WHEN explaining the part played by albumen in the food supply of the body, it will be remembered that I described how the albuminoids, composed of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen, yielded up their nitrogen in the process of oxidation in the tissues, which nitrogen is absolutely required for the formation and reconstruction of the tissues and juices of the body without exception: hence the neces sity for a certain amount of albuminous food.

How Urea And Uric Acid Are Formed

Now, the final product of oxidation of albumen is urea, which is separated from the blood by the action of the kidneys, and, being a very soluble substance, it is dissolved and cast out of the body in the urine. Not all the albumen, however, is oxidised into urea; a small proportion never reaches that state, and remains only partly oxidised in the blood and tissues in the form of uric acid. Uric acid is soluble in an alkaline fluid, and much less soluble in an acid fluid. If, therefore, by any cause the alkalinity of the blood is decreased, the uric acid present may be driven out of the blood current and deposited in the joints, liver, spleen, etc. When subsequently the normal alkalinity of the blood is re-established, the uric acid which has been driven out is washed again into the current, and is therefore present in excess. An excess of uric acid in the blood produces the symptoms of depression of spirits, irritability of temper, headache, and malaise.