A variety of units of measurement were used in the various independent Italian states and Italian dependencies of foreign empires up to the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The units to measure length, volume, mass, etc., could differ widely between countries or between towns in a country (e.g. Rome and Ancona), but usually not between a country and its capital.
The Kingdom of Sardinia included the island of Sardinia and the continental areas of Piedmont (with the capital Turin) and Liguria (with Genoa). The Kingdom of Naples included the island of Sicily (with Palermo). The Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia was part of the Austrian Empire, which also shared ruling family with Modena, Parma and Tuscany (capital Florence). The Papal States included the areas of Latium (with the capital Rome), Umbria, Romagna (with Bologna) and the Marches (with Ancona).
Milan adopted the metric system in 1803, during the Napoleonic wars, albeit reusing names of older units.[1][2] After the Congress of Vienna, the various Italian states reverted to their original systems of measurements.
In 1845 Sardinia passed legislation to introduce the metric system within five years. In 1859 Lombardy (but not Venetia) was annexed. In 1860 Parma, Modena, Tuscany, Umbria, Romagna and the Marches, and the Two Sicilies (Naples) were assimilated into Sardinia and under the Law 132 of 28 July 28, 1861 the metric system became the official system of measurement throughout the (this year) Italian kingdom.[3] The last to be incorporated were Venetia (1866), and the rest of the Papal States (1870).
For historical Roman measurements see Ancient Roman units of measurement. The following is a list of units before the adoption of the metric system as well as local names for metric-based units.
Over time many unit names were reused for metric units, adding an unnecessary obstacle to the system change. These units are marked with €. They are also placed after the traditional.
Length
editUnits varied from one province or city to another.[2] In the north the atomo was the smallest unit.[4]
Dedicated use: # architect's † commercial ‡ mercer's
1 piede liprando = 0.51377 m [1][2] Lombardy–Venetiaedit1 punto = 12 atomi [5] 1 miglio€ = 1 km [5] Milanedit1 dito (a.k.a. pollico) = 36.27 mm [7] 1 atomo€ = 1 mm [1] Veniceedit1 linea = 10 decimi [11] |
Modenaedit1 cavezzo = 6 piedi [13] Naplesedit1 oncia = 5 minuti [14] Sicilyedit1 palmo = 9.5297 in [17] Palermoedit1 canna = 10 palmi = 2.065 m [9] |
Papal Statesedit1 palmo# = 12 once = 8.79 in [19] Romeedit1 oncia# = 10 decimi = 18.6 mm [11] Anconaedit1 pié = 15.384 in [19] Bolognaedit1 piede = 38 cm [9] Parmaedit1 punto = 12 atomi [20] |
Sardiniaedit1 punto = 12 atomi [21] Piedmontedit1 raso = 14 oncie [21] Turinedit1 piede = 293 mm [9] Genoaedit1 palmo = 5+1⁄3 once [21] Tuscanyedit1 quattrino = 4 denari = 9.728 mm [22] Florenceedit1 braccio = 2 palmi = 583 mm [9] |
Mass
editOne libbra (pound) differed between 307[2] and 398 g.[1] Several countries used both a light and a heavy pound.
