt'', Poul Rasmussen, 1967. * ''Mål og vægt'', Poul Rasmussen, 1967.
* ''Med mått mätt - Svenska och utländska mått genom tiderna'', Albert Carlsson, ISBN 91-36-03157-7. * ''Med mått mätt - Svenska och utländska mått genom tiderna'', Albert Carlsson, {{ISBN|91-36-03157-7}}.


* '''^''' https://web.archive.org/web/20110128081041/http://www.tarihogretmeni.net/tarih/dinar-t28288.html
* '''^''' <sup>'''''a'''''</sup> <sup>'''''b'''''</sup> <sup>'''''c'''''</sup> <sup>'''''d'''''</sup> Fethi Yücel: ''Pratik matematik'',Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür yayınları, Ankara, 1963,p.15
* '''^''' In this and following weight units kg. and gr. mean technically kg-weight or gr-weight.
* '''^''' https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/arsin
* '''^''' <sup>'''''a'''''</sup> <sup>'''''b'''''</sup> Erkal, Mehmet (1991). Arşın, TDV İslâm Ansiklopedisi, Cilt 3, s 411-413, İstanbul
* '''^''' Kâtip Çelebi (2007). Deniz Savaşları Hakkında Büyüklere Armağan (Tuhfetü’l-Kibar fi Estari’l-Bihar), Kabalcı Yay. s 18, İstanbul. <nowiki>ISBN 975-997-111-9</nowiki>
* Fethi Yücel: ''Pratik Matematik'', Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür yayınları, Ankara, 1963, p.15
* ''Türkiye’nin 75 yılı'', Tempo yayınları, Istanbul, 1998, p. 53


== External links == == External links ==
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *


] ]
] ]
] ]


] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 19:02, 17 September 2024

Measuring in various degrees during the Middle Ages
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The following systems arose from earlier systems, and in many cases utilise parts of much older systems. For the most part they were used to varying degrees in the Middle Ages and surrounding time periods. Some of these systems found their way into later systems, such as the Imperial system and even SI.

English system

Before Roman units were reintroduced in 1066 by William the Conqueror, there was an Anglo-Saxon (Germanic) system of measure, of which few details survive. It probably included the following units of length:

  • fingerbreadth or digit
  • inch
  • ell or cubit
  • foot
  • perch, used variously to measure length or area
  • acre and acre's breadth
  • furlong
  • mile

The best-attested of these is the perch, which varied in length from 10 to 25 feet, with the most common value (161⁄2 feet or 5.03 m) remaining in use until the twentieth century.

Later development of the English system continued in 1215 in the Magna Carta. Standards were renewed in 1496, 1588 and 1758.

Some of these units would go on to be used in later Imperial units and in the US system, which are based on the English system from the 1700s.

Danish system

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From May 1, 1683, King Christian V of Denmark introduced an office to oversee weights and measures, a justervæsen, to be led by Ole Rømer. The definition of the alen was set to 2 Rhine feet. Rømer later discovered that differing standards for the Rhine foot existed, and in 1698 an iron Copenhagen standard was made. A pendulum definition for the foot was first suggested by Rømer, introduced in 1820, and changed in 1835. The metric system was introduced in 1907.

Length

  • skrupel – Scruple, 1⁄12 linie
  • linie – Line, 1⁄12 tomme
  • tomme – Inch, 1⁄12 fod
  • palme – Palm, for circumference, 8.86 cm
  • kvarter – Quarter, 1⁄4 alen
  • fod – Defined as a Rheinfuss 31.407 cm from 1683, before that 31.41 cm with variations.
  • alen – Forearm, 2 fod
  • mil – Danish mile. Towards the end of the 17th century, Ole Rømer connected the mile to the circumference of the earth, and defined it as 12000 alen. This definition was adopted in 1816 as the Prussian Meile. The coordinated definition from 1835 was 7.532 km. Earlier, there were many variants, the most commonplace the Sjællandsk miil of 17600 fod or 11.130 km.

Volume

  • potte – Pot, from 1603 1⁄32 foot
  • smørtønde – Barrel of butter, defined as 136 potter from 1683
  • korntønde – Barrel of corn, defined as 144 potter from 1683

Weight

  • pund – Pound, from 1683 the weight of 1⁄62 fot of water, 499.75 g

Miscellaneous

  • dusin – 12
  • snes – 20
  • gross – 144

Dutch system

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The Dutch system was not standardised until Napoleon introduced the metric system. Different towns used measures with the same names but differing sizes.

