142 Biochemical Proceedings, Hygienic Congress [Sept. 



lodgement in the organism in the form of a " seroretention," while 

 only a small part is deposited in the form of a " historetention." In 

 consideration of these established opinions, for a decade, I have 

 recommended a limitation of the supply of salt in the food, and a 

 medicinal Stimulation of salt-elimination, in the prevention and 

 treatment of hydronephrosis. 



The Situation, with regard to uncomplicated diseases of the heart 

 (as well as incipient compensation disturbances in subjects of heart 

 disease) is different from that in cases of parenchymatous nephritis. 

 Also, in inflammatory discharges, and in ascites resulting from cir- 

 rhosis of the liver, the circumstances are otherwise. In these con- 

 ditions, the results of a deprivation of chlorin are very inconstant. 

 For alimentation in diabetes insipidus, there have been established 

 certain correct requirements similar to those laid down for parenchy- 

 matous nephritics with an inclination toward dropsy. The signifi- 

 cance of a limitation of salt as a means of lessening the thirst, in 

 all cases in which there is a question of a decrease of fluid in the 

 aliment, is now more highly appreciated than formerly. 



The question of dry retention of chlorin is now not wholly clear. 

 At present, exact investigations as to the salt-content of the skin are 

 lacking. Also, the relation of salt-retention to the development of 

 uremia has not yet been fully explained. I should be inclined at 

 this time to State only that, ccoteris parihus, uremia occurs more 

 readily in the nephritic organism which is poor in water, than in 

 one where water is abundant, and I may also State that, in the vom- 

 ited matter of uremics, an extraordinary quantity of common salt 

 is found. 



Through recent researches, a marked relationship between bro- 

 min and chlorin has also been brought to light. Bromid poisoning 

 may be success fully treated by means of an abundant supply of 

 common salt. 



In complete deprivation of salt, and, likewise, in thorough lim- 

 itation of fluids, an increase in the disintegration of protein may be 

 noted. On the other band, an increase in the combustion of fat 

 cannot be shown. As a rule, salt-equilibrium is restored in 24-48 

 hours. On the contrary, following a previously sharp decrease in 

 the supply of salt, it requires several days for the restoration of salt- 



