Why are there only 60 seconds in a minute? Why not 100?
Why are there only 60 seconds in a minute? Why not 100?
Why are there 60 seconds in a minute?
On the surface, the division of time into 60 seconds per minute might seem arbitrary, especially to modern readers who prefer a more straightforward, decimal-based system. However, the history behind the base-60, or sexagesimal, system reveals a deeper reason for its enduring use.
Historical Roots
Our current system of time division has ancient roots, particularly with the Sumerians, who lived around 4000 years ago. These early civilizations used a sexagesimal numbering system, which divides time into 60-second minutes, 60-minute hours, and so on. This system was due to the practical advantages of using a base-60 number system.
The Sumerians divided the day into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. This division was influenced by their observations of the movement of the sun and stars. The sexagesimal system allowed for easy calculation and was adopted by later cultures including the Babylonians, whose astronomical observations and mathematical calculations were extensive.
Divisibility
The primary reason for the widespread use of the sexagesimal system lies in its inherent divisibility. The number 60 can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 30. This property makes it extremely versatile for various applications in mathematics and astronomy. For instance, dividing an hour into 60 minutes and a minute into 60 seconds allows for consistent and precise measurements.
Adoption and Consistency
The standardized division of time into 60-second minutes became firmly established with the advent of mechanical clocks in the Middle Ages. Mechanical clocks provided a reliable and consistent means of timekeeping, which solidified the use of the base-60 system.
Changing this system now would require a massive overhaul of timekeeping practices worldwide. While a decimal-based system like 100 seconds in a minute could theoretically be used, the historical precedent and practical advantages of the sexagesimal system have led to its continued use.
Historical Anecdotes and Criticisms
Some people find the use of 60-second minutes and 60-minute hours as arbitrary or unnecessary. For instance, some might argue that the French Revolutionary calendar, which used a 10-hour day divided into 100 minutes and 100 seconds, makes more sense due to the ease of counting in multiples of 10. However, the French calendar with its 10-hour day and 100-minute hours was short-lived and did not gain widespread acceptance.
Proponents of the sexagesimal system, on the other hand, argue that its divisibility offers significant advantages. The base-60 system allows for a wide range of practical applications and precise timekeeping, which has persisted through the centuries.
Conclusion
The division of time into 60-second minutes is rooted in ancient practices and mathematical convenience. While alternative systems like 100-second minutes might seem more intuitive, the historical precedent and practical advantages of the sexagesimal system make it a fixture in our modern timekeeping.