That is because it WAS the English system.  In the 1800s the English
changed their system to the Imperial System and we just kept on using the
term "English System" in our vernacular.  Notice that in 1858 the British
dropped the Apothocary system and adopted the avoirdupois system.  By that
time, none of our measurements were really contemporaty English but rather
old English.  I don't recall offhand when the Bureau of Standards came up
with the U.S. Customary designation but most folks just kept calling it the
English system.  The only thing I have purchasaed in years that are still
measured in Bushels or Pecks are fruit.

Smoke.


Smoke (Michael A.) Pfeiffer, RPA
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
(479) 968-2354  Ext. 233
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.




                      Carol Serr
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                      HISTORICAL               Subject: Re: Measurements
                      ARCHAEOLOGY
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                      09/08/2003 03:33
                      PM
                      Please respond
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                      ARCHAEOLOGY






Thanks Smoke...for the clarification and details.  Why do some
(uninformed?) people call what we commonly use..."English measure?"   My
boss has worked with historic archaeology for yrs...and doesnt use the term
US Customary....and none of my colleagues had heard of this term (I asked
them at lunch today).   Are we just all uniformed out here in Calif. ?  Is
it a regional thing?

(no governor election jokes please - it's all ridiculous...if you ask me)