A letter on the differences in the structure of calculi, which arise from their being formed in different parts of the urinary passages; and on the effects that are produced upon them by the internal use of solvent medicines / from William Brande to Everard Home.

  • Brande, William Thomas, 1788-1866
Date:
1808
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter on the differences in the structure of calculi, which arise from their being formed in different parts of the urinary passages; and on the effects that are produced upon them by the internal use of solvent medicines / from William Brande to Everard Home. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Sixty grains of another calculus of a considerable size, sup¬ posed from a superficial analysis, to consist of nearly pure urate of ammonia, were digested at a low temperature in one ounce of alcohol. In an hour the alcohol was decanted off, and fresh portions were added successively, as long as it ap¬ peared to act upon the calculus, which after having been care¬ fully dried in a temperature below 2120, weighed 54.8. grains, so that 5.2 grains had been taken up by the alcohol. On evaporating the alcoholic solutions, a substance was obtained having all the properties of urea, with a small por¬ tion of saline matter, probably muriate of ammonia, as by the addition of potash, a slight ammoniacal odour was perceptible ; its quantity however was too minute for accurate examination. The remaining portion of the calculus, weighing 54.8 grains, was treated with small portions of acetic acid, by which 6. grains of the ammoniaco-magnesian phosphate were obtained. J The part of the calculus remaining after this treatment, weighing 48.8 grains was perfectly soluble in a solution of pure potash ; it emitted no ammoniacal odour when acted upon by the alcali, and possessed the properties of pure uric acid. The following therefore is the composition of this calculus. Grains. Urea, and muriate of ammonia - - 5.2 Ammoniaco-magnesian phosphate - 6. Uric acid - - - 48.8 60. From these and many similar experiments upon other cal¬ culi, hitherto generally supposed to consist of urate of am-