Meconic Acid

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

in chemistry, C7H4O7. of the One constituents of opium discovered by Sertürner in 1805. It is prepared THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, UNITED STATES ARMY from the alcoholic extract of opium by precipitating with baric chloride and decomposing the baric meconate with sulphuric acid. It crystallizes in colorless, mica-like plates or prisms, containing three molecules of water, with difficulty soluble in cold water and ether, but more readily in hot water and alcohol. MEDAL OF HONOR Awarded for bravery on the battle field. (United States). Instituted in 1862 and authorized by Congress. In 1905 a new Medal of Honor, a five-pointed star in rose-gold, was adopted. In the center is a head of Minerva in relief, surrounded by a band, inscribed "United States of America." A laurel wreath of green enamel surrounds the star with a bar above, inscribed "Valor," surmounted by an eagle. The decoration hangs from a wateredsilk blue ribbon emblazoned with 13 white stars. The reverse of the medal is left plain for the recipient's name, which is preceded by "The Congress to-" Until this decoration was insti- THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION FRANCES CREAT ITALY BRITAIN SERBIA TEZ BELGIUM JAPAN BRAZIL MONTENEGRO IN PORTUGAL RUSSIA RUMANIA GREECE CHINA tuted, the United States had no military decoration equivalent to the Victoria Cross of Great Britain. In 1917 Congress authorized the issue of a new Medal of Honor, differing slightly in design and to be awarded to members of the army and navy for valor in the World War. MEDAL OF HONOR LEGION (United States). A patriotic society consisting of officers and enlisted men who have been awarded the Medal of Honor. As organized in 1890, only those who fought in the Civil War were admitted to membership, but afterward the privilege was extended to all who had received the medal regardless of the war in which it was won.