thrawn on Nostr: It might have been first, but as I pointed out nowadays the imperial units are ...
It might have been first, but as I pointed out nowadays the imperial units are **defined** as ratios of their SI counterparts.
Unlike the Imperial system, the units in the Metric system are based on universal constants.
To calculate a distance (for example) in IU, you need to calculate it in SI units, as defined using the universal constants, then you need to use the latest conversion ratio to get it in IU. Hence, the **extra steps**.
During the years the IU have been standardized and defined in the relevant legal acts as derived from the metric system units.
You could have a look at some of those acts:
- International Yard and Pound Agreement (1959)
- Weights and Measures Act (1985) (UK)
- US Metric Conversion Act (1975)
- Refinement Of Values For The Yard And The Pound by the US Department of commerce
- Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168)
The US tried switching to the Metric System, but ultimately failed, as the conversion was not mandatory, but voluntary.
You could also check these useful links:
> https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/frn-59-5442-1959.pdf
> https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/72/2023-05-03
> https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-89/pdf/STATUTE-89-Pg1007.pdf
Unlike the Imperial system, the units in the Metric system are based on universal constants.
To calculate a distance (for example) in IU, you need to calculate it in SI units, as defined using the universal constants, then you need to use the latest conversion ratio to get it in IU. Hence, the **extra steps**.
During the years the IU have been standardized and defined in the relevant legal acts as derived from the metric system units.
You could have a look at some of those acts:
- International Yard and Pound Agreement (1959)
- Weights and Measures Act (1985) (UK)
- US Metric Conversion Act (1975)
- Refinement Of Values For The Yard And The Pound by the US Department of commerce
- Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168)
The US tried switching to the Metric System, but ultimately failed, as the conversion was not mandatory, but voluntary.
You could also check these useful links:
> https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2017/05/09/frn-59-5442-1959.pdf
> https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/72/2023-05-03
> https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-89/pdf/STATUTE-89-Pg1007.pdf