S62 ALKALIES AND ALKALINE EARTHS 



of indigestions and colic. It is usually administered in the fonn of 

 aromatic spirits of ammonia well diluted for this action. 



It is a valuable rubifacient for sprains, rheumatism, etc., and 

 enters into many liniments used for this purpose. 



AMMONII CARBONAS — AMMONIUM CARBONATE 



Carbonate of ammonia occurs in the form of white, transparent 

 crystalline masses, having an extremely pungent odor and acrid 

 taste. Upon exposure to air it breaks up into a white powder, bi- 

 carbonate of ammonium. Only translucent pieces should be used. 

 Ammonium carbonate may also be purchased in cubes which are 

 said to keep much better than the other forms. It is soluble in water. 



Doses. H. 3 ijss — vj ; 10. — 25. D. gr. iij — xv; 0.2 — 1. 



Ammonium carbonate acts similarly to ammonia and may be 

 used in the same conditions internally. It stimulates the secretion 

 of the gastric juice, increases the blood supply to the stomach and 

 is an antacid. It is therefore a carminative, stomachic, and antacid 

 in addition to being a reflex circulatory and respiratory stimulant. 

 It is eliminated by the mucosae generally and particularly by that of 

 the respiratory tract and is consequently a stimulating expectorant. 

 Furthermore on account of its alkaline action it aids in liquefying 

 the secretions and assists in their removal. 



SPIRITUS AMMONIiE AROMATICUS 



The ingredients of this preparation have been given previously. 

 It resembles ammonium carbonate in action although the alcohol and 

 oils add somewhat to its effects. 



Therapeutics. The uses of these two preparations are in gen- 

 eral the same as for other preparations of ammonium. The car- 

 bonate is more useful as an expectorant while the carbonate or aro- 

 matic spirits of ammonia is more serviceable as a carminative than 

 ammonia water. Ammonium carbonate is a valuable respiratory 

 and circulatory stimulant and may be given in capsules or as the 

 aromatic spirits of ammonia. Reek recommends it in the treat- 

 ment of colic. He directs that one ounce of ammonium carbonate 

 and one ounce of powdered nux vomica be given in four capsules to 

 a large horse. The ammonium salt may be repeated if the case de- 

 mands it. Either of these preparations are valuable carminatives in 

 various indigestions. 



Carbonate of ammonia is an emetic and expectorant. For the 

 latter purpose it is especially useful in the secondary stage of dis- 

 eases of the respiratory tract. 



Administration. The carbonate should be given in pill, cap- 



