05.09.202327.05.2017

Metric system

Regions that do not use the metric system are marked in red.

Metric system is the general name for the international decimal system of units based on the use of the meter and gram. Over the past two centuries, various versions of the metric system have existed, differing in the choice of base units. Currently, the SI system is internationally recognized. Although there are some differences in details, the elements of the system are the same throughout the world. Metric units are widely used throughout the world, both for scientific purposes and in everyday life.

The main difference between the metric system and previously used traditional systems is the use of an ordered set of units of measurement. For any physical quantity, there is only one main unit and a set of submultiples and multiples, formed in a standard way using decimal prefixes. This eliminates the inconvenience of using a large number of different units (such as inches, feet, fadens, miles, etc.) with complex conversion rules between them. In the metric system, conversion is reduced to multiplication or division by a power of a number, that is, to a simple rearrangement of the decimal point.

Attempts were made to introduce metric units for measuring time (by dividing a day, for example, into millidays) and angles (by dividing a revolution by 1000 milliturns or by 400 degrees), but they were not successful. Currently, the SI system uses seconds (divided into milliseconds, etc.) and radians.

Story

The metric system grew out of regulations adopted by the French National Assembly in and by defining the meter as one ten-millionth of the portion of the earth's meridian from the North Pole to the equator.

19th century

By defining the meter as a ten-millionth part of a quarter of the earth's meridian, the creators of the metric system sought to achieve invariance and accurate reproducibility of the system. They took the gram as a unit of mass, defining it as the mass of one millionth of a cubic meter of water at its maximum density. To facilitate the use of new units in everyday practice, metal standards were created that reproduce the specified ideal definitions with extreme accuracy.

It soon became clear that metal length standards could be compared with each other, introducing much less error than when comparing any such standard with a quarter of the earth's meridian. In addition, it became clear that the accuracy of comparing metal mass standards with each other is much higher than the accuracy of comparing any such standard with the mass of the corresponding volume of water.

In this regard, the International Commission on Meter decided to accept the “archival” meter, stored in Paris, “as it is” as the standard of length. Similarly, the members of the Commission accepted the archival platinum-iridium kilogram as the standard of mass, “considering that the simple relationship established by the creators of the metric system between the unit of weight and the unit of volume is represented by the existing kilogram with an accuracy sufficient for ordinary applications in industry and commerce, and the exact Sciences do not need a simple numerical relationship of this kind, but an extremely perfect definition of this relationship.”

The new international organization immediately began developing international standards for length and mass and transmitting copies of them to all participating countries.

XX century

The metric system of measures was approved for use in Russia (optional) by the law of June 4, the draft of which was developed by D. I. Mendeleev, and introduced as mandatory by the decree of the Provisional Government of April 30, and for the USSR - by the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated 21 July .

Based on the metric system, the International System of Units (SI) was developed and adopted in 1960 by the XI General Conference on Weights and Measures. During the second half of the 20th century, most countries in the world switched to the SI system.

Late 20th century - 21st century

In the 90s of the twentieth century, the widespread distribution of computer and household appliances from Asia, which lacked instructions and inscriptions in Russian and other languages of the former socialist countries, but were available in English, led to the displacement of the metric system in a number of areas of technology. Thus, the sizes of CDs, floppy disks, hard drives, diagonals of monitors and televisions, digital camera matrices in Russia are usually indicated in inches.

To date, the metric system has been officially adopted in all countries of the world, except the USA, Liberia and Myanmar (Burma). The last country to have already completed the transition to the metric system was Ireland (2005). In the UK and Saint Lucia, the process of transition to SI is still not completed. In Antigua and Guyana, in fact, this transition is far from complete. China, which has completed this transition, nevertheless uses ancient Chinese names for metric units. In the USA, the SI system is adopted for use in science and the manufacture of scientific instruments; for all other areas, the American version of the British system of units is adopted.

Metric variants of traditional units

There have also been attempts to slightly modify the traditional units so that the relationship between them and metric units becomes simpler; this also made it possible to get rid of the ambiguous definition of many traditional units. For example:

metric ton (exactly 1000 kg)
metric carat (exactly 0.2 g)
metric pound (exactly 500 g)
metric foot (exactly 300 mm)
metric inch (exactly 25 mm)
metric horsepower (exactly 75 kgf m/s)

Some of these units have taken root; Currently, in Russia, “ton”, “carat” and “horsepower”, without specification, always denote metric versions of these units.

