Barley grain (unit)

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The barley grain , a single grain of the grain type barley , formed the basis for many old weights and measures. This made use of the fact that the shape and size of the grains are subject to a relatively small variation for a natural product .

There are also indications that a peppercorn formed the so-called original measure .

Weight

The weight of a grain of barley should be a grain (English and French: grain ). Gran stands for "grain" and was especially the basis as a gold and silver weight and as a pharmacist weight.

length

The width of a grain was used to define the Parisian line . The accuracy sufficed in general life and trade. Under the Bohemian ruler Premisl Ottokar II , the measure was established as the length measure of a medium-sized barley grain through enacted statutes.

A "stye" ( barleycorn ) is also a historic Anglo-American unit of length. In England in the High Middle Ages , the inch was the equivalent of three grains of barley, laid lengthwise.

The grain of grain has been the basis of measurement since ancient times and in many cultures it was the first approach to measures and weights. Four barley grains next to each other were the measure of a cross finger . Four cross fingers, i.e. 16 grains laid across, formed a cross hand . Ten cross fingers were 1 span and three of them resulted in a Prague cubit .

The width of a grain of stye was also the width of seven horse hairs .

See also

References

  1. ↑ Leopold Einsle: Systematic compilation of the most excellent European measures, weights and coins. Publishing house Jos. Kösel'sche Buchhandlung, Kempten 1846, p. 85
  2. ↑ Gustav Adolph Jahn: Dictionary of applied mathematics: a manual for use. Volume 1, Reichenbach'sche Buchhandlung, Leipzig 1855, p. 509
  3. ^ A b Association of Bohemian Foresters under SX Smoler: Association publication for forestry, hunting and natural history. Issues 1–6, issue 1, Calve'sche Buchhandlung, Prague 1849, p. 97
  4. ↑ Wilhelm Hoffmann: General encyclopedia for merchants, manufacturers, business people, or a complete dictionary on trade, factories, manufactories, arts, etc. Business. Volume 2, Verlag Otto Wigand, Leipzig 1848, p. 427