Early Modern Measurements
Measurement before the enlightenment and the age of standardization varied widely. While some terms had wide adoption, others were highly regional and idiosyncratic. The following equivalencies are meant to aid in estimations.
Dry Amounts
Wet Amounts
ounce (fluid):
Tun (e.g. of wine): 950-960 litres, or approximately 252 gallons during the early modern period.
pipe or butt: 1/2 of a tun, 475-480 liters, or 126 gallons
puncheon: 1/3 of a tun, 316-320 litres, or 84 gallons
hogshead: 1/4 of a tun, 237-242 litres, or 63 gallons
tierce: 1/6 of a tun, 158-160 litres, or 42 gallons
barrel: 1/8 of a tun, 118-120 litres, or 31 1/2 gallons
rundlet: 1/14 of a tun, 68-69 litres, or 18 gallons
Comparisons:
1 ton = 2 butts, 3 puncheons, 4 hogsheads, 6 tierces, 8 barrels, or 14 rundlets
Weight
The ounce (abbreviated oz; apothecary symbol: ℥)