How the British Invented, and Contributed to, the Metric System and how SI came to the UK

Speaker: Mr Alex McDowell

Many think that the French invented the metric system, but Englishman Bishop John Wilkins invented it over 120 years earlier. Wilkins' system was almost identical to the SI (le Système International d'unités) we use today, apart from the units' names.

Wilkins' system was one of the first practical systems that avoided defining units in terms of prototypes. Although the metric system we use today is of French origin, the British made great contributions to it. Many believe that the EU imposed the metric system on the UK and that they outlawed the use of pounds and ounces, but these are just myths!

About the speaker

Alex McDowell is the press officer for the UK Metric Association.

Part of the IOP London and South East (LSE) region Physics Talk Series.

The lecture is free and open to all but registration is required. Please register via the Book Now button.

The venue can be found on the A340 Basingstoke to Newbury Road, just before the Heath End Roundabout at Tadley.

The correct gate is signposted West Gate or AWE Staff + Deliveries.

what3words: amending.visitors.simulations