Practical Pathology

A Manual of Autopsy and Laboratory Technique

FOR

STUDENTS AND PHYSICIANS

BY

ALDRED SCOTT WARTHIN, Ph.D., M. D.
Professor of Pathology and Director of the Pathologic Laboratories
IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN,
ANN ARBOR

SECOND EDITION
Rewritten and Enlarged

Mortui Vivos Docent

310 PAGES AND 55 FIGURES

ANN ARBOR
GEORGE WAHR, Publisher
1911

Page 155.—Thickness of gall-bladder wall 1-2 mm. instead of 1-2 cm.
Page 240.—Langhans’ for Langhan’s.
Page 264.—v. Kossa instead of Kossa.
Page 295.—v. Kölliker instead of Kölliker.

HERRN PROFESSOR ALEXANDER KOLISKO
Zur Erinnerung
an die ertragreichen, im Sektions-saale des
Wiener allgemeinen Krankenhauses
zugebrachten Sommertage
der Jahre
1893, 1894, 1895
gewidmet.

The first edition of this book, in spite of numerous typographic errors beyond the control of the writer, was very soon exhausted. An apology is due the many, to whom, during the last ten years, a new edition has been repeatedly promised. The writer’s only excuse for the failure to fulfill these promises has been the pressure of other work that has prevented such fulfillment. In the final accomplishment of these promises the book has been practically rewritten and more than doubled in size.

The autopsy method given in the main text is a composite one, made up from the Rokitansky, Virchow, Chiari and Nauwerck methods, according to the judgment of the writer as to what was the best in these, and put together with modifications and additions arising out of his own experience. The aim has been to offer a method by which an autopsy can be performed with the greatest speed and ease, and at the same time with the greatest completeness, the various steps of the operation following in logical order in such a way that nothing can be lost or destroyed, and thereby revealing a complete picture of the pathologic conditions present. A choice of methods is offered whenever the aims of the examination may be so varied as to make variations in method advantageous. The general order of the autopsy is the same as that given in the Protocol Blank-book, the present book being designed as a guide and reference-book for that. The points to be noted in the examination of each region are given in connection with the method of examination of that region, and represent the condensed special pathology of the latter. This should be of great service to the beginner in autopsy work, as affording a concise but complete guide to the most important conditions of each region. A textbook on Special Pathology should be used as a reference book in connection with these condensed statements of special pathology.

The technical methods for microscopic examination given in Part II have been brought up to date, and all recent methods of value included. Original methods have been given in preference to modifications; the latter, when of value, are also mentioned. As a rule that method has been chosen which in the light of the writer’s laboratory experience has yielded uniformly the best results. An effort has been made to reduce the number of methods to the lowest[Pg viii] number as representing the best and most indispensable ones. During the fourteen years of laboratory experience since the publication of the first edition there has been plenty of time for changes in points-of-view concerning laboratory methods. Then an ardent exponent of celloidin-imbedding as a routine method, the writer has now practically discarded it in favor of paraffin-imbedding and the celloidin-sheet made by the dextrin-sugar or molasses method. This combination method is so superior in every way to ordinary celloidin-imbedding that the latter becomes obsolete except for a limited number of conditions. A number of personal modifications of various methods will also be found in this part of the book; indeed, it is intended to be an expression of individual opinion concerning laboratory methods.

The writer’s views concerning the value of teaching by unknowns,—that is, giving the student preparations or case-material for his own analysis and independent working-out to a diagnosis—are stronger now than they were when the preface to the first edition was written. Experiments with other methods of teaching have always brought me back to this as yielding by far the best results. It accomplishes two things—it not only teaches a knowledge of pathology, but it develops objectivity and the faculties of diagnosis, and accomplishes these with more marked success than any other method of teaching pathology.

Pathologic Histology deals with departures from the normal in the various tissues of the body, which, occurring as the sequelæ of disease-processes, or standing in the closest causal relationship to the clinical symptoms and physical signs, constitute the foundation of all diagnostic conclusions, and of all rational therapeutic treatment. Without a definite knowledge of these abnormal changes, of their various forms, of the manner in which they arise and progress, no physician can deal intelligently with disease. The knowledge of the natural history of disease, based upon a knowledge of the normal body, makes the wise and successful practitioner; and to such, the autopsy, the microtome and the microscope must ever stand as constant aids in the satisfying of his intellectual curiosity.

