CASE OF MYELOPATHIC Af.BUMOSURIA 89 
known to take part in the normal metabolism of the body. The occurrence of the albumose 
cannot be looked upon as an accident ; when it is found at all it is present for months, or even 
years, and persists until the close of the case. We venture, tlierefore, to maintain that cases of 
bone disease with albumosuria must be placed in a different category from those in which this 
symptom does not occur ; that albumosuria with bone disease is a distinct pathological entity, 
which is probably as far removed from other forms of multiple myeloma as the latter are from 
osteomalacia. If this be granted, it is desirable to give a name to the condition which will serve 
to mark its identity ; and we offer the term Myelopathic Albumosuria as one which expresses the 
leading features of the disorder without implying the acceptance of any debatable theories as to its 
nature. 
We may be permitted to recall the fact that we owe the earliest recognition of this disease 
to a Fellow of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, and that it was before this society that 
the completed record of the first case was laid. Half a century elapsed before its occurrence was 
observed again in any part of the British dominions, and it seemed appropriate that when the 
second case appeared it should also be communicated to this society. But though history repeats 
itself, it never repeats itself exactly ; and while the case presented fifty years ago was the first 
observed, the case which has been presented now is the first in which a correct diagnosis has been 
made during life and confirmed by examination after death. We venture to express the hope that 
the association of the society with the clinical history and the pathology of this remarkable disorder 
will not end here, but that before the next half-century has passed away one of the Fellows may 
be in the position to point out the causes which give rise to myelopathic albumosuria, and, perhaps, 
to indicate some means of arresting its course. 
(For report of the discussion on this paper, see 'Proceedings of the Royal IVIedical and Chirurgical Society,' Third Series, 
vol. xi, p. 81.) 
