cases, the alkali is derived from the spontaneous decomposition of urine itself, especially where the bladder has lost its _governing power_,[203] as from some injury[204] of the spine; or from some local affection of the bladder or prostate gland; wherever the urine undergoes an incipient process of decomposition, ammonia will be generated, and an _ammoniaco-magnesian phosphate_[205] be immediately precipitated: hence in cases where the bladder is unable to discharge its contents, this deposite is very apt to take place, as in diseases in the prostate; and this explains the reason why the triple phosphates are so frequently formed in elderly people, who cannot wholly evacuate their bladder. It will appear evident from these cursory observations, that some varieties of Calculi will be influenced by acids, and others by alkalies, and that the exhibition of such remedies will be liable to palliate, or to aggravate the symptoms, according to the character and composition of the offending calculus, and according to the prevailing diathesis of the patient; as a general rule to direct us in the chemico-medical treatment of these cases, Dr. Marcet states, that “_Whenever the lithic acid predominates, the alkalies[206] are the appropriate remedies, but that when the calcareous or magnesian salts prevail, the acids are to be resorted to_.” But if it be asked how we are to discover the nature of the calculous affection, so as to direct the suitable remedy? the reply is obvious—by an examination of the sediment deposited by the recent urine, or by an analysis of the small fragments which are frequently voided with it; the Phosphates subside from the urine as a _white_, lithic acid, generally, as a _red_ deposit; and since the phosphates are held in solution in the urine by an excess of acid, it is evident that whenever such acidity is diminished by the hand of Nature or art, a white sabulous deposit will ensue; hence, says Mr. Brande, it occurs in the urine of persons who drink soda water, or take magnesia; the remedy of such a deposit, when it takes place habitually, is a course of acidulous medicines; on the contrary, since _lithic acid_ is precipitated by the acids, alkalies are naturally suggested for the prevention of that deposit. In the _compound_ calculi, acids and alkalies may be equally injurious or beneficial, for since these bodies are composed of a variety of ingredients, the action of any one solvent must be partial, and may convert the smooth calculus into a rough and highly irritating body, or vice versa. In the _alternating_ calculi it may be judicious to exhibit these remedies alternately, as the symptoms of the case and the deposit of the urine may indicate. After all, however, the solvent powers of Lithonthryptic remedies must be very limited, and in advanced cases we can never expect to procure more than palliation. With respect to the agency of these different remedies, as _Antilithics_, I would observe, that while experience bears