Convert Talent (Biblical Hebrew) (talent (H)) to Scruple (Apothecary) (s.ap) instantly.
About these units
Talent (Biblical Hebrew) (talent (H))
The Hebrew talent was a very large mass unit, typically estimated around 34–36 kilograms, though exact values varied by period and region. It represented an enormous economic value—equivalent to years of wages for a common laborer—and was primarily used for measuring gold and silver in royal and temple contexts. Talents appear frequently in Biblical texts, often symbolizing wealth, tribute, or divine offerings. Their usage suggests a sophisticated economic system capable of handling large-scale trade and taxation. Because talents were too heavy for ordinary transactions, they were divided into 60 minas, which were further subdivided into shekels. Modern biblical scholars rely heavily on talent estimates to translate ancient economic references into contemporary terms.
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.