OT - RULE OF THUMB ORIGIN

Just read a Tall Allen response where he used the phrase "Rule Of Thumb.

This is wayyyyyyy off topic, but interesting to know what the origin of the phrase "Rule Of Thumb" actually is.

Ladies, you may want to plug your ears on this one........(Maybe close one eye too)

Apparently, in days of old, men were entitled to beat their wives...(For whatever reasons...none of which I can think of)

In selecting a switch for said "beating", the man was not allowed to select one larger in diameter than his thumb.

Hence the "Legal" expression....Rule Of thumb.

In understanding that now, I kinda feel we may have legal precedence to have a discussion surrounding DRE??

Worst one for me was the Dx Uro....I tell ya, his "dwell" time was epic, and I think his glove went all the way to his elbow.
Fortunately, now at Sunnybrook, I make it a habit to count out loud so they are aware they are "on the clock"...LOL
FYI....Asian URO's have smaller fingers!!!

Sorry to be a killjoy, but this story of the origin of the expression "rule of thumb" appears to be in the category of urban legend.

The fact is that searches into English law from the Middle Ages on to modern times have never turned up any statute, ordinance, or such that actually legalized such a beating practice. The worst a husband could do to his wife, according to English law, was "moderate chastisement."

Here's an article that goes into a bit more detail on this topic, including possible actual origins of the phrase, but it still maintains the urban legend aspect of the beating practice:

www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/rule-of-thumb.html

Forum sisters, no need to plug your ears!

Just cause no laws were on the books doesn't mean it was not rampant and "urbanely" accepted

On another note Newt…beware wikipedia..it is sometimes referred to as facts by consensus..

I read a bit on the death of poet John Keats once and his cause of death was completely totally out of whack..
I think theres some truth in urban legend …if not fact.. I like the story and the way it washes all over me.