Convert Scruple (Apothecary) (s.ap) to Pound (Troy) (lb t) 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.
Pound (Troy) (lb t)
The troy pound, equal to 12 troy ounces or 373.2417216 grams, is used almost exclusively in the precious metals trade. Unlike the avoirdupois pound used for everyday goods (16 ounces), the troy pound is optimized for precious materials such as gold, silver, and platinum. This system's origins trace back to medieval trade fairs in Troyes, France, a major commercial hub. Merchants needed a consistent unit to prevent fraud and facilitate international trading, especially for valuable metals. Today, although rarely encountered by the general public, the troy pound remains fundamental in metals pricing, refining, and numismatics. It provides continuity in a highly traditional economic sector where consistency over centuries is crucial.