"oz" can be either a symbol or an abbreviation, however "lb" is not an abbreviation since it is not a subset of the letters that spell "pound". (OK - it is an abbreviation for the Latin version of the word, but we are speaking English, not Latin).
_____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Hooper Sent: 07 August 2008 16:16 To: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:41552] Re: [Fwd: Web page errors] On Aug 7 , at 10:11 AM, James Frysinger wrote: This is outside the metric system, but there is no need for a period following the symbol "oz" since it is a symbol and not an abbreviation. I'm not sure that is right, Jim. In SI the short forms are officially called symbols but I think the short forms for older, non-metric units have always been identified as abbreviations. Thus, the abbreviation for fluid ounce may be written as "FL. OZ." or "fl. oz." or "Fl. Oz." etc. (and even with script letters). This is not typically done with a symbol. A symbol (like $ or # or @) is always the same. Thus, SI short forms, since they are always the same (never M for metre or mw for megawatts), are symbols, not abbreviations. We can cite official BIPM documents to verify that the SI short forms are called symbols. I know of no such documents that might classify other, non-SI short forms as symbols. Since "oz." and "fl. oz." etc. are abbreviations, they would ordinarily be followed by a period. In passing, however, I note that some modern styles tend to omit the periods at the end of abbreviations. As usual, abbreviations have such variations in form while symbols usually do not. Regards, Bill Hooper Fernandina Beach, Florida, USA ========================== Make It Simple; Make It Metric! ==========================
