Glenn,
Thanks for the reference as to how gauge came to be used in physics. "To
gauge" something in technology means to compare it with a standard. For
example the gauge or spacing of railroad tracks is typically set not using
a measuring tape but a tool that is designed to easily check the spacing.
This tool need not be setup by an absolute measure of its spacing but by
comparing it to another tool. Back before there were good absolute
calibrations of measuring devices, this was away to establish uniformity.
For example in medieval cities in the cathedral wall were bored a couple
of holes. These set the spacing for the tool that was used to rap skeins of
yarn. This was a way of standardizing the amount of yarn sold in each skein.
Gauging is a way of standardizing measures when you don't have or want to
use an absolute measure.
Gary
Gary Karshner
St. Mary's University
San Antonio, Texas
KARSHNER@STMARYTX.EDU