Where did the numbers designating gold purity originate?

Subject: Where did the numbers designating gold purity originate?

Date: Tue May 4 23:48:51 1999
Posted by No name entered.
Grade level: undergrad School: UC Santa Barbara
City: No city entered. State/Province: CA Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Science History
ID: 925879731.Sh

Message:


I understand that 24 karot gold is pure gold.  18 and 14 karot 
gold contain gold and other metals.  I also understand the 
definition of the term "karot".  

My questions focuses more on the numbering system used and its 
significance.  I would also like to know when the numbering 
system started and who developed it. 

I would also be interested in different resources where I might 
find more information on this subject.  

Thank you very much.

Jon

Re: Where did the numbers designating gold purity originate?

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