Men and Measures

"Men and Measures" by Edward Nicholson is a journey through time, exploring how humans have measured their world, beginning with ancient civilizations. Nicholson shows how measurement systems evolved, highlighting how early measures were closely tied to the human body, like using the length of a cubit or a span. The story transitions naturally to the establishment of more consistent units, such as the metric and imperial systems, recognizing the historical importance of standardized measurement across different societies. The author builds a foundation with ancient systems like the Egyptian cubit, setting the stage for uncovering a deeper understading of evolving measurement standards throughout history.