An
obsolete system of weights used in the practice of
pharmacy. It goes as follows:
20 grains = 1 scruple
3 scruples = 1 dram
8 drams = 1 ounce
12 ounces = 1 pound
Note, however, that while the apothecaries' grain is equivalent to the corresponding aviordupois unit, the remaining weights are skewed from the "English" units commonly used in the United States. While an apothecaries' dram contains 60 grains, an avoirdupois dram contains 2711/32 grains. The larger units differ also.
This is obviously a very confusing system. The metric system is now accepted for drug measure even by American pharmacists.
Also the title of an instrumental by Kyuss from the Blues for the Red Sun album.