What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate mass values from the scruple (apothecary), a historical pharmacy unit, into the mina, an ancient Near Eastern weight used in biblical and archaeological contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the mass value in scruples (apothecary) you wish to convert
-
Select scruple (apothecary) as the source unit and mina (Biblical Hebrew) as the target unit
-
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent mass in mina
-
Use the conversion rate and formula provided for manual calculations if desired
Key Features
-
Converts between scruple (apothecary) and mina (Biblical Hebrew), two historical units of weight
-
Supports interpretation of ancient medical prescriptions and biblical texts
-
Useful for researchers in archaeology, numismatics, and historical pharmacology
-
Browser-based and easy to use for academic and archival purposes
-
Provides clear conversion factor and examples for reference
Examples
-
10 scruples (apothecary) convert to 0.02273646 mina (Biblical Hebrew)
-
100 scruples (apothecary) convert to 0.2273646 mina (Biblical Hebrew)
Common Use Cases
-
Interpreting historical prescriptions that use apothecary units
-
Translating ancient weights of silver, gold, or tribute in biblical and Near Eastern texts
-
Comparing archaeological findings of weights to historical standards
-
Estimating masses of ancient metal objects for numismatic and conservation research
Tips & Best Practices
-
Always check the regional and temporal context of the mina unit for accurate interpretation
-
Use this tool primarily for academic or historical analysis rather than practical measurement
-
Cross-reference conversion results with historical sources when possible
-
Understand that the scruple has a fixed mass, but mina values can vary
Limitations
-
The mass standard of the biblical mina varies by region and time period
-
Conversion accuracy depends on the assumed mina standard
-
Both units are obsolete and mainly relevant for academic or archival use
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a scruple (apothecary)?
-
The scruple (apothecary) is a historical unit of mass used in pharmacy, equal to 20 grains or approximately 1.296 grams.
-
What is the mina (Biblical Hebrew)?
-
The mina is an ancient Near Eastern unit of mass used in biblical texts for weighing precious metals and large quantities, with mass estimates generally ranging from about 0.5 to 1 kilogram.
-
Why does the mina vary in weight?
-
The mina's mass standard varied regionally and over time, so its exact weight depends on the specific historical and geographical context.
Key Terminology
-
Scruple (apothecary)
-
A historical pharmacy unit of mass equal to 20 grains or about 1.296 grams, used primarily in older medical prescriptions.
-
Mina (Biblical Hebrew)
-
An ancient Near Eastern unit of mass found in biblical texts, used for weighing precious metals and commodities, with varying regional standards.