Convert Scruple (Apothecary) (s.ap) to Picogram (pg) instantly.
About these units
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.
Picogram (pg)
A picogram, or 10⁻¹² grams, is widely used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Hormones, signaling molecules, and certain viruses fall within the picogram mass range. Laboratories often quantify DNA or RNA using picograms, especially in single-cell analysis. Cellular processes frequently involve minuscule quantities of molecules, so picogram measurements allow researchers to study gene expression, protein synthesis, and chemical reactions with extreme accuracy. Diagnostic tests—such as those for biomarkers in blood—often require detection at picogram per milliliter concentrations. The picogram is a crucial bridge between the molecular scale and measurable laboratory practice, enabling breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and biotechnology.