Links

A Brief History of SI
imperial and metric automatic conversions
NASA completely switches to the metric system (Russian) Compulent -

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Metric second
Metric system of weights and measures

See what the “Metric system” is in other dictionaries:

metric system- a system of weights and measures that has become widespread in various countries and is therefore called international. The metric system was first introduced in France in 1793. In Russia, until 1918, the metric system was allowed for use... ... Reference commercial dictionary

METRIC SYSTEM- METRIC SYSTEM, a decimal system of UNITS OF MEASURES and WEIGHTS, based on the unit of length METER (m) and the unit of mass KILOGRAM (kg). Larger and smaller units are calculated by multiplying or dividing by powers of 10. The metric system was... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

METRIC SYSTEM- (metric system) A measurement system based on the decimal system. It first gained recognition in France at the end of the 18th century. and by 1830 widespread in Europe. In the UK, bills on its mandatory introduction are not... ... Dictionary of business terms

metric system- - [A.S. Goldberg. English-Russian energy dictionary. 2006] Topics of energy in general EN metric systemMS ... Technical Translator's Guide

metric system- metrinė sistema statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: engl. metric system; metrical system vok. metrisches System, n rus. metric system, f pranc. système métrique, m … Fizikos terminų žodynas

METRIC SYSTEM- METRIC SYSTEM A decimal system of weights and measures that originated in France. The basic unit of this system is the meter, approximately equal to one ten-millionth of the meridian distance from the equator to the pole, or ca. 39.37 inchesOffers for... ... Encyclopedia of Banking and Finance

METRIC SYSTEM- as applied to the measurement of sound wavelength, cm. Foot tone... Riemann's Dictionary of Music

METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASURES- (decimal system of measures) a system of units of physical quantities, which is based on the unit of length meter. Multiples and submultiples of the metric system of measures are in decimal ratios. Based on the metric system of measures, it was created... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

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International unit

Creation and development of the metric system of measures

The metric system of measures was created at the end of the 18th century. in France, when the development of trade and industry urgently required the replacement of many units of length and mass, chosen arbitrarily, with single, unified units, which became the meter and kilogram.

Initially, the meter was defined as 1/40,000,000 of the Paris meridian, and the kilogram as the mass of 1 cubic decimeter of water at a temperature of 4 C, i.e. the units were based on natural standards. This was one of the most important features of the metric system, which determined its progressive meaning. The second important advantage was the decimal division of units, corresponding to the accepted number system, and a unified way of forming their names (by including in the name the corresponding prefix: kilo, hecto, deca, centi and milli), which eliminated complex transformations of one unit into another and eliminated confusion in names.

The metric system of measures has become the basis for the unification of units throughout the world.

However, in subsequent years, the metric system of measures in its original form (m, kg, m, m. l. ar and six decimal prefixes) could not satisfy the demands of developing science and technology. Therefore, each branch of knowledge chose units and systems of units that were convenient for itself. Thus, in physics they adhered to the centimeter - gram - second (CGS) system; in technology, a system with basic units has become widespread: meter - kilogram-force - second (MKGSS); in theoretical electrical engineering, several systems of units derived from the GHS system began to be used one after another; in heat engineering, systems were adopted based, on the one hand, on the centimeter, gram and second, on the other hand, on the meter, kilogram and second with the addition of a temperature unit - degrees Celsius and non-system units of the amount of heat - calories, kilocalories, etc. . In addition, many other non-systemic units have found use: for example, units of work and energy - kilowatt-hour and liter-atmosphere, units of pressure - millimeter of mercury, millimeter of water, bar, etc. As a result, a significant number of metric systems of units were formed, some of them covered certain relatively narrow branches of technology, and many non-systemic units, the definitions of which were based on metric units.

