In Case 41 is a cast of a relief of a pork-butcher's shop, in the Dresden Museum (No. 459). On the left, the butcher's wife, seated in a high chair, is busy with a set of tablets, for the accounts. The butcher is jointing a side of bacon on a massive block. Portions of bacon hang on hooks. Behind the butcher is a spare chopper and a steelyard, at present hung out of the way. The details of the steelyard such as the weight, the alternative hook for suspension, and the scalepan are shown (see below p. [161]).
XIV.—WEIGHTS AND SCALES.
(Wall-Cases 41-44.)
Greek Weights.—In Case B of the First Vase Room will be seen the plaster model of a large stone object of triangular form, pierced towards the apex with a hole.[52] It has the design of an octopus on either side, and may with some probability be regarded as a standard hanging weight (64 pounds). This object was found by Sir A. Evans at Knossos in Crete, in the "Palace of Minos," and may be dated roughly at 2000 B.C. A set of very early weights of the Mycenaean period from Cyprus is in Case 41, consisting of haematite objects in the form of sling bolts (No. 460), passing in a series of gradations from large to small. No definite system can, however, be deduced from these weights.
Fig. 194.—Lead and Bronze Weights. 2:3.
The Greek weights of the historic period here shown are mainly of two leading standards, known as the Aeginetan and the Solonian or Attic. The standard weight of the Aeginetan system was the heavy mina of 9,722 grains (about 12⁄5 lb. avoirdupois). The Solonian (Euboic) mina weighed normally 6,737 grains (nearly 1 lb. avoirdupois), but there was a special heavy mina in use which weighed exactly double the normal. This last was the original mina introduced by Solon, which gradually gave way to the light mina of half its weight. Weights of the Aeginetan and Solonian systems are here exhibited. Through incompleteness or inaccuracy they often show considerable variation from the norm. The mina was subdivided into 100 drachmae, and the drachma into 6 obols. Certain stamped devices distinguish these Attic weights, viz., the astragalos or knuckle-bone, the amphora, the tortoise, the dolphin, and the crescent. Fig. 194 shows three weights of the later Solonian standard: (a) a mina in lead stamped with a dolphin and inscribed ΜΝΑ (7,010 grs.) (No. 461); (b) a half mina in lead (3,399 grs.) with the device of a tortoise and the inscription ΔΗΜΟ (= δήμου), "of the people," (No. 462); and (c) a bronze weight of 4 drachmae (283 grs.) stamped with an amphora and the word ΤΕΣΣΑΡΕΣ (No. 463). Sometimes a half tortoise occurs, as in No. 464, a quarter mina, or a half amphora, as on No. 465, a one-third mina. Various other standards are represented in this Case, e.g. that of Kyzikos in Asia Minor, but these need not be particularly described. A noteworthy weight is the bronze one (No. 466), in the form of a series of rising steps, inscribed on the top ΔΙΟΣ. This probably is a temple-weight, very likely used to weigh votive objects. Weights of a similar type have been found at Olympia. The peculiar series of stone weights (No. 467) decorated with female breasts was found in the precincts of the temple of Demeter at Knidos, and may be regarded as temple-weights, probably made as a votive offering. They do not seem to correspond to any known standard.
Some weights are marked as standards. A lead weight of 10,863 grains, with a design of two cornucopias (No. 468) is inscribed Ἔτους δλςʹ δημοσία μνᾶ, i.e., "In the year 234 a public (or standard) mina." The date is probably by the Seleucid era, and equivalent to 78 B.C. Another example is the large square weight from Herakleia in Bithynia, with a head of Herakles in relief (No. 469; fig. 195). It is inscribed "To the divine Augusti and the people" (θεοῖς Σεβαστοῖς καὶ τῷ δάμῳ) on the rim in front, and on the sides with the names of the aediles P. Clodius Rufus and Tertius Vacilius (weight 41,494 grs., nearly 6 lb. avoirdupois).
We have instances of weights of artistic form in these Cases. The hanging weights from steelyards in particular (No. 470; fig. 195) are often in the form of a head or bust.
Roman Weights.—The standard was here the libra or pound, which weighed 5,050 grains (being ·721 of the pound avoirdupois, which is equal to 7,000 grains), and was subdivided into 12 unciae or ounces, the ounce again being divided into 24 scripula or scruples. The Roman weights are here grouped according to multiples or divisions of the pound, and generally have their values marked upon them in dotted characters. Thus the pound is marked I, the half pound S(emis), and so on. The series, beginning at the bottom of Case 51, runs 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1½, and 1 pounds. Fractions of the pound are ½ lb. (semis) = 6 oz; ⅓ lb. (triens) = 4 oz.; ¼ lb. (quadrans) = 3 oz.; 1⁄6 lb. (sextans) = 2 oz.; and one ounce. Fractions of the ounce are ½ oz. = 12 scruples; ⅓ oz. = 8 scruples; ¼ oz. = 6 scruples; ⅛ oz. = 3 scruples; 1⁄12 oz. = 2 scruples; and one scruple. Some of the numerous dark stone weights have inscriptions, showing that they had been certified by proper authority. Thus one libra (No. 472) is inscribed: "On the authority of Q. Junius Rusticus, city-prefect" [167 A.D.]. In Sicily and Magna Graecia a weight called a litra was used instead of the Roman pound, weighing rather less than the libra. A set of litra weights in bronze, of late Imperial date, is shown in Case 41 (No. 473). An ounce weight (marked