russ_watters
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Well, scales don't always measure the weigh or mass of objects either, but we still use them for exactly that purpose. When the flaws are known/understood, they can be mitigated. Ironically, the flaw you pointed out in barometers is exactly the same as the primary flaw in scales. That flaw (for both) can be mitigated with an enclosure that blocks airflow around the device.klimatos said:I simply cannot bring myself to believe that a barometer always measures the weight of an overlying column of air.