The complicated history of electric units

Author : Jean-Marc Augustin Roux

Abstract

This article traces the evolution of electrical units from the first formulations of electromagnetism to their formalization in the International System.

Introduction

The history of electrical units is closely linked to the development of electromagnetism. From the 19th century onward, various conventions were introduced to relate electrical phenomena to mechanical quantities, leading to the emergence of constants such as permittivity and permeability. Understanding the origin of these constants requires examining the historical and conceptual context in which the units were defined.