The information concerning weights and measures in Alma 11 presents very strong evidence for the historicity of the Book of Mormon, from both ancient practices of currency and onomastics. For more, see:
John W. Welch, Weighing and Measuring
in the World of the Book of Mormon
Robert F. Smith, The
Preposterous Book of Mormon A Singular Advantage
While reading a book on New York laws from
1813, I came across “An ACT to regulate Weights and Measures,” Passed March 19,
1813, to show how contemporaries with Joseph Smith discussed weights and
measures, so it is a good way of comparing and contrasting this with those in
Alma 11 and elsewhere in the Book of Mormon:
I. BE it enacted
by the People of the State of New-York, represented in Senate and Assembly, That
there shall be one just beam, one certain weight and measure, for distance and
capacity, that is to say: avoirdupois and troy weights, bushels, half bushels,
pecks, half pecks, and quarts, and gallons, half gallons, quarts, pints and
gills, and one certain rod for long measure, according to the standard in use
in this state, on the day of the declaration of the independence thereof; and
that the standard of weights and measures now in the office of the secretary of
this state, which in according to the standard of the court of exchequer, in
that part of Great-Britain called England, shall be and is hereby declared to
be and remain the standard for ascertaining all beams, weights and measures,
throughout this state, until the congress of the United states shall establish
the standard of weights and measures for the United States. . . . .
III. And it is
further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the secretary of this state,
within nine months after the passing of this act, in addition to the weights
and measure already provided by law, and now remaining with the said secretary
and the assistant state sealer, in the county of Oneida, to procure at the
expence of this state, so many weights, measures and beams, as shall make out
four complete standards of weights and measures, both of liquid and dry
measures, and avoirdupois and troy weights, with proper beams, and standard brass
rods of long measure; one complete set to be retained in his office, as a principal
state standard, and one other set of the said standards to be delivered to each
of the assistant state sealers, taking their receipts respectively therefor;
and the comptroller is hereby directed to audit the account of the secretary
for his expenses. In procuring the said additional standard of weights,
measures and beams, and draw the warrant for the amount on the treasurer, who
is hereby directed to pay the same out of any monies in the treasury, not
otherwise appropriated.,(William P. Van Vess and John Woodworth, Laws of the
State of New York, Revised and Passed at the Thirty-Sixth Session of the
Legislature, With Marginal Notes and References, 2 vols. [Albany: H. C.
Southwick & Co., 1813], 1:376-77)
Here are photos of the relevant pages containing
the entirety of the act:
