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Link


A link is a traditional unit of length used primarily in land surveying. It is defined as exactly 7.92 inches or approximately 20.1168 centimeters.


The link originated from Gunter's chain, a 66-foot measuring device introduced in 1620 by English mathematician Edmund Gunter. This chain was divided into 100 equal parts, each measuring one link. The link became a standard unit in English-speaking countries for surveying and land measurement.


Key Facts:



  • 1 link = 7.92 inches



  • 1 link ≈ 20.1168 cm



  • 25 links = 1 rod (16.5 feet)



  • 100 links = 1 chain (66 feet)



  • 1,000 links = 1 furlong (660 feet)



While the link has largely fallen out of general use, it remains a part of historical surveying practices and is still referenced in some legal and cadastral documents.


Handbreadth


A handbreadth is a traditional unit of length based on the width of a human hand, typically measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended. It was commonly used in ancient and medieval times for everyday measurements.



  • The handbreadth is generally about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters), though the exact length could vary by culture and era.



  • It served as a practical, easy-to-use measure in tailoring, construction, and daily life before standardized units were established.



  • The handbreadth is one of several body-based units, like the span and palm, reflecting how humans used their own bodies for measuring.



Summary:



  • About 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)



  • Based on the width of an extended hand



  • Used historically in various cultures



  • Practical for informal, everyday measurement



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