Selected monographs.

Date:: 1888

Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Selected monographs. Source: Wellcome Collection.

123/440 (page 107)

Among the alterations in tlie condition of the blood, we have finally to notice one which contrasts with the above-described deviations which concern only the chemical composition. The alteration in question is of a physical character, having perhaps the power of increasing to an abnormal extent the transudation of albumen until albuminuria is produced. I refer to an increased temperature. We have already alluded to the fact that filtration of albuminous solutions is facili- tated by increase of temperature, but we do not know what proportion the albumen contained in the filtrate bears to that of the original solution {conf. page 51). We must, therefore, be satisfied with having drawn attention to this point which may, among other things, be of unmistakable importance in reference to the albuminuria of febrile dis- orders. There is also another point, possibly connected with this one just mentioned, but to which in the present state of our knowledge we can make only a passing allusion, viz. that with the elevation of temperature the molecular composition of the albuminous substances becomes so changed, that they pass more readily through a filter than is the case in their normal condition. On this subject conjectures have been hazarded from many quarters, but nothing certain is known, and, in accordance with the explanation already given, the occurrence of such a change under the influence of increased temperature, may be capable of recognition only because the coagulable albuminous substances are converted into peptone and propeptone. As far as we have gone at present in our description of the influence of modified conditions of the blood upon the production of albuminuria, we have referred only to the pro- cesses of filtration going on in the kidneys, but we have said nothing about the process of secretion proper, because, to all appearances, this latter, in the majority of cases, is only indirectly concerned. I know of only one instance which supports the view that true glands may allow the abnormal escape of albumen, when extraneous albuminous substances are present in the blood, one of these substances being allowed to escape. This observation, likewise made by Stokvis, refers to the case of a strong dog, in which egg-albumen was subcutaneously injected, with the result that the secre-