This is the message I just sent to the ATypI (Association Typographique Internationale) and The Society of Typographic Aficianados (SoTA)
At 9:31 +0100 02/02/7, Louis JOURDAN wrote: >Sirs, > >I am completing a research study on the development of the metric >system, now called SI (Syst�me international d'unit�s) across the >world and in the various sectors of activity. As you know, SI is now >in use in practically all countries with the noticeable exception of >the USA, and in all activities, with a few exceptions such as civil >aviation, petroleum industry, and printing industry. > >I understand that the printing industry use special units to >characterize the size of printing type : point, pica, cicero, twip. >These names, however pleasant they are, do not say anything to the >public because they are not easily related to any SI value. > >On the other hand I heard that sometimes the type size is given in >Q, a Q (or kyu)having the value of 0.25 mm. Whilst one may regret >that a new unit had been developed whilst the ubiquitous millimeter >could have been used, at least the Q is easily understood by any >person familiar with metric units. > >I am curious to know whether there is a chance that this unit be widely used. > >I thank you for the consideration you will give to my query. > >Sincerely, > >Louis Jourdan Louis
