Convert Apothecary Drams to Milligrams
Convert Apothecary Drams (dr ap) to Milligrams (mg) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
mg = dr ap × 3887.9346
About Apothecary Drams
An apothecary dram (dr ap) equals 3 scruples or 60 grains - approximately 3.888 grams. Part of the traditional apothecary system used by physicians and pharmacists from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, it was the standard unit for prescribing and dispensing medicines. Prescriptions written in the apothecary system used special symbols: the dram symbol (℈) and ounce symbol (℥) appear throughout historical medical records and old pharmacy ledgers. The apothecary dram differs from the fluid dram (a volume unit) and from the avoirdupois dram.
About Milligrams
A milligram (mg) is one thousandth of a gram (10⁻³ g). It is the primary unit for pharmaceutical dosing: aspirin tablets are typically 500 mg, ibuprofen 200-400 mg, and melatonin supplements 0.5-10 mg. Precious metal assay results and alloy compositions are specified in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg = ppm). Nutritional labels worldwide list mineral content in milligrams - the recommended daily intake of iron is 8-18 mg, calcium 1000 mg, and sodium under 2300 mg. A grain of rice weighs about 25-30 mg, and a medium eyelash approximately 0.1 mg.
Quick Reference Table
| Apothecary Drams (dr ap) | Milligrams (mg) |
|---|---|
| 1 dr ap | 3887.93 mg |
| 2 dr ap | 7775.87 mg |
| 5 dr ap | 19439.7 mg |
| 10 dr ap | 38879.3 mg |
| 25 dr ap | 97198.4 mg |
| 50 dr ap | 194397 mg |
| 100 dr ap | 388793 mg |