370 ACIDS 



AOIDUM STEARICUM — STEARIC ACID 



This is prepared by the decomposition of fats, especially tallow 

 with acid, either directly or after previous saponification, and sepa- 

 rating the liquid portion, oleic acid, by expression. It occurs as a , 

 hard, white, odorless, tasteless solid, soluble in alcohol and ether, 

 melting at a temperature not lower than 56° C. It is used to give 

 consistency to ointments and cerates. 



ACIDUM OLEICUM — OLEIC ACID 



The preparation of this acid has been described under stearic 

 acid. It occurs as a yellow oily fluid, of lard like odor and taste. It 

 is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether and fat solvents. It is 

 used pharmaceutically in the preparation of plaster, ointments, soaps 

 and liniments. 



