Metrology has a rich history spanning thousands of years, progressing through civilizations. More and more people have access to accurate measuring tools and use universal measurement metrics.
Measuring and quantifying characteristics have been crucial to human advancement and will continue to be. From the rudimentary systems of ancient civilizations to the more sophisticated, precision-focused tools of the modern era, the history of metrology reveals the increasing need for accuracy and standardization in modern civilization.
Below we delve into how the science of measurement became what it is today.
The Ancient Measurements
As humankind progressed from nomadic hunting and gathering, learned farming, and banded into tribes and communities of multiple families, the need for uniform units of measurement started to emerge. Ancient civilizations used natural standards like the span of a hand or fingers (digits), but these naturally led to inconsistencies as people’s bodies and dimensions differed.
It wasn’t until 2900 BC that the first standard of measurement was developed in Egypt, giving us the starting point for the history of metrology.
The Egyptians’ Contribution to Metrology
The first record of establishing a measurement standard was during the Khufu Pyramid’s construction. Pharaoh Khufu decreed that a block of black granite would be used as a standard unit of measurement. It became known as the Egyptian Cubit, which measures the length of the ruling pharaoh’s forearm (from the end of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger). The Egyptian Cubit ranged from 43 to 53 centimeters and was crucial to ancient Egyptian architecture.
The Egyptians were the first in recorded history to declare a physical object as a standard of measurement instead of abstract definitions of lengths. The value of having physical standards is evident in the grandeur of the old Egyptian structures and the artifacts created by artisans of the period.
Another important practice in measurement that the Egyptians started was regularly comparing secondary standards to primary standards to ensure accuracy. All other physical standards created based on the secondary standards will be known as working standards, which will then be available to the public. By this process, the working standards are traceable to the primary standard.
The Greeks’ Emphasis on Accuracy
Like the Egyptians, the Greeks developed measurement standards to suit their needs. They created the stadion or stade, which measured 600 “feet.” The actual length based on today’s standards is unknown, but historians estimate it to be about 150 to 210 meters. The Greeks also developed standards for weights and lengths, known collectively as the Hellenic system.
Greek mathematicians like Pythagoras and Euclid, whose geometric theories and principles contributed to the foundation for mathematics as we know it today, also contributed to metrology by emphasizing the importance of measurement accuracy.
The Roman Standards
The Hellenic system heavily influenced the ancient Roman units of measurement, but the latter also drew from the Egyptians and Mesopotamians. The Roman foot is widely known as shorter than the Greek foot, for example, and they used the ruling emperor’s foot as the standard for basic linear measurement, just like the Egyptians.
However, the Romans were the first to divide a “foot” into 12 equal parts, later giving birth to “inches,” with 12 units making up one foot.
From Medieval to Renaissance
As societies grew throughout Europe, regional practices and the diversity of cultures influenced units of measurement, resulting in inconsistencies across regions. Unified and standardized units for measuring weights and linear lengths became vital as nations explored territories and entered trade. More importantly, scientists, chemists, physicists, and mathematicians of the period needed effective means to exchange and spread knowledge across various sciences.
As the Renaissance came, so did the revival of developments in metrology. Famous polymaths, mathematicians, engineers, and astronomers like Leonardo da Vinci, René Descartes, and Galileo Galilei proved the importance of quantitative measurements in finding empirical evidence, especially in the natural world.
The Age of Enlightenment
As scientific advancements progressed, so did breakthroughs in metrology. It was in 1670 France when Gabriel Mouton, a vicar, noted mathematician, and astronomer from Lyons, France, proposed a linear measure based on a fraction of the earth’s circumference – the arc of one minute of longitude – that will then be subdivided into decimals. His proposal laid the foundation for the modern-day metric system. France was the first to officially declare and adopt this then-revolutionary system of weights and measures in 1795.
Developments in the Industrial Revolution
As society continued to develop scientifically and mathematically and finally applied sciences to industrial production, so did the need for more refined and standardized measurements.
Metrology became vital in the Industrial Revolution because of the immense need for consistency in manufacturing goods and machine parts. Manufacturers recognized the necessity of creating machine parts that are interchangeable and compatible with the products of different producers. As such, many manufacturers, particularly in locomotives and agricultural machinery, developed uniform measurement standards – a move that would fuel industrial growth further.
National metrology institutes governed these standard measures. France’s Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) is notable for laying the groundwork for international standardization, which we know as the Système International (SI) or, as known in the English-speaking countries, the International System of Units. Its seven fundamental units are widely known and used in many countries:
- Meter
- Kilogram
- Second
- Ampere
- Kelvin
- Mole
- Candela
Modern Metrology
The last decade proves that there’s more to be explored and improved regarding accuracy and precision in metrology. With the aid of lasers, atomic clocks, and other sophisticated instrumentation, metrologists across industries have propelled metrology to unprecedented heights, taking measurements to the nano-level (feats that are now indispensable in medicine, electronics, and engineering).
The history of metrology mirrors the history of man. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it was instrumental in society’s evolution, helping man understand and interact with the natural world and make groundbreaking discoveries from the molecular level to space.
Metrology will continue to advance along with technology and the broader application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Keeping up with the present standards and modern measurement tools will benefit any institution that aims to be at the forefront of its industry.
Learn about the latest metrology tools and discover their potential roles in your operations. Contact ATT Metrology Solutions today.