On Wed, 31 Jul 2002, Alexander Schreiber wrote:
> On Wed, Jul 31, 2002 at 10:28:06AM +0200, Andreas Freiherr wrote:
> >
> > I have heard that the gauge of today's railway tracks (1435mm or 4'
> > 8.5"), and hence even the dimensions of Space Shuttle's boosters go back
> > to ancient Roman vehicles built to the width of two horse's backs, maybe
> > true or maybe not.
>
> That one is a verified urban legend, but still funny.
>
> http://www.snopes2.com/history/american/gauge.htm
Well, upon reading the Snopes discourse, it is not really an urban legend
at all, but is in reality a carry-over from ancient times based on
practicality. In fact, they go on to say it is basically true but "for
trivial and unremarkable reasons".
So it is not myth.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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Received on Wed Jul 31 2002 - 13:14:00 BST