A scale is on the body of a fish, etc. Whereas scales are not only a multiple of scale but also a tool for weighing goods (often used to depict justice or the law).
They are still scales because two of them are used in balance - A (as in one) pair of scales. ‘’This is one scale'' is simply poor English. It should be ‘’This is a pair of scales''. It seems as though this is a bit of a quirk in the English language - strange, but true. 🙃 Thanks
Don't be sorry. English is a funny language sometimes but not here.
Sorry, but I'm afraid that standard English grammar rules should still apply here at Numista too.
The set of weighing scales at the bottom is a perfect example of where it's very easy to make a mistake with English, especially if it's a second language. They perform the same function as the old fashioned scales you've identified above, therefore are termed as scales, not scale. A scale is still used primarily with fish, although it can be used with measurements too, as in a ‘scale’ drawing on a plan, or a drawing that is to scale (i.e. 1:250, etc.).
We could do this all day but if people looking for coins with fish on them have to look through all the coins with scales on them, then change the tag. Or, use the tag Fish?
P.S. Implying that I'm wrong because English is a second language isn't the insult you think it is.
We could do this all day but if people looking for coins with fish on them have to look through all the coins with scales on them, then change the tag. Or, use the tag Fish?
P.S. Implying that I'm wrong because English is a second language isn't the insult you think it is.
Not sure I implied that you were wrong because English may or may not be a second language - you are simply wrong.
Definition of Weighing Scales
Symbolism
"Lady Justice" holding a 2-pan balance beam scale, and a sword: Statue of Justice, Central Criminal Court, London, UK
The scales (specifically, a two-pan, beam balance) are one of the traditional symbols of justice, as wielded by statues of Lady Justice. This corresponds to the use in a metaphor of matters being "held in the balance". It has its origins in ancient Egypt.[18]
Scales also are widely used as a symbol of finance, commerce, or trade, in which they have played a traditional, vital role since ancient times. For instance, balance scales are depicted in the seal of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Trade Commission.
Seal of the U.S. Department of the Treasury
Seal of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Scales are also the symbol for the astrological sign Libra.
"Lady Justice" holding a 2-pan balance beam scale, and a sword: Statue of Justice, Central Criminal Court, London, UK
