The cubit was just one of numerous units of measurement based on the typical size of body parts. Another measurement that i use is an inch made by bending my ring finger into a tabletop shape. The handful measurement of objects using body parts. My screen is about 45 palms by 35 palms. In body based units of measurement at interesting thing of the day i listed a few such historical units of measure which can still come in handy for rough approximations if you dont have a ruler or tape. An example how big is the screenpaper in front of you.
You buy a pant but it is too long for you what would you do now. Related to the last point the french word for inch is pouce which also. A more accurate way use your body parts to estimate length is to know your own measurements. Measuring parts of the body. Yes there are now fingerprints on my screen. It might also help you remember the measurements because you have to use parts of your body instead of inches feet and yards.
Stretch out your hand so that the tip of your thumb is as far away as possible from the tip of your pinky. You would go to a tailor to cut it short. The quantity and the weight of the substance can be roughly identified. It probably goes without saying that the unit foot was based on the length of a mans foot. The romans used this measurement and so can you. Your body can be used as a measuring tool when you dont have a measuring tape conveniently with you.
10 responses to body parts as tools of measurement chris on january 21 2009 136 am. Then wherever you are. Your body ruler a users manual congratulations on being a human ruler. He first measures the length you want by using a measuring tape and then stitches it for. Before we had precise standardized units of measure such as meters and feet lengths and even ocasionally volumes were reckoned based on the average dimensions of human body parts. What an interesting post.
These estimates are just that. Devin johnston on january 21 2009 259 am. Example chefs use handfuls to measure grains rice. The width of your own palm the length of your own foot and so on. Model how to measure have everyone sit down facing the board. A handful is a rough measurement of the quantity of dry substances that can fit into a cupped hand.
Measuring length using body parts. Although its a nonstandard unit of measurement its conveniently with you all the time. Now that the key vocabulary has been reviewed we can move onto the fun part of the lesson measuring parts of the body. Cubit handspan digit footspan yard lick phatom pace armlenght. Throughout history people have been using themselves to measure length. Hold out your arm and take a tape measure or ruler.
Attempt to measure your arm but. Here are a few more.