Some common measures:

Length

  • duim –2.54 cm
  • kleine palm –3 cm
  • grote palm –9.6 cm, after 1820, 10 cm
  • voet –12 duim = abt. 29.54 cm, many local variations
  • el – about 70 cm

Volume

  • Pint – 0.6 L

Weight

  • Ons, Once – 1⁄16 pond = 30.881 g
  • Pond (Amsterdam) – 494.09 g (other ponds were also in use)
  • Scheepslast – 4000 Amsterdam pond = 1976.4 kg = 2.1786 short tons

Finnish system

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In Finland, approximate measures derived from body parts and were used for a long time, some being later standardised for the purpose of commerce. Some Swedish, and later some Russian units have also been used.

Length

  • vaaksa – The distance between the tips of little finger and thumb, when the fingers are fully extended.
  • kyynärä – c. 60 cm – The distance from the elbow to the fingertips.
  • syli – fathom, c. 180 cm – The distance between the fingertips of both hands when the arms are raised horizontally on the sides.
  • virsta – 2672 m (Swedish), 1068.84 m (Russian)
  • poronkusema – c. 7.5 km – The distance a reindeer walks between two spots it urinates on. This unit originates from Lapland (i.e. Sápmi).
  • peninkulma – 10.67 km – The distance a barking dog can be heard in still air.

Area

  • tynnyrinala – 4936.5 m – The area (of field) that could be sown with one barrel of grain.

Volume

  • kannu – 2.6172 L
  • kappa – 5.4961 L

Weight

  • leiviskä – 8.5004 kg

Miscellaneous

  • kortteli – 148 mm (length) or 0.327 L (volume)

French system

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In France, again, there were many local variants. For instance, the lieue could vary from 3.268 km in Beauce to 5.849 km in Provence. Between 1812 and 1839, many of the traditional units continued in metrified adaptations as the mesures usuelles.

In Paris, the redefinition in terms of metric units made 1 m = 443.296 ligne = 3 pied 11.296 ligne.

In Quebec, the surveys in French units were converted using the relationship 1 pied (of the French variety; the same word is used for English feet as well) = 12.789 inches (of English origin). Thus a square arpent was 5299296.0804 in or about 36,801 ft or 0.8448 acre.

There were many local variations; the metric conversions below apply to the Quebec and Paris definitions.

Length

  • ligne – 1⁄12 pouce 2.2558 mm
  • pouce – Inch, 1⁄12 pied 27.070 mm
  • pied – Foot, varied through times, the Paris pied de roi is 324.84 mm. Used by Coulomb in manuscripts relating to the inverse square law of electrostatic repulsion. Isaac Newton used the "Paris foot" in his Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
  • 1 Roman cubit = 444 mm (so 10000 Roman cubits = 4.44 km, a closer approximation to 1⁄25 degree)
  • toise – Fathom, 6 pieds. Originally introduced by Charlemagne in 790, it is now considered to be 1.949 m.
  • arpent – 30 toises or 180 pieds, 58.471 m
  • lieue de poste – Legal league, 2000 toises, 3.898 km
  • lieue metrique – Metric system adaptation, 4.000 km
  • lieue commune – French land league, 4.452 km, 1⁄25 Equatorial degree
  • lieue marine – French (late) sea league, 5.556 km, 3 nautical miles.

Area

  • arpent – square arpent, 900 square toises, 3419 m

Volume

  • litron – 0.831018 litres

Weight

  • livre – 0.4895 kg
  • quintal – 100 livres, 48.95 kg

German system

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Up to the introduction of the metric system, almost every town in Germany had their own definitions. It is said that by 1810, in Baden alone, there were 112 different Ellen.

