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 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).

References

1 2 Cardarelli, François (2003). Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. London: Springer. pp. 38, 45. ISBN 978-1-4471-1122-1.
↑ "scruple, n.¹", Oxford English Dictionary, 1st ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1911

[:0-1] 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

[1]

[2]

Scruple (unit)

Mass unit

Volume unit

See also

References