Rule of thumb

A rule of thumb is an easily learnt and easily applied procedure for approximately calculating or recalling some value, or for making some determination. Compare this to heuristic, a similar concept used in mathematical discourse, or in computer science, particularly in algorithm design. See also mnemonic. The term "rule of thumb" or similar exists in many languages and cultures. Its likely origin is that the thumb is often used for rough measurement by carpenters, seamstresses, and many others. In fact it the measurement of an inch is believed to have been derived from the distance between the tip of the thumb and the first joint. Rules of thumb such as the right hand rule in electromagnetics are also used as mnemonic devices. This usage of course is of more recent vintage. A widespread myth holds that the term originally referred to the maximum size of a stick with which it was permissible for a man to beat his wife. This myth has been thoroughly debunked, for instance by Christina Hoff Sommers in her book Who Stole Feminism (1994 ISBN 0684801566). The myth is thought to have been invented by Del Martin of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1976 and continues to be spread to this day.

See also

\n*Heuristic argument\n*Tooth Fairy Rule

External links

\n*About the Rule of Thumb\n*The "Rule of Thumb for Wife-Beating" Hoax