Length

  • Linie – Line, usually 1⁄12 inch, but also 1⁄10.
  • Zoll – Inch, usually 1⁄12 foot, but also 1⁄10.
  • Fuss – Foot, varied between 23.51 cm in Wesel and 40.83 cm in Trier.
  • Rheinfuss – Rhine foot, used in the North, 31.387 cm
  • Elle – Ell / cubit, distance between elbow and finger tip. In the North, often 2 feet, In Prussia 17⁄8 feet, in the South variable, often 2+1⁄2 feet. The smallest known German elle is 402.8 mm, the longest 811 mm.
  • Klafter – Fathom, usually 6 feet. Regional changes from 1.75 m in Baden to 3 m in Switzerland.
  • Rute – Rod, Roman origin, use as land measure. Very differing definitions, 10, 12, 14, 15, 18 or 20 feet, varied between approx. 3 and 5 m.
  • Wegstunde – 'Way's hour', one hours travel (by foot), used up to the 18th century. In Germany 1⁄2 Meile or 3.71 km, in Switzerland 16000 feet or 4.8 km
  • Meile – 'Mile', a German geographische Meile or Gemeine deutsche Meile was defined as 7.420 km, but there were a wealth of variants:
  • Reichsmeile – 'Imperial / (The) Realm's mile', new mile when the metric system was introduced, 7.5 km. Prohibited by law in 1908.
  • Schainos – Uncertain use, between 10 and 12 km,
  • Stadion – Uncertain use

Norwegian system

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Before 1541, there were no common definition for length measures in Norway, and local variants flourished. In 1541, an alen in Denmark and Norway was defined by law to be the Sjælland alen. Subsequently, the alen was defined by law as 2 Rhine feet from 1683. From 1824, the basic unit was defined as a fot being derived from astronomy as the length of a one-second pendulum times 12⁄38 at a latitude of 45°. The metric system was introduced in 1887.

Length

  • skrupel – Scruple, 1⁄12 linje or approx. 0.18 mm.
  • linje – Line, 1⁄12 tomme or approx. 2.18 mm
  • tomme – Thumb (inch), 1⁄12 fot, approx. 2.61 cm. This unit was commonly used for measuring timber until the 1970s. Nowadays, the word refers invariably to the Imperial inch, 2.54 cm.
  • kvarter – Quarter, 1⁄4 alen.
  • fot – Foot, 1⁄2 alen. From 1824, 31.374 cm.
  • alen – Forearm, 62.748 cm from 1824, 62.75 cm from 1683, 63.26 cm from 1541. Before that, local variants.
  • favnFathom (pl. favner), 1.882 m.
  • stang – Rod, 5 alen or 3.1375 m
  • lås – 28.2 m
  • steinkast – Stone's throw, perhaps 25 favner, used to this day as a very approximate measure.
  • fjerdingsvei – Quarter mile, alt. fjerding, 1⁄4 mil, i.e. 2.82375 km.
  • rast –Lit. "rest", the old name of the mil. A suitable distance between rests when walking. Believed to be approx. 9 km before 1541.
  • mil – Norwegian mile, spelled miil prior to 1862, 18000 alen or 11.295 km. Before 1683, a mil was defined as 17600 alen or 11.13 km. The unit survives to this day, but in a metric 10 km adaptation
  • landmil – Old land-mile, 11.824 km.

Area

  • kvadrat rode – Square stang, 9.84 m
  • mål – 100 kvadrat rode, 984 m. The unit survives to this day, but in a metric 1000 m adaptation.
  • tønneland – "Barrel of land", 4 mål

Volume

  • skjeppe – 1⁄8 tønne, i.e. 17.4 L.
  • tønne – Barrel, 139.2 L.
  • favn – 1 alen by 1 favn by 1 favn, 2.232 m, used for measuring firewood to this day.

Weight

  • ort – 0.9735 g
  • merke – From Roman pound, (pl. merker), 249.4 g, 218.7 g before 1683.
  • pund – Pound, alt. skålpund, 2 merker 0.4984 kg, was 0.46665 kg before 1683
  • bismerpund – 12 pund, 5.9808 kg
  • vette – 28.8 mark or 6.2985 kg.
  • laup – alt. 'spann', used for butter, 17.93 kg (approx. 16.2 L).
  • våg – 1⁄8 skippund, 17.9424 kg.
  • skippund – Ships pound, 159.488 kg. Was defined as 151.16 kg in 1270.

Nautical

  • favn – Fathom (pl. favner), 3 alen, 1.88 m
  • kabellengdecable length, 100 favner, 185.2 m
  • kvartmil – Quarter mile, 10 kabellengder, 1852 m
  • sjømil – Sea mile, 4 kvartmil, 7408 m, defined as 1⁄15 Equatorial degree.

