Steamery is a type of learning, like Magery and Lettery (Magic of Written words, Scholarly works), akin to Alchemy which combined elements of the two. It is considered a type of magic, the use of the four basic elements to produce “magical” power.

Hathalfar holds the writhing troll down with his gloved fist and sword. The beast squirms at the touch of metal. “How far is Kolm?” he demands for the third time. “I said! A long way away,” replies the troll.

The measurements on Arth center around The Emperor and the Imperium.  The Imperium imposes certain standards upon its subjects to make communication and trade between areas easier.  Some of the most important was how much each coin was worth (and its basic size), the common language (imperial-low and high), and a system of measures.