SODIUM CHLORIDE 131 



sal mirabile Glauberi, sulphate of soda, E.; sulfat de soude, 

 sel de Glauber, Fr.; Glaubersalz, G. 



Derivation. — Neutralize the residue left in the manufac- 

 ture of HCl from salt, with sodium carbonate. 2 Na HSO^ + 

 N% CO3 = 2 Na^ So, + Go, + H^O. 



Properties. — Large, colorless, transparent, monoclinic 

 prisms, or granular crystals, odorless, and having a bitter, 

 saline taste. The salt effloresces rapidly in the air, and 

 finally loses all its water of crystallization. Soluble in 2.8 

 parts of water ; insoluble in alcohol ; soluble in glycerin. 



Dose.—Q., ft)i.-iss. (500.-750.); H. (laxative), ?ii.-iv. 

 (60.-120.); Sh., ^ii-iv. (60.-120.). 



Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Sodium and magne- 

 sium sulphate rapidly abstract water from the blood vessels 

 of the alimentary canal through the intestinal glands (succus 

 entericus) until a 5-per-cent. solution is reached. This 

 solution is but slowly reabsorbed so that it sweeps out the 

 contents of the bowels. They are hydragogue cathartics. 

 These salts also stimulate peristaltic action to some extent 

 by their physical properties, or through their action in aug- 

 menting the mass of intestinal contents. Glauber's salt is 

 said to be slower in action than Epsom salts. 



Liver. — Glauber's salt increases the secretion of bile 

 and prevents its absorption in the bowels by expelling it 

 from the tract. 



Kidneys. — Small doses of sodium sulphate are absorbed 

 and alkalize the blood and urine. It is a slight diuretic. 



Administration. — Glauber's salt is. given to cattle in 

 solution with ginger and molasses. 



Uses. — Magnesium sulphate is generally preferred to 

 sodium sulphate, as the former is less disagreeable and more 

 rapid in its action. 



The reader is referred to uses of magnesium sulphate 

 (p. 153.) 



SoDii Chloridum. Sodium Chloride. NaCl. (U.S.&B.P.) 

 Synonym. — Common or table salt, muriate of soda, sal 



