The
metric system is much more scientific than the
ounce pound foot mile hodge podge.
The metric system progresses in Tens. Its clean and uncomplicated.
mili centi deci meter deca hecto Kilo
Perfection!
Old English system: Jumps in threes and twelves... usually
1 digit=3/4 inch
1 Nail=3 digits = 2+1⁄4 inches = 1⁄16 yard
1 palm=3 inches
1 foot=13 inches... 12 inches from 1066AD onwards!
1 cubit=From fingertips to elbow, 18 inches.
1yard=36 inches
1 fathom= left fingertip to right fingertip with arms outstretched= 6 feet (not always!!
)
1 rod=16 1/2 feet, used to be 20 feet earlier.
1 furlong= 660 feet=40 rods
(One plough's furrow long; in Saxon, furrow =furh)
1 mile=1760 yards= 5280 feet=8 furlongs... after 1066ad, became 5000 feet.
You see, its like some private measuring system going haywire! Those ancient barters and farmers didnt care about science or measurement standards. They managed with whatever they had, palms, hands, feet, ploughs even!
Do you think NASA uses this mad system in it's space programs? No. They use the metric system for scientific endeavours.