POTASSIUM CARBONATE 119 



potasssB is unfit for internal use unless greatly diluted with 

 water. It resembles potassium carbonate in its effects. 

 Caustic potash is very destructive of tissue by combining 

 with water and fatty matters. It is most diffusible and, 

 therefore, difficult to limit its action. This we may do, 

 however, by applying a plaster to a part, with a hole in it, 

 through which the caustic stick is applied. Before using 

 the caustic, the outside of the plaster should be covered with 

 oil or grease, but not the part under the aperture in it. 

 After removing the plaster the operation of the caustic may 

 be arrested by vinegar. Cauterization by this means is very 

 painful under ordinary circumstances, but may be made 

 comparatively painless by incorporating one part of mor- 

 phine muriate with three parts of potassa cum calce, and 

 adding enough chloroform to make a paste. 



Caustic potash is indicated where extensive destruction 

 of tissue is desirable, as in the treatment of the bites of rabid 

 dogs and of snakes. It is less commonly used for the 

 removal of warts and small growths, and as a caustic on 

 indolent or exuberant granulations. 



Potash has been employed to form an issue, or artificial 

 ulcer for the production of counter-irritation. Potash may 

 be prescribed in bronchitis, for its action, common to the 

 alkalies, in thinning and increasing the bronchial secretions. 

 Potassium bicarbonate is less irritating and more suitable 

 for the latter indication. Potash is sometimes recommended 

 as an antacid and sedative in gastric disorders, but is inferior 

 to sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. 



PoTASsii Carbonas. Potassium Carbonate. K2C03 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Salts of tartar. 



Derivation. — The solution resulting from the lixiviation 

 of wood ashes, is boiled to dryness, and the resultant mass 

 is the " potash " of commerce. This is purified to some 

 extent by burning in ovens, forming " pearlash," a mixture 