Monetary

  • skilling – Shilling, see riksdaler and speciedaler.
  • ort – See riksdaler and speciedaler.
  • riksdaler – Until 1813, Norwegian thaler. 1 riksdaler is 4 ort or 6 mark or 96 skilling.
  • speciedaler – Since 1816. 1 speciedaler is 5 ort or 120 skilling. From 1876, 1 speciedaler is 4 kroner (Norwegian crown, NOK).

Miscellaneous

  • tylft – 12, also dusin
  • snes – 20
  • stort hundre – Large hundred, 120
  • gross – 144

Portuguese system

The various systems of weights and measures used in Portugal until the 19th century combine remote Roman influences with medieval influences from northern Europe and Islam.The Roman and northern European influences were more present in the north. The Islamic influence was more present in the south of the country. Fundamental units like the alqueire and the almude were imported by the northwest of Portugal in the 11th century, before the country became independent of León.

The gradual long-term process of standardization of weights and measures in Portugal is documented mainly since the mid-14th century. In 1352, municipalities requested standardization in a parliament meeting (Cortes). In response, Afonso IV decided to set the alna (aune) of Lisbon as standard for the linear measures used for color fabrics across the country. A few years later, Pedro I carried a more comprehensive reform, as documented in the parliament meeting of 1361: the arrátel folforinho of Santarém should be used for weighing meat; the arroba of Lisbon would be the standard for the remaining weights; cereals should be measured by the alqueire of Santarém; the almude of Lisbon should be used for wine. With advances, adjustments and setbacks, this framework predominated until the end of the 15th century.

Further information: Portuguese customary units.

Romanian system

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The measures of the old Romanian system varied greatly not only between the three Romanian states (Wallachia, Moldavia, Transylvania), but sometimes also inside the same country. The origin of some of the measures are the Latin (such as iugăr unit), Slavic (such as vadră unit) and Greek (such as dram unit) and Turkish (such as palmac unit) systems.

This system is no longer in use since the adoption of the metric system in 1864.

Length

  • Cot (cubit) – 0.664 cm (Moldavia); 0.637 cm (Wallachia)
  • Deget (finger) – the width of a finger
  • Palmac – 3.48 cm (Moldavia)
  • Lat de palmă (palm width) – 1⁄2 palmă
  • Palmă (palm) – 1⁄8 of a stânjen
  • Picior (foot) – 1⁄6 of a stânjen
  • Pas mic (small step) – 4 palme (Wallachia)
  • Pas mare (large step) – 6 palme (Wallachia; Moldavia)
  • Stânjen – 2 m (approximately)
  • Prăjină – 3 stânjeni
  • Funie (rope) – 20 – 120 m (depending on the place)
  • Verstă – 1067 m
  • Leghe (league) – 4.444 km;
  • Poştă – 8 – 20 km (depending on the country)

Area

  • Prăjină – 180–210 m
  • Feredelă – 1⁄4 pogon
  • Pogon – 50000 m
  • Iugăr – the area ploughed in one day by two oxen – 7166 m (Transylvania in 1517); 5700 m or 1600 square stânjeni (later)
  • Falce – 14300 m

Volume

  • Litră – 1⁄4 oca
  • Oca – (pl. ocale), 1.5 litres (Moldavia); 1.25 litres (Wallachia)
  • Pintă – 3.394 litres (Transylvania)
  • Vadră – (pl. vedre, in Transylvania 'Tină), 10 ocale; 12.88 litres (Wallachia); 15 litres (Moldavia)
  • Baniţă – 21.5 litres (Moldavia); 33.96 litres (Wallachia)
  • Chiup – 30–40 litres (a chiup was a large clay pot for liquids)
  • Obroc mic – 22 ocale
  • Obroc mare – 44 ocale
  • Merţă – 110–120 ocale (Moldavia); 22.5 litres (Transylvania)
  • Giumătate – 80–100 vedre (poloboc)
  • Feredelă – 1⁄4 bucket (Transylvania)
  • Câblă – A bucket of wheat

Weight

  • Dram – 3.18–3.25 g sau 3.22–3.80 cm
  • Font – 0.5 kg (Transylvania)

Russian and Tatar systems

See:

Scottish system

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Length

  • inch – 2.554 cm
  • foot – 12 inches, 30.645 cm
  • ell – Elbow, 37 Scots inches. 94.5 cm
  • fall – 18 Scots feet
  • mile – 320 falls, 1814.2 m

Spanish system

There were several variants. The Castilian is shown.

