324 SOLUTION OP CARBONATE OF MAGNESIA. 
ART. LXI. — SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE AQUEOUS SO- 
LUTION OF CARBONATE OF MAGNESIA, WITH EXCESS 
OF CARBONIC ACID, AND ON THE SALT WHICH IT AF- 
FORDS BY SPONTANEOUS DECOMPOSITION. By John 
Davy, M. D., F. R. S. 
I have been induced to institute some experiments on the 
solution of carbonate of magnesia, in water strongly impreg- 
nated with carbonic acid gas, in consequence of the high re- 
pute, on very questionable grounds, which it has lately ac- 
quired as a medicine. 
The solution I have used, is that prepared and sold by Mr. 
Dinneford, of New Bond street, with the designation of Din- 
neford's Solution of Magnesia, and with the following re- 
commendation on the label: "The great advantages of this 
elegant preparation are, that being in a fluid state, and pos- 
sessing all the properties of magnesia in general use, it is not 
likely to form dangerous concretions in the bowels; it corrects 
acidity and heart burn effectually, without injuring the coats 
of the stomach, as carbonates of potash and soda are known to 
do; it prevents the food of infants from turning sour, and in 
all cases it acts as a pleasing aperient particularly adapted to 
females." 
Such a recommendation I should not have thought it right 
to notice, were it an ordinary quack eulogy, and unsupported 
by certificates given by respectable medical men; and more- 
over, were I not assured that great faith is placed by many 
persons in the asserted virtues of the preparation, and that 
the use of it is rapidly extending. 
The first trials I subjected the medicine to, were made with 
a view to test the permanence of the solution ; as by exposure 
to the air, in an open vessel, exposure to a temperature of 
100° F., in a vessel loosely corked, and to the action of an 
air pump under an exhausted receiver. 
The result in each instance was very similar; carbonic acid 
