Convert Apothecary Drams to Scruples
Convert Apothecary Drams (dr ap) to Scruples (s ap) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
s ap = dr ap × 3
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 Scruples
A scruple (s ap) is a unit of the apothecary weight system equal to 20 grains or approximately 1.296 grams. Derived from the Latin 'scrupulus' (a small sharp stone used as a counterweight), it was the basic dispensing unit in pre-metric pharmacy across Europe. The apothecary system divided the fluid ounce into 8 drams, each dram into 3 scruples, and each scruple into 20 grains - a hierarchy memorised by every 19th-century pharmacist.
Quick Reference Table
| Apothecary Drams (dr ap) | Scruples (s ap) |
|---|---|
| 1 dr ap | 3 s ap |
| 2 dr ap | 6 s ap |
| 5 dr ap | 15 s ap |
| 10 dr ap | 30 s ap |
| 25 dr ap | 75 s ap |
| 50 dr ap | 150 s ap |
| 100 dr ap | 300 s ap |