What non-metric systems of units have been used in science or engineering?  I mean 
real systems, not hodge-podge collections of units.  Where are these systems 
documented?  I've seen references to the following:

British Absolute System
British Gravitational System
English Engineering System
Foot-Pound System
Inch-Pound System

But there is very little information about what these "systems" are.

In trying to promote the specification of SI in standards, I've made the point that if 
non-SI units are used, then a standard document should be referenced which defines the 
system and its use.  Since such documents don't seem to exist, I then want to make the 
point that an engineering system of units needs to be specified, not just a vague term 
such as "inch-pound units." 

Ralph Gillmann
Federal Highway Administration

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