Among some of the startling revelations to me was that Thomas Jefferson
had tried to establish a decimal based weights and measures system in
the U. S., but was not successful.  It was quite different from the
French metric system we all know and love today. 

Quoting again:
"In less than 1,000 words, he then outlined the first scientifically
based, fully integrated, decimal system of weights and measures in the
world.  Its basic measure of length, derived from the second's rod, was
a foot, which would be divided into 10 inches.  A cube of rainwater,
whose sides were 1 decimal inch long, was to weigh 1 decimal ounce, and
10 of these ounces would make 1 pound.  The basic unit of capacity
would be the bushel, which was to measure 1 cubic foot, that is to say,
1,000 cubic inches.  Finally, the weight of the dollar was to be
adjusted so that it came to exactly 1 decimal ounce."

Bob W.

Bob,

 TJ one of my heros. Americans should kiss the ground they walk on that we had such a group of inteligent and selfless men to lead us to independence and establish a just government. Jefferson showed a depth of knowledge that stood out even among such a stirling peer group. While I was unaware of the idea of a decimal mesurement system, it doesn't suprise me coming from Jefferson. He was the quinessential logical man, still a rare thing. History rant over.

Bill Jepson