aluminium, aluminum (al-u-min'i-um, al-u'min-um)

A metallic element; atomic weight 27. Symbol Al. It occurs in nature in a great variety of minerals, usually combined with silica, either alone or in connection with iron, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. It also occurs native as an oxid. a. is a white metal, capable of taking a fine polish. Its specific gravity is 2.58. It is very malleable and ductile. It does not oxidize in the air and resists the action of ordinary acids, except hydrochloric acid, but is acted on by alkalis and rapidly changed by mercury or mercury salts, a. acetate. Al2(CH5- COO)e. Used in aqueous solution as an antiseptic and astringent, a. ace to tartrate. Syn.: alsol. Recommended by Schaeffer as an antiseptic application in 34 a 1 to 5 per cent, solution in catarrhal affections of the nose and pharynx, a. bromid. AlBr.3. Used as an antiseptic its fluids in diphtheria, a. chlorid. AICI3. Used as an antiseptic, a. hydrate, a hydroxid. Al2(OH)e. A mild astringent and desiccant, given internally as an antacid, a. naphthol disulphonate. Syn.: alumnol. Aluminium salt of napthol sulphonic acid. An antiseptic and astringent. Used for gonorrhea, a. sulphate. Al2(SO02+i8H2O. A crystalline substance of marked astringent and antiseptic properties. Often applied locally to foul ulcers as a caustic, a. tannate. A salt of tannic acid. An a str in alum i no's is. A disease acquired by work gent. ers in alum, chiefly a form of bronchitis.