S84 



on the uric acid ; which I would be disposed to attribute 

 to its very weak union to the carbonic acid, in the iully 

 carbonated and super-carbonated states; as well as to the 

 very Aveak degi-ee of acidity of the uric -acid itself,' 'reftder- 

 ing the most minute portion of all alkaline matter suffi- 

 cient to its^ saturation. However this may 'be, it is obvious, 

 that the extraordinary quantity of ga§, with which these 

 waters are surcharged, is undoubtedly superfluous, and 

 -may, probably, prove dangerous. In gouty habits (so sub- 

 ject to these complain-ts) there is always danger of theiv 

 inducing spasmodic affections of the stomach. This has 

 frequently occurred: and if, to prevent it, we are obliged 

 to add spirituous tinctures, and brandy, why not as well 

 omit this super-saturation at onee,:^ and content ourselves 

 with that pleasing degreb of it, which exceeds but little 

 that of saturation.'' ;• ,. 



Nor have the predisposed to apoplexy less to apprehend. 

 And, in these cases, we find our own physicians j as well 

 as those of the sister kingdom, preferring carbonated pot- 

 ash, or desiccated soda. But, recollecting that I am act- 

 ing, on this occasion, the part only of the experimenter, I 

 shall now proceed to consider, what the action of these 

 saline siibstances may be, on the uric aCid,'iii its concrete 

 -or calculous! state, as well as on a few othere of these con- 

 cretions; which, though of a different nature, are of fre- 

 (juent occurrence, and easy solubility. The nature of those 

 employed in the following experiments, was always pre- 

 viously ascertained and specified; they were also carefully 



weighed 