Length

  • punto – Point, 1⁄12 línea
  • línea – Line, 1⁄12 pulgada
  • pulgada – Inch, 1⁄36 vara, 0.02322 m
  • pie – Foot, 12 pulgadas, 0.2786 m
  • vara – Yard, 0.8359 m
  • paso – Pace, 60 pulgadas
  • leguaLeague, 5000 varas, approx 4.2 km

Swedish system

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In Sweden, a common system for weights and measures was introduced by law in 1665. Before that, there were a number of local variants. The system was slightly revised in 1735. In 1855, a decimal reform was instituted that defined a new Swedish inch as 1⁄10 foot. It did not last long, because the metric system was subsequently introduced in 1889. Up to the middle of the 19th century there was a death penalty for falsifying weights or measures.

Length

  • linje – Line, after 1863 1⁄10 tum, 2.96 mm. Before that, 1⁄12 tum or 2.06 mm.
  • tum – Thumb (inch), after 1863 1⁄10 fot, 2.96 cm. Before that, 1⁄12 fot or 2.474 cm.
  • tvärhand – Hand, 4 inches.
  • kvarter – Quarter, 1⁄4 aln
  • fot – Foot, 1⁄2 aln. Before 1863, the Stockholm fot was the commonly accepted unit, at 29.69 cm.
  • aln – Forearm (pl. alnar). After 1863, 59.37 cm. Before that, from 1605, 59.38 cm as defined by king Carl IX of Sweden in Norrköping 1604 based on the Rydaholmsalnen.
  • famnFathom, 3 alnar.
  • stång – 16 fot, for land measurement
  • ref – 160 fot, for land measurement, was 100 fot after 1855.
  • stenkast – Stone's throw, approx 50 m, used to this day as an approximate measure.
  • fjärdingsväg – 1⁄4 mil
  • skogsmil – Also rast, distance between rests in the woods, approx 5 km.
  • nymil – New mile from 1889, 10 km exactly. Commonly used to this day, normally referred to as mil.
  • mil – Mile, also lantmil. From 1699, defined as a unity mile of 18000 aln or 10.69 km. The unified mile was meant to define the suitable distance between inns.
  • kyndemil – The distance a torch will last, approx 16 km

Area

  • kvadratfamn – square famn or 3.17 m
  • kannaland – 1000 fot, or 88.15 m
  • kappland – 154.3 m.
  • spannland – 16 kappland
  • tunneland – 2 spannland
  • kvadratmil – square mil, 36 million square famnar, from 1739.

Volume

  • pot – Pot (pl pottor), 0.966 L
  • tunna – 2 spann
  • ankare – Liquid measure, 39.26 L
  • ohm – (alt. åm), 155 pottor
  • skogsfamn – for firewood, 2.83 m = 6×6×3 fot
  • storfamn – for firewood, 3.77 m = 8×6×3 fot
  • kubikfamn – 5.65 m = 6×6×6 fot

Weight

  • ort – 4.2508 g
  • mark – 1⁄2 skålpund or 212.5 g. Used from the Viking era, when it was approx 203 g.
  • skålpund – Pound, 0.42507 kg
  • bismerpund – 12 skålpund, 5.101 kg.
  • lispund – 20 skålpund
  • skeppspund – Ships pound, 20 lispund or 170.03 kg.

Nautical

  • kabellängd – Initially 100 famnar or 178 m. Later, a distansminut or 1⁄10 nautical mile.
  • kvartmil – Quarter mile, 1852 m, identical to nautical mile.
  • sjömil – Sea mile, 4 kvartmil, 7408 m

Monetary

  • skilling – From 1776, 1⁄48 riksdaler
  • õre – From 1534, 1⁄8 mark. Replaced by the skilling, but from 1855 reintroduced as 1⁄100 riksdaler.
  • mark – From 1534, 1⁄3 daler. From 1604, 1⁄4 daler.
  • daler – From 1534, Swedish thaler. From 1873, replaced by the krona (Swedish crown, SEK).
  • riksdaler – From 1624, 1+1⁄2 daler, from 1681 2 daler, from 1715 3 daler, from 1776 6 daler

