Technikatörténeti szemle 10. (1978)

A MÉRÉS ÉS A MÉRTÉKEK AZ EMBER MŰVELŐDÉSÉBEN című konferencián Budapesten, 1976. április 27–30-án elhangzott előadások II. - Valtchev, A.–Atanasova, P.: A XIX. sz. közepén Bulgáriában használt mértékrendszerek változásai

10 steres and decistere (a tenth of a stere). New, more precise, definitions of the weight measures, are given. It is emphasized in the definition of the gram, that it is the weight of distilled water, weighed in vacuo at temperature of 4° Centigrade, not according to the hundred degrees scale, as it was before. The following conclusions could be drawn: 1. The period from the fifties till the eighties of the last century is characterized by a wide variety of continuously changing methods of measurements. Moreover, one could find not only the internationally established, but also the local traditional, turkish or other measures or measuring means. It frequently happened that several methods were simultaneously applied to the same problem. 2. The introduction of the official measuring systems is relatively quickly done. The government was also involved, which is not typical, having in mind its oriental passiveness. The press took part as well. The interests of the newly established capitalistic circles and businessmen also demand a fast introduction of the system. 3. The traditional popular methods retain their importance long after the introduction of the official system, but only for local and personal purposes, because of their simplcity and because no special measuring instruments are required. The measuring methods, the measures and weights in Bulgaria have not up to now been investigated in detail. This is one of the few attempts to summarize the facts in order to stimulate further studies. Appendix 1. Conversion of the old length units into new ones. 2. Conversion of the new length units into old ones. 3. Conversion of the old surface units into new ones. 4. Conversion of the new surface units into old ones. 5. Conversion of the old volume units into new ones. 6. Conversion of the new volume units into old ones. 7. Conversion of the old weight units into new ones. 8. Conversion of the new weight units into old ones.