A Study of Various Methods of Measurement in Revaliir Compiled by Chavellus Corinus, Adeluna Scholars Academy
In my travels of Canelux and Parvpora, I have come to the conclusion that Revaliir has no real standards of measurement. Many different methods exist, some more common than others. It is clear that all units of measurement are widely accepted. In this text I will attempt to list those measurements that I have found most common, in hopes that perhaps some form of universality will fall upon Revaliir in the future.
Measurements of Length and Distance
Hand - I have found that many people use the width of one’s own hand for measurement of horses and livestock in particular, though occasionally for other things. Unfortunately, much in the way of the ‘foot’ measurement, the width of one’s hand varies drastically from the next.
Foot - The length of a fully grown, human male’s foot seems to be a common measurement for small distances. Unfortunately, the distance in not totally accurate, as the foot-size of human males tends to vary drastically.
Yard - This measurement seems to be about the equivalent of three feet (see above).
Mile - It seems that the measurement of one thousand paces (taken by a grown human male) has come to be known as a mile. As with the foot measurement, some variability occurs.
League - In terms of nautical travel, the league seems to be the most popular measurement. From my understanding, it is approximately the equivalent of three miles (see above), or three thousand paces (taken by a grown human male). I have yet to hear it used in any way other than the nautical sense. It is obviously used much more in and around the coastal areas and islands.
Measurements of Weight
Grain - It seems that the smallest unit of weight measurement commonly found in Revaliir is that of the weight of one barleycorn (or a grain of barley).
Gram - Approximately the weight of two grain. Favored in dry measurements.
Dram - One dram seems to approximately equal that of sixty grains, or thirty grams. It seems to be a typical measurement for items from an apothecary, as well as ordering spirits at a tavern.
Gallon - Roughly 330 grams. Used in measuring liquids.
Pint - Also used for measuring liquids. A pint seems to be equal to one eighth of a gallon. Used quite often in the measurement of beverages such as ale and mead.
Quart - Roughly one half of a gallon. Also used for the measurement of liquids.
Pound - A measurement of weight of non-liquid goods as well as people and livestock. Seems to measure approximately three hundred and ten grams.
Stone - The measurement of a stone seems to be approximately that of 14 pounds. It generally seems to be used in measure the weight of people or animals, with an average human male weighting approximately between fourteen and twenty stone.
Ton - By far the largest measurement I have come across in my studies. This seems to be the equivalent of one hundred sixty stone, or well over two thousand pounds.
Conclusion While there seems to be no set structure to weights and measurement throughout the areas of Revaliir, perhaps this small list will help create some uniformity in describing amounts and distances.
Written this thirteenth day of Attius, the Year Five Hundred and Twenty, by one Chavellus Corinus, Scholar of Adeluna