lithium (lith'e-um)

A metallic element, CrLCOOLi, belonging to the cla of alkaline metals in common with sodium, pota ium, rubidium, and cesium. It forms a series of compounds resembling the compounds of these radicles in chemical structure and physical qualities. Symbol, Li. Atomic weight, 7.03. Its salts are found widely distributed through nature, although in small amounts. Traces are present in many mineral waters. Specific gravity, 0.59. 1. and caffein sulphonate. A double salt of 1. and caffein with sulphonic acid; used in rheumatism and gout. 1. and. theobromin salicylate. The double salicylic acid salt of 1. and theobromin; used as a diuretic. 1. benzoate, GsfLCOOLi, a white substance. 1. carbonate. LiC03, a white powder soluble with difficulty in water. Used in the uric acid diathesis and also to reduce acidity of the urine. There is also an acid carbonate, 1. bicarbonate, LiHC03, which is present in many charged mineral waters. lithii citras effervescens. A preparation made with 1. citrate, tartaric acid, milk sugar,_ white sugar, and sodium bicarbonate, moistened with alcohol [U. S. Ph., Br. Ph.]. 1. citrate. The lithium salt of citric acid, Li3C6H507. A white powder. 1. glycerophosphate. The 1. salt in phosphoric acid. 1. iodate. The 1. salt of iodic acid, LilOa. Used in gout. 1. salicylate. A substance, 2LiC7H503 -f H2O [U. S. Ph.]; forming white acidular crystals of sharp, sweetish taste, sol- 497 uble in water and alcohol. 1. sozo-iodolate. The salt of sozo-iodol, CoH2I2(OH)- SO3L1. Glancing white plates, which sometimes a ume a yellowish tinge without affecting their purity. Di olves easily in water and aqueous alcohol. 1. sulpho-ichthyolate. A compound obtained by neutralizing ichthyolsulphonic acid with 1. carbonate; used in rheumatism. [Gr., lithos, a stone.]