SUCCIN′IC ACID. C4H4O4H2. Syn. Acidum succinicum. Prep. From amber, in coarse powder, mixed with an equal weight of sand, and distilled by a gradually increased heat; or from the impure acid obtained during the distillation of oil of amber; the product in both cases being purified by wrapping it in bibulous paper, and submitting it to
strong pressure, to remove the oil, and then resubliming it.
From malic acid, by fermentation, or by digestion with hydriodic acid in sealed tubes.
Prop., &c. Colourless; inodorous (when pure); crystallises in oblique rhombic prisms; soluble in 5 parts of cold and in 21⁄2 parts of boiling water; fusible and volatile, without decomposition. Its salts are called ‘succinates,’ most of which are soluble. Succinate of ammonium is used as a test for iron. Succinic acid is distinguished from benzoic acid by its greater solubility, and by giving a brownish or pale red bulky precipitate with ferric chloride in neutral solutions; whereas that with benzoic acid is paler and yellower.
Uses, &c. Succinic acid is antispasmodic, stimulant, and diuretic, but is now seldom used.—Dose, 5 to 15 gr.
SUC′CORY. Chicory, or wild endive. (See Chicory.)
SUDORIF′ICS. See Diaphoretics.
SU′ET. Syn. Sevum, Sebum, L. This is prepared from the fat of the loins of the sheep or bullock by melting it by a gentle heat, and straining the liquid fat. In this state it forms the ADEPS OVILLUS (Ph. D.), SEVUM (Ph. L. & E.), SEVUM OVILLUM, or SEVUM PRÆPARATUM, employed in medicine and perfumery, as the basis of ointments, cerates, plasters, pommades, &c.
Suet, Mel′ilot. Syn. Sevum meliloti, L. Prep. From suet, 8 lb.; melilot leaves, 2 lb.; boil until the leaves are crisp, strain, and allow it to cool very slowly, so that it may ‘grain well.’ Used by farriers, and to make melilot plaster.
SUFFOCA′TION. The treatment varies with the cause. See Asphyxia, Charcoal, Drowning, Hanging, Sulphuretted Hydrogen, &c.