Made by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should
contain not less than 98.5 per cent of pure lithium benzoate, and
should be kept in a well stopped bottle. Soluble in 3 parts of water,
and in 13 parts of alcohol.
DOSE.--Same as benzoic acid.
ACTIONS.--Benzoin is a mild stimulant, expectorant and antiseptic;
benzoic acid is quite powerful; it renders alkaline urine acid; it is
used to dissolve phosphatic calculi.
USES.--The tincture and compound tincture are used as stimulants and
antiseptics for wounds and sores. Benzoic acid, when administered
internally, acts mildly as an antiseptic to the bladder; useful in
catarrh of the bladder. Benzoate of soda is used in bronchial catarrh.
Benzoate of ammonia is used to dissolve phosphatic calculi. Lithium
benzoate has been highly recommended as a remedy for rheumatic
affections.