28 0« Gravelly and Calculous Concretions, 



gine that physicians of the first eminence, and of all na- 

 tions, would still consent to tread iu the path of empiricism 

 by persevering in the use of this remedy, if they were not 

 retained in it by the irresistible evidence of a successful 

 practice and observation? or that the late Dr. Smyth, a 

 gentleman of great discernment, and extensive knowledge, 

 would, so generally and promiscuously, prescribe lime water 

 in gout and gravel, if he were not satisfied of its ethcacy, 

 as well as of the great similarity of these complaints ?" 



Experiment I. 



To four ounces of healthy urine was added one ounce 

 of lime water. A similar quantity of urine was set aside 

 as a standard, both in close vessels ; temperature varying 

 from 60 to 75 degrees, being in August 1799- In the 

 first, no sign of the slightest separation, or crystallization 

 of uric acid, after three, five, or seven days. Some ob- 

 servable in the standard after the third day, which in- 

 creased in quantity to the fifth. 



Experiment II. 



To the same quantity of urine was added half an ounce 

 <nly of lime water, with the same appearances as before, 

 ffo sign of uric acid after several days. The standard depo- 

 sted a few crystals on the third morning. 



Experiment III. 

 *^o the same quantity of urine were added two drachms 

 onl of Jime water, which, though insufiicicnt to neutralize 

 the ijsengaged phosphoric acid, yet seemed as effectually to 

 prevot tilt separation of uric acid as the greater quantities 

 empLyed in the former experiments. 



Experiment IV. 

 To three ounces of the urine of a child, six years old, still 

 varm, and subject to deposit gravel upon cooling, were 

 adted two drachms of lime water, which effectually pre- 

 ■vcited all separation of this matter, whilst the star. .lard pre- 

 lipi'.ated copiously this saline substance after three hours. 



Experiment 