Turkish system

Length

Measure Metric
merhale 45480 m.
fersah 5685 m.
berid 227 m.
kulaç 1.89 m.
arşın 0.68 m.
endaze 0.65 m.
rubu 0.085 m.
hat 0.00263 m.
  • Mimar arşını = 77 cm = 24 Parmak
  • 12 Parmak = 1 Kadem
  • 1 Kadem = 36,6666 cm
  • 1 Parmak= 3,1573 cm
  • 1 Hat = 0,2631 cm
  • 1 Nokta = 0,0219 cm
  • Çarşı Arşını
  • 1 çarşı arşını = 68 cm=8 rubu
  • 1 rubu=8,5 cm=2 kerah
  • 1 kerah=4,25 cm

Area

Measure Metric
dönüm (new) 2720 m²
dönüm (old) 919 m²
  • 1 arşın (zirai)² = 0,57417 m² = 4 ayak²
  • 1 dönüm (yeni) = 2500 m²
  • 1 dönüm (büyük) = 2720 m²
  • 1 dönüm (atik) = 4 evlek = 1600 zirai² = 918,672 m² (bir kenarı 40 arşın (zirai) olan kare)
  • 1 atik evlek = 400 arşın² = 229,668 m²
  • 1 yeni evlek = 100 m²
  • 1 cerip = 3600 zirai² = 2067,012 m²
  • 1 ayak² = 144 parmak² = 0,14354 m²
  • 1 parmak² = 144 hat² = 0,00099751 m²
  • 1 hat² = 144 nokta² = 0,000006927 m² " 1 çarşı arşın² = 0,46240 m²
  • 1 urup² = 0,007225 m²
  • 1 kirah² = 0,0018062 m²
  • 1 endâze² = 0,422500 m²
  • 1 urup² = 0,0066015 m²
  • 1 ar=100 m²

Volume

  • kile (İstanbul) 0,037 m³ = 37 lt.
  • şinik 0,00925 m³ = 9,25 lt.

Weight

Measure Metric
çeki 225,789 kg.
kantar 56,449 kg.
batman 7,697 kg.
okka 1,282 kg.
miskal 1 miskal = 1,5 dirhem
dirhem 0,003207 kg. = 3,207 gr.
kırat 0,0002004 kg. = 0,2004 gr.

Okka

  • 1 tonilato = 4 çeki
  • 1 çeki = 4 kantar
  • 1 kantar = 44 okka(kıyye)
  • 1 batman = 6 okka(kıyye)
  • 1 okka(kıyye) = 400 dirhem

Dirhem

  • 1 dirhem = 4 dönük
  • 1 dönük = 4 kırat
  • 1 kırat = 4 bakray
  • 1 bakray = 4 fitil
  • 1 fitil = 2 nekir
  • 1 nekir = 2 kıtmir
  • 1 kıtmir = 2 zerre

Time

  • Menzil = 80 second

Ottoman units

The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923), the predecessor of modern Turkey was one of the 17 signatories of the Metre Convention in 1875. For 58 years both the international and the traditional units were in use, but after the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, the traditional units became obsolete. In 1931 by Act No. 1782, international units became compulsory and the traditional units were banned from use starting 1 January 1933.

Length

Local name In English Equivalence In modern units
nokta نقطه point 0.219 mm (0.0086 in)
hat خط‎ line 12 nokta 2.63 mm (0.104 in)
parmak پرمق finger 12 hat 31.57 mm (1.243 in)
kerrab or kirab 42.5 mm (1.67 in)
rubu or urup 2 kerrab 85 mm (3.3 in)
ayak or kadem آیاق foot 12 parmak 378.87 mm (1.2430 ft)
endaze ell 650 mm (2.13 ft)
arşın آرشين or آرشون ell 68 cm (2.23 ft)
zirai agricultural/yard 2 ayak 757.74 mm (2.4860 ft)
kulaç fathom 1.8288 m (6.000 ft)
berid or menzil بريد or منزل range 600 ayak 227 m (745 ft)
eski mil nautical mile 5,000 ayak 1,894.35 m (1.02287 nmi)
fersah فرسخ league 3 eski mil 5,685 m (3.532 mi)
merhale مرحلة stage, phase 200 berid 45.48 km (28.26 mi)

Area

Local name In English In modern units
eski dönüm اسكی دونوم old dunam 919 m (9,890 sq ft)
büyük dönüm بیوك دونوم big dunam 2,720 m (29,300 sq ft)

