In that case, we differ in how we use the word "measure" and no further discussion will resolve that issue. For anyone who wishes to look at a reference that describes the distinction between direct and indirect measurements and between observed and inferred quantities, I suggest the monograph _Measurements_and_Errors:_Theory_and_Practice_ by Semyon Rabinovich (translated by M.E. Alferieff), 279 pages. (American Institute of Physics, New York, 1995.) Section 1.4 pertains. Thankfully, we can make room on the list now for discussions of greater general interest instead of niggling over nits. Let's go metricate someone! Jim Gene Mechtly wrote: > > On Tue, 10 Jul 2001, James R. Frysinger wrote: > > > ... Mercury thermometers do indeed measure changes in volume of the > > contained mercury. > > Not true, Jim, if "measure" means "reads out in units of", or > "is calibrated in units of" as Joe suggests and I endorse. > > Your meaning of "measure" seems to be "uses the phenomenon of" which is > of *no interest* to almost all *user* of measuring devices, although of > necessary importance to the designers and manufacturers of the devices. > > Gene. -- Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!" James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/ 10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Charleston, SC 29407 phone/FAX: 843.225.6789
