Origin. - Prepared from the ash obtained from the residue of the beet-sugar manufacture. It may also be obtained from wood-ashes.

Description and Properties. - A white, granular powder, odorless, and having a strongly alkaline taste; very deliquescent; soluble in 0.9 part of water at 25 C. (77 F.) and in about 0.65 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol. Its aqueous solution (1:20) has a strongly alkaline reaction upon litmus-paper, and effervesces with acids. Potassium carbonate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles.

Dose. - 5-30 grains (0.3-2.01 Gm.) [10 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].