Before we had precise standardized units of measure such as meters and feet lengths and even ocasionally volumes were reckoned based on the average dimensions of human body parts. Thus we conclude that ones body is somewhat symmetrical and can be used for measuring.
Measurement Of Length Standard Units And Instruments
Why body parts cannot be used as standard unit of measurement. A 7½ head figure in which the length of the head serves as a basic unit of measurement is the standard of proportions used in most realist schools and the one i taught my students in florence. Another measurement that i use is an inch made by bending my ring finger into a tabletop shape. A select an attribute length capacity mass to measure use non standard units before students use standard measurement units they should understand the process of comparing and of measuring. Devin johnston on january 21 2009 259 am. What an interesting post. Measurement using body parts was often done in the past and was highly useful.
Why the parts of the body cannot be used as as standard unit of length. The length of body parts varies between people therefore it would be imprecise to measure in those units because they are not. Related to the last point the french word for inch is pouce which also. 201 for given objects. In body based units of measurement at interesting thing of the day i listed a few such historical units of measure which can still come in handy for rough. Inaccuracy did occur as the length and width of each persons body parts differed.
It turns out for example that my personal cubit is 18375 inches 4667cm. The learner will use non standard units of measurement and tell time. Why cant we use an angul finger or mutthi fist as standard unit of measurement of length. 10 responses to body parts as tools of measurement chris on january 21 2009 136 am. Its important to keep in mind that the bodies of 99 percent of the worlds population dont follow these rules. I always was an overachiever.
The reason units of measurement like these fell out of favor is that they vary from one person to the next so if you need accuracy or repeatability theyre not the best choice. Mass weight and capacity frequently. We all come somewhere close. Body parts are not used as standard unit of measurement because length of palm and hand are different for different persons which causes error in measurement.
Gallery of Why Body Parts Cannot Be Used As Standard Unit Of Measurement
