Re: [OT] Imperial measures
On Tue, 4 Oct 2011 23:51:26 +0100
Wolodja Wentland <babilen@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Tue, Oct 04, 2011 at 15:25 -0400, Doug wrote:
>
> > The US pint is 16 ounces, and the US quart and gallon are based on
> > that. 32 oz. = 1 qt; 4 qts. = 1 gal.
> > That's why the British gallon is 5 US quarts, or 4 British quarts.
> > The ounce is the same size, or almost. (As wiki says, research is
> > needed.) I'm not really sure of the history, but I *think* that all
> > pints were once 16 ounces, thus the expression, "A pint's a pound,
> > the world around." Therefore, it would seem that the US, being the
> > colony, kept on using the old measure, while the mother country
> > modified it. (Since the Brits like their "pint" of ale, it is
> > logical that they would take steps to get more ounces in their
> > pint!)
> >
> > The fluid ounce is not exactly 1 avoirdupois ounce, but it must be
> > close, because of that saying. Also, one US gallon of water weighs
> > just about 8 pounds.
>
> Interesting read ... but seriously: WTF?
>
> /me prefers litre and (kilo)gram :)
So do I.
I think it's a pity that the gill has fallen into misuse. I find it a
useful measure.
Regards,
Weaver.
--
"In a world without walls and fences,
what need have we for Windows or Gates?"
-Anon.
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