Libra

LIBRA, a sort of Weight. The Roman Pound is twelve Ounces; the French Pound is sixteen Ounces. The Hebrews, at least in the Old Testament, and before the Empire of the Greeks in the East, never measured by Pounds. The Word Libra is to be met with only in the New Testament. The ancient Hebrews made Use of the Word Siclus, when there was any Mention of common Weights; and of the Word Talent, when they were speaking of large Weights. Now a Shekel weighed an Ounce, or four Roman Drachms. So that two and thirty Shekels went to a Paris Pound; and the Hebrew Talent made ninety two Pound six Ounces of Paris Weight.

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