The scruple (℈) is a small unit in the apothecaries' system,[1] derived from the old Roman scrupulum (lit. 'small pebble') unit[2] (scrupulus/scrupulum).

Mass unit

The scruple is 1⁄24 ounce, 1⁄3 dram, or 20 grains.[1] It is therefore equal to 1.2959782 grams. The Roman scruple was somewhat smaller, around 1.14 g.

Volume unit

The fluid scruple is 1⁄24 fluid ounce, 1⁄3 fluid dram, 20 minims, or 1⁄4 teaspoon, or 1 saltspoon. It is therefore equal to 1.23 milliliters.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Cardarelli, François (2003). Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. London: Springer. pp. 38, 45. ISBN 978-1-4471-1122-1.
  2. ↑ "scruple, n.1", Oxford English Dictionary, 1st ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1911
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.