These two pillars are, honest standardized weights and measures and a moral and healthy constitution.

In the Nov. 3 issue of the journal Nature, Mr. Epstein said these specimens "suggest the existence of a system of standardized weights used from Ecuador to Peru's south coast."

The Chinese merchant Ma Huan (1413-51) outlines the standardized weight and currency system in place at the port city of Cochin.

His system relies on a measure of free trade, and proposes a single currency, and standardized weights and measures.

The customs union opened up a common market, ended tariffs between states, and standardized weights, measures, and currencies within member states (excluding Austria), forming the basis of a proto-national economy.

They represented small ingots of copper or bronze of standardized weight, and were traded as such.

Each point on the Rockwell scale represents 80-millionths of an inch of depth when the steel is tested with a sharp point and a standardized weight, he explained.

Official decrees standardized weights and measures and even the axle dimensions of all wagons (the latter edict kept transport in the same ruts for countless years).

Thanks to steam power, chronometers, and standardized weights and measures, it became possible to know more about what other people were doing and to expect more of them.

He also introduced standardized weights and measures throughout the country to assist administration as well as trade.