Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
Volume/Issue:
Volume 55: Issue 2
A Brief History of the Balance in Society
Authors:
H. Jenemann Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Institut für Anorganische Chemie und Analytische Chemie D-55099 Mainz Germany D-55099 Mainz Germany

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and
E. Robens Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Institut für Anorganische Chemie und Analytische Chemie D-55099 Mainz Germany D-55099 Mainz Germany

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Pages:
339–346
Online Publication Date:
03 Nov 2004
Publication Date:
01 Mar 1999
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1010130626837
Keywords:
balance; history of techniques; scales; social history; weighing
Restricted access

Abstract  

One of the earliest measuring instruments used by human beings was the balance; evidence of this dates back more than 5.000 years. Initially, the weights of goods were measures rather of value than of mass. Besides yardsticks and graduated cups, scales are today the most widespread instruments, found in almost all laboratories, factories and households. Indeed, the balance accompanies us from birth to death. The balance very early achieved a metaphorical meaning and was used for the comparison of ethical values. It first appeared as an instrument in the death tribunal in Egyptian religion and later in Christianity. In the hands of the Grecian Gods, weighing was a deciding factor as concerns victory or death. In Judaism and for the Romans, scales become the symbol of justice. Several trade and handicraft guilds currently use the balance as an attribute, demonstrating in this way their sincerity and accuracy. The balance is of dubious significance in astrology, as one of the signs of the zodiac.

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Cover Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
Print ISSN:
1388-6150
Online ISSN:
1572-8943

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Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
Language English
Size A4
Year of
Foundation		 1969
Volumes
per Year		 1
Issues
per Year		 24
Founder Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Publisher's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
CH-6330 Cham, Switzerland Gewerbestrasse 11.
Responsible
Publisher		 Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1388-6150 (Print)
ISSN 1588-2926 (Online)

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