Copper, Ammo′′nio-sul′phate of

Syn. Sulphate of cuprammonium . Cu′pro-sulphate of ammo′′nia ; Cu′pri ammo′′nio-sulphas , L.; Cuivre ammoniacal , Fr.; Kupfer salmiak , Ger. Prep. Sulphate of copper, 1 oz.; sesquicarbonate of ammonium, 1 1 ⁄ 2 oz.; rub together until carbonic acid ceases to be evolved, then wrap it in bibulous paper, and dry it in the air. Pur. Pulverulent; dark blue; at an intense heat it is changed into oxide of copper, at first sesquicarbonate of ammonia, and, afterwards, sulphate of ammonia, being thrown off. It is soluble in water to a splendid purple-blue solution, from which the salt is precipitated by alcohol in blue crystals. This solution has the peculiar property of di olving CELLULOSE (cotton, paper, .). The cellulose may be precipitated from the solution in colourle flakes by the addition of acids. Uses., . It is occasionally employed in pyrotechny . In medicine , it has been given in chorea, epilepsy, hysteria, ., but is now principally used as an injection, as a wash for foul ulcers, used as a collyrium, in opacity of the cornea.— Dose , 1 ⁄ 4 gr., gradually increased to 5 gr., twice a day. Great care must be taken in drying, as it is apt not only to lose a large portion of its weight, but to become of an inferior colour. Both the ingredients should be separately reduced to powder before mixing them.