Their simultaneous use in certain areas led to the clogging of many calculation formulas with numerical coefficients not equal to unity, which greatly complicated the calculations. For example, in technology it has become common to use the kilogram to measure the mass of the ISS system unit, and the kilogram-force to measure the force of the MKGSS system unit. This seemed convenient from the point of view that the numerical values of mass (in kilograms) and its weight, i.e. the forces of attraction to the Earth (in kilogram-forces) turned out to be equal (with an accuracy sufficient for most practical cases). However, the consequence of equating the values of essentially different quantities was the appearance in many formulas of the numerical coefficient 9.806 65 (rounded 9.81) and the confusion of the concepts of mass and weight, which gave rise to many misunderstandings and errors.

Such a variety of units and the associated inconveniences gave rise to the idea of creating a universal system of units of physical quantities for all branches of science and technology, which could replace all existing systems and individual non-systemic units. As a result of the work of international metrological organizations, such a system was developed and received the name of the International System of Units with the abbreviated designation SI (System International). The SI was adopted by the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures (GCPM) in 1960 as the modern form of the metric system.

Characteristics of the International System of Units

The universality of the SI is ensured by the fact that the seven basic units on which it is based are units of physical quantities that reflect the basic properties of the material world and make it possible to form derivative units for any physical quantities in all branches of science and technology. The same purpose is served by additional units necessary for the formation of derivative units depending on the plane and solid angles. The advantage of SI over other systems of units is the principle of construction of the system itself: SI is built for a certain system of physical quantities that allows one to represent physical phenomena in the form of mathematical equations; Some of the physical quantities are accepted as fundamental and all the others - derivative physical quantities - are expressed through them. For basic quantities, units are established, the size of which is agreed upon at the international level, and for other quantities, derived units are formed. The system of units constructed in this way and the units included in it are called coherent, since the condition is met that the relationships between the numerical values of quantities expressed in SI units do not contain coefficients different from those included in the initially selected equations connecting the quantities. The coherence of SI units when used makes it possible to simplify calculation formulas to a minimum by freeing them from conversion factors.

The SI eliminates the plurality of units for expressing quantities of the same kind. So, for example, instead of the large number of units of pressure used in practice, the SI unit of pressure is only one unit - the pascal.

Establishing its own unit for each physical quantity made it possible to distinguish between the concepts of mass (SI unit - kilogram) and force (SI unit - newton). The concept of mass should be used in all cases when we mean a property of a body or substance that characterizes its inertia and ability to create a gravitational field, the concept of weight - in cases where we mean a force arising as a result of interaction with a gravitational field.

Definition of basic units. And it is possible with a high degree of accuracy, which ultimately not only improves the accuracy of measurements, but also ensures their uniformity. This is achieved by “materializing” units in the form of standards and transferring from their sizes to working measuring instruments using a set of standard measuring instruments.

The International System of Units, due to its advantages, has become widespread throughout the world. Currently, it is difficult to name a country that has not implemented the SI, is at the implementation stage, or has not made a decision to implement the SI. Thus, countries that previously used the English system of measures (England, Australia, Canada, USA, etc.) also adopted the SI.

Let's consider the structure of the International System of Units. Table 1.1 shows the main and additional SI units.

Derived SI units are formed from basic and supplementary units. Derived SI units that have special names (Table 1.2) can also be used to form other derived SI units.

Due to the fact that the range of values of most measured physical quantities can currently be quite significant and it is inconvenient to use only SI units, since the measurement results in too large or small numerical values, the SI provides for the use of decimal multiples and submultiples of SI units , which are formed using the multipliers and prefixes given in Table 1.3.

International unit

On October 6, 1956, the International Committee of Weights and Measures considered the recommendation of the commission on a system of units and made the following important decision, completing the work of establishing the International System of Units of Measurement:

"The International Committee of Weights and Measures, Having regard to the mandate received from the Ninth General Conference on Weights and Measures in its Resolution 6, regarding the establishment of a practical system of units of measurement which could be adopted by all countries signatory to the Metric Convention; Having regard to all documents received from the 21 countries that responded to the survey proposed by the Ninth General Conference on Weights and Measures; taking into account Resolution 6 of the Ninth General Conference on Weights and Measures, establishing the choice of basic units of the future system, recommends:

1) that the system based on the basic units adopted by the Tenth General Conference, which are as follows, be called the “International System of Units”;

2) that the units of this system listed in the following table be used, without predefining other units that may be added subsequently."

