microcosmic salt

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. sodium ammonium phosphate.

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microcosmic salt British  

noun

1. a white soluble solid obtained from human urine; ammonium sodium hydrogen phosphate. It is used as a flux in bead tests on metal oxides

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Etymology

Origin of microcosmic salt

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

The microcosmic salt bead dissolves almost every oxide except silica, SiO2, and this is seen to float about in the melted mass.

From Project Gutenberg

The angular concretions to the sides of the pot, formed as the urine cools, is microcosmic salt.

From Project Gutenberg

Detection.—Titanium is detected in an insoluble residue by fusing the residue for some time in a bead of microcosmic salt.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of the silicates give with borax a clear bead, while they form with microcosmic salt an opalescent one.

From Project Gutenberg

From the human system it is excreted by the kidneys as microcosmic salt, HNaNH4PO4; and when the brain is hard- worked, more than usual is excreted.

From Project Gutenberg