SODIUM, Medical Properties of the Preparations of Sodium, when in the state of an oxide, is termed the mineral alkali, in contradistinc tion to potash, or the vegetable alkali.
Sodium possesses the ordinary qualities of a fixed alkali, but not withstanding the resemblance it has to potash, the preparations, even with the same acid, present some differences which may be here pointed out.
In the oxidised state, or soda (pure or caustic), sodium is not employed in medicine to counteract acidity ; nor in surgery to form an ulcer or to open abscesses, though for this latter purpose it possesses some advantages over hydrate of potash, inasmuch as it is not liable to spread or run.
It is only when in combination with carbonic acid that it is used to correct acidity. It exists in three states, namely, carbonate, sesqui carbonate, and bicarbonate : the causticity of these is less in propor tion to the increase of the acid. These preparations, administered in various ways, but chiefly in solution, are much used to counteract real or presumed acidity of the stomach. The abuse of the analogous preparations of potash has been already pointed out. [Porassium.] The same caution is necessary as to soda-water, when that really con tains any carbonate or bicarbonate of soda, as it not nnfrequently consists only of carbonic acid compressed into the water. The saline draughts so commonly employed in the medical practice of this country are liable to the same objection, and in all cases of debility, especially in the phosphatic diathesis, do infinite harm. For an opposite reason, they are extremely serviceable in all inflammatory complaints : the period when they should be discontinued can only be determined by an intelligent medical attendant.
The preparations of soda possessed of purgative properties are—the sulphate, or Glauber's salts, the phosphate, and the triple salt, called soda;-potassio-tartraa, or Rochelle salts, of which potash is also a con stituent. Of these it is only necessary to observe that of the sulphate a much larger dose is required than of the corresponding salt of potash; and that the phosphate, being nearly tasteless, and extremely mild in its action, is a very proper aperient for delicate persons. A nearly
similar character belongs to the Rochelle salt, but as this is decom posed in the stomach, it is as hurtful as the common saline draughts in awes of debility, though very beneficial in inflammatory disorders, particularly in both acute and chronic duodenitis. The same remark is applicable to the so-called Seidlitz powders formed with Rochelle salt and bicarbonate of soda, to which, when dissolved, a solution of tartaric acid is added, and the mixture drank in the state of effer vescence. The most quickly acting aperient is a Seidlitz powder dissolved in warm water ; this is most proper at the commencement of common colds, influenza, and inflammatory diseases, but it should not be repeated without medical sanction, especially in influenza, where extreme debility speedily ensues.
The preparations of soda possessed of diuretic properties are the bi-borate and the acetate. The former of these has been already treated of [Boleax], and the second is rarely used, though, from not deliquescing, it has the advantage over acetate of potash, that it can be administered in the form of powder.
Chloride of sodium possesses purgative and emetic properties, which render it useful as a domestic remedy. Its other uses have been already pointed out. [BATIIrSO; ANTHIFIWINTICS Foon.] Along with lemon juice it is a great means of checking sea-sickness.
Chloride or hypochlorite of soda is a powerful disinfecting agent. [AxvisErrics.] It is of great utility in the malignant sore throat of scarlatina, and in diphtheria.
Bisnlphite of soda is a powerful antiseptic. It effectually checks or prevents fermentation. (3lacculloch On Wine Making.') It retards the decomposition of animal substances, and for that purpose is used in Parisian dissecting-rooms.
Hypophosphite of soda is sometimes of use in the early stages of consumption ; also In materna and chlorosis.
Valcrianate of soda is a useful anti-spasmodic in some forms of indi gestion, with spasms from unhealthy acids in the stomach.