Source

From the alkali Lithium, which is rare in nature.

Preparations

Lithii Carbonas - carbonate of lithium, a white powder but slightly soluble in water, and having a feeble alkaline reaction.

Dose

Grs. ij to grs. x.

Lithii Citras

Citrate of Lithium, a deliquescent white powder, soluble in twenty-five parts of water.

Dose

Grs. v to grs. xxx.

Lithii Salicylas

Salicylate of Lithium, a deliquescent white powder with a sweetish taste, feeble acid reaction and very soluble in alcohol and water.

Dose

Gr. v to

Lithii Benzoas

Benzoate of Lithium, either in the form of a white powder, or small shining scales, is not deliquescent in the air, and has a sweetish, cooling taste and a feeble acid reaction.

It is soluble in twelve parts of alcohol at 6o° F., and in four parts of water.

Dose

Gr. ij to gr. xv.

Medical Properties And Therapeutic Uses

These lithium salts have strong alkaline properties, and produce effects similar to those of the potassium and sodium compounds; and hence are very effective antacid agents. The salts of lithium are employed with great benefit in rheumatic gout, uric acid diathesis, rheumatism, uric acid calculi of kidneys and bladder, irritable bladder from an excess of acid in the urine, etc.

Dental Uses

The lithium salts are effective in preventing and correcting the effects of a gouty diathesis upon the teeth, and in periodontitis dependent upon gout. The carbonate of lithium is employed to arrest the abrasion or erosion of the teeth, when due to an excess of uric acid in the saliva; for such a purpose the agent can be dissolved in carbonic acid water.