Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constants

This is a wide, interesting, and good history of measurement. Though a European and obviously a fan of the metric system, Vincent is properly objective enough to note that pre-metric measurements were useful because they were directly related to measurements people had at hand and used everyday whilst noting also that metric measurements were not fixed, scientific absolutes, but created with just as much arbitrariness as any other measuring system, and one markedly divorced from bodily measurements and the average person's world. And, the base ten system is not as useful as its applauders state. Who cares if you can move your measurement up and down the system? Most people don't care if they can convert their centimeter measurement to show more decimeters. But, all in all, a great book. I only wish it had dozens of more pictures, like a Bill Bryson illustrated edition. It's a book that could use it. show less

In this account of human made units of measurement, I would have been happier if the "beyond" part of the story featured more history and scientific method and less philosophy. The author's epilogue, which featured a lovely personal anecdote, was one of my favorite parts of the book. Recommended for all libraries.

This book starts off a bit slowly, but evolves in several directions, turning into a great read in the process. First, the history of measurement itself is very interesting in and of itself. Second, the interplay between measurement and political/social forces was far more important than I realized. Land measurement in the US, for example, had massive impacts on patterns of settlement, and was motivated by distinctly political factors. Parts of the book get somewhat scientific, and -- since I listened to the book -- I had to replay a few of these to understand what was being said. Overall, however, I strongly recommend this book.

Mostly quite good, but many chapters ended by the author talking about his own opinions and views. Kind of like a mostly non-fiction book that keeps getting interrupted by bits of memoir.

Recommended by Nicolai Tangen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolai-tangen_excellent-book-beyond-measure-the-...