Synonym. Sodae Biboras. Dub.

Prep. Found native in Thibet, and imported from India as tincal or crude borax; made also in Tuscany by neutralizing the boracic acid, obtained from the lagoons with carbonate of soda.

Prop. and Comp. Flattened six-sided prisms, semitransparent, with a slight alkaline reaction and saline taste, efflorescent; insoluble in rectified spirit; pretty soluble in water, especially when hot; and from this solution, on the addition of any of the mineral acids, crystalline scales of boracic acid are thrown down; the solution of boracic acid in spirit burns with a green flame; it loses its water and fuses when heated. Composition (Na 0, 2 B O3 + 10 HO): 191 grains dissolved in 10 fluid ounces of distilled water require for saturation 100 measures of the volumetric solution of oxalic acid, equivalent to 31 grains of soda.

Off. Prep. Mel Boracis. Honey of Borax. [Mel Sodae Boratis. U. S.] (Powdered borax, sixty-four grains; [sixty grains. U. S.] honey, one ounce. Mix.)

Therapeutics. Borax acts as a mild alkali upon the alimentary canal, and after absorption tends to render the fluids alkaline, and to produce diuresis: other powers have been attributed to it, viz., a specific action upon the uterus, causing contraction. It is used sometimes as a diuretic and antacid, sometimes combined with ergot to produce expulsion of the placenta, and as an emmenagogue. Externally it is used mixed with honey, or as a gargle, to aphthous conditions of the tongue and throat, and in mercurial salivation.

Dose. 10 gr. to 60 gr.