218 Brande on Calculous Disorders. 



should not merely be preserved as curiosities in a glass case, 

 but a proper section should be made of them, and a note ot 

 their chemical composition, together with the sources whence 

 they were obtained, annexed to each calculus. In this way, in 

 the course of a few years, a collection would inevitably arise in- 

 valuable both to the master and pupil, and tending more than 

 any other method to elucidate the history of calculous dis- 

 orders*. 



Among the important facts brought to light by Dr. Wollas- 

 ton's researches, is the analogy between urinary and gouty con- 

 cretions, the latter consisting of uric acid in combination with 

 soda. Another circumstance, showing the relation subsisting 

 between gout and gravel, is the frequent alternation of the two 

 series of symptoms, and the abundant deposition of uric sand 

 that often announces the departure of an attack of gout. 



The same causes which produce gout are probably often 

 effective, as I have elsewhere stated, in disposing to calculous 

 affections, and the same remedies are often efficacious in both 

 diseases. It deserves trial, how far the Colchicum Autumnale, 

 which has proved a specific in gout, may be efficacious in pre- 

 venting the formation of that excess of uric acid in the system, 

 which, when thrown off by the kidneys, forms the commonest 

 kind of gravel and calculus, and that which is productive of 

 the most alarming consequences f. 



* This plan is pursued, I understand, in the Norwich and Norfolk 

 Infirmary, with the greatest advantage- 



•f- Since writing the above, I have received a very flattering account of 

 the success that has attended the use of the Vinvm Colchid in an obstinate 

 case of red gravel, but have not been able to obtain such particulars as can 

 at present be published. [ trust tlje subject will not escape the attention 

 of those whose practice may enable them further to investigate it. 



I take this opportunity of referring the reader to a valuable paper of 

 Dr. Henry on Urinary Concretions, in the tenth volume of the Medico- CM- 

 rurgical Transactions. 1 was not acquainted with this paper whilst writing 

 the above, or I should have availed myself of its contents. I am happy to 

 find many of my conclusions sanctioned by Dr. Henry's authority. 



