CHAPTER 5
Apothecary and Household Measurements
and Metric Conversions
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
UNIT
2
1. List the metric equivalents of 1 fluid ounce, 1 tablespoonful, and 1 tea-
OUTLINE
spoonful.
2. List the metric equivalent of 1 pound, 1 ounce, and 1 grain. Introduction
3. Convert a patient’s weight in pounds to kilograms, or in kilograms to pounds. Apothecary System of
4. Explain why it is important for technicians to be completely comfortable us- Weights and
ing and converting to the metric system. Measures
5. Use dimensional analysis to convert between units. Apothecary units
Household and
Avoirdupois Weights
and Measures
Introduction
Units of weight and
In the period of time during and after the Renaissance, the study of science and volume
medicine began in earnest. At that point in history there was no consistent, in- Measuring doses
ternational system of weights and measures. Measurements of mass (usually re- accurately
ferred to as weight) were based on commonly weighed materials, such as a grain Working problems
of wheat or a penny. Different systems of measurements were used for different using household
applications. For example, people who worked in the trades used a different sys- measurements
tem of measurement than jewelers or apothecaries.
Converting Between
The apothecary was a member of the healing arts who was the predecessor of Systems of
today’s pharmacist and a specialist in the preparation of medicines and remedies. Measurement
Apothecaries dispensed remedies, performed surgery, or assisted in childbirth.
Conversion factors
In order to prepare the remedies consistently, apothecaries needed a systematic
method for weighing and measuring ingredients. Problems that require
conversions between
systems
Apothecary System of Weights and Measures
Apothecary—A member of the
Apothecary units healing arts who was the predeces-
sor of today’s pharmacists.
The apothecary system of weights and measures was related to the Roman sys-
tem of measurement. This system is based on the grain (abbreviated gr) as a mea-
Apothecary System—This
surement of weight, and the fluid ounce (fl oz) as a measurement of volume.
system is based on the grain as a
There are some similarities between apothecary measurements, common house-
measurement of weight, and the
hold, and avoirdupois measurements (the system of weights and measures his-
fluid ounce as a measurement of
torically used in the U.S. and Great Britain), but also some significant differences.
volume.
The apothecary pound, for instance, is divided into 12 ounces, but the avoirdupois
pound is divided into 16 ounces. The dry ounce is a measure of weight. To avoid Avoirdupois System—The
confusion, you will learn conversions for ounces and pounds from the household system of weights and measures
and avoirdupois system of measurement only. historically used in the U.S. and
Great Britain. 45
CHAPTER 5 | Apothecary and Household Measurements and Metric Conversions
46
The minim, fluid dram (fl dr), and fluid ounce are the measurements of volume
in the apothecary system. The word “fluid” indicates a measure of volume. Where
the apothecary system is used to measure volume, symbols may represent these
units. Table 5-1 shows the conversion factors and symbols in the apothecary system.
Table 5-1. Most Likely Measurements a Technician Will Encounter
pint fl ounce fl dram
1 pt 16 fl oz 128 fl dram
1 fl oz 8 fl dram
1 fl dram
Pt = pint, fl = fluid.
Although the apothecary system of measurement was the standard for the
practice of pharmacy into the 20th century in the United States, it was officially
replaced by the metric system in 1971. Use of apothecary measurements is dis-
couraged because they are less user-friendly than the metric system, and they are
not universally recognized. It is not unheard of, however, for older physicians to
write prescriptions using the apothecary system. To be adequately prepared for
work in a variety of pharmacy practice settings, students need to be familiar with
the more common of the apothecary measurements.
Household and Avoirdupois Weights and Measures
Units of weight and volume
Most people who have followed a recipe at home or prepared boxed dinners or
desserts are familiar with the household system of measurement. Household mea-
surements of weight (mass) are based on the avoirdupois system, which, like the
apothecary system is an antiquated system of measurement. The avoirdupois sys-
tem is only used to measure weight, and the basic unit is the ounce (oz). House-
hold measurements of volume include the teaspoon (abbreviated tsp), tablespoon
(abbreviated T), fluid ounce, cup (c), pint (pt), quart (qt), and gallon (gal). See
Table 5-2.
Table 5-2. Common Household Measurements of Volume and Weight
Measurements of Volume
1 gallon 4 quarts 8 pints 16 cups 128 fl oz 256 tablesponful (T) 768 tsp
1 quart 2 pints 4 cups 32 fl oz 64 T 192 tsp
1 pint 2 cups 16 fl oz 32 T 96 tsp
1 cup 8 fl oz 16 T 48 tsp
1 fl oz 2T 6 tsp
1T 3 tsp
Measurements of Weight
1 pound 16 ounces
