Tin

(tin). Stannum. Sn 118; quant i valence 11, iv. A silvery -white metallic element known from the remotest antiquity, harder than lead and very malleable. When exposed to the air it becomes superficially oxidized. Tin is a constituent of a number of alloys: bronze, bell-metal, pewter, solder, gun-metal, britannia, speculum-metal, etc. See Elements, Table of. T. -amalgam, tin 3 parts and mercury I part. It is used for filling teeth and as a vermifuge. T. -block, a thin plate of iron coated with tin. T. Chlorid, stannous chlorid, a disinfectant. T.-foil, tin in thin sheets, or layers; used in pharmacy, chiefly as a material for wrapping various drugs. T., Powdered, Pulvis Stanni; formerly used as an anthelmintic. All unof.