Characters. - An almost colourless, slightly yellow, viscid liquid, with a sharp saline taste and an alkaline reaction.

Reactions. - It imparts an intense yellow colour to a non-luminous flame. A small quantity should not produce any caustic effect on the skin (showing the absence of excess of alkali).

Use. - It is used for making bandages, which are thus rendered lighter than plaster-of-paris, and stronger than starch, bandages.