. H3C7HO7. An acid obtained from opium.

Characters. - In micaceous crystals, nearly colourless, the solution in water having a strongly acid taste and reaction.

Solubility. - It is sparingly soluble in water, readily soluble in alcohol.

Reactions. - The solution is coloured red by neutral solution of perchloride of iron, the colour being discharged by strong but not by diluted hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution gives no precipitate with solution of iodine and iodide of potassium.

Official Meconate

B.P.

Dose.

Liquor Morphinae Bimeconatis.................................................

5-40 min.

Action. - It has very little physiological action. It has been stated to have a narcotic action, but this is very feeble.