[TheForge] Rule of Thumb ... Debunking the Lie

[Schwartz, Christopher N.]

<snip>

 It's referenced in the christian bible, I don't recall what ruler
or kingdom initially made it law.  It refers to the largest
diameter rod you can legally beat your wife with.  The same
diameter as your thumb.

</snip>



Usually people cite English Common Law in the 1600s when perpetuating this
myth.  This is the first time I've seen it placed at the foot of the Bible

That is not true.  It is an hoax and didn't appear in the common lexicon
until the 1960s-70s.  Measuring with ones thumb is done as people measure
things with the span of the hand or by a cubit.  1 inch, 9 inches, and 18
inches.

For more info about the hateful anti-male use of "Rule of Thumb" check:

http://www.debunker.com/texts/ruleofthumb.html