Acidum Nitrosum Dilutum. E.D.
_Dilute Nitric Acid._
It is much to be regretted that the proportion of water directed for the
dilution of the acid, varies considerably in the different
pharmacopœias; that prepared according to the Edinburgh and Dublin
formulæ, being in strength to that of the present Pharmacopœia of
London, as 4 to 1: _specific gravity_, 1·080; each fluid-drachm contains
nearly 8½ grains of the concentrated acid, and saturates 18 grains of
crystallized sub-carbonate of soda. DOSE ♏︎x to xl. The acid is a very
powerful anti-phlogistic remedy; it has been much extolled in diseases
of the liver, and in syphilis. Mr. Pearson however observes that we
ought not to rely upon it in any form of lues venerea, although it may
be often serviceable in restraining the progress of the disease when an
impaired constitution or other circumstances render the exhibition of
mercury improper; when sufficiently dilute, it forms an excellent lotion
for old indolent ulcers. It proves also expectorant, see _Form. 139,
140_; and it is occasionally used with success for the purpose of
counteracting the consecutive effects of opium. See _Form. 16_.