Convert scruple to grams easily.

Ever found yourself staring at an old pharmacy manuscript or a vintage recipe that mentions "scruples" and thought, "How much is that in modern terms?" You're not alone. This tiny unit from the apothecaries' system still pops up in unexpected places, from antique medical journals to historical novels. Our scruple-to-grams converter bridges the gap between this archaic measure and the metric units we use daily. Whether you're a history buff, a hobbyist brewer, or deciphering great-grandma's herbal remedies, we've got you covered.

Unit definitions

What is a scruple (℈)?

• Description: A unit from the apothecaries' system used for measuring medicines and small quantities
• Symbol: ℈
• Common uses: Historical medical prescriptions, precious metal measurements
• Definition: 1 scruple = 20 grains = 1/24 troy ounce

What is a gram (g)?

• Description: The base unit of mass in the metric system
• Symbol: g
• Common uses: Everyday measurements in cooking, science, and international trade
• Definition: 1 gram = 1/1000 kilogram = mass of 1 cubic centimeter of water at 4°C

Conversion formula

The magic equation connecting these two worlds: 1 scruple = 1.2959782 grams

To convert scruples to grams:

grams = scruples × 1.2959782

For grams to scruples:

scruples = grams ÷ 1.2959782

Example calculations

1. Historical medicine conversion
   A 1800s recipe calls for 2 scruples of chamomile:
   2 ℈ × 1.2959782 = 2.5919564 g → 2.592 g (rounded)
2. Reverse conversion for modern use
   You have 5g of gold flake needing scruple measurement:
   5 g ÷ 1.2959782 ≈ 3.86 ℈

Conversion tables

Scruple to grams

Grams to scruple

Historical background

The scruple's story begins in ancient Rome, where "scrupulus" meant a small sharp stone – literally teh weight of a pebble in your sandal. Apothecaries adopted it during the Middle Ages as part of their precise measurement system for medicinal ingredients. Fun fact: the word's dual meaning (weight and moral hesitation) comes from that pebble metaphor. A "scruple" was both a physical weight and a nagging doubt in your conscience.

By the 19th century, over 90% of European pharmacies used this system. But when the metric wave hit in the late 1800s, most countries phased out scruples. Today, you'll mainly find it in historical contexts, though some traditional herbalists still swear by it.

Interesting facts!

1. Double meaning – The unit's name shares etymology with "scrupulous," both deriving from Latin "scrupus" (anxiety)
2. Troy connection – 480 grains make a troy ounce, making 1 scruple exactly 1/24 of that precious metal unit
3. Literary cameo – Charles Dickens mentions scruples in "Martin Chuzzlewit" when describing quack medicines
4. Modern survival – Some homeopathic pharmacies still use scruple measurements in the U.S.
5. Everyday comparison – 1 scruple weighs about the same as 3-4 paperclips

FAQ