The scruple (℈) is a small unit in the apothecaries' system, derived from the old Roman scrupulum (lit. "small pebble") unit (scrupulus/scrupulum).
The scruple is 1⁄24 ounce, 1⁄3 dram, or 20 grains. It is therefore equal to 1.2959782 grams. The Roman scruple was somewhat smaller, around 1.14 g.
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.
- ^ a b Cardarelli, François Cradarelli (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