What is the standard weight in apothecaries system?

Apothecaries’ weight, traditional system of weight in the British Isles used for the measuring and dispensing of pharmaceutical items and based on the grain, scruple (20 grains), dram (3 scruples), ounce (8 drams), and pound (12 ounces).

What were apothecary weights used for?

Apothecaries’ weights were used to weigh out ingredients in medicines and potions. The weight-system used was influenced by the Roman system, and the units were called scruples, drachms and ounces.

What is an apothecary ounce?

n. A system of weights used in pharmacy and based on an ounce equal to 480 grains and a pound equal to 12 ounces.

What are the weights and measures of an apothecary?

The apothecaries’ system or apothecaries’ weights and measures is a historical system of mass and volume units that were used by physicians and apothecaries for medical recipes, and also sometimes by scientists. The English version of the system is closely related to the English troy system of weights,…

How many ounces are in an apothecary set?

Most sets of Apothecaries Weights consist of: Though in one or two sets a 4 Drachm and an 8 Drachm (=1 Apothecary Ounce ℥ i) are found – See sets #1240 and #1285 in the Catalogue Section.

Are there any women in the Society of Apothecaries?

Today’s qualifications and courses offered by the Apothecaries, including the history of medicine to HIV medicine, accept candidates regardless of gender. The Society has only had one woman Master (its senior official post), Enid Taylor, in 2002-3 and now two women serve on its Court, the governing body.

When did apothecaries stop using their own weight?

Apothecaries’ weight was used officially in both the United States and Great Britain until 1858. In that year, under the authority of the Medical Act, Great Britain adopted the avoirdupois system for dispensing medicines.