The Esbach method is undoubtedly the most widely used simple procedure for the quantitative estimation of albumin in the urine; and, notwithstanding its well-known inaccuracies, it is still used in the majority of laboratories and hospitals. For exact work several accurate quantitative methods are available, but for the clinician the Esbach albuminometer is practically the only quantitative instrument suited to his needs.
A great deal has been written about the Esbach method and its various shortcomings. Emerson and Baumgarten1 give a series of comparative results obtained by estimation with the Purdy centrifuge and Esbach methods controlled by weighing. They conclude that neither method is satisfactory, and that the Esbach tubes as ordinarily used cannot be relied on for even approximate results. They also state that unless the tubes be kept at a constant temperature, the method is practically useless for comparative quantitative estimations,