A mechanical instrument designed for general use in the clinical laboratory to determine the weight of bulk materials, solutions, or large discrete objects when it is not necessary to have the accuracy of a laboratory balance, when the weight is beyond the range of a laboratory balance, or to weigh specimens under special conditions (e.g., in fume hoods). It includes appropriate top surfaces, trays, or platforms. Its capacity may range from 0.5 to 200 kg (1 to 440 lb), with a readability between 1 to 100 g (0.0025 to 0.25 lb).