LIQUOR AMMONIÆ ACETATIS. L. Aqua Acetatis Ammoniæ. E.D.
Solution of Acetate of Ammonia.
olim, Spirit of Mindererus.
This preparation is a solution of the neutral acetate of ammonia, with a proportion of carbonic acid diffused through it; it is made by saturating the sub-carbonate of ammonia with distilled vinegar, for which purpose it will generally be found that ℥j of the alkali will saturate oiss of the vinegar; since, however, the quantity of acid in distilled vinegar as well the strength of the ammonia, are liable to constant variation, the exact point of neutralization should be ascertained by the alternate application of litmus and turmeric papers; for if the proportions be not accurately adjusted, some of the metallic salts, especially those of antimony, which are often prescribed in conjunction with it, are decomposed, and thus rendered inefficacious; and on this account an excess of alkali is to be feared more than that of acid. This preparation is also not unfrequently employed as a collyrium, when much serious mischief may arise from the carbonate of ammonia predominating. It has been already stated that a very minute proportion of extractive matter is rendered sensible on the addition of an alkali; hence this preparation frequently derives from the vinegar a brown hue, which may be removed by filtering the solution through a little well burnt charcoal. It also deserves notice that the presence of a trace of copper, derived from the copper cocks through which the vinegar has passed, will impart a brown tinge, whilst in larger quantities this metal yields a blue colour with ammonia. Incompatible Substances. Acids; fixed alkalies; alum; lime water; sulphate of magnesia; corrosive sublimate; nitrate of silver; and the sulphates of zinc, copper, and iron. Acetate of lead produces also a copious precipitation, but this depends upon the presence of the carbonic acid diffused through the solution, which decomposes the salt and forms an insoluble carbonate of lead. Magnesia likewise, contrary to what might be supposed, decomposes the solution and renders it pungent, from the extrication of ammoniacal gas; this phenomenon depends upon the magnesia forming a triple acetate with one part of the ammonia, and setting the remainder at liberty. Med. Uses. When assisted by warmth and plentiful dilution, it is an excellent diaphoretic, and produces its effects without quickening the circulation: (Form: 117, 126,) by keeping the surface of the body cool, its action is determined to the kidneys, and it proves diuretic, especially when combined with remedies of a similar tendency. (Form: 111.) Dose, fʒiv to fʒxij. Externally it furnishes a lotion, valuable as a refrigerant, especially when combined with some spirituous preparation. See Form: 148.
LIQUOR AMMONIÆ SUB-CARBONATIS. L.
Solutio Sub-Carbonatis Ammoniæ. E.
Aqua Carbonatis Ammoniæ. D.
This is merely a solution of the solid sub-carbonate in distilled water, see Ammoniæ Sub-carbonas. Dose, fʒss to fʒj in any bland liquid. Adulterations. There is frequently a deficient quantity of the sub-carbonate in solution, its pungency being kept up by the addition of liquor ammoniæ; this may be discovered by shaking it with twice its bulk of alcohol, when a coagulum of considerable density should occur, the absence of which will denote the sophistication of the article. Its specific gravity should be 1·150. The Incompatibles are those enumerated under the history of Ammoniæ Sub-carbonas.
LIQUOR ARSENICALIS. L.
Solutio Arsenicalis. E.