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

Iodides.—Iodides are treated, as the bromides and chlorides, in a bead of microcosmic salt with oxide of copper.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The insolubility of a fragment of the mineral in a bead of microcosmic salt, is also a very good test; the fragment, on prolonged heating, does not lose its angular form.

From Project Gutenberg

Strontia or its compounds produce with borax, or microcosmic salt, the same reactions as baryta.

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