Drachm
Drachm
Drachm (pronounced: /dræm/), also known as dram in the American system, is a unit of mass in the apothecaries' system of weights. It is equivalent to 1/8 of an ounce and approximately 3.89 grams. The term is derived from the Greek drakhmē (δραχμή), meaning "a handful".
Etymology
The term "drachm" originates from the Greek word drakhmē (δραχμή), which was a unit of weight in ancient Greece, as well as a coin. The word itself means "a handful", referring to a handful of barley, which was a common measure in ancient times. The term was later adopted into the apothecaries' system of weights, a historical system of mass used by physicians and apothecaries for medical recipes.
Usage
In the apothecaries' system, the drachm was a unit of weight, equivalent to 1/8 of an ounce, 3 scruples, or 60 grains. It was used in the prescription of medicine and the measurement of ingredients. Today, the drachm is largely obsolete, replaced by the metric system in most countries. However, it is still occasionally used in the United States, where it is known as the dram.
Related Terms
- Apothecaries' system: A historical system of weights used in pharmacy and health care.
- Ounce: A unit of weight used in various systems of measurement.
- Scruple: A small unit of weight in the apothecaries' system, equivalent to 1/3 of a drachm.
- Grain: The smallest unit of weight in the apothecaries' system, equivalent to 1/20 of a scruple.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Drachm
- Wikipedia's article - Drachm
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