John Smith I wrote:
wrote:

...
I don't suppose it ever occured to you that a practical hardware
implementation would correct for the actual temperature?

snip nonsense

Since you seem to like wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second

Hmmm, looks like they got their definition for the second the same
place I did.


Now, perhaps we hit the real crux of this matter. You say "practical
hardware implementation", I say "guess!"

Warmest regards,
JS


The "SECOND" is an arbitrary measurement of duration. It has been
defined with reference to specific measurements of a particular isotope
of CESIUM under specific conditions. That those specific conditions may
or may not be obtainable utilizing present technology is of no moment.
Adjustments to the best obtainable results are made all the time in
other areas. For instance the GRAM, the METER and the DEGREE. All these
units are defined and approximated in real life. The only place where
you can obtain absolutes is in conversion factors: 1 inch equals 2.54
centimeters, 1 degree Celsius (and it's derivatives: centigrade and
kelvin) equal 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The degree Fahrenheit is
determined by measuring the lowest temperature liquid water can reach
and the boiling point of the same water.
The upshot of all this is that everything in modern science is based on
these and many other values. They all seem to work. At least until you
get into quantum mechanics, which is another thread.

Dave N