Volume

Local name In English Equivalence In modern units
şinik peck 9.25 L (2.44 US gal)
kile (Istanbul) كيله‎ bushel 4 şinik 37 L (9.8 US gal)

Weight

Local name In English Equivalence In modern units
kırat قيراط carat 0.2004 g (1.002 carats)
dirhem درهم (Turkish) dram 16 kırat 3.207 g (0.1131 oz)
okka اوقه oka 400 dirhem 1.282 kg (2.83 lb)
miskal مثقال 1.5 dirhem 4.25 g (0.150 oz)
batman بطمان 6 okka 7.697 kg (16.97 lb)
kantar قنطار weighbridge 56.449 kg (124.45 lb)
çeki چكی 4 kantar 225.789 kg (497.78 lb)

Volumetric flow

Local name In modern units
hilal هلال 0.6526 L/min
çuvaldız 1.125 L/min
masura 4.5 L/min
kamış قامش 9 L/min
lüle لوله 36 L/min

Time

The traditional calendar of the Ottoman Empire was, like in most Muslim countries, the Islamic calendar. Its era begins from the Hijra in 622 CE and each year is calculated using the 12 Arabian lunar months, approximately eleven days shorter than a Gregorian solar year. In 1839, however, a second calendar was put in use for official matters. The new calendar, which was called the Rumi also began by 622, but with an annual duration equal to a solar year after 1840. In modern Turkey, the Gregorian calendar was adopted as the legal calendar, beginning by the end of 1925. But the Islamic calendar is still used when discussing dates in an Islamic context.

See also

References

  1. Fernie, E. C. (1985). "Anglo-Saxon Lengths: The 'Northern' System, the Perch and the Foot". Archaeological Journal. 142 (1): 248–249. doi:10.1080/00665983.1985.11021064. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  2. Magna Carta
  3. Knight, Charles (1840). The Penny magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Volume 9. London: Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. pp. 221–2. In 1758 the legislature turned attention to this subject; and after some investigations on the comparative lengths of the various standards, ordered a rod to be made of brass, about 38 or 39 inches long, graduated (measured) from the Royal Society's yard: this was marked "Standard Yard, 1758," and was given into the care of the clerk of the House of Commons. For commercial purposes another bar was made, with the yard marked off from the same standard; but it had two upright fixed markers, placed exactly one yard apart, between which any commercial yard measures might be placed, in order to have their accuracy tested: it was graded in feet, one of the feet was graded in inches, and one of the inches in ten parts. This standard yardstick was kept at the Exchequer. In 1760, a copy of Bird's standard, made two years before, was constructed.
  • Measure for Measure, Richard Young and Thomas Glover, ISBN 1-889796-00-X.
  • Masse und Gewichte, Marvin A. Powell
  • The Weights and Measures of England, R. A. Connor
  • World Weights and Measures. Handbook for Statisticians, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
  • Lexikon der Münzen, Maße, Gewichte, Zählarten und Zeitgrößen aller Länder der Erde, Richard Klimpert, 1896
  • Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle, Pierre Larousse, 1874
  • De gamle danske længdeenheder, N.E. Nørlund, 1944
  • Mål og vægt, Poul Rasmussen, 1967.
  • Med mått mätt - Svenska och utländska mått genom tiderna, Albert Carlsson, ISBN 91-36-03157-7.


  • ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20110128081041/http://www.tarihogretmeni.net/tarih/dinar-t28288.html
  • ^ Fethi Yücel: Pratik matematik,Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür yayınları, Ankara, 1963,p.15
  • ^ In this and following weight units kg. and gr. mean technically kg-weight or gr-weight.
  • ^ https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/arsin
  • ^ Erkal, Mehmet (1991). Arşın, TDV İslâm Ansiklopedisi, Cilt 3, s 411-413, İstanbul
  • ^ Kâtip Çelebi (2007). Deniz Savaşları Hakkında Büyüklere Armağan (Tuhfetü’l-Kibar fi Estari’l-Bihar), Kabalcı Yay. s 18, İstanbul. ISBN 975-997-111-9
  • Fethi Yücel: Pratik Matematik, Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür yayınları, Ankara, 1963, p.15
  • Türkiye’nin 75 yılı, Tempo yayınları, Istanbul, 1998, p. 53

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