The measure of all things

Author: (USA) Alder
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: First reveals the astonishing errors in the establishment of the metric system over 200 years, authentically recreates the turbulent history and the arduous journey of measuring the Earth! Awarded the "Watson Davis Best Science Book Award" in 2003; Named "Book to Watch" by The New York Times in 2002; Listed as "Best Seller of the Year" by The Economist, Discover, Library Journal, The Spectator, The Sunday Times, and The Sunday Telegraph in 2002.
During the turbulent times of the French Revolution, astronomers Delambre and Méchain were commissioned by the French Academy to measure the meridian arc between Dunkirk and Barcelona to determine the length of the meter, the internationally accepted unit of measurement. What was initially expected to take several months of measurement extended to seven years due to various reasons. Over 200 years ago, the establishment of the meter, the unit of measurement that affects the entire human race, involved what hardships and wonders? Experts claim that the profound impact of the metric system in saving labor even surpasses that of the steam engine. However, the incomplete transformation even led to the major failure of the U.S. Mars in 1999.
What is even more astonishing is that the length value of the meter was incorrect. It turned out that Méchain had arbitrarily adjusted the errors in his measurements in Barcelona. It was only during the global promotion of the metric system that Delambre discovered this fact, forcing him to face a dilemma: should he continue to conceal the error or bravely speak the truth? This book not only reveals a secret unknown in the history of measurement but also poses a challenge to scientists: Can humanity continue to pursue truth based on an error? Looking back at history, let us re-examine and perceive the "unit of all things" we have long taken for granted.