136 THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



DISSOLVING ARSENIC. 



The handling of arsenic and corrosive substances by one unfamiliar 

 with the behavior of chemicals and the bringing of poisons into the 

 kitchen are practices to be avoided if possible. The preparation of 

 small quantities of poison is troublesome and the saving usually does 

 not warrant giving the necessary time and attention. It would be 

 preferable to buy the poison ready to use, provided the price is reason- 

 able and a true statement of its composition is made by the dealer. 

 The use of secret preparations is discouraged for the reasons given 

 in Circular 141 of the California Agricultural Experiment Station, 

 Under certain conditions it may be desirable to prepare small quan- 

 tities of sodium arsenite on the kitchen stove. The preparation of 

 larger amounts presents no great difficulties or dangers, if adequate 

 facilities are available out of doors and the operator is at all familiar 

 with the handling of chemicals. Extra precautions, however, should 

 be observed at all times in the manipulation of arsenic. 



Sal soda (also known as washing soda or crystallized sodium carbon- 

 ate) is preferable for dissolving small quantities in the kitchen. It 

 can be obtained at any pharmacy or grocery store and is not nearly so 

 caustic as caustic soda or concentrated lye. 



FORMULA 1. 



Sal soda 2 ounces 



White arsenic 1 ounce 



Water (one cup), about S ounces 



Put all the ingredients together in an iron or granite-ware kettle 

 (do not use aluminum) of at least one quart capacity and boil until 

 clear. Considerable foam is produced by this combination, and the 

 kettle is apt to boil over unless a large one is used, particularly if the 

 kettle is not perfectly clean. Should any of the liquid be spilled upon 

 the stove, the fumes should not be inhaled. Do not inhale any of the 

 steam, as some of the arsenic may be carried over mechanically in the 

 vapor. 



For the preparation of larger quantities in the same manner, the 

 formula should read: 



FORMULA 2. 



Sal soda 2 pounds 



White arsenic 1 pound 



Water 1 gallon 



Soda ash may be substituted for sal soda in the above formulas. 

 This chemical costs about one third more than sal soda, but only one- 

 half as much is reciuired, so that its use would be somewhat more 

 economical. 



SUGGESTED FORMULA. 



Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) or a good grade of concentrated 

 lye is much more active in dissolving arsenic than either sal soda or 

 soda ash and much less is required, although the cost is greater per 

 pound. Very little heat is required in the preparation of sodium 

 arsenite by means of these materials. If made in large quantities, the 



