This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
Latin, Acidum Tartaricum (Gen., Acidi Tartarici)
Eng., Tartaric Acid. Formula, H2C4H406. An organic acid usually prepared from Argol-a sediment in wine casks.
Usually a white powder.
Odorless with an acid taste.
In 0.75 part of water and 3.3 parts of alcohol.
Salts of calcium, mercury, lead, etc.
8 grains (0.5 Gm.).
Tartaric Acid enters into a large percentage of the effervescing preparations.
Refrigerant, astringent, antiseptic.
Used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but not often a prescription ingredient.
For effect potassium bitartrate or potassium and sodium tartrate are used.
 
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