|
AAAS Resolution:
Use of the Metric System in Scientific Publications
Whereas now as never before scientists, engineers, and industry throughout the world are endeavoring to coordinate their efforts, and
Whereas this coordination should be encouraged by scientific and professional organizations, national governments, and individuals; and the United States has long been noted for its policies of international scientific cooperation, and
Whereas communications are essential to cooperation and coordination in any realm of endeavor, and
Whereas uniform standards and measurement systems are of basic importance to scientific communication, and
Whereas many industries are finding increased metric usage advantageous, and
Whereas the Secretary of Commerce will submit in August 1971 to the Congress of the United States the results of a study by the National Bureau of Standards recommending a future course of action for the United States with respect to metric usage,
Therefore be it resolved: That the AAAS urges its members to familiarize themselves with the modernized metric (SI) system and use it in their published work whenever effective communications are not impaired by doing so, and
That the AAAS urges the Federal Government in its study of alternative national policies toward metrification to recommend a clear national commitment to eventual conversion to predominantly metric usage and plan specific steps for implementing a voluntary national program of conversion during the coming decade. [Adopted by the AAAS Council, December 30, 1970.]
|
