Observations on the effects of magnesia, in preventing an increased formation of uric acid; with some remarks on the composition of the urine. Communicated by Mr. William T. Brande , F. R. S. to the Society for the improvement of animal chemistry, and by them to the Royal Society

Mr. Home’s inquiries into the functions of the stomach, and his discovery of liquids passing directly from the cardiac portion into the circulation of the blood, occasioned him to consider the prevention of calculous complaints, by correcting the generation of acid in the stomach, and consequent secretion of uric acid. Since magnesia was better adapted to the mere correction of acidity than alkalies, as it could not be absorbed till it had been previously dissolved, Mr. Home was desirous of examining its effects in preventing the generation of uric acid, and requested Mr. Brande’s assistance for that purpose.