132 INORGANIC AGENTS 



cathartic in large doses. It should be given in solution and 

 is useful in dropsies, more particularly of renal origin ; also 

 in catarrhal jaundice, and as a laxative for foals and calves. 

 In cases where the urine of the horse is thick, stringy and 

 high-colored, potassium bitartrate will cause it to regain its 

 normal state. It may be easily administered in either food 

 or drinking water, audits diuretic effect is enhanced when 

 the salt is given with a large amount of water. 



Sodium. 



{The metal is not employed in medicine.) 

 SoDii Hydeoxidum. Sodium Hydroxide. NaOH. (U.S.P.) 



Synonym. — Soda caustica, B.P.; soda, sodium hydrate, 

 caustic soda, oatrum causticum, S. hydricum, E.; sonde 

 caustique, I'r.; natron setznatron, G. 



Derivatmn. — It is made from liquor sodse by evapora- 

 tion, and run in moulds. 



Properties.-'^Dvy, white, translucent pencils, or fused 

 maiiises, showing a crystalline fracture ; odorless, and having 

 an acrid aud caustic taste. Exposed to the air it rapidly 

 deliquesces, absorbs carbon dioxide, and becomes covered 

 with a dry coating of carbonate. Soluble in 1.7 parts of 

 water ; very soluble in alcohol. 



Liquor Sodii Hydeoxidi. Solution of Sodium Hydroxide. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, containing 

 about 5 per cent, of hydroxide. 



Synonym. — Solution of sodium hydrate, E.; natrum 

 hydricum solutum, sonde caustique liquide, Fr.; liquor natri 

 caustici, P. G.; setznatron lauge, G. 



Derivation. — An aqueous solution of sodium carbonate 

 is boiled with calcium hydrate, and the supernatant liquid 

 is siphoned off. 



Na,C03 + Ca(OH), = 2 NaOH + CaC03. 



Properties.— A. clear, colorless liquid, odorless, having a 

 very acrid and caustic taste, and a strongly alkaline reaction. 



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