Defining and Measuring Nature

Weights and measures form an essential part of our ingrained view of the world. It is just about impossible to function effectively without some internalized system of measurement. This volume outlines a history of the science of measurement, and the origin of the International System of Units (SI).

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Weights and measures form an essential part of our ingrained view of the world. It is just about impossible to function effectively without some internalized system of measurement. In this volume, I outline a history of the science of measurement, and the origin of the International System of Units ('SI'). The simplicity and coherence of the Metric System is outlined, and we see how a system of weights and measures, based on only seven fundamental quantities, can be used as the basis of all science. We will soon witness a redefinition of four of the seven fundamental quantities upon which the SI is based. This change in how we all define a number of fundamental quantities will not be subject to any discussion or appeal, humanity will be presented with a fait accompli. What will this mean for us?