This thesis is concerned with measurements used in economic activity and investigates how historical markets managed transactional problems due to unreliable measurements. Existing literature has generally associated the problems of measurements in historical markets with the lack of uniformity in weights and measures. This thesis shows that metrological standardization was not sufficient to ensure reliability of measurements. Markets developed mensuration practices that enabled markets to address specific transactional issues in micro-contexts. This involved, in addition to the use of standardized metrology, improved governance of transactions, third party monitoring and guaranteeing, and other institutional solutions. Historical institutional arrangements were altered or replaced as a result of changing or standardizing mensuration practices. The thesis also makes a conceptual contribution in terms of understanding the process of standardization. It shows how, while standards can be inflexible and rationalized (i.e. limited in number), standardized practices can incorporate a number of such standards and be flexible in terms which standard to be used in a given context. Analytically, standardized practices are institutional objects that are determined endogenously and are formed in 'packages' that create interlinks between standards, other artefacts, rules and people. These arguments are developed by studying three detailed cases of mensuration practices in the British economy during the nineteenth-century. The case of the London Coal Trade examines how altered mensuration practices gave buyers greater assurance that the amount of coal they received was actually the amount they purchased. The case of the wire industry illustrates the struggles to define a uniform set of wire sizes that could overcome the disputes arising from incompatible and multiple ways of measuring wire sizes. The case of the wheat markets illustrates the complexity involved in developing standards of measurements such that quality could be reliably measured ex-ante. Through these case studies, the thesis shows how markets developed different mensuration practices to manage measurements in a given context.

The book is the first monograph on this highly important subject.

The ultimate guide to the current rules and regulations that govern the securities industry?including amendments in 2010 Providing readers with expert coverage of domestic securities regulation, this book fills the need for coverage of securities regulations, defining, describing, and explaining everything professionals need to know about domestic securities regulation. Examines the current securities rules Provides an overview of the latest regulations for this industry Includes a description of the various government regulations of securities markets, and securities transactions Since the corporate scandals of 2002, this industry has seen intense scrutiny of how it is regulated. Regulation of Securities, Markets, and Transactions demystifies the new laws and regulations with straightforward, to-the-point coverage professionals need.

This casebook is an authoritative introduction to international finance, transactions, policy, and regulations. The continuing expansion of U.S. capital market regulation is a major topic, as is the implementation of international accounting standards. The book is divided into five parts. Part One deals with the international aspects of major domestic markets; Part Two with infrastructure for financial markets; Part Three with instruments and offshore markets; Part Four with emerging markets; and Part Five with the fighting of terrorism. While the approach of this book is rooted in government policy and regulation, the book introduces students to basic financial concepts and transactions. The conception of the field is original and complements existing texts written for finance or economics courses. The book deals extensively with the financial crisis, including regulatory and legislative reforms that have followed in its wake.

An in-depth look at the nature of market making and exchanges From theory to practicalities, this is a comprehensive, up-to-date handbook and reference on how markets work and the nuances of trading. It includes a CD with an interactive trading simulation. Robert A. Schwartz, PhD (New York, NY), is Marvin M. Speiser Professor of Finance and University Distinguished Professor in the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, CUNY. Reto Francioni, PhD (Zurich, Switzerland), is President and Chairman of the Board of SWX, the Swiss Stock Exchange, and former co-CEO of Consors Discount Broker AG, Nuremberg.