Fumigation, Ni′trous

Syn. Fumigatio nitros a. Prep. (P. Cod.) Sulphuric acid, diluted with half its weight of water, is placed in a porcelain cup (any shallow ve el of gla or earthenware will do), placed over heated cinders, and small quantities of powdered nitre added to it from time to time. Obs. Heat causes the gas to be evolved more rapidly, and thus renders the fumes more offensive, without increasing their efficacy. Equal weights of oil of vitriol and water are the proportions usually employed, 1 ⁄ 4 oz. of nitre is said to be sufficient for a small room. (Dr Bateman.) The ve el containing the ingredients should be placed in an elevated position in the centre of the apartment. Dr Car michael Smith, who introduced nitrous acid gas as a fumigation (1799), received a reward of £5000 from Parliament for publishing his formula.