In the late 1700s, Thomas Jefferson wanted the United States to adopt a unified system of measurement and saw the metric system as the best solution. However, a pirate attack in the Caribbean disrupted these plans. Joseph Dombey, a French scientist carrying a kilogram and meter stick to demonstrate the metric system, was captured by pirates. By the time France sent another scientist to explain the system to the Americans, Jefferson was no longer in office, and plans to go metric were disregarded.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    This is America, pal. We don’t believe anything unless we someone tells it to us with conviction. Hence Donald Trump’s presidency.