microcosmic salt

noun

, Chemistry.

1. sodium ammonium phosphate.

microcosmic salt

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of microcosmic salt¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

The oxide of niobium dissolved in a bead of microcosmic salt gives a bluish colour in the reducing flame.

From Project Gutenberg

Heat the substance with a bead of microcosmic salt or borax on a platinum wire in the oxidizing flame.

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

Fused with borax, soda, or microcosmic salt, they give a clear bead.

From Project Gutenberg

Baryta and its compounds produce the same reactions with microcosmic salt.

From Project Gutenberg