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Australia's 1974 metrication saved 10% on construction turnover and 15% on profits, but many industries still hide metric use from consumers.
Key Insights
In Australia, direct metrication in the building construction industry saved an estimated 10% on turnover and increased net profits by about 15%.
The metric system's inventor, John Wilkins, proposed a decimal system including a universal measure (an ancestor of the meter) in 1668, predating French metric reforms.
A comparative study showed Australia completed its metrication program in about a year, while Canada has taken 37 years so far.
In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche engineered the Volkswagen Beetle with only three nut sizes (10mm, 13mm, and 28mm), demonstrating early automotive metrication benefits.
The US automotive industry uses metric parts in approximately 10,000 components per car, though drivers may not be aware.
To avoid confusion with multiple definitions, Australia specified that centimeters should not be used in building construction calculations, ensuring smooth metrication in under a year.
Direct metrication offers significant economic advantages
Direct metrication, which involves re-engineering processes to fully embrace metric units, has demonstrated substantial economic benefits. In Australia's building construction industry, this approach led to savings of approximately 10% on turnover and a 15% increase in net profits. These savings extended to subcontractors as well. A practical example highlighted the waste reduction: a house built with Imperial (feet and inches) measures generated two five-ton truckloads of waste, while a metric house produced waste that fit into a single wheelbarrow. This efficiency stems from tighter specifications, such as a precise 90mm scantling in Australia, compared to nominal imperial sizes that often required padding or planing to achieve flat surfaces for drywall installation. The elimination of errors and the ability to work with simpler, honest numbers in millimeters contributed to better quality and reduced costs.
The historical roots of the metric system are in England
Contrary to the common perception of the metric system being purely French, its foundational concepts can be traced back to England. John Wilkins, a fellow of the Royal Society, proposed a decimal system, including a universal measure (an ancestor of the modern meter), in 1668. His work, 'An Essay towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language,' laid out the principles for a universal, time-based measurement system that combined units for time, length, area, volume, and mass. This research suggests a significant intellectual lineage for metrication originating in England.
Australia's rapid metrication contrasts with slower transitions elsewhere
Australia's experience with metrication offers a model for efficiency. The nation successfully completed its metric transition across 85% of industries within approximately one year, largely due to adopting direct metrication strategies. This rapid change contrasts sharply with other countries; for instance, Canada has been in the process for 37 years and is still not finished. A key element of Australia's success was the formation of broadly based industry committees, including those with hands-on experience like carpenters and builders, who rewrote regulations and ensured practicality. Their approach, supported by government 'cocoon' legislation, allowed industries to collaborate and implement changes effectively, often as regulations rather than lengthy parliamentary laws.
Technological adoption of metrication is widespread and often unnoticed
Metrication is an inevitable and ongoing process, deeply embedded in modern technology. Cars, for example, are increasingly metric, with Ferdinand Porsche's design of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1934 showcasing early benefits by using only three nut sizes. Today, an average US car contains around 10,000 metric parts. Similarly, computers and electronic devices rely heavily on metric units, with components designed in nanometers and conductors measured in micrometers, even though screens might still be marketed in inches. This widespread adoption often occurs 'hidden,' where industries use metric internally but may not always advertise it publicly, leading to a disconnect between technical reality and consumer perception.
Direct metrication is faster and cheaper than conversion
The crucial difference between direct metrication and metric conversion lies in speed and cost. While conversion, where old and new units coexist (like dual-sided rulers or thermometers), can take a century, direct metrication can be achieved in about a year. This distinction is vital because lingering with dual systems creates confusion, prolongs the transition, and ultimately increases costs. Australia's policy of prohibiting the use of centimeters in building construction, for instance, ensured a clean and rapid shift to millimeters and meters, avoiding the pitfalls of mixed units.
Social proof influences metric adoption
Social proof plays a significant role in how people adopt new systems, including metrication. Just as fashion trends are followed because others are doing them, individuals tend to conform to observed behaviors. This was evident in Australia when road signs were changed overnight; the public adapted quickly. Conversely, scientific institutions sometimes 'dumb down' their messaging, using imperial units when presenting to the public, thereby reinforcing existing habits and slowing the adoption of metric. This tendency to follow the majority, or what is perceived as standard, can hinder progress if not actively managed.
