176 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Bismuthum. 



{Bismuth is not employed inedicinolly in the metallic state.) 



BiSMUTHi SuBCARBONAS. Bismuth Subcarbonate. (BiO)2 Co, 

 -f H,0? (U.S. P.) 



Synonym.^— 'Bismuthi carbonas, B. P. 



Dtrlvation — Made by dissolving pure metallic bismuth 

 in diluted nitric acid, precipitating with ammonia water, 

 and redissolving in nitric acid. This ;:olution is treated with 

 ammonium carbonate, or a solution of sodium carbonate. 



2 Bi (NOJa + 3 Na, CO3 -h H,0 = (BiO), CO, + H,0 

 + 2 CO2 4- 6 NaNOg. The precipitated bismuth subcarbo- 

 nate is filtered and washed. 



Properties. — A white, or pale yellowish-white powder, 

 of somewhat varying chemical composition ; odorless and 

 tasteless, and permanent in the air. Insoluble in water or 

 alcohol, but completely soluble in nitric or hydrochloric 

 acid, with copious efflorescence. 



Dose.—K., 3ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., gr.x.-xxx. (.6-2.). 



BiSMUTHi SuBNiTRAS. Bismuth Subnitrate. BiO NO3 4- HgO ? 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Bismuthum subnitricum, P. G.; bismuthum 

 hydriconitricum, magisterium bismuthi, subazotas (s. sub- 

 nitras) bismuthicus, sous-azotate de bismuth, Fr.; basisches 

 salpetersaures bismuthoxyd, G. 



Derivation. — Dissolve pure me'^allic bismuth in diluted 

 nitric acid. First reaction— Bi^ + 6 HNO3 = 2 Bi (NO3), 

 4- 3 H^. Final reaction— Bi (NOg), + RO = BiONOg -f 2 

 HNO3. Evaporate; add water; wash and dry precipitated 

 bismuth subnitrate. 



Properties. — A heavy, white powder of somewhat vary- 

 ing chemical composition ; odorless and almost tasteless, 

 and permanent in the air. Almost insoluble in water and 



