The scale is an ancient instrument with a history and evolution that mark the progress of human ingenuity. Let’s take a closer look at a tool that gives weight to our days!
Who invented the scale?
The scale has a very ancient history. We do not know who invented the balance, but the earliest weighing instruments date back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 2400 BC. These scales consisted of a bar resting on a fulcrum, with two plates suspended from the ends. Objects to be weighed were placed on one plate and weights on the other until the two plates were balanced. The ancient Egyptians ascribed a symbolic-religious value to it. In fact, the god of the dead, Anubis, decided who had access to the afterlife by weighing souls on the scales.
The turning point
The Romans developed more sophisticated scales, using materials such as bronze and gold. It was from this period that the scale took on a commercial role, as it was used to weigh precious metals, grain and spices. Then it was introduced into the scientific field; in fact, it became a fundamental tool of pharmacy.
Evolution
In the evolution of history, scales have been perfected, their technology has advanced and they are used in a wide variety of fields: economic, industrial and medical. A real revolution occurred in the 20th century, when the first electronic scales made their appearance. These scales used load cells or sensors that converted the pressure exerted on them into an electronic signal, allowing for greater accuracy and ease of reading.
The history of the scale is an example of how humanity has constantly sought to develop better tools to measure the world around us. From the simple bar and plate of antiquity, to the sophisticated digital scales of today, the scale has become an essential element in our daily lives.
