1. Weights and Measures.—In Appendix C, a small set of Apothecaries' scales and weights is included, but in the absence of the former it is well to remember that a small set of scales, such as is used by native jewellers, can be procured for a few annas in every bazaar; care, however, is necessary to see that the balance is strictly correct and even.
Weights.—The Apothecary weights supplied from England have the following marks or signs impressed upon them:
| ℈fs | = half a scruple | = 10 grains. |
| ℈j | = one scruple | = 20 „ |
| Ʒfs | = half a drachm | = 30 „ |
| Ʒj | = one drachm | = 60 „ |
| Ʒjfs | = one drachm and a half | = 90 „ |
| Ʒij | = two drachms | = 120 „ |
The small circular indentations on the grain weights indicate the number of grains each weight represents.
In the absence of these, the following hints may be useful:
A new rupee of the present currency weighs 180 grains or three drachms.
A half rupee of the present currency weighs 90 grains or a drachm and a half.
A quarter rupee of the present currency weighs 45 grains or three quarters of a drachm.
To obtain smaller weights beat a new quarter rupee into a long, thin, narrow plate, and divide it carefully into three equal parts. You have thus three 15 grain weights. One of these divided again into three equal parts, furnishes three 5 grain weights. One of these subdivided into five equal parts furnishes five 1 grain weights. Care should be taken to see that the parts are of equal weight, and each part should be marked with a figure to denote its weight. A native jeweller, at a very small cost, will readily carry out the above subdivision.