Various instruments for measuring distance, 2000 BC-1854 AD.

From bottom to top: a Chinese bronze 'foot' (Chi'h) measure, made during the period of 'Warring States', BC 500-250, 9 inches long, and marked with hard white water-patina like enamel showing divisions into 10ths; an Egyptian wood cubit rod, divided into 7 palms, from the XII Dynasty (Kahun), 2000 BC; a copy of the provisional metre; a bronze end-standard yard, 'Mr Baileys metal no.69', with agate and gold centre plugs, Royal Commision, 1854.