Unusual Measurement System Proposed in 1970s
A fascinating historical proposal for an alternative measurement system has been revealed in a letter to the Guardian. During the 1970s conversion to the metric system in Britain, a colleague suggested adopting a novel set of standard units known as the barleycorn, firkin, fortnight system.
The barleycorn unit of length was based on one-third of the length of Henry VIII's thumb to the first joint, approximately one inch. This measurement draws from historical royal practices, referencing a portrait of Henry VIII from around 1540 by Hans Holbein the Younger.
The firkin unit represented weight, equivalent to nine gallons of water, while the fortnight unit of time included a micro-fortnight of about 1.2 seconds. Despite its creative foundation, this system never gained traction and has since faded into obscurity, though it is remembered fondly by the letter writer, Mike Rowe from Offham, Kent, who notes his colleague had a classical education.
Cultural Reflections and Personal Anecdotes
In other letters, Richard Ommanney from Emsworth, West Sussex, praises the original film Kind Hearts and Coronets, describing it as one of the wittiest scripts ever written with a brilliant twist. He acknowledges Alec Guinness's magnificent performance in multiple roles but argues that Dennis Price, with his elegant acting and silky voiceover narration, is equally impressive.
Jon Fogden from Leeds shares a personal story about being identified as a potential mate at a gathering of budding accountants due to his leather jacket, cocktail glass-pattern socks, and copy of the Guardian. He and his wife recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of that meeting, and he humorously mentions offering a bed-warming service.
Political Commentary and Call for Submissions
A brief political remark comes from Mike Garnier in Bristol, who responds to a news item about Trump calling Iran leaders 'deranged scumbags' with the quip, 'It takes one to know one.' This highlights the ongoing tensions in Middle East politics as violence escalates.
The Guardian encourages readers to submit their opinions on anything read in the publication, with letters considered for publication in the dedicated letters section. Topics covered in these letters span science, brief letters, monarchy, Alec Guinness, newspapers, relationships, Iran, and more, reflecting a diverse range of public discourse.
