Arrátel
The arrátel (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈʁatɛɫ]) was the fundamental unit of weight in the Portuguese customary measurement system. Until the adoption of the metric system in the 19th century, the arrátel was used in Portugal, Brazil and other parts of the Portuguese Empire.[1]
The real value of the arrátel fluctuated during the Middle Ages, until it was fixed with the same value as the libra (Iberian pound) by decree of King Manuel I of Portugal in 1499. Thereafter, arrátel became the alternative official Portuguese name for the pound.[2][3]
Arratel values
- 13th century: Arratel = 12½ onças (ounces) = 25/32 libras = 0,3596 kg;[2]
- 15th century: Arratel = 14 onças = 0,4025 kg;[2]
- 1499: Arratel = 16 onças = 1 libra = 1,011 Avoirdupois pound = 0,4590 kg.[1][2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 MONTEVERDE, Emilio Achilles, Manual Encyclopedico para Uzo das Escolas de Instrucção Primaria, Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional, 1861.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 LOPES, Luís Seabra, A cultura da medição em Portugal ao longo da história, Educação e Matemática nº 84, 2005
- ↑ Dicionário Enciclopédico Lello Universal, Oporto: Lello & Irmão, 2002.