The National
Institute of Standards and Technology develops technologies, measurement
methods and standards that help U.S. companies compete in the global
marketplace. Congress created NIST in 1901 at the start of the industrial
revolution to provide the measurement and standards needed to resolve
and prevent disputes over trade and to encourage standardization.
That's why you can have confidence that a gallon of milk contains
one gallon and that the electric meter at your house accurately
gauges how much electricity you use.