Gout and its relation to diseases of the liver and kidneys / by Robson Roose.

  • Roose, Robson, 1848-1905.
Date:
1887
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Gout and its relation to diseases of the liver and kidneys / by Robson Roose. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    see whatyiic/^ we possess which may serve to explain the nature of gout. The most important fact in con- nection with the pathogeny of gout is that uric acid is found in the products of gouty inflammation^ and that the blood contains an increased amount of this substance, which in both cases is combined with soda. In health, only the most minute traces of uric acid can be detected in the blood; in gout, more than one-sixth of a grain has been obtained from looo grains of serum. The process for its detection, as devised by Dr. Garrod, is simple enough. One or two fluid drachms of serum are put into a flattened glass dish or capsule, three inches in diameter, and about one-third of an inch in depth; six minims of strong acetic acid are added to each drachm of serum. The fluids are well mixed, and a few fibres of linen are introduced by means of a glass rod. The glass is then set aside in a cool place until the serum is nearly dry, and if uric acid be present it will crystallise in a rhombic form on the threads, and will be easily recognised under the microscope. The serum must be fresh, for otherwise the uric acid will undergo decom- position and become converted into oxalic acid and urea. When blood cannot be obtained, the experi- ment may be performed with the serum collected