Description
Book SynopsisThis the first book to describe the system of weights and measures used in medieval Scotland and to explain its evolution into modern times, and also the first to provide secure and accurate figures for the sizes of the units. The book's radical approach includes an emphasis on the physical evidence from surviving measurement standards, and it demonstrates that Scotland's meteorology was sophisticated and was closely involved with those of her trading partners. The book will appeal to a specialist market that includes social, economic and science historians; Scottish historians; weight and scale collectors; museums; and science and technology libraries.
Trade Review'At last, in the fog of ancient meaurement, we have a beacon to guide us through.' Professor T C Smout, Historiographer Royal in Scotland '...the most impressive feature ... is how he has achieved presenting such complex material (historical, legal and technical) in such an immensely readable fashion. ... ' Chris Howells, Trading Standards Institute lead officer, metrology 'This volume is of heroic dimensions...and will undoubtedly stand the test of time as an authoritative work.' Prof Jasper McKee, in Physics in Canada 'An essential work of reference for university and pubic libraries... Marked by an evident enthusiasm to communicate the subject to wider audiences.' Dr Richard Sheldon, Economic History Review 'Meticulously researched detail accompanied by wonderful illustrations.' Dr William Ashworth, Technology and Culture
Table of ContentsAckowledgements / Foreword / Introduction / Colour Plates; Part I; A History of Weights and Measures in Scotland, 9 chapters including: The Beginnings of Scots Metrology; The Riddle of the Firlot; The Science of Measurement; Part II; Inventory of the Surviving Standards; A. Linear Measures (6 chapters); B. Weights (5 chapters); C. Capacity Measures (6 chapters); Part III; Appendices; A. The Central Scottish Metrological Acts; B. Land Measure and Assessment in Regional Scotland; C. Land Service; D. Orkney and Shetland; E. Assizes of Bread and Ale; F. A Synopsis of the Scottish System of Weights and Measures; G. Directory of Scottish Scale, Weight and Measure Makers, to 1900; Index
