Pharmacy Systems of Measurements

Metrology is a science that deals with the study of measurement as applied to extension, volume and weight. In the study
and general practice of pharmacy both the avoirdupois and apothecaries’ systems of weight measurements are used in
the handling of medicines. To avoid confusion the pharmacist must clearly establish in mind that avoirdupois system of
weight is used to buy and sell all goods other than on prescription; and apothecary system is used to dispense
prescription and sometimes to compound medicines.

One drop is often considered as equal to about one minim, but the size of drops varies with characteristic of the liquid, the
temperature and the surface from which it is dropped. In order to promote accuracy and uniformity of dosage, the USP
specifies that a medicinal dropper shall have at its delivery end an external diameter of 3mm and deliver 20 drops of
distilled water, weighing one gram, at a temperature of 15oC. This standard medicine dropper must be accurate to within
10 percent