spirit of tin

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stannic \Stan"nic\ (-n[i^]k), a. [L. stannum tin: cf. F.
   stannique.] (Chem.)
   Of or pertaining to tin; derived from or containing tin;
   specifically, designating those compounds in which the
   element has a higher valence as contrasted with {stannous}
   compounds.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Stannic acid}.
   (a) A hypothetical substance, {Sn(OH)4}, analogous to silicic
       acid, and called also {normal stannic acid}.
   (b) Metastannic acid.

   {Stannic chloride}, a thin, colorless, fuming liquid,
      {SnCl4}, used as a mordant in calico printing and dyeing;
      -- formerly called {spirit of tin}, or {fuming liquor of
      Libavius}.

   {Stannic oxide}, tin oxide, {SnO2}, produced artificially as
      a white amorphous powder, and occurring naturally in the
      mineral cassiterite. It is used in the manufacture of
      white enamels, and, under the name of {putty powder}, for
      polishing glass, etc.
      [1913 Webster]
    

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