Object Details
- Description
- In the late eighteenth century, French scientists introduced a new system of weights and measures known as the metric system. Units of length, volume and mass were interrelated. A cube 10 centimeters on a side (1000 cubic centimeters) was defined to have a volume of one liter. The weight of one liter of pure water was called a kilogram.
- These eleven brass cylinders have weights ranging from two grams to 1000 grams, or one kilogram. They are stamped in French with their weight – 2 GRAM, 5 GRAM, 10 GRAM (2 weights), 20 GRAM, 50 GRAM, 100 GRAMMES (2 weights), 200 GRAMMES, 500 GRAMMES, 1 KILOGRAMME. Each weight has a knob at the top for lifting. The weights have no maker’s mark.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 1800-1900
- Physical Description
- brass (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 3 1/4 in x 5 in x 3 7/8 in; 8.255 cm x 12.7 cm x 9.8425 cm
- overall in box: 3 3/4 in x 5 in x 3 7/8 in; 9.525 cm x 12.7 cm x 9.8425 cm
- Object Name
- weights
- Object Type
- Weights
