Messages in this thread | | | From | Timothy Covell <> | Subject | Metrics: OK, Jefferson was not first but a leader during his era | Date | Fri, 21 Dec 2001 23:13:28 -0600 |
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A chronology of the SI metric system Important dates in the history of the modern metric system: 1585 In his book "The Tenth" Simon Stevin suggests that a decimal system should be used for weights and measures, coinage, and divisions of the degree of arc. 1670 Authorities give credit for originating the metric system to Gabriel Mouton, a French vicar, on about this date. 1790 Thomas Jefferson proposed a decimal-based measurement system for the United States. France's Louis XVI authorized scientific investigations aimed at a reform of French weights and measures. These investigations led to the development of the first "metric" system. 1792 The U.S. Mint was formed to produce the world's first decimal currency (the U.S. dollar consisting of 100 cents). 1795 France officially adopted the metric system. 1812 Napoleon temporarily suspended the compulsory provisions of the 1795 metric system adoption. 1840 The metric system reinstated as the compulsory system in France.
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