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to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning March 10, 2025
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Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you please send us your comments?
February 1. Interesting item about the metric system. I read that when Thomas Jefferson was Sec. of State he had heard about a new system in use in France and decided the U.S. should incorporate it as many of the 13 states were using different systems. He ordered the new kilogram weight from France but unfortunately the ship was blown off course and was captured by pirates on the island of Montserrat and that is where the kilogram weight ended up, not in the United States. And that is why the U.S. is one of three countries in the world that have not adopted the metric system.
-- David Werrett, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
-- from Kitty - Thanks, David. Here is what I’ve discovered –
The story contains elements of truth but oversimplifies the reasons behind the United States' non-adoption of the metric system.
In 1793, Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, sought to standardize weights and measures in the U.S. He requested a standard kilogram from France, and scientist Joseph Dombey was dispatched to deliver it. However, Dombey's ship was blown off course by a storm and captured by pirates near Montserrat, where he died in captivity, and the kilogram never reached the U.S.
military.com
While this incident is factual, it is not the sole reason the U.S. did not adopt the metric system. The primary factors were the significant time and financial investments required to transition existing industries and infrastructure to metric units. During the Industrial Revolution, American factories were built using the customary system, and converting to metric would have been costly and complex.
britannica.com
Additionally, the U.S. experienced political stability, lacking the kind of upheaval that often facilitates major systemic changes like metrication. Consequently, the customary system remained deeply ingrained in American society.
livescience.com
In summary, while the loss of the kilogram prototype is an intriguing historical anecdote, the U.S.'s continued use of the customary system is primarily due to practical considerations and the inertia of established practices.
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is the Rotary International president-elect (for 2025–2026).
He will be the fourth Brazilian to hold the office.
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Water access
• Dig wells: Rotary clubs dig wells to provide access to clean water
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