546 
BISMUTI1I ET AMMONIiE CTTKAS. 
water without precipitation ; its reaction is alkaline, and it possesses but little taste. 
These desirable properties, in a remedy usually administered in a comparatively insoluble 
condition, would seem to indicate that this solution had not received undue attention. 
It is asserted by the originator, Mr. Schacht, apparently after abundant obser¬ 
vation, that a fluid drachm of his preparation, containing one grain of teroxide of 
bismuth, is equivalent, in medicinal value, to a full dose of the subnitrate of bismuth. 
The Liquor Bismuthi was subjected to analysis by Mr. Tichbourne, who found its con* 
stituents to be bismuth, citric acid, and ammonia. (Lond. Pharm. Journ. Jan. 1, 1864.) 
Following the directions of that gentleman for its preparation, recently-precipitated 
teroxide of bismuth was boiled in a solution of citrate of ammonia; repeated trials 
proved the oxide to be but sparingly dissolved by this treatment, and demonstrated the 
impracticability of this process. The alternative method suggested, that of substituting 
citrate of bismuth for the oxide, yielded a more satisfactory product. 
The writer, having observed the solution of citrate of bismuth, obtained by the addi¬ 
tion of ammonia, to have an acid reaction, and also that an excess of that alkali occa¬ 
sioned a precipitate of oxide of bismuth, inferred the existence of a compound salt of 
bismuth and ammonia; this was subsequently confirmed. 
The following formulas, suggested by theory and numerous experiments, were finally 
adopted, 
Bismuthi Citras. 
Take of 
Subcarbonate of Bismuth, a troy ounce; 
Citrate of Potassa, a troy ounce and 120 grains; 
Nitric Acid, a troy ounce and a half; 
Distilled Water, a sufficient quantity. 
Dissolve the subcarbonate of bismuth in the nitric acid, and, when effervescence has 
ceased, dilute the solution with a fluid ounce and a half of distilled water, gradually 
added. Dissolve the citrate of potassa in two pints of distilled water, and to tins liquid 
add slowly, with constant stirring, the acid solution of bismuth. 
Permit the mixture to stand for several hours ; then pour it on a moistened paper 
filter, and when the liquid has nearly ceased to pass, cover the surface of the precipitate 
with distilled water. 
Repeat this operation until the 'washings no longer contain nitric acid. Allow the 
magma to drain, and dry it on bibulous paper, with a gentle heat. 
Bismuthi et Ammonice Citras. 
Take of 
Citrate of Bismuth, in powder, a convenient quantity; 
Stronger Water of Ammonia, * 
Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity. 
Rub the citrate of bismuth with sufficient distilled water to reduce it to a uniform pasty 
consistence, and add, cautiously, with constant trituration, stronger water of ammonia, 
until a solution is obtained, observing to avoid an excess of ammonia. 
Filter the liquid through paper, returning the first portions that pass, should they be 
turbid. 
Spread the clear solution on glass, that the salt may dry in scales. 
Liquor Bismuthi et Ammonice Citralis. 
Take of 
Citrate of Bismuth and Ammonia, 260 grains; 
Alcohol, 2 fluid ounces; 
Distilled Water, 14 fluid ounces; 
Water of Ammonia, a sufficient quantity. 
Dissolve the citrate of bismuth and ammonia in the distilled water; neutralize the liquid 
with water of ammonia, and mix it wfitli the alcohol. 
Or, take of 
Citrate of Bismuth, recently precipitated and still moist, a convenient 
quantity; 
Water of Ammonia, 
Alcohol, 
Distilled Water, each, a sufficient quantity. 
