Scruple (unit)

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

Contents

Mass unit

The scruple is 8⁄175 of an ounce (or 1⁄24 of a troy ounce), 1⁄3 dram, or 20 grains: [1] it is therefore exactly 1.2959782  grams.

The Roman scruple was 11.875% smaller, therefore being exactly 1.14208078875 grams.

Volume unit

The fluid scruple is 1⁄24 fluid ounce, 1⁄3 fluid dram, 20 minims, 1⁄4 teaspoon, or 1 saltspoon.

It is therefore equal to 1.2322304 milliliters in the US customary system, or 1.1838776 milliliters in the imperial customary system (to eight significant figures).

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
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