What was the reason the French Academy of Science created the metric system?

Answer 1

The French Academy of Science did not create the metric system. The French were instrumental in instituting the metric system, but the ideas that set things in motion were those of English clergyman John Wilkins (F.R.S.), and French scientist (and abbot) Gabriel Mouton. The ball began rolling in the latter half of the 17th century, but difficulties and disagreement plagued proposed systems for some 200 years. Finally, the French Assemblée Constituante got things together and the Convention du Mètre was signed and things began to improve. The need for a uniform system of measurement was something that governments and businesses could all benefit from. Trade, particularly international trade, was made easier. And the levying of taxes and tariffs was made lest cumbersome through standard units of measure. Still, it took quite a while to really "solve" the problem of disparate systems of measurement, and to adopt something "standard" that could be accepted and used by many. The French Academy of Sciences was only an informal body throughout all of the early years when the system was taking form, and it was not responsible for "creating" the metric system. The Academy did, however, see the need for standard units, supported the ideas set forth, and applauded the advent and introduction of the system.