James Frysinger wrote in 05775: >A few megaseconds ago, when we were discussing the possible origins of >the 42 gal oil barrel, I posted a link that said it originated in this >mid-nineteenth century oil field. Coopers made 50 gal barrels because >they fit the horse-drawn wagons. An allowance was made for the >evaporation of light fractions and for leakage, namely 8 gal, thus >leaving 42 gal. I don't know if that was true; I don't go back that far. >But it makes a plausible story in my estimation.
Adding to Jim's report, the French journal *Le Syst�me M�trique* some years ago said that customers in 1858 had to bring their own container when they bought kerosene. If they bought 40 gallons the well would add a free bonus of 2 gallons, thus making a barrel of 42 gallons. Joseph B.Reid 17 Glebe Road West Toronto M5P 1C8 TEL. 416-486-6071
