saleratus

Though no yeast was used, some early recipes called for saleratus, a precursor to baking soda that was manufactured in the late 1700s and often used in biscuit and cake recipes.

One cup butter, 3 teaspoonfuls ginger, 5 flour, 1⁄2 cup cider or any spirits, 4 eggs, and a teaspoonful of saleratus, dissolved in a teacup of sweet milk.

Causes.—Cold, external injury, or injury from irritating substances, that are often sent full tilt through the kidneys, as spirits of turpentine, gin and molasses, saleratus.

It's only spring, yet they are thicker round here already than lumps of saleratus in those biscuit we've been talkin' about.

Same as Walnut or Hickory-nut; but use no molasses, and when done, set off and stir in one teaspoon saleratus; mark into sticks.