126 INORGANIC AGENTS 



cremor tartari, acid tartrate of potash, E.; tartarus depura- 

 tus, P. G.; pierre de vin, Fr.; Weinstein, G. 



Derivation. — Obtained from crude tartar (argol) deposited 

 on the sides of wine casks during fermentation of grape 

 juice, by purification. 



Properties. — Colorless or slightly opaque, rhombic crys- 

 tals, or a white, somewhat gritty powder; odorless and having 

 a pleasant, acidulous taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble 

 in about 201 parts of water ; very sparingly soluble in alco- 

 hol. Reaction acid. 



Dose.—n. k C, 5 8s.-i. (15.-30.) ; Sh. & Sw., 5 ss. (15.) ; 

 D., 3ss.-i. (2.-4). 



Action internal. — Intestines. — Potassium bitartrate is a 

 non-irritating purgative in large doses. It is a hydragogue 

 cathartic and has a strong affinity for water ; abstracting it 

 from the blood vessels in the bowels, holding the same in 

 solution, and thus flushing out the intestines. 



Blood. — Potassium bitartrate is in part decomposed, 

 converted into the carbonate, and absorbed as such into the 

 blood. The greater part is excreted by the bowels 

 unchanged. A portion of the latter may have been absorbed 

 and eliminated by the intestines. 



Kidneys. — Potassium bitartrate is an active diuretic and 

 renders the urine more alkaline, but for some reason it is 

 not ordinarily employed in veterinary practice. 



Summary. — Diuretic in small doses. Hydragogue 

 cathartic in large doses. It should be given in solution and 

 is useful in dropsies, more particularly of renal origin ; also 

 in catarrhal jaundice, and as a laxative for foals and calves. 



Sodium. 



(The Metal is not Employed in Medicine.) 



Soda. Soda. NaOH. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym. — Soda caustica, B. P.; sodium hydrate, caus- 

 tic soda, sodium hydroxide, natrum causticum, S. hydricum, 

 E.; Sonde caustique, Fr.; natron setznatron, G. 



