A glimmer of hope

[Toolmaker51]

A lot of mechanics, engineers of all kinds have these really neat steel rules with a sliding pocket clip on them that doubles as a measurement stop. Quality micrometers if Imperial ones usually have decimals and their fraction equivalents etched in the frame, some verniers,(nearly spelt verynears), have the same on the back of the vernier frame.
If you wish to know more about ancient measurement systems and what they were based on and why the Egyptians had common and Royal Cubits have a look here:
Ancient Celtic New Zealand
There is over twenty years worth of research that NOBODY has yet managed to refute.

For whatever reason, I land on this thread repeatedly. It is more than enjoyable; because sophistication of measure required in various work. Just as the different contributors. Its best to be aware and practice measurements in accord with project at hand. And NortonDommi's bit of wordplay (nearly spelt verynears) tickles my humor-sense every time.
Over the years, a set of conditions makes my vernier collection pretty damn extensive. Ranging from a treasured 6" to a near unwieldy 60"; meaning some are marked dual, most imperial.
The attraction?
1, all have adjustable calibration, and all but one have fine adjustment screws for the moving leg, same as a proper height gauge. Also benefit from sturdy flat and radiused anvils compared to short beveled type. A bearing ball easily tells the legs are in parallel. |O|
2, Digital instruments are commonly not so equipped, and verification [by other means] is problematic increasing with distance.
3, A vernier is practically self verifying, including less bulk and width than equivalent micrometer.
4, Known thickness shim stock detects contact, not so easily felt when those 60"s are used.
5, 1-2-3 or 4-5-6 blocks are nice perches on which to insure a fairly decent plane to surface plate to reduce sine errors, since few [any?] calipers sit flat.
6, With calculator at hand, who cares imperial or metric created the original, replacement must fit.