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II. Researches on the Decomposition and Disintegration of Phospha tic Vesical Calculi, 
and on the Introduction of Chemical Decomponents into the Living Bladder. By 
S. Elliott Hoskins, M.D. Communicated by P. M. Roget, M.D., Sec. R.S. 
Received December 8, 1842, — Read February 23, 1843. 
In the following account of my humble investigations, I shall confine myself, as 
much as possible, to the physical phsenomena which have fallen under my observa- 
tion ; reserving those of a physiological or pathological character for a sphere more 
exclusively professional. 
Although Fourcrov strongly expressed it as his opinion, that calculi would, sooner 
or later, be dissolved by the introduction of chemical agents into the living bladder; 
and, although some eminent writers of the present day are of the same opinion ; there 
are others, no less eminent, who entertain doubts as to the adaptation of any direct 
chemical means to so desirable an end. 
I must here state, that my reason for clinging to the creed of the former rather 
than to that of the latter, was founded on the increasing list of new agents, which che- 
mistry is daily placing at the disposal of the experimenter. Amongst these I hoped 
to discover some agent which should be more energetic in its action on calculi, and 
less obnoxious to the living tissues, than any hitherto proposed. 
For several months my efforts were confined to attempts at dissolving uric acid 
and the urates, knowing that they constitute a predominating variety among calcu- 
lous concretions : and, although I met with sufficient success to encourage perseve- 
rance, reasons not necessary to mention, induced me to abandon these experiments, 
and to prosecute others on phosphatic calculi. The results of the latter it is now my 
purpose to detail. 
A series of experiments was undertaken with the whole range of acids, vegetable as 
well as mineral, combined in various ways and in various proportions. There could be 
no doubt as to the solvent power even of the weakest ; but their irritating effect on 
the tongue, and on the conjunctival membrane, was equally obvious. Not one among 
them was found calculated to fulfil the two indications I required; a circumstance 
which tends to corroborate, in a great degree, Dr. Prout’s statement, — “ that uncom- 
bined agents of the alkaline or acid kind are ill- calculated to act as solvents for cal- 
culi ; and that solvents are to be sought for among a class of harmless and unirrita- 
ting compounds, the elements of which are so associated as to act at the same time 
with respect to calculous ingredients, both as alkalies and acids*.” 
* Prout on the Stomach and Urinary Diseases, p. 458. 
