Apothecaries' Weight

A system of weights and measures used in compounding medicines. The Troy pound of 5760 grains is the standard. It is subdivided into 12 ounces. The ounce is subdivided into eight drachms, the drachm into three scruples, and the scruple into 20 grains. For fluid measure the quart of 32 fluid ounces is subdivided into pints, the pint into 16 fluid ounces, the ounce into eight fluid drachms, and the fluid drachm into 60 minims. The following abbreviations are used: 5, uncia, an ounce (480 III, minim. gtt., gutta, a drop. 9, scrupulus, a scruple 3, drachma, a drachm. grains), ft, libra, a pound. O, octarius, a pint, gr., granum, a grain, ., semi is, one-half. See Weights and Measures.