Prep. Made by dissolving an ounce of crystallized tartaric acid in eight fluid ounces of distilled water, and adding to it two fluid ounces of rectified spirit.

The spirit is employed on account of the liability of the watery solution of tartaric acid to become opaque from the formation of a vegetable growth.

Use. The solution of tartaric acid is used in the Pharmacopoeia for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of potash; for if added in excess to any solution containing that base, a very insoluble salt, the acid or bitartrate of potash, is formed and precipitates. Again, tartaric acid prevents the precipitation of oxide of antimony when an acid solution of this metal is added to water.

It is employed under Alumen and Potassae Acetas; also under Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor, and Antimonium Tartaratum.