Note 9 — Chapter VI · NUCLEIN METABOLISM

According to Sir William Roberts, there are three compounds of uric acid (H₂U)—the neutral urate, M₂U, in which the metal replaces all the displaceable hydrogen, the biurate, MHU, in which half the displaceable hydrogen is replaced by the metal, and the quadriurate H₂UMHU, in which one-fourth of the displaceable hydrogen of two molecules is replaced by the metal.

Hutchison and Tidy suggest “that if Roberts’ salt be considered as NaHU. MH₂U instead of Na. HU, his hypothesis remains unaltered, whilst much of the criticism urged against it is nullified. The possibility of such a substance is shown by the existence of the compound LiHU₄HU. Roberts’ theory, or such a modification, is not inconsistent with Von Noorden’s views if these intermediate salts be regarded as within the tabernacle of organic combinations from which the kidneys can split off and excrete the uric acid.”