The first fully illustrated guide to the human passion for measurement: of our experiences, our surroundings, and the universe. This lively survey covers an astonishing array of subjects, from the earliest currency to the birth of the meter, from the force of hurricanes to body mass index, from air pressure, earthquakes, and pollen counts to happiness, blood types, and intelligence. Each measuring method is put into its proper historical context and explained in detail. The book follows the same format as Andrew Robinson's popular "The Story of Writing," It is organized into three broad sections--The Meaning of Measurement, Measuring Nature, and Measuring Man--which are then broken down into chapters.