TV ON DVD

As blend of science, history, Measurement is fascinating

What is it? The Science of Measurement, three hour-long episodes on one disc from Athena

How much? $34.99

When? Now

Wow. That sounds … dull. Well, yes, it does on the surface.

In reality, The Science of Measurement is like a really excellent science lesson by an enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable teacher.

Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy is the host for this study and he displays an obvious love for the topic while also coming across as personable and able to discuss some complex theories in a relatable, comprehensible way. He’ll use coffee and cream to explain what a mole is, or re-create crude early experiments in light refraction and time measurement.

There are three episodes: “Time and Distance,” “Mass and Moles” and “Light, Heat and Energy.” And, yes, those things are connected. Through history, time has been measured in distance. Energy and heat create light. And so on.

In each, du Sautoy gives history lessons, going back to ancient times to explain how and why scientists strove to develop new and increasingly better standards of measurement in each field. Running themes are the efforts to tie the standard basis of measurement to unchanging parts of the universe, linking atomic vibration to set time, for instance.

One thing du Sautoy does that is quite helpful is link the study of measurement to history and to the real world. There’s no need to ask, “Why would I ever need to know this in real life?” Whether one knows it or not, du Sautoy is quick to show just how much an impact the science of measurement has on the world. Such a simple thing as the length of a meter can and has had a major influence on commerce, travel and politics.

For instance, a fire in Baltimore reinforced the need for a standard measure of distance. And why is the hour divided into 60 minutes? The answer is surprisingly commercial. Speaking of commerce, it’s been one of the greatest instigators of change and one of the areas that has benefited most from scientific advancements. Standards for measuring weight were vital to the evolution of trade and the growth of cities.

Looking into the future, we see two teams racing to discover a more accurate standard weight measure and scientists experimenting with controlling the flow of electrons to gauge temperature.

The series is on the level of a high school or perhaps college course, although it’s not necessary to be proficient to appreciate it. Adults who haven’t cracked a chemistry textbook in years aren’t likely to be lost.

Are there extras? Not really, just a booklet with some helpful guides to measurement tools, a history of the metric system, a glossary of terms not used in the series (What exactly is a “jiffy” or a “blink”?) and a few classic calculation errors. Georgia and Tennessee have been locked in a disagreement over their border for more than 200 years thanks to faulty measurements in the 19th century.

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Style, Pages 48 on 04/06/2014

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