Why do we measure things in hogsheads and micromorts?
In short: Most of our standard measurements are logical, but history is full of bizarre units that still linger in our language and science. This video explores 36 of these eccentric standards, from the tiny to the massive.
Host John Green explores the history and application of 36 unusual units of measurement. The episode highlights specific examples like the 'jiffy,' the 'hogshead,' and the 'micromort' to illustrate how human systems of quantification can become wonderfully strange over time.
By examining these outliers, the video provides a broader look at how we categorize the world around us. It serves as a deep dive into the trivia of measurement, perfect for those who want to understand the linguistic and scientific remnants of unconventional standards.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 36 Unusual Units of Measurement - mental_floss on YouTube (Ep.10) | Mental Floss
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