196 THE URINE. 



412. Show that the nmcin dissolves by adding a few 

 drops of an alkali,, like sodium hydrate, and that it is re- 

 precipitated from this solution by acidifying again with 

 acetic acid. 



413. If urine containing much mucin can be ob- 

 tained, apply the general tests for protein and albumin, 

 and notice that it responds to many of them. 



LIPURIA,, OR CHYLURIA. 



An abnormal condition of the urine not uncommon among 

 the inhabitants of the tropics, but more rare among those of cooler 

 climates is the presence of fat. Lipuria, or the appearance of fat 

 in the urine, may be due to an abscess or fatty degeneration of the 

 kidney; to an excessive amount of fat in the blood, as in preg- 

 nancy; or to conditions which produce fatty degeneration of other 

 organs, as the liver, and in phosphorus poisoning, whereby the 

 amount of fat in the blood is abnormally increased. The chyluria 

 of the tropics is due to the action of a parasite, which causes a 

 rupture of the lymph-vessels and allows the lymph to pass into 

 the urinary passages. The urine is often milky, and, on standing, 

 a creamy layer forms. It contains also the other constituents of 

 the lymph, albuminous substances, etc. In cases of lipuria where 

 only a small amount of fat is present it may appear in the form 

 of drops upon the surface, or it may be present in microscopic 

 globules, either free or in the casts or epithelial cells of the sedi- 

 ment. The globules can be perceived with the microscope and 

 separated by ether. 



414. Examine microscopically urine containing fat. 



415. To half a test-tubeful of urine containing fat add one- 

 fifth its volume of ether away from the vicinity of a flame. Mix 

 by shaking carefully. Allow to stand until the ethereal solution 

 of fat rises to the top. Notice that the urine loses its milky ap- 

 pearance. Pour off the ether into an evaporating dish and let it 

 evaporate without heating. Dip a strip of white paper in the 

 residue, and notice that a greasy stain remains after drying. 



