ORIGIN.--Sodium sulphate effloresces on the soil in various parts of Europe. It also exists in solution in many mineral springs in the United States. Sodium sulphate is also produced artificially in several chemical operations. PROPERTIES.--Sodium sulphate is in large, colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms, or granular crystals; odorless, and having a bitter, saline taste. It effloresces rapidly in the air, and finally loses all its water of crystalization. Soluble in three parts of water at the temperature of 59° F., insoluble in alcohol, soluble in glycerine. ACTIONS.--Saline cathartic, cholagogue, hepatic stimulant, slightly diuretic and febrifuge. When the effects of a hepatic stimulant is required it should be given in small repeated doses. USES.--It is advantageously used as a cathartic in congestion of the liver, in small repeated doses, also useful in dropsical conditions, influenza, especially where the liver is involved; tetanus and febrile diseases, where the bowels are apt to be constipated. Give two to four ounces in a bucket of water. It is successfully used in itching skin diseases in full doses combined with bicarbonate of soda two to four ounces. DOSES.--As a cathartic, well diluted in water at about 59° F.; horses, 16 to 24 ounces; cattle, 1 to 2 pounds; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 ounces. Where repetition is necessary the dose should be reduced one-eighth of the above. Best results are obtained when administered with capsicum or ginger, as it prevents griping and assists its action. SODII THIOSULPHAS--SODIUM THIOSULPHATE--SODIUM HYPOSULPHITE ORIGIN.--Sodium hyposulphite is prepared by dissolving sulphur in boiling aqueous solution of sodium sulphite. PROPERTIES.--Colorless, transparent, monoclinic prisms; odorless and having a cooling, afterwards bitter taste. Permanent in air 91.4° F., but efflorescent in dry air above that temperature; slightly deliquescent in moist air. Soluble in about 0.35 parts of water at 77° F. At boiling heat the solution is rapidly decomposed; insoluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in turpentine. ACTIONS.--Sodium hyposulphite is an antiseptic, deodoriser and insecticide. In the presence of acids, without and also within the body, it gives off sulphurous acid, which it therefore resembles. It is thought to destroy ferments and bacteria, and removes offensive smells. Its properties are greatly increased when used along with the tar acids. When standing long in contact with water the sulphite decomposes and gives off hydrogen sulphide. USES.--Sodium hyposulphite is recommended in indigestion, fermentation, flatulence and foul smelling feces and in general septic conditions, but have proven as useless as most other medicines in their latter stages. It is used externally in parasitic affections of the skin and mouth in the form of an ointment or solution. DOSES.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ ozs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.