"albumen. 1599, "white of an egg," from L. albumen "white of an egg," lit. "whiteness," from albus "white" (see alb). The organic substance (which exists nearly pure in egg whites) so called from 1800, also known as albumin (1869, from Fr. albumine)."

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=albumen

Good one, AnnaS.