Alkalimetry

(Chem.) The method or proce of analysis of an alkali, to the effect of ascertaining the amount of carbonate which it contains. It depends upon the determination of the number of divisions of diluted acid, of definite strength, which a hundred grains of the different samples of ash are capable of neutralizing: thre neutralization being estimated by the action of the solu ⚫tion upon blue litmus. Alkaline, a. [Fr alcalin.] Belonging to, or having the qualities of, alkali. Alkaline Earths Substances which greatly resemble alkalies, but are sparingly soluble, such as lime and baryta. Alkalin'ity, n. The quality which distinguishes the alkalies from other chemical compounds. Alkalious, a. Having the properties of alkali. Alkali zati on, n. [Fr. alcalisation .] The act of alkalizing, or impregnating bodies with alkali. (R.) Alkalize, v . a . [Fr. alcaliser .] To make substances alkaline, by changing their nature, or by mixing alkalies with them. Alkaloid, a . Pertaining to, or containing, alkali. Alkaloids, n . pl . [From alkali , and Gr. eidos , form.] (Chem.) A group of natural organic bases, in great majority derived from the vegetable kingdom, and constituting the active principle of the plant that contains them. They are of great interest to the chemist, not only on account of their remarkable composition, but also from their powerful effects as medicinal and poisonous agents upon the animal economy. When in solution, the vegetable bases have generally a decidedly alkaline reaction upon test-papers, and for the most part they completely neutralize the acids, forming definite and well-crystallized salts. They are generally soluble in boiling alcohol; the alcoholic solutions, as they cool, deposit the alkaloids in the crystalline form. They may be subdivided into two well-marked cla es: -1st those which, like aniline (C. H, N), do not contain oxygen; and, second, those which, like quinine (C20 H24 N2O,+6 H20), do not contain it. The bases of the finst cla are oily and volatile; they absorb oxygen rapidly from the air, have a powerful odor, and may be distilled either alone or with the vapor of water, without undergoing decomposition. Many organic bases may be prepared by artificial means; but all attempts at obtaining those which occur naturally in plants, as morphine and narcotine, the alkaloids of opium, have been unsucce ful. Hence, another division of the A. into artificial bases and natural bases.