3. On the Discharge of Albumen from the Kidneys of Healthy People

Extract

Great diversity of opinion exists as to the frequency of the occurrence of albuminuria in healthy people, and elaborate inquiries have led different observers to conspicuously contradictory conclusions. Posner has said that his observations satisfy him that traces of albumen exist in every normal urine, and may be demonstrated if sufficiently delicate methods are employed. One of the most distinguished authorities on the subject, Dr Senator of Berlin, says that his observations supply good reason why he should consider it not improbable that, if we were to examine the urine for long periods at different hours of the day, and with, great care, we should sooner or later find it to contain albumen in the case of every healthy man. Dr Kleudgen, in the course of a special study of albuminuria in relation to epilepsy, came to the conclusion that traces of albumen could be demonstrated in any urine above a certain degree of concentration. Dr de la Celle de Chateaubourg found albumen in the urine of 592 out of 701 healthy people whom he examined, that is in 84 per cent. Dr Capitan found that among 98 French soldiers 44 or 44·9 percent, had albuminuria.