The origin of units can be surprisingly complex and non-standard
Many traditional measurement units lack clear, consistent definitions, leading to confusion. For example, a 'gill' had 35 different definitions, and 'calories' can vary significantly, with 22 types identified. Energy units like British Thermal Units are temperature-dependent, and the 'barrel' in the oil industry is an arbitrarily defined volume, not a physical container. This ambiguity contrasts sharply with the standardized nature of metric units like the joule for energy, which simplifies calculations and comparisons, especially in scientific and industrial contexts.
Voluntary versus mandatory approaches are less critical than the method of metrication
The success of metrication is not primarily determined by whether the transition is mandatory or voluntary. Instead, the key factor is the method employed. Direct metrication, regardless of its enforcement, leads to faster and more efficient change compared to conversion-based approaches. For example, Australian firefighters were mandated to use metric measures to ensure safety and avoid confusion in critical situations. The critical takeaway is that a clear, direct path, rather than a gradual or dual-unit system, is the most effective strategy for accomplishing metrication.
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Common Questions
Metrication is inevitable because it offers significant advantages in terms of simplicity, clarity, and reduced errors. Industries worldwide are adopting it for cost savings and efficiency, and once a country uses metric for any period, it rarely reverts to pre-metric measures.
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Mentioned in this video
The international system of units, established in 1960, under which older metric energy units are now considered redundant.
An ancient language from which Bible scholars sometimes translate, encountering archaic measurement words they leave untranslated.
The modern metric system, which the speaker investigated the origins of, tracing it back to John Wilkins' work in 1668.
A passive approach to metrication, seen in some academic fields like theology, which avoids addressing measurement units and significantly delays adoption.
An imperial unit of weight mentioned in the context of the Royal Society's display, showing how scientific information was 'dumbed down' for the public.
A metric unit used for the dimensions of conductors across computer chips.
The standard unit for measuring oil prices, which has an undefined and arbitrary volume, leading to opacity and difficulty in comparison.
A trade that benefits from metrication, as illustrated by the confusion plumbers experienced with decimals.
A binary prefix representing 1024 gigabytes, used in computer storage to maintain accuracy compared to decimal prefixes.
John Wilkins' 1668 book contained the basis for Pitman shorthand, a system of rapid writing.
Used in a calculation to determine the price of oil per liter from the quoted barrel price, demonstrating the clarity of metric units even when starting from a non-metric one.
The process of adopting metric units, discussed in terms of its inevitability, challenges, and successful implementation strategies like direct metrication.
An issue where clear and simple energy units are crucial for understanding and addressing the problem, highlighting the advantage of metric units.
Emphasized as crucial for successful metrication programs, both at the organizational and national level.
The overarching theme of the talk, exploring various systems, their historical development, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to metric.
A unit of linear measurement in the Australian building construction policy, alongside millimeters and meters, excluding centimeters.
A psychological phenomenon where individuals adjust their behavior based on what others are doing, relevant to the adoption of new systems like metrication.
Key to successful metrication programs, requiring strong leadership and clear policy statements.
Specified as a unit NOT to be used in the Australian building construction industry's linear measurements and calculations.
A unit used by the speaker to report Australian energy requirements and compare them with US energy use.
A binary prefix meaning 1024, introduced to address discrepancies arising from using 'kilo' (1000) in computer storage contexts.
The most effective approach to adopting metric, involving a complete re-engineering of systems and processes, leading to rapid and successful implementation.
John Wilkins' initial goal in 1668 was to create a universal philosophical language, with measurement systems being a secondary aspect of his work.
A metric unit of distance, used by Australian firefighters to estimate distances across valleys.
A fundamental metric unit of length, used in various contexts from building construction to road signage.
An imperial unit of length that historically had multiple definitions, causing confusion and errors, a problem eliminated by the standardization of metric units.
A temperature scale mentioned in relation to the definition of a calorie and British thermal units.
A metric unit of electric current used in the electrolytic process for purifying copper at the Kennecott mine.
Mentioned in relation to 'atomic energy units' that were used in submissions to an Australian Senate inquiry on measuring energy, adding to the confusion.
Directly improved by metrication, as seen in reduced waste, fewer errors, and increased efficiency in industries like construction.
Measurement systems are deeply embedded in culture and tradition, as illustrated by the cookbook example and resistance to metric adoption.
