French Normalization - Nosometric System of Units

This official AFNOR standard document UNM 00-001 from January 2002 establishes the foundational rules and terminology for the nosometric system of units, a whimsical measurement framework grounded in subjective human perception and estimation. The manual outlines the core principles governing pifometry, the science of quantifying intangible and personal quantities that vary according to individual perspective and context. It defines three fundamental principles: pifometers remain strictly personal and non-transferable, contrary pifometric expressions do not cancel one another, and averaging pifometric values yields no meaningful information. This reference document comprehensively catalogs quantity units including palanquée, tapée, flopée, and triplotée, value units such as tripette and roupie de sansonnet, and specialized measurement units for destination, adjustment, length, distance, time, speed, temperature, maritime applications, and numerous other domains. Each unit entry provides clear definitions, practical examples of usage, and interpretive guidance. The document underscores pifometry as an ancient and culturally universal practice, distinct from conventional measurement systems.