SODIUM. 4 1 



acetate and nitrate, whilst also diuretic, are so inferior to the 

 acetate and nitrate of potash, that they are very seldom em- 

 ployed. The tartarated soda may he usefully comhined with other 

 alkalinisers of the urine, as in the ordinary Seidlitz powder ; 

 and the effervescing citro-tartrate of soda is a convt-riii-nt 

 modification of much the same drugs. The use of these 

 alkalinisers of the urine has been explained already. 



The secretions of the bronchi are increased hy soda ; that is, 

 the sputa "become more abundant and more liquid, and are more 

 easily expelled hy cough. The bicarbonate and the chloride 

 are specially expectorant, and are indicated in the early stages 

 of bronchitis, and in recurrent slight bronchial catarrh, when 

 secretion is deficient and cough harassing. The effects of soda 

 on the stomach, blood, and urine add much to its usefulness in 

 such cases. The stimulant effect of soda salts on ciliary action 

 may also account in part for its expectorant action. 



"When a comprehensive view is taken of the action and uses 

 of the salts of soda locally in the alimentary canal, in the 

 blood, in the tissues, and in the organs and passages where it is 

 excreted from the body, it is found to be peculiarly indicated 

 iu a condition of system which may be called the " gouty," the 

 " rheumatic," " acidity," or " chronic derangement of the 

 liver," and which is specially characterised, amongst other 

 symptoms, by catarrhs, or discharges from the mucous mem- 

 branes, interfering with the functions of the part ; by imperfect 

 biliary activity and constipation ; and by scanty, high-coloured, 

 very acid urine. In such a condition great benefit may be de- 

 rived from a course of alkaline waters. If the stomach be the 

 principal seat of catarrh, i.e. if chronic indigestion be urgent, 

 the more purely carbonated alkaline waters should be selected, 

 such as those of Vichy, Bilin, and Ems. If the derangement 

 chiefly involve the liver and intestines, the sulphated and salt 

 (NaCl) waters will be more suitable, such as Carlsbad, i 

 gen, Wiesbaden, and Marienbad. For chronic catarrh of the 

 bladder and urinary passages, Ems, Vichy, Wildungen, and 

 Carlsbad are indicated. 



5. ACTION AND USES OF THE DIFFERENT SODA SALTS. 



The action and uses of the preparations of soda may l>o 

 summarised as follows, and the special action of some of the salts 

 particularly noticed : Soda Caustica and Liquor 8od<e are for 

 external use, but very rarely employed. Soda Carbonas and 

 Eicarbonas (the former rarely, the latter almost invariably used) 

 possess the action and uses of soda in general upon all parts. 

 Soda Citro-tartras is like the carbonates, but milder. 



