AMMONIUM CARBONATE 147 



ments. One part eacli of water of ammonia and oil of tur- 

 pentine, may be combined to advantage witli 4 to 6 parts of 

 camphor liniment. Ammonia water is one of the best 

 remedies to relieve pain and antagonize the action of insect 

 bites, as stings of bees and wasps. It should be applied 

 directly to the poisoned part. 



Internally. — Ammonia is indicated when rapid stimula- 

 tion of the heart and respiration is desirable. In emer- 

 gencies it may be given intravenously (aq. ammon. fort. 1 ; 

 water, 4 parts) ; or by inhalation. It is serviceable in the 

 treatment of prussio acid and aconite poisoning, syncope, 

 collapse and shock following surgical operations ; also in 

 snake bites. The spirit of ammonia may be prescribed in 

 fevers as a stimulant. Ammonia is inferior to ammonium 

 carbonate or the aromatic spirit in the care of colic and 

 tympanites. 



Ammonii Caebonas. Ammonium Carbonate. NH^ HCO, 

 NH,NH,CO,. (U.S.&B.P.) 



Synonym.— Yolatile salt, sal volatile siccum, carbonas 

 ammonicus, E.; ammonium carbonicum, P. G.; carbonate 

 d'ammoniaque, alkali volatil concret, sel volatil d'Angleterre, 

 Fr.; fliichtige, laugensalz, reines hirchhornsalz, kohlensaures 

 ammonium, G.- 



Derivation. — A mixture of ammonium chloride or 

 sulphate, and calcium carbonate, is sublimed and resub- 

 limed. Ammonium carbonate, so-called, is a mixture of 

 ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate. 



4 NH, CI + 2 Ca CO, = NH, HCO, .NH.NH, CO, 4- 2 

 CaCl, + NH3 + H,0. :. 



Properties. — "White, hard, translucent, striated masses,, 

 having a strongly ammoniacal odor without empyreuma, 

 and a sharp saline taste. On exposure to the air the salt 

 loses both ammonia and carbonic dioxide, becoming opaque, 

 and is finally converted into friable, porous lumps, or a 

 white powder. Soluble in about 5 parts of water. Alcohol 

 only dissolves the carbonate (NH^ NH, COJ. 



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