Significant Facts in the History of the Metric system for Teachers of Junior and Senior High School Mathematics

Abstract

It was down in old Mexico that I had my first real introduction to the metric system. 'Tis true I had met the meter and her children, centimeter, millimeter, and little micron, in a formal way whiJe busy in the laboratories at the university in my undergraduate clays-but it was a cold and scientific acquaintance. Under a warm southern sky, with the sun doing its full share to brighten the picture, I read in no uncertain letters on a freshly painted sign which was posted on a little rail way station in old Sonora: "To Calexico, 33.5 Km." So here upon a common road (not a royal one) Kilometer and I met face to face. From that friendly meeting of a member of the metric system a desire was kindled within me to know more about the family history of the meter, and since that time (1913) I have picked up some interesting facts covering the whole family, some of which it is my purpose to relate at this time.