Synonym. Spiritus Etheris Nitrici. Lond. Edin.

Prep. Rectified spirit, two pints; nitrate of soda, five ounces; sulphuric acid, four fluid ounces. Add the acid by degrees to the spirit, then pour the mixture upon the nitrate of soda, and distil thirty-five fluid ounces, keeping the receiver very cool; the nitrous acid, liberated by the action of the sulphuric acid, unites with the ether produced from the alcohol, and forms a nitrate of ethyl which distils over, accompanied with alcohol and ether; other compounds are also formed in small quantities during the process, which become mixed with the product. The difficulty of procuring a pure nitrite of soda constitutes the chief objection to the adoption of this process; if a pure salt is used, the product contains much nitrite of ethyl.

Prop. & Comp. A colourless liquid, with an agreeable fruity odour, and slightly acidulous cooling taste; volatile and inflammable; sp. gr. 0.843; [0.837. U. S.] it has usually a slight acid reaction, but should effervesce feebly or not at all when carbonate of soda is added; when agitated with the solution of sulphate of iron, and a few drops of sulphuric acid, it becomes deep olive brown or black (from the liberation of the peroxide of nitrogen). It consists of alcohol, holding in solution nitrite of ethyl (C4 H5 O, No3). It often contains aldehyde, acetic acid, deutoxide of nitrogen, etc, if prepared by the process of the old London Pharmacopoeia. By keeping, the acids increase in quantity, giving to the preparation a strong acid reaction. If it is agitated with twice its volume of a saturated solution of chloride of calcium, 1 1/2 per cent. by volume of nitrous ether separates and rises to the surface.

Therapeutics. Nitrous ether is a stimulant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, chiefly used for the latter property in dropsies; occasionally as a diaphoretic in slight febrile affections: it also appears to act as a grateful refrigerant. It is popularly known by the name of Sweet Spirits of Nitre.

Dose. 1/2 fl. drm. to 2 fl. drms.

Adulteration. Excess of acid, from being too long kept or improperly prepared; it then effervesces with carbonate of soda.