First lines of the practice of midwifery: to which are added remarks on the forensic evidence requisite in cases of foeticide and infanticide / By Charles Severn.

  • Severn, Charles.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: First lines of the practice of midwifery: to which are added remarks on the forensic evidence requisite in cases of foeticide and infanticide / By Charles Severn. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    inclining to the bluish colour of the thymus gland, or the brown of the liver. 3. If the lungs be compact like the liver, containing no cells distended with air, if they do not crepitate, when cut, and give out no bubbles of air, when submitted to pressure under water. If the absolute weight of the lungs compared with the length of the body, correspond with the following table: Length. Males. Females. From 15 to 18 inches . . . 3 viijss .... 3 viij. 18 to 20 3 ix 3 viijss. 20 to 22 3 ixss 3 ix. 5. If the lungs in connexion with the heart, or without it, or any part of them, rapidly sink in water, and if they are respectively heavier than water by several grains, or scruples. 6. If the lungs occupy the posterior part of the cavity of the thorax, extending anteriorly, only to the pericardium, if the borders are thin, and the ends of the right middle, and left upper lobes form small pointed ligulate elonga- tions. 7. If the umbilical vessels, and foetal circulatory appa- ratus be pervious, if the diameter of the arterial canal be equal to that of the aorta, and nearly three times greater than that of the two pulmonary arteries. It may be concluded that the child has lived a short time after birth and respired, from the following circumstances : 1. When the transverse diameter of the thorax is from three, to four inches, the direct diameter, from two, to three inches and a quarter, and when the level of the arch of the diaphragm is between the fifth and sixth ribs. 2. When the lungs are of a dark red colour, sometimes inclining to brown or blue, exhibiting in some parts, par-