At a session in 1958, the International Committee of Weights and Measures discussed and decided on a symbol for the abbreviation of the name "International System of Units". A symbol consisting of two letters SI (the initial letters of the words System International) was adopted.

In October 1958, the International Committee of Legal Metrology adopted the following resolution on the issue of the International System of Units:

metric system measure weight

“The International Committee of Legal Metrology, meeting in plenary session on October 7, 1958 in Paris, announces its adherence to the resolution of the International Committee of Weights and Measures establishing an international system of units of measurement (SI).

The main units of this system are:

meter - kilogram-second-ampere-degree Kelvin-candle.

In October 1960, the issue of the International System of Units was considered at the Eleventh General Conference on Weights and Measures.

On this issue, the conference adopted the following resolution:

"The Eleventh General Conference on Weights and Measures, Having regard to Resolution 6 of the Tenth General Conference on Weights and Measures, in which it adopted six units as a basis for the establishment of a practical system of measurement for international relations, Having regard to Resolution 3 adopted by the International Committee of Measures and scales in 1956, and having regard to the recommendations adopted by the International Committee of Weights and Measures in 1958 relating to the abbreviated name of the system and to the prefixes for the formation of multiples and submultiples, resolves:

1. Give the system based on six basic units the name “International System of Units”;

2. Set the international abbreviated name for this system “SI”;

3. Form the names of multiples and submultiples using the following prefixes:

4. Use the following units in this system, without prejudging what other units may be added in the future:

The adoption of the International System of Units was an important progressive act, summing up many years of preparatory work in this direction and summarizing the experience of scientific and technical circles in different countries and international organizations in metrology, standardization, physics and electrical engineering.

The decisions of the General Conference and the International Committee of Weights and Measures on the International System of Units are taken into account in the recommendations of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on units of measurement and are already reflected in the legal provisions on units and in the standards for units of some countries.

In 1958, a new Regulation on units of measurement was approved in the GDR, based on the International System of Units.

In 1960, the government regulations on units of measurement of the People's Republic of Hungary adopted the International System of Units as a basis.

State standards of the USSR for units 1955-1958. were built on the basis of the system of units adopted by the International Committee of Weights and Measures as the International System of Units.

In 1961, the Committee of Standards, Measures and Measuring Instruments under the Council of Ministers of the USSR approved GOST 9867 - 61 "International System of Units", which establishes the preferred use of this system in all fields of science and technology and in teaching.

In 1961, the International System of Units was legalized by government decree in France and in 1962 in Czechoslovakia.

The International System of Units is reflected in the recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission and a number of other international organizations.

In 1964, the International System of Units formed the basis of the "Table of Legal Measurement Units" of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

During the period 1962 to 1965. A number of countries have enacted laws adopting the International System of Units as mandatory or preferable and standards for SI units.

In 1965, in accordance with the instructions of the XII General Conference on Weights and Measures, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures conducted a survey regarding the situation with the adoption of SI in countries that had joined the Metric Convention.

13 countries have accepted the SI as mandatory or preferable.

In 10 countries, the use of the International System of Units has been approved and preparations are underway to revise laws in order to make this system legal, mandatory in a given country.

In 7 countries, SI is accepted as optional.

At the end of 1962, a new recommendation of the International Commission on Radiological Units and Measurements (ICRU) was published, devoted to quantities and units in the field of ionizing radiation. Unlike previous recommendations of this commission, which were mainly devoted to special (non-systemic) units for measuring ionizing radiation, the new recommendation includes a table in which the units of the International System are placed first for all quantities.

At the seventh session of the International Committee of Legal Metrology, which took place on October 14-16, 1964, which included representatives of 34 countries that signed the intergovernmental convention establishing the International Organization of Legal Metrology, the following resolution was adopted on the implementation of SI:

“The International Committee of Legal Metrology, taking into account the need for the rapid dissemination of the International System of SI Units, recommends the preferred use of these SI units in all measurements and in all measurement laboratories.

