Apothecary scales; 1800s; 2836
Apothecary scales
About this objectThis small set with glass pans can be dismantled and stored in the box base. The apothecary (now called a chemist) used these scales to measure out tiny amounts of drugs and medicines. The basis of the apothecary system is the grain (actually, a barley grain): 20 grains (gr) = 1 scruple, 3 scruples = 1 dram, 8 drams = 1 apothecary's ounce. (Today's kilogram would convert to roughly 15,430 grains). This set belonged to Dr John Danforth Greenwood, a well known early settler to the area, who was very involved in his community, as was his wife Sarah, a renowned artist and diarist.
Date Made1800s
Medium and MaterialsBrass and wood
Named CollectionGreenwood Collection
Credit LineUsed by Dr J D Greenwood
Object Type Object number2836
RightsAdd Comments
This object is from
Tags
Include tags such as place names, people, dates, events and colours. Use commas to separate multiple tags. e.g. Pablo Picasso, Madrid, red, 1930s.
Share
Disclaimer/Re-use of images:
It is the sole responsibility of the contributing museum to supply accurate information, and to organise copyright clearance (if necessary) for any image that appears on NZ Museums. Before any re-use of images, permission must be obtained from the contributing museum. Please contact the contributing museum if you have concerns about the information or images or would like to find out more about using and ordering an image.
This website is a National Services Te Paerangi initiative
