CITRATE OF IRON AND MAGNESIA. 
315 
[The following formula will be found more practical 
and will yield a product nearer the equivalent proportions 
than the succinct one of M. Van der Corput. 
Take of Sub Carbonate of Iron (U. S. P.) three ounces. 
Common Muriatic acid, half a pint, or a sufficient 
quantity- 
Citric acid, eight ounces. 
Carbonate of magnesia two ounces and a half. 
Solution of ammonia. 
Water of each, a sufficient quantity. 
Dissolve the sub-carbonate of iron in the muriatic acid, in 
a porcelain dish, with the assistance of heat and agitation, 
then filter the solution, if necessary, dilute it with four 
pints of water, and add the solution of ammonia until it is 
in slight excess — stirring meanwhile. The precipitated ses- 
quioxide of iron is then washed thoroughly with water, 
first by subsidence and then on a muslin filter, and the wa- 
ter pressed out of it as much- as possible. 
Put the citric acid in a porcelain capsule, pour on it a 
pint of water, add the hydrated sesquioxide of iron till it is 
all dissolved, and then the carbonate of magnesia. When 
the latter is dissolved, filter the solution, evaporate it by a 
water bath, to a syrupy consistence, and spread it on sheets 
of glass with a flat varnish brush, to dry spontaneously. 
The above quantity of hydrated oxide may be obtained 
from eight and a half ounces (troy) of sulphate of iron, by 
the process of the United States Pharmacopoeia, but the 
above method, though rather more expensive, is easier for 
the inexperienced operator. 
Citrate of iron and magnesia thus prepared is in green- 
ish yellow scales, transparent, somewhat deliquescent, very 
soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol and ether, with a slight- 
ly ferruginous somewhat acid taste. It may be given in 
aqueous or syrupy solution, or pills. — Editor.] 
