To this end there are certain well-ascertained facts to guide us. In normal health the intake of albumen in the food is balanced by the re-constitution of the albuminous tissues and fluids in the body, and by the excretion of urea. In fever this balance is disturbed, owing probably to the high temperature. The combustion of albumen is far greater than in health, and the excretion of urea about double. At the same time appetite is abolished, and stomachal digestion is suspended. Not only is there a great distaste for solid food, but it is rejected by the stomach if taken; hence the ordinary supply of albumen is cut off. How, then, is the quantity of albumen obtained for the high rate of combustion which takes place in the body during fever? First, by the combustion of the organ-albumen, that is, of the albumen contained in the muscles and the blood corpuscles, and secondly, by the combustion of the store-albumen, which is contained in the tissues as a reserve. From the abnormal destruction of albumen which takes place in fever, it is easily understood why muscular weakness is so rapid and extreme after even a short attack of fever, and how, owing to the destruction of the muscles and blood corpuscles, the patient grows pale, anaemic, and weak.

Excretion Of Urea

The excretion of urea in fever is out of all proportion to the amount of albuminous food taken, and is due to the large decomposition of the organ-albumen and store-albumen in the body during the fever process.

The Waste Of Potash Salts

During fever the excretion of potash by the urine is excessive. This is probably due to the destruction of the muscles and blood corpuscles, both of which contain potassium.