Mentioned as one of the trades that would benefit from metrication.
A binary prefix representing 1024 bytes, introduced to clarify storage capacity in computers, distinguishing it from the decimal kilobyte (1000 bytes).
A significant benefit of metrication in construction, leading to dramatically less material waste and cost savings.
Improved by metrication due to tighter specifications and greater precision in construction, such as the 90mm Australian scantling.
The industry that successfully transitioned to metrication within one year by adopting direct metrication and setting clear policies, leading to significant cost savings.
A unit used in the metric system for angles, mentioned as a contrast to the practical 'right angle' which is not directly represented in SI units.
Refers to the pre-metric measurement system used for one of the houses built by AV Jennings and Company, contrasted with the metric house that produced significantly less waste.
A key area where the complexity and ambiguity of pre-metric units (BTUs, calories, barrels of oil) make accurate measurement and comparison difficult, unlike the simple Joule.
An imperial unit of distance mentioned in the context of the Royal Society's display and the UK's road signs.
A unit of liquid volume mentioned in relation to the 'barrel' of oil, used to illustrate its conversion to liters.
Referred to indirectly as 'oil' in discussions about energy units and the ambiguity of 'barrels'.
A major benefit of metrication, leading to cost savings and streamlined processes across various industries.
Improved by the standardization of metric units, allowing for easier understanding and comparison of measurements globally.
Contrasted with metric units, these are shown to be complex, ambiguous, and inefficient, leading to waste and errors.
An old pre-metric energy unit noted for its temperature dependency, with different values at different Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures.
A precise metric unit of length, fundamental in construction and engineering for its ability to handle small, whole numbers, leading to increased accuracy and reduced waste.
John Wilkins' background as a clergyman and his belief in a perfect primal language influenced his work on universal systems.
Mentioned as one of the trades that would benefit from metrication.
A larger unit of computer storage that highlights the cumulative effect of discrepancies between binary prefixes (1024) and decimal prefixes (1000).
Used in a calculation to compare the price of oil per liter to the price of gasoline, highlighting the need for clear conversion factors.
A historical unit of length (about 1/3 of an inch) used to set shoe sizes, contributing to their lack of precision.
The speaker uses suicide statistics as an example of social proof, explaining how media reporting details can lead to copycat incidents.
The sector that submitted issues about atomic energy units in a Senate inquiry on measuring energy, contributing to the pre-metric measurement confusion.
The presentation delves into the historical development and adoption of the metric system and its predecessors.
The speaker highlights how deeply ingrained traditions can make adopting new measurement systems challenging, but also how metrication can preserve or adapt traditions.
Mentioned as one of the trades that would benefit from metrication.
The foundation of computer technology, discussed in relation to prefixes like kilobyte and gigabyte, and the emergence of new units like kibibyte.
A unit related to computer storage, mentioned in the context of binary prefixes and the discrepancies between powers of 1000 and 1024.
A metric prefix meaning 1000, contrasted with the binary prefix 'kibi' which means 1024.
A binary prefix, similar to 'kibi', used in multiples of 1024 for computer storage, addressing discrepancies in larger units.
An industry where metrication, particularly direct metrication, leads to significant cost savings and increased profits due to improved precision and efficiency.
A key component of the decimal system, pioneered in the US and now adopted globally, simplifying financial transactions.
Mentioned in the context of Dr. Lulu Hunt Peters' definition of a calorie, relating to the heating of water.
Underpins discussions on cost savings in construction and the efficiency gains from metrication.
Metrication itself can be seen as an innovation, and the metric system facilitates further technological advancements by providing a common standard.
The standard metric unit of energy, contrasted with numerous old pre-metric units.
The traditional system of measurement used before metrication, which the speaker contrasts with the metric system, highlighting issues of waste and complexity.
An archaic measurement unit of liquid volume found in a historical recipe, with 35 different definitions, causing confusion.
A unit used by the speaker for comparing energy use across large regions like Australia and the USA, facilitating easier comparisons than older units.
A fundamental aspect of the metric system, emphasizing its logical base-10 structure for calculations and currency.
A method where metric units are used internally without public announcement, as observed in the UK's road system and the US automotive industry.
An imperial unit of distance mentioned in the context of the Royal Society's display and the construction industry's historical measurements.
