Characters. - In colourless octahedral crystals which are nearly opaque, permanent in the air, of a sweetish astringent taste.

Solubility. - Soluble in water and alcohol.

Reactions. - The aqueous solution gives the reactions of lead (p. 698). Added to sulphate of indigo it discharges the colour.

Preparation. - By dissolving lead in nitric acid with the aid of heat and crystallising.

Preparation in which Nitrate of Lead is used.

Plumbi Iodidum.

Uses. - It is sometimes applied as a disinfectant, and occasionally to cracked hands or lips and fissured nipples, and in onychia maligna. It has been given in order to check haemorrhage from the lungs.