YOUR leader on metric measures (LET, January 23) was interesting.

The metric system is an entirely arbitrary system designed by utopian head-choppers during the French Revolution. The standard metre is derived from 'one ten millionth part of a meridianal quadrant of the earth.' Whatever that means!

The Imperial system is based on an approximation of the length of a part of the body.

An inch being the terminal phalanx of the thumb, and foot being a foot and a yard being three feet placed one after another.

Hence when buying a piece of wood 3ft 6ins long we know instinctively what its dimensions will be.

Incidentally, metrification was got through parliament without thorough debate. We had to submit to the bully-boy bureaucrats in Brussels!

D BULLEN (Mr), Albany Road, Blackburn.