sodium (so'de-um)

A metallic element discovered in 1807 by Sir H. Davy, who prepared it by electrolysis of caustic soda. It is one of the alkali metals, of a silvery white color, waxy at ordinary temperature, melting at 95. 6° C, and volatilizing at a red heat. It readily oxidizes on exposure to moisture, decomposes water with evolution of heat, and unites with pota ium to form an alloy. It forms soluble salts with all of the acids. Atomic weight, 23. Symbol, Na. Specific gravity, 0.972. acid s. met antimonate. A crystalline substance, Na2H2Sb207-f-6H20, distinguished as being the only salt of s. insoluble in cold water. Its formation is therefore used as a test for the presence of s. casein s. See nutrose. liquor sodii arsenatis. An aqueous solution containing 1 per cent, of sodium arsenate. It should not be confused with the liquor sodii arsenatis, Pearson's of the N. F., which contains about 1/io per cent, of crystallized or 1/e per cent, exsiccated sodium arsenate [U. S. Ph., Br. Ph.]. liquor sodii ethyl at is. A 19 per cent, solution of s. ethylate in absolute alcohol; obtained by di olving 1 part of metallic s. in 20 volumes of absolute alcohol [Br. Ph., 1898]. liquor sodii hydroxid. Liquor sodii of the U. S. Ph., 1890; it contains S per cent, of NaOH di olved in water [U. S. Ph.]. liquor sodii phos phat is compos it us. A liquid of which 100 c.c. contains 100 gms. of s. phosphate, 4 gms. of s. nitrate, and 13 gms. of citric acid with a little water. It was introduced into the pharmacopeia as a substitute for a proprietary preparation [U. S. Ph.]. liquor sodii silicatis. Solution of s. silicate, liquid (or water) gla ; a substance consisting e entially of a liquid acid s. silicate (Na2Si03 + 2Si02), prepared by heating together quartz sand, anhydrous s. carbonate, and charcoal, or by di olving silicic acid in a concentrated solution of caustic soda. It is a clear, odorle , and colorle or yellowish syrup, having a decided alkaline taste and reaction, mel boracis [Br. Ph.], mel