Betain

(be-taf-in) [beta, a beet], C5HuN02, or C10H22N2O4. Called also oxyneurin and lycin. A basic substance obtained by the careful oxidation of cholin. It occurs already formed in the sugar-beet (Beta vulgar is} and crystallizes from alcohol with one molecule of water in shining crystals that deliquesce in the air; it has an alkaline reaction and a sweetish taste. Beta-naphtol Bismuth. A preparation containing 80 per cent, of bismuth oxid and 20 per cent, of beta-naphtol. It is a brown powder, insoluble in water and decomposed into its component parts in the intestine, the beta-naphtol being absorbed and discharged with the urine, while the bismuth is evacuated with the stools. It is an intestinal antiseptic. Dose gr. xv-xlv (1.0-3.0). 145