Weights and Measures in Scotland: A European Perspective
Weights and Measures in Scotland: A European Perspective
The first book to unravel a plausible explanation for the evolution of the apparently chaotic system of weights and measures which prevailed in Scotland from Anglo-Norman times until the Imperial system of 1826. For specialists, economic, and Scottish historians, collectors of measuring instruments, meteorologists, museums, and science and technology libraries.
What standards existed in the trading of goods in Europe? This book establishes relative values of various Scottish weights and measures from the 12th century to the Imperial standardizations of the 19th century and explores the relationship of Scottish measures to English and other European systems. It ranges from the international wool trade to how landlords and others assessed sellers and producers of grain. Here is mathematics and social history, illuminated with beautifully produced photographs of objects from jugs to guns to firlots used to store barley to stacking weights to copies of charters with illuminated lettering to maps.
Author Allen D.C. Simpson, is a curator at the National Museums of Scotland and author Robin D. Connor wrote the earlier work, THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES OF ENGLAND.
Review: “Chapters have such intriguing titles as, in Part 1, ‘The Riddle of the Firlot’ and ‘The Abuse of Charity: Allowances and the Heaping of Measures.’ Part II covers, among other issues, the great diversity and originality of vessels in common use at various periods, their dimensions and history. Part II (Appendices) deals with Metrological Statues, the Metrology of Orkney and Shetland and the Assizes of Bread and Ale, among other issues. So, whether looking for an explanation of a ‘dry capacity coopered measure’ or a ‘two-handed wine gallon,’ this book is a mine of information for anyone with a thirst for the knowledge and history of measures for both solid and liquid nourishment.
" … marvelously produced, with wonderful photographs of museum pieces relating to the text...(It) will undoubtedly stand the test of time as an authoritative work." J.S.C McKee, Professor Emeritus, U..of Manitoba