Metric Measures
* Re David Rosing’s comment on metric conversion (letter, March 5): If he’ll do some homework instead of jumping to conclusions, he’ll find that metric data can be printed on any size paper. There is no such thing as a “metric” paper size. There are international standards for paper sizes which have nothing to do with the measurement system called the metric system, except that the standard does happen to measure that international-sized paper in millimeters.
Regarding the JPL machinists who complained about using the metric system: I cannot understand their grousing about using millimeters because they have had opportunities (at JPL) to attend classes that show how a millimeter compares with a fraction of an inch. A machinist who really wants to improve his skills and is willing to apply himself to the task of getting a “feel” for the size of a millimeter can do it easily. It just takes motivation.
VALERIE ANTOINE
U.S. Metric Assn.
Northridge
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