Author Archives: Ramsden

The kilogram weight

Posted on 2019-05-03 by Ramsden

The redefinition of the kilogram takes effect in two weeks time. To mark the event, Martin Vlietstra, one of our frequent contributors, looks at the “old” and “new” versions of this international standard. Likes(20)Dislikes(2)

Posted in History, Science, Technical | Tagged International prototype kilogram, kilogram, Metre Convention | Leave a comment

Hybrids, old and new

Posted on 2019-03-12 by Ramsden

We have come across two examples of hybrid measures, and speculate if these might help in those countries struggling with the transition from old to new measures. Likes(30)Dislikes(4)

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Recipes | Tagged cup, hybrid measures, imperial, imperial measures, measurement units, metric, metric foot, weights and measures | 9 Comments

How British metallurgists helped to make the first international kilogram

Posted on 2018-12-08 by Ramsden

We reported a few weeks ago on the redefinition of the kilogram. In this article, Martin Vlietstra, one of our regular contributors, outlines Britain’s contribution to the creation of the prototype kilogram upon which the definition had relied since 1889. … Continue reading →

Posted in General, History, Science, Technical | Tagged International prototype kilogram, IPK, Johnson Matthey & Co | 1 Comment

The kilogram rejuvenated

Posted on 2018-11-16 by Ramsden

For readers who may have missed the news from Versailles amidst the current Brexit hullabaloo, we pass on a link to an article published by the BBC. This explains in laymen’s terms the long-awaited redefinition of the SI base unit of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Is perfect the enemy of good?

Posted on 2018-11-10 by Ramsden

Recent experience in France and Greece and a comment last week by Charlie P on this site has prompted us to ask if it would be better if supporters of metric measures were less pedantic. Likes(31)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Media | Tagged measurement units, metric, perfect_is_the_enemy_of_good, SI | 17 Comments

The new £50 note

Posted on 2018-11-02 by Ramsden

It was announced today that the new polymer £50 note will celebrate the UK’s achievements in science, and will feature a prominent British scientist. Nominations from the public are invited. Likes(23)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Science | Tagged 50poundnote, British scientists, metric, SI | 12 Comments

Imperial echoes in GBBO

Posted on 2018-10-31 by Ramsden

A headline in The Independent caused us cause for concern, if only briefly. Likes(24)Dislikes(7)

Posted in Media, Recipes | Tagged GBBO, imperial, measurement units, metric | 1 Comment

Two kinds of country?

Posted on 2018-10-16 by Ramsden

We return after a break with a short article from one of our supporters about a recent film release Likes(28)Dislikes(3)

Posted in History, Myths, Science | Tagged Apollo moon landings, measurement units, metric, Neil Armstrong | 18 Comments

Read it before?

Posted on 2018-09-21 by Ramsden

Ronnie Cohen, one of our regular contributors, compliments the UK Department for Transport (DfT) on its policy for dealing with enquiries relating to the oft-postponed metric changeover. Likes(27)Dislikes(8)

Posted in Road signs | Tagged conversion, Department for Transport, DfT, metric, metric road signs, metrication | 5 Comments

43 years late

Posted on 2018-08-31 by Ramsden

One of the editors of Metric Views has been reading a book entitled “Eleven minutes late” by Matthew Engel. The book is subtitled “A train journey into the soul of Britain”, and may provide a clue to why the UK … Continue reading →

Posted in General, History | Tagged beer, British, cricket, global Britain, metric, misty-eyed nostalgia, railways, UK Metrication Board | 10 Comments