d, where they gradually unite and
form a continuous layer over the surface. This layer is so consistent
that it may be almost lifted off by raising it by one of its edges.
This is the kisteine. It is whitish, opalescent, slightly granular,
and can be compared to nothing better than the fatty substance which
floats on the surface of soups after they have been allowed to cool.
When examined by the microscope, it has the aspect of a gelatinous
mass without determinate form; sometimes cubical shaped crystals are
discovered on it, but this appearance is only observed when it has
stood a long time, and is to be regarded as foreign to it. The
kisteine remains on the surface for several days; the urine then
becomes turbid, and small opaque masses become detached from the
kisteine and fall to the bottom of the fluid and the pellicle soon
becomes destroyed.

The essential character of the urine of pregnancy, then, is the
presence of the kisteine; and the characters of the pellicle are so
peculiar that it is impossible to mistake it for anything else. A
pellicle sometimes forms on the surface of the urine of patients
laboring under phthisis, abscess, or disease of the bladder, but may
be easily distinguished by this circumstance, that it does not form in
such a short time as the kisteine, and that in place of disappearing,
as this last, in a few days, it increases in thickness and at last is
converted into a mass of moldiness. There exists, likewise, a very
marked difference between its mucous aspect and that of kisteine; a
difference which is difficult to describe, but which is easily
recognized.

Kisteine appears to exist in the urine from the first month of
pregnancy till delivery. It has even been recognized in the urine of a
few gravid animals.

"PARTURIENT BALM,"

_For Rendering Childbirth Easy and Less Dangerous--A very Important
Medicine._

Take blue cohosh root, four ounces; lady's-slipper root and spikenard
root, of each one ounce; sassafras bark (of root) and clover, of each
half an ounce. Bruise all, and simmer slowly for two hours in two
quarts of boiling water. Strain, and add one pound of white sugar.

Dose: A wineglassful twice a day for two weeks or a month previous to
expected confinement, for the purpose of rendering parturition, or
childbirth, more easy.

Should be taken by every pregnant woman.

ABORTION.

Abortion, or miscarriage, means