HYFOCHLOEITE OF SODA.

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Characteristics. —The following are the essential characters of theliquor sodas chlorinates, Pli. L.:—It decolorizes sulphate of indigo. Onthe addition of hydrochloric acid it evolves chlorine and carbonic acid.A solution of nitrate of silver throws down a white precipitate (chlorideof silver) soluble in ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid. Lime watercauses a white precipitate (carbonate of lime). Oxalate of ammoniaoccasions no precipitate, shewing the absence of lime. Chloride ofplatinum produces no yellow precipitate, proving the absence of potashand ammonia. That the base of the solution is soda may be shewn intwo ways : evaporated to dryness, we obtain a residuum which rendersthe outer cone of the flame of a candle, or the flame of a spirit lamp,yellow : saturated with hydrochloric acid and evaporated to dryness,common salt is procured: this may be recognized by the characters beforementioned (p. 310).

Composition. —Some chemists regard the liquor sodas chlorinates, Ph . L.as a mixture of chloride of soda and bicarbonate of soda. But the viewusually taken of it is that it consists of hypochlorite of soda, chloride ofsodium, and bicarbonate of soda.

Physiological Effects, (a.) On animals. —A solution of chloride ofsoda acts as a local irritant, more or less powerfully according to thedegree of its concentration. From the experiments of Segalas ( Journ.de Chim. Med. t l er . p.271) it appears that besides the irritant operation,and its direct and sympathetic action on the organic solids, it exercisesan evident influence over the blood, and, in consequence, over the wholeeconomy, by means of absorption. In an experiment referred to by Dr.Christison, [Treatise on Poisons, 3d ed. p. 221) two ounces of Labar-raque’s solution introduced into the peritoneum of a dog excited palpita-tion, oppressed breathing, constant restlessness, and death in ten minutes.

(, b.) On man. —I am unacquainted with any experiments made todetermine the physiological effects of chloride of soda on man. That itwould, in large doses, act as a powerful local irritant, and, if swallowed,give rise to symptoms of gastro-enteritis, cannot, I think, be doubted.Merat and de Lens [Diet . Mat. Med. t. ii. p. 257) state that the imme-diate consequence of, and predominating symptoms produced by, a glass-ful of eau dejavelle (a solution of chloride of potash) was general rigidity,which gave way to demulcent drinks. This observation agrees with onemade by Segalas (Christison, op. cit. p. 221) in his experiments on dogs,namely, that chloride of soda caused tetanic spasms. It is probable,therefore, that the chlorides (hypochlorites) of the alkalies exercise aspecific influence over the nervous system.

Chloride of soda, in moderate or small doses, has been denominatedstimulant, tonic, astringent, antiseptic, and febrifuge. But these termsgive no real explanation of the nature of those organic changes producedby this remedial agent, whereby we obtain such benefit from its employ-ment in various diseases. In fever I have seen dampness of the skinfollow its use. Increased secretion of urine is a common effect of it. Infevers it improves the qualities of the evacuations. Under the conti-nued employment of it, glandular enlargements and chronic mucousdischarges have disappeared, from which circumstance chloride of sodahas been denominated alterative and resolvent. All these effects dependprobably on the alteration which the chloride gives rise to in the condi-tion of the blood, and the change thereby produced in the action of the