This book focuses on the measuring tools used by tradesmen and
professionals in their everyday work, on the trades in which specific
tools were used and how these tools were made and by whom. The intention
is that the information contained here will be of use to collectors and
researchers by explaining how the measuring devices were used and by
placing them in a trade and social context. No book of this size could
hope to describe in detail every type of measuring device so it is those
measuring items likely to be found and collected today that have been
included. Some are included because they are regularly encountered;
others because they reflect important historical trends or developments.
Still others pose intriguing intellectual challenges. Finally, many are
simply attractive objects. It is a truism that to measure accurately the
measure itself must be finely made and in this can lie great appeal.
Special features include illustrated appendixes, a checklist of rule
makers and dealers, a full index, and separate index of names.
