ALBUMEN. 219 



fibrin, which, in consequence of peculiar properties, or 

 slight differences in composition, have received differ- 

 ent names ; it is unnecessary to study the nature of 

 all these substances ; we may include them under the 

 general terms, albumen and fibrin. Albumen con- 

 sists of — 



Carbon . 5484 



Hydrogen 709 



Nitrogen 1583 



Oxygen with "j 



Phosphorus and V .... 2224 



Sulphur J 



10,000 



559. Albumen is a white, solid substance, which 

 swells up, and slowly dissolves in water, forming a 

 clear, transparent solution. Albumen is separated 

 from its solution in water by the addition of certain 

 acids, and also by the action of heat ; when a 

 clear solution of albumen is boiled, the albumen sep- 

 arates in the form of a white curd or scum ; if the 

 solution contain much albumen, the whole becomes 

 solid. 



560. This substance exists in many parts of the 

 animal system. The white of the egg consists of 

 hardly anything else ; when a fresh egg is boiled, 

 the albumen separates as a white curd ; it coagulates, 

 or becomes insoluble in water. Albumen occurs in a 

 state of solution, in blood, and many of the liquids 

 and softer parts of animal bodies. It is also found 

 in a dry or solid form. Hair consists of albumen, 

 together with a small portion of gelatine. 



