Bill, Joe sirs:Where do you get the idea that centimeters are non-SI? or for that matter kilogram?I agree and support that *we cannot dispense* with the use of multiples and submultiples of SI-Units. Advocates of 'Hard Conversion' do not possibly realise that it is shameful to discuss distances between TOWNS to be measured in mm/cm or even in Metres. This just has to be 'kilometres'. Similarly reference to mass measurement to nanogram or microgram is OK in medicine industry BUT when referring to purchase of good in hardware industry such as in building industry, one has to look at his *tail and find a way out of the discussion panel*. There was quite a rebuff, when I suggested to use GRAM (1000g) as replacement to kilogram.
Please pardom me for again splitting hairs. The centimetre is a submultiple of an SI base unit. The kilogram, paradoxicaly, is the only SI base unit with a prefix. This aberration derives from the fact that in 1795 milli- was the smallest prefix that was in the system, and that a unit of one millionth of the kilogram was needed for pharmacy.
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Joseph B. Reid
17 Glebe Road West
Toronto M5P 1C8 Telephone 416-486-6071
