Qotros
Qotros is an archaic unit of liquid volume, primarily associated with historical pharmaceutical practices in certain regions of the Middle East and Persia (modern-day Iran). It is believed to have been used in the dispensing and measuring of medications, particularly liquid preparations, but its exact volume varied depending on the specific location and time period.
The term "Qotros" likely derives from an Arabic root, possibly related to "qatra," meaning "drop," suggesting an association with small volumes. Historical references to the Qotros are often vague and lack precise standardization, making it difficult to definitively equate it to a modern unit of measurement. Estimates suggest it could range from a few drops to a small milliliter.
Because of its ambiguity and regional variations, the Qotros is no longer in practical use. Modern pharmaceutical practices rely on standardized metric units like milliliters (mL) and liters (L) for accurate measurement and dispensing. Understanding the Qotros is primarily relevant for historical research into pharmaceutical history and the study of older medicinal texts. Further research into specific geographical regions and historical periods is necessary to determine more accurate approximations of its volume in different contexts.