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

• Other "scruples" derived from this unit
• Roman units
• Byzantine units

References

1. Cardarelli, François Cradarelli (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