A metric temperature scale adopted in one chemistry laboratory as part of a direct metrication initiative, also leading to the replacement of mercury thermometers.
A passive strategy for dealing with metrication, which leads to prolonged delays and minimal progress.
An energy unit with multiple definitions, causing confusion, particularly in weight watching contexts.
The central topic of the presentation, discussed in terms of its history, advantages, various adoption methods, and inevitable spread.
Older measurement systems that are characterized by ambiguity, complexity, and leading to inefficiencies like waste and errors in industry.
An industry where metrication has seen varied success, with some sectors converting effectively while others struggle, as seen in Kodak's paper division.
The field where binary prefixes like 'kibi' and 'gibi' are being developed to resolve discrepancies related to powers of 1024 versus 1000.
An imperial unit of weight mentioned in the context of the Royal Society's display, showing how scientific information was 'dumbed down' for the public.
Significantly enhanced by the metric system, reducing errors in measurement and leading to better quality products and construction.
The speaker implies that understanding and adopting the metric system is a form of education, and current systems can be confusing.
Mentioned as one of the trades that would benefit from metrication, alongside plumbing, spinning, tanning, weaving, and welding.
A key feature of the metric system, facilitating easier calculations and financial transactions.
An ancient language from which Bible scholars sometimes translate, encountering archaic measurement words they leave untranslated.
An ambiguous unit used by the oil industry, highlighting the confusion and lack of transparency in pre-metric energy measurement.
The modern metric system, also known as SI, which provides a universal and unambiguous standard for measurement.
The primary system of measurement discussed, highlighting its simplicity, clarity, and efficiency compared to pre-metric units.
The alternative measurement system discussed, highlighting its complexities and inefficiencies compared to the metric system.
An approach where old and new units are used simultaneously, which the speaker argues is inefficient and can take up to 100 years to complete.
John Wilkins' original motivation for developing a universal system was rooted in creating a philosophical language, reflecting a deeper connection between measurement and thought.
Mentioned as a system requiring agreement on standards, which can sometimes conflict with the implementation of a universal measuring system like metrication.
A sector within the textile trade where measurement is critical, and metrication offers improvements in testing and accuracy.
The field where metrication is essential for clear communication and reproducible results, as discussed in the context of the Royal Society and NIST.
An extremely small metric unit used in the design and manufacturing of computer chips.
A metric unit of electrical potential used in the electrolytic process for purifying copper at the Kennecott mine.
Essential for metrication, as seen in the broad-based committees formed in Australia to rewrite building regulations.
Mentioned as one of the trades that would benefit from metrication.
Discussed as a potential future development, though the social challenges are considered greater than the technical ones.
The speaker's background includes work in various machinery trades, indicating practical experience with measurement systems.
Presented as an archaic and confusing method of measurement, particularly in trades like plumbing, contrasted with the clarity of decimals.
A fundamental geometrical concept important in building and design, which the speaker notes is not directly represented by a named unit in the metric system, unlike radians.
An imperial unit of distance, use of which is mandatory forbidden for Australian firefighters to prevent confusion and ensure safety.
The Italian translation of 'Universal Measure', from which the word 'meter' is derived.
The speaker, a builder, expresses a preference for right angles, noting their lack of a direct equivalent in some SI units.
Mentioned as the last major motorcycle manufacturer to fully convert to metric parts.
Used as a case study for the varying success of metrication within a company, with the film division converting rapidly while the paper division struggled.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like Tesla.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like Ford.
Mentioned as a company whose metrication is inevitable, and as a tool used frequently by the speaker for research.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like Mercedes-Benz.
The company behind the iconic Beetle, which was engineered using metric standards and significantly influenced the automotive industry worldwide.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like BMW.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like Audi.
The largest home builders in Australia where the speaker worked, who conducted a comparative study of building houses in Imperial vs. metric measures.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like General Motors.
Not mentioned, though the speaker's discussion of cars and engineering implicitly covers companies like Toyota.
Instrumental in pushing for decimal currency in the United States, he also trained Thomas Jefferson as ambassador to France.
Authored an arithmetic book where he used a comma as a decimal marker and was a student of John Wilkins.
The engineer credited with creating the first metric car, which significantly influenced the automotive industry.
The lady who introduced the word 'calorie' into human food discussions in the United States, defining it based on heating water.
