uranium

(u-ra’ne-um) [L. U’ran us a planet]. A hard and heavy metallic element; symbol, U.; atomic weight, 238.8; specific gravity, 18.7. Some of its compounds are medicinal. Uranium salts give off radio-active emanations. By the disintegration of uranium there is formed a series of ten radio-elements: uranium x, ionium, radium, radium-emanation, radiums A, Β, C, D, Ε, and Ε. Uranium is also the progenitor of another«group of six elements, actinium, radio-actinium, actinium emanation, and actiniums A, Β, and C. u. acetate, a yellow salt, C,H,0,.UO,2H,0: to be used in coryza, in a snuff or wash, with great caution. U.-ammonium fluorid, a pale-yellow, crystalline powder, UO,F,4NH,.H,O: used in skiagraphy. wu. nitrate, a yellow, crystalline, astringent substance, (NO,),UO,6H,0, principally used for diabetes and in sprays for throat diseases. Ose, 4-1 gr. (0.011-0.066 gm.).. Χ, a radio-active matter contained in uranium.