apothecaries' weights and measures
a generally superseded system used for measuring and weighing drugs and solutions. It is gradually being replaced by the metric system.
In the apothecaries' system fractions are used to designate portions of a unit of measure: e.g. one-fourth grain is written gr. 1/4. The fraction 1/2 is written ss.
There are two symbols in this system which are sometimes confused and must always be written clearly. These are the symbols for drams (
) and ounces (
). Small Roman numerals are used after the symbols. For example, iss reads drams one and one-half; iii reads ounces three. See also Tables 4.2 and 4.3.
) and ounces (). Small Roman numerals are used after the symbols. For example, iss reads drams one and one-half; iii reads ounces three. See also Tables 4.2 and 4.3.How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
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