Invented a decimal calculator in 1640, predating other adding machines and contributing to the development of mechanical calculation.
Mentioned in relation to Microsoft Word's conversion to metric units, which defaults to centimeters divided into halves and quarters, losing decimal precision.
The managing director of Kodak in 1910 who decided the company would adopt metric measurements.
Explorer whose mapping of the Pacific and North Atlantic oceans was happening around the same time as discoveries related to longitude and time measurement.
The inventor of the International System of Units (modern metric system) in 1668, also a founder of the Royal Society.
Mentioned as the speakers of a hypothesized perfect and pure language that John Wilkins sought to rediscover.
Key figure in promoting decimalization in the US and ambassador to France, with significant parallels to John Wilkins' work on measurement and decimal systems.
Along with Thomas Jefferson, he was instrumental in enacting decimal currency into law in the United States in 1790.
Realized the problem with the pendulum method for a universal measure and decided to measure a line of longitude, a key step in metric development.
Associated with decimal arithmetic and COMPOUND interest tables, contributing to the evolution of decimal systems.
His chain was used to survey the United States, resulting in the grid-like pattern of many American landscapes.
Known for his dictionary of the English language, published about 200 years after John Wilkins' early work in lexicography.
Responsible for burning down the Library of Congress library in 1812, after which Jefferson sold his personal collection to rebuild it.
Not mentioned, but Thomas Jefferson served as Secretary of State and then Ambassador to France.
The speaker visited the Library of Congress to examine Thomas Jefferson's collection of books, including one annotated by Isaac Newton.
Mentioned as a place where John Wilkins was a leader of a college, one of the few individuals to hold such a position at both Oxford and Cambridge.
An organization whose science fair exemplified social proof, with displays dumbing down information to imperial units for public presentation.
A US institute where the speaker was invited to speak and shown around, highlighting the continued use of outdated units like BTU per barrel of oil equivalent in 2007.
Mentioned as the body that likely addressed the issue of binary system discrepancies with new prefixes like 'kibi' and 'gibi'.
An inquiry was held by the Australian Senate on how to measure energy, leading to confusing submissions due to pre-metric units.
Mentioned as a place where John Wilkins was a leader of a college, one of the few individuals to hold such a position at both Oxford and Cambridge.
Held an inquiry into measuring energy, revealing the complexities and ambiguities of pre-metric units, prompting the speaker's submission.
While not explicitly named, the discussion of international standards (SI) implies its influence and role in global harmonization.
Not mentioned, though weather and climate are related to energy discussions. The WMO uses SI units.
The government body that provided political support and a 'cocoon' for industries during Australia's metrication process.
Mentioned as having two different inches in 1958: one for armaments and one for streets and houses, highlighting the ambiguity of pre-metric units.
The Mars Climate Orbiter failure, a classic example of metric-imperial confusion, is notably absent from the speaker's examples.
The organization where the speaker previously worked, contributing to science encyclopedias and textbooks.
Mentioned as an organization whose secretary was excluded from a key metrication committee due to a lack of hands-on experience.
Not mentioned, though health and safety aspects of measurement (e.g., mercury thermometers) were discussed.
The BIPM is the intergovernmental organization that defines the SI units. It is implied by the discussion of the SI system.
The country where the metric system was standardized and adopted in the 1790s, and where Napoleon attempted to reverse its use.
The speaker's home country, where successful metrication programs were implemented, serving as a model for other nations.
Mentioned as a country where all car manufacturers have adopted metric parts, following Porsche's innovation.
Mentioned as the speaker's hometown in Australia, where one could ask for Kodak photo prints in the traditional sizes.
Mentioned as the theoretical starting point (Barcelona) for the French measurement of a line of longitude.
The setting where Adam and Eve are believed to have spoken a perfect and pure language, which John Wilkins aimed to reconstruct.
A mine in Utah used as an example of a large industrial operation that functions entirely with metric measurements, from excavation to chemical processing.
Mentioned as a country that adopted the Australian plan for changing road signs, similar to India.
The theoretical starting point for the French measurement of a line of longitude during their development of the metric system.
The theoretical endpoint for the French measurement of a line of longitude during their development of the metric system.
Not explicitly mentioned, but implied in discussions of metrics and global trade.
