Please Pass the Science
by dr. scott berk

Simplistic, misleading, and somewhat condescending. . . but never boring!

1995jun28. I received this important message from Dr. Berk this past week. I feel implored to share it with all of you... "As X Magazine staff chemist, I feel compelled to update you on these very useful units of measure (from "The Corner Cupboard", ca. 1860 and "eckie1"): 1 pottle = 2 quarts (= 1/2 gallon) 1 coomb = 4 bushels 1 wey = 40 bushels 1 firkin = 9 gallons 1 runlet = 18 gallons 1 tierce = 42 gallons 2 hogshead = 1 butt 1 butt = about 178 US gallons Here are a few select uses: "Honey, don't forget to stop by the store and pick up a POTTLE of milk on your way home from work." "We went apple picking and came back with a whole COOMB!" "Yes, I'd like a FIRKIN of regular unleaded, please."

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