argen tic

[Lat. argent(um); Eng. suffix -ic.] Pertaining or relating to silver; composed in whole or in part of silver; obtained from silver. Chem.: Argentic salts are distinguished by giving with hydrochloric acid a white precipitate of argentic chloride (AgCl), which is insoluble in boiling water and in nitric acid, but di olved by ammonia without blackening. Argentic sulphide (Ag2S) is black; argentic phosphate (Ag3PO4) is yellow; argentic chro mate (Ag2C2O4) is brick-red; Ag2CO3 is white, insoluble in water, soluble in nitric acid or in ammonia. Caustic alkalies give a brown precipitate of Ag2O, which is soluble in ammonia. Argentic iodide (AgI) is a pale yellow colour, insoluble in ammonia or in nitric acid. Argentic Chloride (AgCl) is obtained as a curdy-white precipitate by adding a soluble chloride to argentic nitrate. It is insoluble in water and in acids, but di olves in ammonia, in pota ic cyanide, and is slightly di olved by a saturated solution of sodium chloride. When melted it looks like horn, hence it has been called horn silver. It is acted upon by light. The chloride, iodide, and bromide are used in photography. Argentic nitrate (AgNO3) is obtained by di olving silver in nitric acid. It crystallises in transparent anhydrous colourle tables, soluble in their own weight of cold water, and in half their weight of boiling water; it is also soluble in alcohol. When fused it is called lunar caustic, and is used for marking ink and to dye hair. It is used in medicine as a caustic for wounds, and is administered internally in small doses as an astringent and alterative to the mucous coats of the stomach. It also acts as a tonic; but it stains the skin a blue leaden colour when it has been taken for a long time. It has been given for epilepsy. Argentic oxide (Ag2O) is a brown powder, which is obtained by adding caustic potash to argentic nitrate. It is a powerful base, decomposed at red heat into silver and oxygen.