In particular, in temporary international recommendations. adopted and disseminated by the International Conference of Legal Metrology, these units should be used preferably for the calibration of measuring instruments and instruments to which these recommendations apply.

Other units permitted by these guidelines are permitted only temporarily and should be avoided as soon as possible."

The International Committee of Legal Metrology has established a rapporteur secretariat on the topic "Units of Measurement", whose task is to develop a model draft legislation on units of measurement based on the International System of Units. Austria took over as the rapporteur secretariat for this topic.

Advantages of the International System

The international system is universal. It covers all areas of physical phenomena, all branches of technology and the national economy. The international system of units organically includes such private systems that have long been widespread and deeply rooted in technology, such as the metric system of measures and the system of practical electrical and magnetic units (ampere, volt, weber, etc.). Only the system that included these units could claim recognition as universal and international.

The units of the International System are for the most part quite convenient in size, and the most important of them have practical names that are convenient in practice.

The construction of the International System corresponds to the modern level of metrology. This includes the optimal choice of basic units, and in particular their number and size; consistency (coherence) of derived units; rationalized form of electromagnetism equations; formation of multiples and submultiples using decimal prefixes.

As a result, various physical quantities in the International System, as a rule, have different dimensions. This makes a complete dimensional analysis possible, preventing misunderstandings, for example, when checking layouts. Dimension indicators in SI are integer, not fractional, which simplifies the expression of derived units through basic ones and, in general, operating with dimension. The coefficients 4n and 2n are present in those and only those equations of electromagnetism that relate to fields with spherical or cylindrical symmetry. The decimal prefix method, inherited from the metric system, allows us to cover huge ranges of changes in physical quantities and ensures that the SI corresponds to the decimal system.

The international system is characterized by sufficient flexibility. It allows the use of a certain number of non-systemic units.

SI is a living and developing system. The number of basic units can be further increased if this is necessary to cover any additional area of phenomena. In the future, it is also possible that some of the regulatory rules in force in the SI will be relaxed.

The International System, as its name itself suggests, is intended to become a universally applicable single system of units of physical quantities. The unification of units is a long overdue need. Already, SI has made numerous systems of units unnecessary.

The International System of Units is adopted in more than 130 countries around the world.

The International System of Units is recognized by many influential international organizations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Among those who recognize the SI are the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, etc.

Bibliography

1. Burdun, Vlasov A.D., Murin B.P. Units of physical quantities in science and technology, 1990

2. Ershov V.S. Implementation of the International System of Units, 1986.

3. Kamke D, Kremer K. Physical foundations of units of measurement, 1980.

4. Novosiltsev. On the history of SI basic units, 1975.

5. Chertov A.G. Physical quantities (Terminology, definitions, notations, dimensions), 1990.

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Some old Russian measures

Length measures

1 verst = 500 fathoms = 1500 arshins = 3500 feet = 1066.8 m
1 fathom = 3 arshins = 48 vershoks = 7 feet = 84 inches = 2.1336 m
1 arshin = 16 vershok = 71.12 cm
1 vershok = 4.450 cm
1 foot = 12 inches = 0.3048 m
1 inch = 2.540 cm
1 nautical mile = 1852.2 m

Weights

1 pood = 40 pounds = 16.380 kg
1 lb = 0.40951 kg

Main difference Metric system from those previously used is that it uses an ordered set of units of measurement. This means that any physical quantity is characterized by a certain main unit, and all submultiples and multiples are formed according to a single standard, namely, using decimal prefixes.

Introduction of this systems of measures eliminates the inconvenience that previously resulted from the abundance of different units of measurement that have rather complex rules for transformation between themselves. Those in metric system are very simple and boil down to the fact that the original value is multiplied or divided by a power of 10.

Back

History of the creation of the metric system

As you know, the metric system originated in France at the end of the 18th century. The variety of weights and measures, the standards of which sometimes differed significantly in different regions of the country, often led to confusion and conflict. Thus, there is an urgent need to reform the current measurement system or develop a new one, taking as a basis a simple and universal standard. In 1790, a project by the well-known Prince Talleyrand, who later became the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, was submitted for discussion to the National Assembly. As a standard of length, the activist proposed to take the length of the second pendulum at a latitude of 45°.

