- Origin. -Prepared by decomposing lithium carbonate with benzoic acid. It should contain not less than 98.5 per cent. of pure lithium benzoate.

Description and Properties. - A light white powder, or small, shining, crystalline scales; odorless or of a faint, benzoin-like odor, and of a cooling, sweetish taste; permanent in the air. Soluble in 3 parts of water, in 13 parts of alcohol, and 2.5 parts of boiling water, and in 10 parts of boiling alcohol. The presence of sodium benzoate increases the solubility in water and lessens it in alcohol. The aqueous solution (1: 20) of lithium benzoate has a faintly acid reaction upon litmus.

Dose. - 5-20 grains (0.3-1.2 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].