SODIUM SALTS 189 



and is slowly absorbed ; although it does not cause intestinal 

 irritation or peristalsis, doses of several ounces given to 

 horses or cattle render the faeces fluid, and are mildly 

 laxative. Smaller doses, like those of the alkaline salts of 

 most organic acids, are converted in the body into the 

 carbonate, and excreted mostly in the urine, causing 

 diuresis. 



The normal potassium tartrate is obtained by neutral- 

 ising acid potassium tartrate with potassium carbonate. It 

 occurs in small, colourless four- or six-sided prisms. It 

 resembles the acetate and nitrate ; in small doses is diu- 

 retic, in larger purgative. Robertson used to recommend it 

 with magnesium or sodium sulphate for anaemic young 

 horses affected with congested liver. Doses, horses and 

 cattle 3J V - to 3J. ; sheep and pigs, 3Jv. ; Dogs, grs. xxx. to 

 3J. ; cats, grs. v. to grs. xv. 



SODIUM AND ITS MEDICINAL COMPOUNDS 



Sodium salts abound in the ashes of marine and maritime 

 plants. They occur native in the Chili nitre beds and in 

 borax, but their chief commercial source is the chloride 

 obtained from rock-salt deposits, or from the evaporation of 

 sea-water. They are soluble, with the single exception of 

 the antimoniate, which separates very slowly from solution. 

 They are distinguished by their negative reaction with the 

 several group tests, and by their communicating to the flame 

 of burning alcohol a bright yellow colour. 



ACTIONS AND USES. Sodium salts, chiefly as albuminates, 

 chlorides, carbonates, and phosphates, are constituents of the 

 blood, bile, serous fluids, and indeed of all animal secretions 

 and textures. The more readily soluble salts, in small doses 

 and diluted solution, are chiefly excreted by the kidneys ; 

 while the less soluble, in larger doses and more concentrated 

 solution, are removed by the bowels. 



Like potassium salts, they may be grouped as follows : 



1. The hydrate, carbonates, and salts of organic acids, 

 which in the body are converted into carbonates, are antacid, 

 alterative, and slightly diuretic. The hydrate and carbonate 

 are caustics. Sodium ethylate solution contains 18 per cent. 