By the way, the idea of a pendulum was no longer new at that time. Back in the 17th century, scientists made attempts to determine universal meters based on real objects that maintained a constant value. One of these studies belonged to the Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens, who conducted experiments with a second pendulum and proved that its length depends on the latitude of the place where the experiment was carried out. A century before Talleyrand, based on his own experiments, Huygens proposed using 1/3 the length of a pendulum with a period of oscillation of 1 second, which was approximately 8 cm, as a global standard of length.

And yet, the proposal to calculate the standard of length using the readings of a second pendulum did not find support in the Academy of Sciences, and the future reform was based on the ideas of the astronomer Mouton, who calculated the unit of length from the arc of the earth's meridian. He also came up with a proposal to create a new measurement system on a decimal basis.

In his project, Talleyrand outlined in detail the procedure for determining and introducing a single standard of length. Firstly, it was supposed to collect all possible measures from all over the country and bring them to Paris. Secondly, the National Assembly was to contact the British Parliament with a proposal to create an international commission of leading scientists from both countries. After the experiment, the French Academy of Sciences had to establish the exact relationship between the new unit of length and the measures that had previously been used in various parts of the country. Copies of the standards and comparative tables with the old measures had to be sent to all regions of France. This regulation was approved by the National Assembly, and on August 22, 1790, it was approved by King Louis XVI.

Work on determining the meter began in 1792. The leaders of the expedition, which was tasked with measuring the meridian arc between Barcelona and Dunkirk, were the French scientists Mechain and Delambre. The work of French scientists was planned for several years. However, in 1793, the Academy of Sciences, which carried out the reform, was abolished, which caused a serious delay in the already difficult, labor-intensive research. It was decided not to wait for the final results of measuring the meridian arc and to calculate the length of the meter based on existing data. So in 1795, the temporary meter was defined as 1/10000000 of the Parisian meridian between the equator and the north pole. Work to clarify the meter was completed by the fall of 1798. The new meter was shorter by 0.486 lines or 0.04 French inches. It was this value that formed the basis of the new standard, legalized on December 10, 1799.

One of the main provisions of the metric system is the dependence of all measures on a single linear standard (meter). So, for example, when determining the basic unit of weight - - it was decided to take a cubic centimeter of pure water as a basis.

By the end of the 19th century, almost all of Europe, with the exception of Greece and England, had adopted the metric system. The rapid spread of this unique system of measures, which we still use today, was facilitated by simplicity, unity and accuracy. Despite all the advantages of the metric system, Russia at the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries did not dare to join the majority of European countries, even then breaking the centuries-old habits of the people and abandoning the use of the traditional Russian system of measures. However, the “Regulations on Weights and Measures” dated June 4, 1899 officially allowed the use of the kilogram along with the Russian pound. The final measurements were completed only by the beginning of the 1930s.

On the facade of the Ministry of Justice in Paris, under one of the windows, a horizontal line and the inscription “meter” are carved in marble. Such a tiny detail is barely noticeable against the backdrop of the majestic Ministry building and Place Vendôme, but this line is the only one remaining in the city of “meter standards”, which were placed throughout the city more than 200 years ago in an attempt to introduce the people to a new universal system of measures - metric.

We often take a system of measures for granted and don’t even think about what story lies behind its creation. The metric system, which was invented in France, is official throughout the world, with the exception of three countries: the United States, Liberia and Myanmar, although in these countries it is used in some areas such as international trade.

Can you imagine what our world would be like if the system of measures was different everywhere, like the situation with currencies that we are familiar with? But everything was like this before the French Revolution, which flared up at the end of the 18th century: then the units of weights and measures were different not only between individual states, but even within the same country. Almost every French province had its own units of measures and weights, incomparable with the units used by their neighbors.

The revolution brought a wind of change to this area: in the period from 1789 to 1799, activists sought to overturn not only the government regime, but also to fundamentally change society, changing traditional foundations and habits. For example, in order to limit the influence of the church on public life, the revolutionaries introduced a new Republican calendar in 1793: it consisted of ten-hour days, one hour was equal to 100 minutes, one minute was equal to 100 seconds. This calendar was fully consistent with the new government's desire to introduce a decimal system in France. This approach to calculating time never caught on, but people came to like the decimal system of measures, which was based on meters and kilograms.

