Apothecary scale

1770-1830

Measurements

1-1/8 in x 6-7/8 in x 3-1/2 in

Materials

Oak, brass, and iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Mrs. F. Gordon Catty

Accession Number

1970.233

Provenance

The apothecary scale may have descended in the Mendenhall family of Wilmington, of which the donor was a member.

Comments

The shallow, rectangular case, glued and nailed together, has a lid attached with wire hinges.  Inside, the box contains a balance bar and two shallow pans.  Six small weights are marked in scruples and drams, units of measure typically used by physicians and apothecaries.  Three scruples equal one dram, which is 1/8 ounce or 60 grains.