Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Saltpeter

Chemistry & Physics, Pharmacology

Also known as: Nitrate, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Nitrate

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Saltpeter, or nitrate, is a salt of nitric acid with various industrial and medicinal uses. Potassium saltpeter and sodium-based Chilean saltpeter are the primary forms, with production linked to synthetic nitric acid plants in the USSR.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

SALPETER (Latin Sal Petrae), or nitrate, is a salt of nitric acid (see Nitric acid). Chilean, or cubic, saltpeter, NaNO3, is found in natural deposits in South America (Chile). Potassium saltpeter, KNO3, is more frequently used on account of the hygroscopicity of Chilean saltpeter. For the medical use of saltpeter, see Potassium. The production of saltpeter and nitrites in the USSR is associated with synthetic nitric acid plants.

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Cite this page

“Saltpeter.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/saltpeter/