C 136 ] 
VI. Observations on the Effects of Magnesia, in preventing an 
increased Formation of Uric Acid; with some Remarks on the 
Composition of the XJrine. Communicated by Mr. William 
T. Brande, F. R. S. to the Society for the Improvement of 
Animal Chemistry , and by them to the Royal Society . 
Read February 2s, 1810. 
Mr. Home’s enquiries into the functions of the stomach, and 
his discovery of liquids passing from the cardiac portion, into 
the circulation of the blood,* led him to consider, that the 
generality of calculous complaints might possibly be pre- 
vented, by introducing into the stomach, such substances as 
are capable of preventing the formation of uric acid, and that 
this mode of treatment would have many advantages over the 
usual method, which consists in attempting to dissolve the 
uric acid after it is formed. 
He consulted Mr. Hatchett on the substance most likely 
to produce this effect, and asked if magnesia, from its insolu- 
bility in water, was not well adapted for the purpose, as it 
would remain in the stomach, until it should combine with any 
acid, or be carried along with the food towards the pylorus. 
Mr. Hatchett knew of nothing more likely to produce 
the desired effect ; and on putting this theory to the test of 
experiment, it was found by a very careful examination of 
® Philos. Trans, 1808. 
