Tartaric Acid
From London's Ghost Acres
British Pharmacopoeia 1867
Tartaric Acid Acidum Tartaricum
“A crystalline acid prepared from the acid tartrate of potash.” 23 Acid of Tartrate potash (45 oz), distilled water (as needed), prepared chalk (12 ½ oz), sulphuric acid (13 fl oz). 23
It is often used as a test solution, confirming the presence or purity of other drugs. Characteristics
“In colourless crystals the primary form of which is the oblique rhombic prism. It has a strongly acid taste, and is readily soluble in water and in rectified spirit.” 23 Dose: 10-30 grains 24
Preparations of Tartaric Acid
Effervescent Citro-tartrate of Soda / Sodae Citro-Tartras Effervescens 289
- Bicarbonate of soda, in powder (17 oz), tartaric acid, in powder (8 oz), citric acid, in powder (6 oz)
- dose: 60 grains to ¼ oz
Solution of Tartaric Acid / Test Solution 391
- tartaric acid, in crystals (1 oz), distilled water (8 fl oz), rectified spirit (2 fl oz)
A Compendium of Domestic Medicine, 1865
All page numbers are recorded as (PDF #/SOURCE #)
Classified as a Refrigerant and Cooling (remedies which abate thirst or unnatural heat) (415/394)
Used as a refrigerant, antiseptic, diuretic, and a weak aperient. Can be combined with sugar, essence of lemon, and water to form a “pleasant fever drink.” When combined with bicarbonate of soda, and spring water, it can form a substitute for soda water, making it slightly aperient.
Remedies Containing or to be used with Tartaric Acid
- Soda, Bicarbonate of (157/136): combined with tartaric acid and water to make an effervescing draught, and is slightly aperient.
Medical Articles Containing Tartaric Acid
- Lemonade (323/302): tartaric acid
Prescriptions Containing Tartaric Acid
Aperients and Cathartics
- Effervescing Aperient Draught (333/312): tartaric acid or lemon-juice can be added