Mix and accurately weigh the substance to be tested, and, unless otherwise directed in the individual monograph, conduct the determination on 1 to 2 g. If the test specimen is in the form of large crystals, reduce the particle size to about 2 mm by quickly crushing. Tare a glass-stoppered, shallow weighing bottle that has been dried for 30 minutes under the same conditions to be employed in the determination. Put the test specimen in the bottle, replace the cover, and accurately weigh the bottle and the contents. By gentle, sidewise shaking, distribute the test specimen as evenly as practicable to a depth of about 5 mm generally, and not more than 10 mm in the case of bulky materials. Place the loaded bottle in the drying chamber, removing the stopper and leaving it also in the chamber. Dry the test specimen at the temperature and for the time specified in the monograph.
[noteThe temperature specified in the monograph is to be regarded as being within the range of ±2
of the stated figure.
] Upon opening the chamber, close the bottle promptly, and allow it to come to room temperature in a desiccator before weighing.