How to Convert Apothecary Measurements

Apothecaries use metrics that may seem illogical primarily because they have regarded their expertise as a trade secret and deliberately rendered their pharmacopeias indecipherable. Here's how to convert apothecary measurements to other units.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand that the apothecary system was largely replaced by the metric system during the early 20th century. Even in the United States, where English units of measure are still used, only a very few apothecary units, such as the gallon, pint and ounce, remain in common usage.

2. Expect to rarely encounter the more obscure units in the United States. Some of these units were never standardized, so references may show different conversions.

3. Use apothecary units of dry weight. The units in common use in the United States are the pound and the ounce. One pound is 16 ounces, 1 ounce is 8 drams, 1 dram is 3 scruples and 1 scruple is 20 grains.

4. Work with apothecary units of fluid measure. The common units are the gallon, pint and ounce. One gallon is 8 pints, 1 pint is 16 ounces, 1 ounce is 8 drachms, 1 drachm is 3 scruples and 1 scruple is 20 minims.

5. Convert apothecary units to the metric system. There are 29.5735297 grams to the ounce and 29.5735297 milliliters to the ounce.

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