A probationary essay on infanticide : submitted, ... to the examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, ... / by James Simson ... July, 1825.

  • Simson, James, 1795-1876.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A probationary essay on infanticide : submitted, ... to the examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, ... / by James Simson ... July, 1825. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    epiglottis. Dissection will ascertain the cause of death in the two latter cases, and the frsenum cannot be lacerated, but from premeditated violence, unless there be some preterna- turna] deformity. The appearances which shew themselves in cases of suffocation, are generally external redness, or lividness of the face, with tumefaction; the eyes are red and prominent, the tongue projects, and there is oozing of frothy mucus from the mouth. The lungs are of a dark colour, congested; and sometimes there is rupture of some of the blood vessels into the air cells. The right side of the heart is distended with blood, while the left is empty, from the blood being prevented from returning by the lungs. The jugular veins are often distended, and sometimes also the vessels of the brain. The blood is fluid; but this takes place in other violent diseases. Drowning. In cases of death from this cause, there is often a paleness over the body, though the countenance is some¬ times livid ; the eyes are half open, and often project; there is a frothy appearance about the mouth and nostrils, and oc¬ casionally a little may be found in the lungs, trachea, or bronchi; the diaphragm is pressed into the abdomen, and with these are found the other symptoms of congestion. In some cases we find pieces of straw, weeds, &e. in the mouth, which is presumptive proof that the child has been murdered? when the lungs float.