1C4 INORGANIC AGENTS 



ordinary circumstances, but may be made comparatively painless by incor- 

 porating one part of morphine muriate with three parts of potassa cum 

 calce, and adding enough chloroform to make a paste. 



Caustic potash is indicated where extensive destruction of tissue is 

 desirable, as in the treatment of the bites of rabid dogs and of snakes. 

 It is less commonly used for the removal of warts, and small growths, 

 and as a caustic on indolent or exuberant granulations. 



Potash has been employed to form an issue, or artificial ulcer for the 

 production of counter irritation. Potash may be prescribed in bronchitis, 

 for its action, common to the alkalies, in thinning and increasing the bron- 

 chial secretions. An excellent mild stimulating liniment consists of: 



01. terebinthina? 60.00 



01. suecini 20.00 



Saponls pulv 10.00 



PotaeftiE 2.00 



AquiE ad 1,000.00 



M. et fiat linimentum. 



The potash saponifies the oils and exerts a stimulating action on the skin. 

 Potassium bicarbonate is less irritating and more suitable for the latter 

 indication. Potash is sometimes recommended as an antacid and sedative 

 in gastric disorders, but is inferior to sodium bicarbonate for this purpose. 



PoTAssii Cakbonas. Potassium Carbonate. KjCOj. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Salts of tartar. Carbonate de potasse, Fr. Kalium carbonicum, 

 P. G. 



Derivation. — The solution resulting from the lixiviation of wood ashes is 

 boiled to dryness, and the resultant mass is the "potash" of commerce. This is 

 purified to some extent by burning in ovens, forming "pearlash," a mixture of 

 the hydrate and carbonate. Water dissolves mainly the carbonate which is 

 obtained by evaporation of the aqueous solution. 



Properties. — A white, granular powder, odorless, and havmg a strongly alka- 

 line taste; very deliquescent. Soluble in 0.9 part of water; insoluble in alcohol. 



X>o*e.— H. & C, Sss-i, (15-30) ; Sh. & Sw., 3ss-i, (2-4) ; D., gr.v-xx, (.8-1.8). 



PoTAssii BicAKBONAs. Potassium Bicarbonate. KHCO3. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Synonym. — Doppeltkohlensaures kali, G. Bicarbonate de potasse, Fr. 

 Derivation. — Obtained by passing a stream of CO2 through a solution of the 

 jarbonate. 



K.COa + CO; -I- H,0 = 2 KHCOj. 

 Properties. — Colorless, transparent, monoelinic prisms, or as a w'lite, granular 

 powder, odorless and having a saline and slightly alkaline taste. Permanent in 

 the air. Soluble in 2.8 parts of water. Almost insoluble in alcohol. Becomes 

 converted into the carbonate by boiling. 



Dose.—n. & C, gss-i, (15-30); Sh. & Sw., 3ss-i, (2-4); D., gr.v-xx, (3-1.3). 

 Preferable to carbonate for internal use, as it is less irritating. 



PoTAssii AcETAs. Potassium Acetate. KCH3O2. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Synonym. — Acetate de potasse, Fr. Essigsaures kali, G. 



Derivation. — Add acetic acid in excess to potassium carbonate. Evaporate 

 to dryness and fuse residue. 



K^COa -I- 2 HC^HjOj = 2 KCHjO, -|- H^O + CO^. 

 Properties. — A white powder, or crystalline masses of a satin-like luster; 

 odorless, or with a faint acetous odor, and having a warming, saline taste. Very 



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