URIC ACID, C

sH4N40s, is a complex compound produced in the metabolism of nitrogenous bodies and excreted by the kidneys. The excrement of birds (guano) and reptiles consists largely of uric acid, and though the urine of man only contains a small percentage (.5 gram per day) when in a normal state, the proportion may he largely increased in certain pathological conditions. Uric acid can be prepared synthetically, but is most conveniently obtained from serpents’ excrement by boiling with caustic potash solution and precipitating the filtered liquid with a dilute acid. It is a tastele white powder that is with difficulty soluble in water. modern WROxETER, ancient town, Britain.