The Specific Gravity of the Urine in Diabetes Mellitus

or 1045." Again, we are told by another -writer that in diagnosing a case of diabetes " the density of diabetic urine, however, is one of the best indications. This fluid varies in density from 1030 to 1074 (Becquerel); but, on an average and tolerably constantly, it is 1040; and when the urinometer stands above 1030, we may suspect that sugar is present.". (Aitken's Science and Practice of Medicine, p. 1059, 1880.) Bristowe makes no allusion to the possibility of sugar occurring in urine of a low specific gravity, and it is only in a quite recent work that the fact is partially noticed. " The urine is increased in quantity, the amouut varying from three or four piuts to as many gallons; its colour is pale ; its specific gravity ranges from 1015 to 1050" (A. A. Stevens, m.d.: A Manual of the Practice of Medicine prepared especially for Students, p. 305, 1893.) Dr. Stevens recognises the fact that diabetes may exist and run its course without the specific gravity rising above that of normal, healthy urine, but does not even hint that sugar may exist in a pale watery urine, the specific gravity of which is often below normal. During the past years several cases have been recorded in which the specific gravity of the urine was extremely low. Of course the general symptoms might lead the student to suspect the presence of sugar in such urine, but in many cases of diabetes the general symptoms are not very strongly marked during the early phases of the disease. It is