Dedicated use: # gold ∆ silver § jewels † apothecaries' ‡ silk @ spices, drugs and pigments ¥ commercial ¢ oil ship cargoes: Σ grain flour etc § salt
1 grano (grain) = 1⁄6912 libbra [1][2] Lombardy–Venetiaedit1 denaro#∆ = 24 grani [28] 1 denaro€ = 10 grani [28] Milanedit1 grano∆‡ (a.k.a. denaro) = 50.998 mg [22] 1 grano€ = 1 dg [1] Veniceedit1 marco = 238.499 g [29] TriesteeditAustrian, but not part of Lombardy-Venetia. 1 funto (–1858) = 1 Wiener Pfund [33] |
Modenaedit1 oncia = 16 ferlini [13] Naplesedit1 scrupolo† = 20 accini [14] Sicilyedit1 taro = 20 grani [35] Palermoedit1 libbra = 12 once = 317 g [9] |
Papal Statesedit1 denaro = 24 grani [36] Romeedit1 denaro∆¥ = 24 grani = 1.178 g [22] Anconaedit1 libbra = 0.7277 [36] Bolognaedit1 carato = 4 grani [36] Ferraraedit1 ferlino = 10 carati = 1.80 g [38] Parmaedit1 denaro = 24 grani [20] |
Sardiniaedit1 grano‡ = 53.363 mg [22] Piedmontedit1 grano = 24 granotini [21] Turinedit1 grano = 24 granotini [21] Genoaedit1 denaro = 24 grani [21] Cagliariedit1 libbra di commercio¥ = 406.563 g [30] Tuscanyedit1 denaro = 24 grani [23] Florenceedit1 libbra = 12 once = 339.5 g [9] Luccaedit1 libbra = 334.5 g [30] |
Area
editDedicated use: # architect's
1 giornata (a.k.a. quadrao) = 38 are [1] Lombardy–Venetiaedit1 tornatura = 100 palmi2 = 1 are [5] Lombardyedit1 tavola = 4 trabucchi quadri [41] Venetiaedit1 migliajo = 1000 passi quadrati = 3022.99 m2 [41] |
Modenaedit1 cavezzo2 = 36 piedi2 [13] Naplesedit1 canna quadrata (centesimo) = 6.999 m2 [16] Sicilyedit1 canna (quartiglio) = 4.263 m2 [16] |
Papal Statesedit1 scorzo = 28 catene agrimensorie [41] Parmaedit1 staro = 12 tavola [20] |
SardiniaeditPiedmontedit1 giornata = 100 pertica2 = 0.9393 acre [21] Tuscanyedit1 saccato = 16500 braccia2 = 1.389 acre [23] |
Volume (dry)
editDry and wet capacity (volume) were usually two separate systems, but a few units were universally handled, mostly in countries that had had experience with the metric system. (One of the sources do not state what subsystem they are handling).[12]
Dedicated use: # firewood † grain ‡ salt ∆ oats and legumes Σ coal
One mina varied from 12 to 120 litres.[1] Lombardy–Venetiaedit1 pinta€ = 10 coppi = 1 litre [5] Veniceedit1 moggio = 8 mezzeni = 333.3 litres [9] Milanedit1 moggio = 8 stala = 146.2 litres [9] 1 coppo€ = 1 dl [1] Modenaedit |
Naplesedit1 quarto (–1840) = 6 misuri [45] Sicilyedit1 salma generale = 7.8 bushels [17] Palermoedit |
Papal Statesedit1 scorzo = 4 quartucci [19] Romeedit1 decina†‡ = 4.601 L [37] Anconaedit1 rubbio = 7.974 bushels [36] Bolognaedit1 quarterone = 4 quarticini [36] Parmaedit1 mina = 8 quarteroli [20] |
SardiniaeditPiedmontedit1 coppo† = 2.876 L [40] Turinedit1 copello = 20 cucchiari [21] Genoaedit1 gombetta = 4 misurette = 1.21 L [49] Tuscanyedit1 quartuccio = 2 bussoli [23] Florenceedit1 moggio = 8 sacca = 584.7 litres [9] |
Volume (liquids)
editThere are also a unit cantara:[27] no specifics.
Dedicated use: # wine † spirits ‡ oil
1 barile da vino# = 45.6 L [1] Lombardy–Venetiaedit1 pinta€ = 10 coppi = 1 litre [5] Veniceedit1 quartuccio = 4 gotti = 670.7 mL [12] 1 barile#† = 24 bozze = 64.386 L [50] Milanedit1 mezzo = 2 zaine (bicchieri) = 393.5 mL [51] 1 coppo€ = 1 dl [1][40] Triesteedit1 boccale = 1.83 L [52] Modenaedit1 fiasco = 2 boccali = 0.55028 gallon [13] Naplesedit1 barile#† = 60 caraffi [14] Sicilyedit1 quartuccio = 4 bicchieri = 0.8597 L [12] |
Papal Statesedit1 foglietta = 4 quartucci [19] Romeedit1 fogliette = 4 quartucci [51] Anconaedit1 soma = 18.49 gallons [19] Bolognaedit1 foglietta# = 327 mL [56] |
ParmaeditSee Lombardy–Venetia and Milan.[20] SardiniaeditPiedmontedit1 boccale = 2 quartini [21][54] Turinedit1 boccale = 2 quartini [21] Genoaedit1 amola = 4 quarti = 0.8833 L [12] |
Tuscanyedit1 mezzetta# = 2 quartucci [23] Florenceedit1 boccale = 1.14 L [52] |
Notes
edit- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al Washburn 1926, p. 8.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Cardarelli 2003, p. 87.