Mentioned as a country that used a slightly different 'stick-on' sign technique during their metrication process and has taken 37 years to change over.
Mentioned as a region where all car manufacturers have adopted metric parts, following Porsche's innovation.
Cited as an example of a country where metrication is inevitable, even without government support, particularly in its drug industry.
Repeatedly mentioned as a country where metrication is progressing, often through hidden adoption within industries, and where the speaker delivered this talk.
Used as an example to illustrate the concept of social proof concerning pedestrian lights and following local behavior.
The speaker visited Paris and observed the use of two decimal points in measurements on a building site.
A country that adopted the Australian model for changing road signs to metric, similar to Ireland.
Referenced as the longest river in the world, used in a hypothetical for measuring its length in meters.
Mentioned as a place where pedestrian lights and social proof dynamics were observed by the speaker, and as the location of the Royal Society's Summer Science School.
Mentioned as a location related to John Wilkins' work on a 'universal language' and measurement.
Mentioned as a country that has adopted metric for design and construction, with road signs showing both metric distances and mile markers.
The word processing software where metric conversions default to centimeters divided into halves and quarters, losing decimal precision.
Not mentioned as a specific entity but underlies the search 'Google Google Google'.
Mentioned in relation to Blaise Pascal's decimal calculator and the ease of using metric numbers in modern calculators.
Are mentioned as expecting specific fractions for storage, which can lead to discrepancies when dealing with binary prefixes.
John Wilkins' 1668 book included a thesaurus, alongside the foundations of Pitman shorthand and a dictionary.
Referred to as plaster sheet, which requires flat surfaces for installation, a requirement better met with metric precision in construction.
Known as drywall in the US, these require flat surfaces for installation, a standard better achieved with precise metric measurements in construction.
The car that evolved from Ferdinand Porsche's metric engineering, known affectionately in Australia as the 'pregnant pasty'.
Their components are measured in nanometers and micrometers, showcasing the use of metric units in advanced technology.
A type of timber used in construction, exemplified by the precise 90mm scantling available in Australia due to metrication.
Computer hard drives are discussed in terms of their capacity in gigabytes, highlighting the discrepancies with binary prefixes.
The dimensions of lumber (e.g., 2x4s) were historically nominal and varied, causing issues addressed by the standardization of metric lumber sizes.
A technological advancement from 30-40 years prior to 1790, crucial for mapping time around the world and establishing latitude.
The retail price of gasoline is compared to the cost of oil per barrel to illustrate the impact of opaque pricing units.
Mentioned as a material that might be used to pad or level surfaces when existing lumber doesn't create a flat wall, a problem reduced by metric precision.
The process of rewriting building regulations in Australia using metric units was a key part of the successful metrication of the construction industry.
These regulations were signed off nationally and by each state in Australia, ensuring consistency during metrication.
Signed in 1215, its signing year is referenced in relation to setting the standard for shoe sizes using a barleycorn length.
Referred to regarding the building construction policy in Australia, which specified millimeters, meters, and kilometers for linear measurement and disallowed centimeters.
A method considered by both Wilkins and Jefferson for establishing a standard universal measure, though they diverged on its practical application in length.
The speaker references Bible scholars' approach to translating ancient texts with measurement units as an example of the 'ignore it and it'll go away' strategy.
Central to an anecdote about the challenges of passing down recipes with archaic measurement units, highlighting the need for metric standardization.
The speaker is the editor of the numbers and measurements section for this manual, demonstrating his role in promoting standardized language.
These were among the sources of recipes in the cookbook project, highlighting the difficulty of preserving information with archaic measurements.
The speaker writes about science in textbooks, indicating his expertise in clear, standardized communication.
A famous English dictionary that was published about a century after John Wilkins' own dictionary.
The basis for Roget's Thesaurus was included in John Wilkins' 1668 book, predating its more famous publication.
Recipes were sometimes written on the sides of these magazines, further illustrating the fragmented and pre-metric nature of traditional recipe keeping.
An article the speaker read about the 9/11 jumpers, which highlighted the social proof phenomenon of people jumping together after seeing others jump.
Referred to as a source for oil price reporting, used to illustrate the ambiguity of 'barrel' as a unit of measurement.
The speaker refers to letters to the editor in newspapers after Australian road signs were changed, with some predicting chaos.
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