In looking over Pat's observations, I think the two driving advantages to millimeters are:
* It normally results in whole numbers (no decimal fractions) * It helps break the "inch-foot" mindset The second point arises from the fact that the resulting numbers in mm are scaled noticeably differently from the corresponding numbers in inches, so people don't try to mentally tie the metric scale to the inch (and, by derivation, the foot) scale. The problem with centimeters may largely be that they are too close to the inch in size and that they frequently require a decimal fraction in the number preceding "centimeters'. Both of these probably combine to prevent a clean, accessible break from inches and feet. I think Pat is on to something here that we here in the States should bear in mind. Ezra -----Original Message----- >From: Pat Naughtin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Mar 21, 2006 2:11 PM >To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]> >Subject: [USMA:36344] RE: Prefix choices > >Dear Tom, > >I have interspersed some remarks. > > <Rest deleted>
