Salpetre. Salpeter.

No. 1381. - Salt-petre, or nitre, is both a natural and an artificial product. Its quality varies considerably. That which comes in yellow crystals is called crude salt-petre; while the finer lots, in small, comparatively clear crystals, approaching to white, are called East India refined. It is considered refrigerant, diuretic, and diaphoretic, and is known to be a powerful antiseptic. In cookery it is employed for the purpose of retaining the red color in meat, such as beef, tongue or ham, when' they are put in brine.