The state measure and weight service in Russia in the early XX century (on the example of Kursk verification chamber)

Introduction. The development of industry and agriculture as a result of the industrial revolution of the 1830s - 1850s led the government to the idea of unification and control over the system of measurement. However, the process of establishing of a special service that could deal with the issue was very slow both due to the lack of competent specialists and the underdeveloped legislative base. And only in the early 20th century special institutions started to be founded in the provincial centers of the Russian Empire - Verification Chambers, the function of which was to check and seal up all measuring devices which were in use, purchased or manufactured. Verifications procedures were carried out both locally and extensively, in addition, unscheduled revisions were also possible. From the list of work areas it is clear that initially the chambers were founded in large commerce and industry centers, and with the flow of time the practice started spreading throughout the state. Methods. The solution of research problems was provided by a complex of complementary theoretical (analysis of scientific literature, comparative analysis, comparison, generalization, systematization) and empirical (study and generalization of published and archival sources, hermeneutical) methods. Results. The created verification chambers used to perform important functions targeted at the development of metrology and as a result the Russian Economy: accuracy of the readings of various measuring devices, control over the sealing marks, withdrawal of the fake ones, quality of measuring tools, educational activities. Conclusion. The importance of the work of this institution is confirmed by the fact that the events of 1917 which led to the collapse of the state preserved the chambers even under the new government.