Scruples

Scruples is a unit of measurement used in the apothecary system, which was historically used by physicians and pharmacists. The system is based on the weight of specific medical ingredients and was used in the United States and Britain until the metric system was adopted.

History

The apothecary system has its roots in the Middle Ages and was used extensively in England until the 19th century. The system was also used in the United States until the 1970s. The term "scruple" comes from the Latin word "scrupulus," which was a small sharp stone. It was used metaphorically to mean a small amount or a minute portion.

Measurement

A scruple is equivalent to 20 grains, 1.296 grams, or 0.046 ounces. It is one third of a dram, one twenty-fourth of an ounce, and one 288th of a pound.

Usage

Scruples were used to measure ingredients for medicines and treatments. For example, a prescription might call for "2 scruples of saffron" or "3 scruples of cinnamon." Today, the use of scruples has largely been replaced by the metric system, but the term is still occasionally used in the pharmaceutical industry.

See also

• Apothecary system
• Grains (unit)
• Dram (unit)
• Ounce
• Pound (mass)

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