The National Metrology Laboratory of South Africa: the first 50 years (1947-1997)

Abstract

This book provides a history of the establishment of National Metrology Laboratory (NML). It focuses on the scientific measurements and measurements in the early days of South Africa. Since its inception in 1947 the National Physical Research Laboratory in Pretoria has been steadily building up standardisation facilities. The task is never-ending, new developments in physics constantly make greater precision possible and at the same time demand not only better, but also entirely new standards. The origins of the NML date back to Dr Sir Basil Schonland’s sage vision for a National Physical Laboratory to form an integral part of proposed new CSIR.