The New International Encyclopædia/Saleratus

SALERATUS (Neo-Lat., formerly sal aëratus, aërated salt). A name applied to potassium bicarbonate, which was formerly much used in cooking, as sodium bicarbonate (cooking soda) is used at present. It may be made by passing carbonic acid gas through a solution of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) as long as any gas is absorbed, then filtering the liquid and evaporating to crystallization. Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) is a colorless and odorless compound. It still finds some use in medicine.