Two men, working separately but simultaneously, are each cited as the originator of the idea of the metric system depending on what source you read. But it took more than 100 years to implement the ideas they suggested.
Today
Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 2
The second part of Percy Fawcett's story delves into his fascination with a document known as Manuscript 512 and how it impacted his life. His obsession led to his disappearance; there has been endless speculation about what exactly happened. Research: Biello, David. “Ancient Ama ... Show More
37m 11s
Aug 31
Percy Fawcett, Manuscript 512, and a Lost City in the Amazon, Pt. 1
Fawcett’s life has invited controversy and speculation, because he was a man who did a mix of great and shady things. Part one covers his early life, marriage, military service, and early visits to South America. Research: Biello, David. “Ancient Amazon Actually Highly Urbanized. ... Show More
34m 6s
May 2025
Did Pirates Really Ruin the US Dream of the Metric System?
Why is the United States so culturally opposed to the metric system? According to a popular legend, this conundrum dates back to the late 1700s, when a French polymath named Joseph Dombey sailed to Thomas Jefferson with two crucial artifacts: a rod measuring exactly one meter, an ... Show More
36m 40s
<p><strong> </strong></p><br><p>Modern life would be impossible without standardised measurements. </p><p>In this episode, we look at the development of measurements through history, explaining they evolved over time and why some succeeded where others failed. </p><ul><li>Imagin ... Show More
