Definition:Roman Weights and Measures/Mass/Scrupulus
Definition
The scrupulus is a unit of mass that was part of the Roman system of weights.
Its value in modern units is estimated to be approximately $17.6$ grains, or approximately $0.14$ grams.
Also see
Historical Note
The scrupulus continued to be used as a unit of mass in Europe after the fall of Rome, evolving into the apothecaries' scruple.
Linguistic Note
The word scrupulus is the diminutive form of the Latin word scrupus, meaning sharp stone.
Its plural form is scrupuli.
The forms scrupulum, scripulum, scriptulum, scriplus and scriptulus can be found.
The word scriptulum is also associated with the lines on a draughtboard.
Its secondary meaning of anxiety, uneasiness, doubt, and so on, evolved into the present-day scruple, which can be interpreted to mean a concern about personal morality.
Sources
- 1986: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers ... (previous) ... (next): $12$
- 1997: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Numbers (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $12$