Thursday, June 30, 2016

My thoughts on metric and imperial

A quick history lesson:

During the french revolution, there was a choice: Make a decimal measurement system, or switch to dozenal. They obviously chose the first.

Not many dozenalists would agree with me, but I think that was a better choice. Here is why:

At the time, the metric system was pretty revolutionary. Yes, It wasn't based on the best number, but it introduced things that was unheard of, like:

  • Consistent conversions
  • Prefix system
  • Universality
However, as a contemporary measurement system, it has a lot of flaws:
  • SI Base unit with a prefix (kilogram)
  • Gravity isn't exact
  • Many redefinitions
  • SI Base unit defined by a physical object (also kilogram)
  • Arbitrary ratios
TGM fixes a lot of those flaws, and it is probably time to start switching over to dozenal

While the SI has a few flaws, the imperial system has many more.

The conversions are arbitrary and inconsistent, and many aren't dozenal friendly.

For example: 5280 has a factor of 5 and one of 11.

The smallest base which imperial works perfectly in is actually base 2310 (2*3*5*7*11)

It is also dependent on another measurement system.

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