On Tue, 4 Oct 2011 23:51:26 +0100 Wolodja Wentland <babi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Tue, Oct 04, 2011 at 15:25 -0400, Doug wrote: > > > The US pint is 16 ounces, and the US quart and gallon are based on > > that. 32 oz. = 1 qt; 4 qts. = 1 gal. > > That's why the British gallon is 5 US quarts, or 4 British quarts. > > The ounce is the same size, or almost. (As wiki says, research is > > needed.) I'm not really sure of the history, but I *think* that all > > pints were once 16 ounces, thus the expression, "A pint's a pound, > > the world around." Therefore, it would seem that the US, being the > > colony, kept on using the old measure, while the mother country > > modified it. (Since the Brits like their "pint" of ale, it is > > logical that they would take steps to get more ounces in their > > pint!) > > > > The fluid ounce is not exactly 1 avoirdupois ounce, but it must be > > close, because of that saying. Also, one US gallon of water weighs > > just about 8 pounds. > > Interesting read ... but seriously: WTF? > > /me prefers litre and (kilo)gram :) So do I. I think it's a pity that the gill has fallen into misuse. I find it a useful measure. Regards, Weaver. -- "In a world without walls and fences, what need have we for Windows or Gates?" -Anon. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-user-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org Archive: http://lists.debian.org/20111005100236.75735ee3.wea...@riseup.net
