XV. Contributions to the chemistry of the urine. On the variations in the alkaline and earthy phosphates in the healthy state, and on the alkalescence of the urine from fixed alkalies

Abstract

Abstract On the Variations of the Earthy and Alkaline Phosphates in a healthy state of Urine. Having observed the occurrence of a great excess of earthy phosphates in the urine in some cases of disease, and having made frequent examinations as to the quantity present on successive days, I found so great a discrepancy, that it became necessary before any further progress could be made to ascertain the variations in the amount of earthy phosphates in the urine of a healthy man, and, if possible, to trace the causes which determined the presence of an excess or deficiency of these salts in the urine. At the same time it was thought desirable to note the variations which the alkaline phosphates presented in the same water, and to see if they were influ­enced by the same, or by different causes. A healthy man taking food twice daily, with moderate exercise for three hours, was the subject of the following experiments. The method followed was to take the specific gravity of the urine, if ever it was not strongly acid adding a drop or two of hydrochloric acid. Then from a weighed quantity, usually about 1000 grains, to precipitate the earthy phosphates by means of pure ammonia, to filter, wash with ammoniacal water, and heat them to redness, adding at last a drop or two of nitric acid. Thus the earthy phosphates were determined.