Elsevier's Encyclopedic Dictionary of Measures

This dictionary addresses the myriad units of measurement that have arisen through the ages, from classical weights etc., to the latest scientific units - all addressed in historical terms, across cultures as appropriate. Most of the 4000 terms are basic in content, with just the information required to convey role and size (in metric and US units), but relationships between units are shown fully, and many entries give encyclopedic exposition of the historical development and usage of units. Such articles add considerable readability to what is essentially a comprehensive master reference work serving the humanities, science and general interests.Each entry consists of a headword, the broad purpose (measurement realm or functional context), the country or other area of use, the description and definition, and, where appropriate, etymological and translational notes and synonyms of the headword.The dictionary is of special interest to researchers, teachers and translators in the humanities and science, people involved in international trade, investment, travel and news reporting, engineers and engineering students as well anyone interested in understanding the many facets of measurement involved in everyday life.