Sulphate of magnesia having cathartic qualities; -- originally prepared by boiling down the mineral waters at Epsom, England, -- whence the name; afterwards prepared from sea water; but now from certain minerals, as from siliceous hydrate of magnesia. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

epsom salts, n. a preparation of magnesium sulphate used as a purgative etc.

Etymology

Epsom in Surrey, where it was first found occurring naturally

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ROGET THESAURUS

epsom salts

Remedy

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