_Spiritus Nitri dulcis._ P.L. 1745.
QUALITIES. A colourless fluid of the _specific gravity_ ·850. _Odour_,
extremely fragrant; _Taste_, pungent and acidulous; it is very volatile
and inflammable. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. A portion of nitric æther and
nitric acid, combined with alcohol. SOLUBILITY. It is soluble both in
water and alcohol. INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. With a solution of _green
sulphate of iron_ it strikes a deep olive colour, owing probably to its
holding a portion of nitrous gas in solution; with the _tinctures of
guaiacum_ it produces a green or blue coagulum. MED. USES. When properly
diluted, it is refrigerant and diuretic; and has been long employed as a
grateful draught in febrile affections; as a diuretic, it frequently
proves a valuable auxiliary in dropsy, (see _Form. 113, 116_.) DOSE, ♏︎x
to xl. in any aqueous vehicle. By age and exposure to the air, it is
gradually decomposed, and gives rise to the reproduction of nitrous
acid.