NlTIiOUS ACID. $ 



This, lilve the preceding, is used only as an 

 external application in Veterinary pracice, 

 though it might probably be employed in- 

 ternally vvit'i good effect, were it not for the 

 same inconvenience that attends the exhibi- 

 tion of the vitriolic acid. 



In human medicine it has been employed 

 as a remedy for the venereal disease, but its 

 efiicacy in this way is doubtful. I believe, 

 however, it is universally allowed, by prac- 

 titioners, to possess a considerable toniq 

 power. 



Nitroas acid, in its concentrated or 

 strongest state, is a powerful caustic; and 

 when mixed with water, or unctuous sub- 

 stances, it forms many efficacious lotions 

 and ointments for various external com- 

 plaints. Almost every metal may be dis- 

 solved in this acid, with many of which it 

 forms very useful cautics and escharotics; 

 with silver it makes lunar caustic (nitrated 

 isiherj, and with quicksilver, red precipitate 

 fred nitrated quicksilver. J 



That useful medicine termed 'nitre, is 

 composed of thi» acid, and the vegetable al- 

 kali or potash (kali.) The metallic combi- 



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