Convert Milligram (mg) to Scruple (Apothecary) (s.ap) instantly.
About these units
Milligram (mg)
A milligram is one-thousandth of a gram and essential for measuring extremely small masses with precision. Pharmacology relies heavily on milligrams to dose medications safely and consistently—especially potent drugs where differences of a few milligrams can be critical. In chemistry and laboratory science, milligrams are used to weigh reagents, catalysts, micro-samples, and test materials. Environmental science uses milligrams per liter or milligrams per kilogram to describe concentrations of contaminants. Its small size makes the milligram ideal for fields requiring strict quantitative control, and its stability within the metric system ensures predictable conversions during calculations.
Scruple (Apothecary) (s.ap)
The scruple is an old apothecary unit equal to 20 grains or 1.2959782 grams, originating in ancient Greek and Roman medicine. Apothecaries used scruples for compounding herbal remedies, powders, and tinctures long before standardized metric systems were adopted. Its size made it ideal for preparing early pharmaceuticals where doses needed to be accurate but not excessively granular. Over centuries, the scruple appeared in medical recipes, early scientific writings, and even medieval charms and remedies. Although obsolete today, replaced by milligrams and grams, the scruple is vital for historians studying early medical texts, pharmacy records, and classical-era scientific practices.