19 
Very soluble in water and alcohol; in the latter, part of the acid is 
changed into the ester. 
The aqueous solution on boiling is decomposed with the formation 
of chloroform and carbon dioxide: CCl 3 COOH = CHC1 3 + C0 2 . 
Ten parts of trichloracetic acid and 1 part of water form a liquid 
known as acidum trichloraceticum liquefactum; it is often dispensed 
in this form (cf. Phenol Liquefactum). 
It precipitates proteids and is used as a reagent for the detection of 
albumin in urine and milk. 
Caution. — u Should be kept in dark, amber-colored, well-stoppered 
bottles in a cool place." It is far stronger than acetic acid and should 
be used with great caution. 
ACOMTIXA. 
Aconitine. 
^34^47X0,] 
An alkaloid obtained from Aconite. Official in the Br. P. 
The chemical structure of aconitine is analogous to that of atropine 
and cocaine; like the latter it undergoes partial decomposition when 
boiled for some time with water. 
Properties. — Colorless or white rhombic tables or prisms, odorless, 
permanent in the air, and producing in extremely diluted solutions a 
characteristic tingling sensation when brought in contact with the 
mucous membrane of the tongue or lips. The alkaloid itself should 
never be tasted, and its solution only when largely diluted, and then 
with the utmost caution. 
Very slightly soluble in water (1:3200), much more so in alcohol 
(1:22) ". . 
Aconitine was formerly in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, but was dropped 
in 1880 owing to the variable composition of the article then on the 
market. At present there are on the market, in addition to the 
crystalline aconitine, an amorphous aconitine and an eclectic “ aconi- 
tin.” The greatest caution should be observed not to confuse these 
preparations, as they differ considerably in composition. 
Aconitine is the most powerful drug in the Pharmacopoeia; death is 
reported to have resulted from 0.5 milligramme # (t 1b grain). 
Dose. — u Average dose: 0.00015 Gm.= 0.15 milligramme ( 4^0 
grain).*’ (U. S. P.) 
Aconitine is contained in the Oleatum Aconitines of the National 
Formulary. 
ADEPS LAKE. 
Wool-Fat. 
Adeps Lanee. Br. P. ; Adeps Lame anhydricus, P. G. 44 The purified 
fat of the wool of sheep, freed from water.” The Hydrous 'Wool- 
Fat, which contains 44 not more than 30 per cent of water,” is still 
