Other Jimness > Cinder Spires Spoilers
Cinder Spires Setting discussion [TAW Sample Chapter SPOILERS]
Dina:
So, sometimes base 10 (1000 thou = 1 in), sometimes 12 (12 in=1 ft), the rest sounds mosly random. Best thing about metric system is that you know how the units are (always difference of ten with the following, as decimeter, centimeter, milimeter and it's easy to divide by ten. So, a person who is 174 cm height is 1.74 m. A person who is 68 inches...how much is in ft? or thou?
Anyway, my idea was not discuss the advantages or disadvantages of metric system, only to say that as it is not used in all the world is depressing that in TAW is still used. And yes, I know Victorian Era really used those units, but as I think it is set in our future I would expect another thing.
Still, did I mention I loved this book, right?
Mith:
You did. :D
I just have my personal rants because I have to work with imperial units due to being in Engineering, even though I live in Canada, where we use SI.
KeyMasterOfGozer:
Absolutely, I think everyone who does Math, Engineering, or Sciences whole heartedly agree that metric is better than Imperial, it's just that some would say metric should be base 12 rather than base 10.
However, with base 12, imperial measurement jumps are almost always factors of 2, 3, 4, 12 or 60, all of which would look more natural in base 12. Maybe it would be easier to make a 2-step change to base12 metric. I know we've tried to switch to metric a couple of time here in the states, and it never took off. Maybe baby steps? :)
Quantus:
The real strength of SI/metric is not just the ease of math from the Base ten numbers and divisions, it's the way the various units of measurement are defined with relation to each other for conversion uses. The Meter is 1/10millionth the distance from the earth to the equator, the gram is the mass of one milliliter of water, which is one cubic centimeter, and takes one calorie to raise one degree in temp, which is 1/100th the difference between water's freezing point and its boiling point, etc etc etc.
So while Im sure we could come up with new units that are equally useful under a Base12 system, it would be a complete replacement of all measurement standards as well, which is just a whole new layer of complication. And one that scientists in particular will be loathed to invite, because the only thing that really matters is that everyone is using the same standard and agreeing on all the definitions; actual ease of use is secondary.
Dina:
--- Quote from: Dina on October 17, 2015, 06:56:52 PM ---So, sometimes base 10 (1000 thou = 1 in), sometimes 12 (12 in=1 ft), the rest sounds mosly random. Best thing about metric system is that you know how the units are (always difference of ten with the following, as decimeter, centimeter, milimeter and it's easy to divide by ten. So, a person who is 174 cm height is 1.74 m. A person who is 68 inches...how much is in ft? or thou?
Anyway, my idea was not discuss the advantages or disadvantages of metric system, only to say that as it is not used in all the world is depressing that in TAW is still used. And yes, I know Victorian Era really used those units, but as I think it is set in our future I would expect another thing.
--- End quote ---
That is what I meant, Quantus.
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