The first scientific minds of the Republic worked on the development of a new system of measures. Scientists set out to invent a system that would obey logic, and not local traditions or the wishes of authorities. Then they decided to rely on what nature had given us - the standard meter should be equal to one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator. This distance was measured along the Paris meridian, which passed through the building of the Paris Observatory and divided it into two equal parts.

In 1792, scientists Jean-Baptiste Joseph Delambre and Pierre Méchain set out along the meridian: the former's destination was the city of Dunkirk in northern France, the latter followed south to Barcelona. Using the latest equipment and the mathematical process of triangulation (a method of constructing a geodetic network in the form of triangles in which their angles and some of their sides are measured), they hoped to measure the meridian arc between two cities at sea level. Then, using the method of extrapolation (a method of scientific research consisting of extending conclusions drawn from observations of one part of a phenomenon to another part of it), they intended to calculate the distance between the pole and the equator. According to the initial plan, scientists planned to spend a year on all measurements and the creation of a new universal system of measures, but in the end the process lasted for seven years.

Astronomers were faced with the fact that in those turbulent times people often perceived them with great caution and even hostility. In addition, without the support of the local population, scientists were often not allowed to work; There were cases when they were injured while climbing the highest points in the area, such as church domes.

From the top of the dome of the Pantheon, Delambre took measurements of the territory of Paris. Initially, King Louis XV erected the Pantheon building for the church, but the Republicans equipped it as the central geodetic station of the city. Today the Pantheon serves as a mausoleum for the heroes of the Revolution: Voltaire, René Descartes, Victor Hugo, etc. In those days, the building also served as a museum - all the old standards of weights and measures were stored there, which were sent by residents of all of France in anticipation of a new perfect system.

Unfortunately, despite all the efforts scientists spent on developing a worthy replacement for the old units of measurement, no one wanted to use the new system. People refused to forget the usual methods of measurement, which were often closely related to local traditions, rituals and way of life. For example, the el, a unit of measurement for cloth, was usually equal to the size of the looms, and the size of arable land was calculated solely in the days that had to be spent on cultivating it.

Parisian authorities were so outraged by residents' refusal to use the new system that they often sent police to local markets to force it into use. Napoleon eventually abandoned the policy of introducing the metric system in 1812 - it was still taught in schools, but people were allowed to use the usual units of measurement until 1840, when the policy was renewed.

It took France almost a hundred years to fully adopt the metric system. This finally succeeded, but not thanks to the persistence of the government: France was rapidly moving towards the industrial revolution. In addition, it was necessary to improve terrain maps for military purposes - this process required accuracy, which was not possible without a universal system of measures. France confidently entered the international market: in 1851, the first International Fair was held in Paris, at which event participants shared their achievements in the field of science and industry. The metric system was simply necessary to avoid confusion. The construction of the Eiffel Tower, 324 meters high, was timed to coincide with the International Fair in Paris in 1889 - then it became the tallest man-made structure in the world.

In 1875, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures was established, with its headquarters located in a quiet suburb of Paris - in the city of Sèvres. The Bureau maintains international standards and the unity of the seven measures: meter, kilogram, second, ampere, Kelvin, Mole and Candela. A platinum meter standard is kept there, from which standard copies were previously carefully made and sent to other countries as a sample. In 1960, the General Conference of Weights and Measures adopted a definition of the meter based on the wavelength of light—thus bringing the standard even closer to nature.

The Bureau's headquarters also houses the kilogram standard: it is housed in an underground storage facility under three glass bells. The standard is made in the form of a cylinder made of an alloy of platinum and iridium; in November 2018, the standard will be revised and redefined using the quantum Planck constant. The resolution on the revision of the International System of Units was adopted back in 2011, but due to some technical features of the procedure, its implementation was not possible until recently.

Determining units of weights and measures is a very labor-intensive process, which is accompanied by various difficulties: from the nuances of conducting experiments to financing. The metric system underlies progress in many fields: science, economics, medicine, etc., and is vital for further research, globalization and improving our understanding of the universe.

SI system. Principle