Benxoate  of  Lithium,  113 
American  plant  be  possessed  of  more  potent  properties  than  the  ma- 
jority of  the  plants  of  the  same  genus  and  tribe  mentioned  above  ;  but 
the  statements  made  of  its  efficiency  are  such  that  they  invite  to  a 
carefully-undertaken  trial. 
BENZOATE  OF  LITHIUM. 
BY  E.  B.  SHUTTLEWORTH. 
This  salt  has  been  proposed  as  a  remedy  for  certain  disorders  of  the 
urinary  organs,  and  appears  to  possess  advantages  over  the  forms  in 
which  lithium  has  heretofore  been  exhibited.  The  comparative  insol- 
ubility of  the  carbonate  has  always  proved  a  bar  to  its  general  employ- 
ment, and  though  the  citrate  is  in  this  respect  much  more  eligible — 
only  twenty-five  parts  of  water  being  required  for  solution — yet  the 
salt  is  of  an  unstable  and  deliquescent  character,  and  somewhat  trouble- 
some to  prepare  and  dispense.  The  benzoate  is  not  open  to  any  of 
these  objections,  and  has  the  additional  advantage  of  containing,  in 
combination,  an  acid  which  is  itself  of  no  inconsiderable  repute  in 
the  treatment  of  patients  suffering  from  various  forms  of  urinary  de- 
posits. 
This  salt  is  not  usually  to  be  met  with  in  commerce,  but  is  not  diffi- 
cult to  prepare.  I  am  not,  however,  aware  of  any  work  of  reference 
which  contains  any  directions  or  formula  for  this  purpose  ;  and  am, 
therefore,  induced  to  believe  that  a  few  remarks  on  the  subject  may 
prove  acceptable. 
Benzoate  of  lithium  may  be  most  advantageously  prepared  from  the 
carbonate  : 
L,C03+2HC,H,Q3^2LC,HA 
74  244  256 
In  a  wedgewood  dish  put  one  ounce,  avoir.,  of  carbonate,  mixed 
with  nine  ounces  of  water.  Heat  gently  by  aid  of  a  spirit  lamp,  and 
add  gradually,  and  by  small  portions,  benzoic  acid,  until  effervescence 
is  no  longer  produced.  About  three  and  a  quarter  ounces  will  be 
required.  Evaporate  to  dryness,  stirring  constantly,  and  reducing  the 
heat  towards  the  close  of  the  operation.  The  product  may,  for  con- 
venience, be  powdered.  The  yield  will  be  nearly  three  and  a  half 
ounces. 
By  following  this  process,  a  much  less  quantity  of  water,  and  conse- 
quently less  evaporation,  will  be  needed  than  if  the  benzoic  acid  be 
8 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm, 
Mar.,  1875. 
