190 IIS^OKGANIC AGENTS 



BiSMUTHi SuBNiTEAs. Bismuth Subnitrate. BiO NO3 + 

 H2O? (U. S. &B. P.) 



Synonym. — Bismuthum subnitrieum, P.G. ; bismuthum 

 hydriconitricum, magisterium bismuthi, subazotas (s. sub- 

 nitras) bismuthicus, sous-azotate de bismuth, Fr. ; basisehes 

 salpetersaiires bismuthoxyd, G. 



Derivation. — Dissolve pure metallic bismuth in diluted 

 nitric acid. First reaction — Big + 6 HJSTOs- = 2 Bi(N03)3 

 + 3 H2. Final reaction— Bi (^03)3 + H2O = BiONOj 

 + 2 HlSTOg. Evaporate ; add water ; wash and dry precipi- 

 tated bismuth subnitrate. 



Properties. — A heavy, white powder of somewhat vary- 

 ing chemical composition; odorless and almost tasteless, and 

 permanent in the air. Almost insoluble in water and insolu- 

 ble in alcohol, but readily soluble in nitric or hydrochloric 

 acid. 



Dose. — Same as subcarbonate. 



Bismuthi Subsalictlas. Bismuth Subsalicylate. (U.S.P.) 

 Bismuthi Salicylas. Bismuth Salicylate. (B. P.) 



Properties. — "White, soft powder; insoluble in water, 

 ether, alcohol or chloroform ; soluble in acids. 

 Dose.—D.,gT.v.-x. (.3-.6). 



Bismuthi Suegallas. Bismuth Subgallate. (U.S.P.) 



Synonym.- — Dermatol. 



Properties. — A fine, yellow powder; permanent in the 

 air and odorless; used externally as a substitute for iodo- 

 form; it is antiseptic and astringent; occasionally given 

 internally. 



ACTION OF bismuth SUBNITEATE AND SUBCAEBONATE. 



External. — The insoluble salts of bismuth have a pro- 

 tecting, sedative, astringent and antiseptic action on raw 

 surfaces. If applied over very extensive areas for a consid- 

 erable length of time, they may cause absorption and poison- 

 ing. Bismuth has no action on the unbroken skin. 



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