- ^ Borgato 2006.
- ^ Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 2: Atomo, p. 102.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Clarke 1891, p. 80.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 6: Fuß, p. 1018.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 5: Dito, p. 47.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Braccio, p. 357.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Cardarelli 2003, p. 88.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Miglio, p. 80.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Decimo, p. 655.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 11: Maße, p. 1024c.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l Clarke 1891, p. 52.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Clarke 1891, p. 53.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Decima, p. 655.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Canna, p. 836.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Clarke 1891, p. 69.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Corda, p. 324.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Clarke 1891, p. 63.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Clarke 1891, p. 58.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb Clarke 1891, p. 67.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Denaro, p. 730.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Clarke 1891, p. 76.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 7: Grano, p. 865.
- ^ Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 14: Quarto, p. 371.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 14: Quintale, p. 398.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Cantaro, p. 842.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h Clarke 1891, p. 81.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 11: Marco, p. 908.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 11: Libbra, p. 311.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 14: Rubbio, p. 974.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 13: Peso, p. 720.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Centinajo, p. 954.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 14: Rotolo, p. 954.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 13: Onza, p. 190.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Clarke 1891, p. 64.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Decina, p. 655.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 6: Ferlino, p. 305.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Mina, p. 338.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 4: Coppo, p. 321.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Morgen, p. 529.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Morgen, p. 530.
- ^ Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 7: Giornata, p. 584.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 16: Soma, p. 84.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Mezzetta, p. 257.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Clarke 1891, p. 54.
- ^ Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 5: Emine, p. 740.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 15: Sacco, p. 46.
- ^ Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 7: Gombetta, p. 750.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 2: Barile, p. 473.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 12: Mezzo, p. 257.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Boccale, p. 152.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 3: Brenta, p. 460.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 13: Pinta, p. 942.
- ^ Jump up to: a b Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 6: Fiasco, p. 404.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Meyers Konversations-Lexikon vol 6: Foglietta, p. 607.
References
editBorgato, Maria Teresa (6–9 September 2006). "The first applications of the metric system in Italy" (PDF). The Global and the Local:The History of Science and the Cultural Integration of Europe. Proceedings of the 2nd ICESHS. Cracow, Poland: The Press of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 17 March 2011.
Cardarelli, F. (2003). Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. Their SI Equivalences and Origins. London: Springer. ISBN 978-1-4471-1122-1. Cardarelli.
Clarke, F. W. (1891). Weights Measures and Money of All Nations. New York: D. Appleton & Company.
"Atomo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 2 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 102.
"Barile" [Barrel]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 2 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 473.
"Boccale". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 152.
"Braccio" [Ell]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 357.
"Brenta". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 460.
"Canna". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 836.
"Cantaro" [Hundredweight]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 842.
"Centesimo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 954.
"Centinajo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 3 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 954.
"Coppo" [Cup]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 321.
"Corda". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 324.
"Decima". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 655.
"Decimo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 655.
"Decina". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 655.
"Denaro". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 4 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 730.
"Dito". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 5 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 47.
"Emine". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 5 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 740.
"Ferlino". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 6 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 305.
"Fiasco". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 6 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 404.
"Foglietta". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 6 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 607.
"Fuß" [Foot]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 6 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 1018.
"Giornata" [Acre]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 7 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 584.
"Gombetta". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 7 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 750.
"Grano" [Grain]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 7 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 865.
"Libbra" [Pound]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 11 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 311.
"Marco". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 11 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 908.
"Maße" [Units of measurement]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 11 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 1024c.
"Meta". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 190.
"Mezzetta". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 257.
"Mezzo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 257.
"Miglio" [Mile]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 80.
"Mina". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 338.
"Morgen" [Acre]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 12 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897.
"Onza". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 13 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 190.
"Palmo" [Handsbreath]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 13 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 448.
"Peso". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 13 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 720.
"Pinta" [Pint]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 13 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 942.
"Quarto". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 14 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 371.
"Quintale" [Quintal]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 14 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 398.
"Rotolo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 14 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 954.
"Rubbio". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 14 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 974.
"Sacco" [Sack]. Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 15 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 46.
"Soldo". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 16 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 73.
"Soma". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 16 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 84.
"Talandon". Meyers Konversations-Lexikon (in German). Vol. 16 (5th ed.). Leipzig and Vienna: Bibliographisches Institut. 1897. p. 660.
Washburn, E. W. (1926). International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. p. 8. international critical tables 1926.