Scruple (unit)

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. 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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