Chem in Context Lecture: Metric System; September 1, 2006; Pg1 I.History of the System A.1790 – Thomas Jefferson proposes a US decimal based currency (using 10s & 100s) B.1790 – King Louis XVI authorizes scientific investigation of French system (leads to metric system) D.1954 – System International edits the metric system providing new units C.1795 – France adopts metric system

Chem in Context Lecture: Metric System; September 1, 2006; Pg2 II.US Reluctance to Adopt the System A.British Standard System – based on feet, yards, miles, pounds, Fahrenheit -- history of US is tied to British trade B.Economic Cost – labels, packaging, & construction; change technology C.Impetus to Change 1)Little demand in US. 2)2009 – Europe/UK go metric

Chem in Context Lecture: Metric System; September 1, 2006; Pg3 III.Metric Units 1)Other Units -- millimeter (mm), centimeter (cm), & kilometer (km) 2)Device – meter stick, ruler 1)Other Units -- milligram (mg) & kilogram (kg) 2)Device – digital balance & triple beam balance C.Volume – liter (L) A.Length – meter (m) B.Mass – gram (g) 1)Other Units -- milliter (mL) & kiloliter (kL) 2)Device – graduated cylinder (BEST!), Erlenmeyer flask, beaker, & pipette ( small ) Click Here for IV (Page 4) of the Lecture Notes