124 INORGANIC AGENTS 



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 bronchial secretions. 

 An excellent mild stimulating liniment consists of : 



01. Terebinthinse 50.00 



01. Sucoini. .• 20.00 



Saponis pulv 10.00 



Potassae 3.00 



Aquffl 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 some- 

 times recommended as an antacid and sedative in gastric 

 disorders, but is inferior to sodium bicarbonate for this 

 purpose. 



PoTASSii Cabbonas. Potassium Carbonate. K^Coj 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Salts of taitar. 



Derivation. — The solution resulting fi-om 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 

 having a strongly alkaline taste ; very deliquescent. Soluble 

 in 1.1 parts of water ; insoluble in alcohol. 



Do^ss.—R. & C, g ss.-i. (15.-30.); Sh. & Sw., 3 f=s.-i. (2.-4); 

 D., gr.v.-xs. (.3-13). 



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