Some additions to a paper, read in 1790, on the subject of a child with a double head / [Sir Everard Home].

  • Home, Everard, Sir, 1756-1832
Date:
[1799]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Some additions to a paper, read in 1790, on the subject of a child with a double head / [Sir Everard Home]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    each brain was invested, in the usual way, by its own proper coverings; but the dura mater which covered the cerebrum of the upper brain, adhered firmly to the dura mater of the lower brain: the two brains were therefore separate and distinct, having a complete partition between them, formed by an union of the durae matres. When the contents of the double skull were taken out, and this union of the durae matres more particularly examined, a number of large arteries and veins were seen passing through it, making a free communication between the blood vessels of the two brains. This is a fact of considerable importance, as it explains the mode in which the upper brain received its nou¬ rishment. Before these observations were communicated by Mr. Dent, it was natural to suppose that the two brains had been united into one mass; as it was difficult to imagine in what way the upper brain could be supplied with blood.