Firkin (unit) Firkin (unit) A firkin is a unit of volume or mass used in several situations. Its etymology is likely to be from the Middle English "ferdekyn", probably from the Middle Dutch diminutive of vierde ‘fourth’ (a firkin originally contained a quarter of a barrel). A firkin is an American unit of dry measure. 1 firkin = 9 US gallons = 34 litres. A firkin was a British unit for the sale of butter and cheese. 1 firkin = 56 pounds = 25 kilograms A firkin is also a British unit for the sale of beer. It is one quarter of
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? The question "How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" (alternatively ""How many angels can stand on the "point" of a pin?"") is a reductio ad absurdum of medieval scholasticism in general, and its angelology in particular, as represented by figures such as Duns Scotus and Thomas Aquinas. It is first recorded in the 17th century, in the context of Protestant apologetics. The question has also been linked to the fall of Constantinople, with the imagery of scholars debating about minutiae while the Turks besieged the