2006-10-20 04:45:54 · 7 answers · asked by Marni G 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Most of the common units of measure in the US were inherited from Great Britain. They are of various origin - some practical, some humorous.
An inch is the length of three barley corns placed side-by-side.
A foot ... OK - that one is pretty obvious, though the foot in question belonged to some king or another.
A cubit was defined as the distance from that same king's elbow to the tip of his middle finger, and a yard was the distance from the tip of his nose to the tip of his middle finger (hence the practice of "smelling a yard").
All of these measurements were eventually normalized in terms of each other.
It's not a very pretty beginning, but there you have it.
2006-10-20 04:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by DidacticRogue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the common units of measure in the US were inherited from Great Britain. They are of various origin - some practical, some humorous.
An inch is the length of three barley corns placed side-by-side.
A foot ... OK - that one is pretty obvious, though the foot in question belonged to some king or another.
A cubit was defined as the distance from that same king's elbow to the tip of his middle finger, and a yard was the distance from the tip of his nose to the tip of his middle finger (hence the practice of "smelling a yard").
All of these measurements were eventually normalized in terms of each other.
It's not a very pretty beginning, but there you have it.
2006-10-20 05:00:24 · answer #2 · answered by craftyboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't created. It evolved from historical origins related to the majority of the colonists having English roots.
2006-10-20 04:49:19 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To confuse the hell outta the rest of the world.
2006-10-20 04:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by SassySours 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to be difficult? to be different from brittain?
whatever the reason, theres no excuse to not be using the metric system by now.
2006-10-20 04:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by Gart888 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ENGLISH STANDARD WAS CREATED IN ENGLAND THEN EVERYONE BUT USE WENT TO THE METRIC UNITS. **SHAKES HEAD**
2006-10-20 04:47:46 · answer #6 · answered by Juleette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
convenience. related to real life.
2006-10-20 04:47:11 · answer #7 · answered by c_autumn_b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