Metrology – The Invisible Keystone of Civilization

Abstract

As we are we aware, metrology, as a profession or occupation, is wisely unrecognized. In fact, invisible to the point that the United States Department of Labor, in its Standard Occupation Classification System, does not recognize metrology as a profession or occupation as, among other things, there a so few practitioners. Likewise, in technical education, with few exceptions, metrology is, at best, an aside, not viewed as a part of the larger science. It is the intent of the proposed presentation to demonstrate the premise that, while scholars define the hallmarks of a civilization to be agriculture, architecture, population centers, job specialization, public works, religion, social structure and written language, that:    That the science of metrology is the foundation for those achievements. That advancement of civilizations has been achieved by the advancement of that science. That modern society would collapse in the absence of a sound, unified metrological system. The intended end result is to encourage our members to:    Become vocal evangelists for the profession of metrology. Lobby for the inclusion of metrology in our educational system at all levels. Participate in the activities of other professional organizations, providing awareness of how metrology supports their business or industrial activity.