Origin. - It may be obtained by neutralizing acetic acid with sodium carbonate. The usual article, however, is manufactured on a large scale in the United States in the process of purifying acetic acid from wood vinegar.

Description and Properties. - Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or a granular, crystalline powder, odorless, and having a cooling, saline taste; efflorescent in warm, dry air. Soluble in 11 parts of water and in 23 parts of alcohol; also in 0.5 part of boiling water and in 2 parts of boiling alcohol. Sodium acetate should be kept in well-stoppered bottles.

Dose - 15-60 grains (1.0-4.0 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].