It is, therefore, essential that the student in his undergraduate work should be so trained that, in addition to a broad conception of General Pathology, he may acquire also such a technical knowledge as to fit him to carry on his investigations after leaving the laboratory. Not only in everyday practice in certain lines is a knowledge of this technique necessary for diagnostic purposes, but the true physician should so hold himself toward every problem of diagnosis which presents itself to him, that with every opportunity, he will, through excision, curettage or autopsy, make use of his technical skill to further his knowledge of disease, and to aid his science toward a solution of its great problems.

It is for these reasons, that in my laboratory courses in pathologic histology, I wish to give each student a practical working knowledge of the technique of pathologic investigations. That the student become an expert as the result of such undergraduate courses is neither possible nor desirable; it is only hoped that he may be placed in a position to cope intelligently with the questions awaiting him in the field of practice.

For the guidance of the student toward this end, I have compiled this little book of laboratory methods, endeavoring to make it as practical as possible, but yet thorough and complete. The methods given are taken from the original papers, or from the compilations of Friedländer and von Kahlden, but are modified in many instances according to the writer’s own experience. The autopsy[Pg x] methods are, in the main, those used by Kolisko of Vienna; but methods of Virchow, Chiari, Nauwerck, and others, are also given.

It is from the study of the material itself, and not from the textbook alone, that the student can obtain a proper knowledge of pathologic changes. The most comprehensive textbook can give no adequate idea of the infinite variety of these changes; there is no absolute type, but an endless variety of appearances more or less closely related. Only from a contemplation of this variety is it possible for the student to build up a point-of-view, and to arrive at an independent and unbiased conclusion.

The student who seeks in a preparation only the appearances described in a textbook is not studying in a scientific way. He will constantly accept the author, instead of using his own impressions for the basis of deductions, guided by the experience of others. With an unbiased mind the student should take each specimen for that alone, which it, itself, presents; and upon this he should build his conclusions. He should seek in the textbook the things he finds in the material; not seek in the latter the things he reads in the former. Thus may he escape superficiality, avoid errors and hasty judgments, and build up for himself a sure foundation of knowledge. For these reasons the students in my laboratory course, having been thoroughly prepared for such work by the study of normal tissues in the histologic laboratory, are given the pathologic material as unknowns, which under careful guidance, they are enabled to work out for themselves to a satisfactory conclusion.

The student is further aided in the fixing of his impressions, and in their expression, by means of the drawings and written descriptions which he is required to make of the preparations. In this way the faculties of observation and expression receive a training that is not otherwise possible. It is true that such a course of instruction is difficult for the student whose previous training has been deficient in the cultivation of these most important faculties; for this reason it is the more necessary that he should now apply himself to work in the scientific method.

That this method of teaching takes much more of the instructor’s time is true; that it takes too much time cannot be granted when measured according to the results obtained. The frequent objection of the student that he cannot draw only emphasizes the necessity of that student’s receiving the necessary training to enable him to reproduce his visual impressions.

A greater difficulty lies with the teacher. Not only must he select his preparations with wisdom, so that in the necessarily limited[Pg xi] time of the course, the student may receive the greatest benefit; but he must be tactful and patient in leading the student to work for himself. It is easy to give a demonstration and then tell the student to work; it is very much more difficult and nerve-consuming to make the student see and demonstrate for himself. The relation of the microscopic preparation to the gross anatomy must be shown, and, when possible, demonstrated by macroscopic preparations; further, the relation to the clinical symptoms and physical signs must be made clear, so that the student receive not a narrow conception of pathologic histology as something in itself separate and complete, but as a foundation-stone to the broadest conception of diagnosis, whereby the real unity of his studies will be revealed. Moreover, the teacher must be fully awake to individual differences and needs, and carefully shape his teaching influence upon each student accordingly. The problem of the individual equation becomes especially difficult in a course of this kind.

The laboratory course in histologic pathology, in the University of Michigan, follows the general order given in the second part of this book, beginning with the diseases of the blood and the circulation, and finishing with the special pathology of the most important organs. A preparatory training in general technique is first given. About one hundred and seventy-five prepared specimens, each illustrating some especial pathologic point, are given to the class as unknowns for diagnosis. In addition each student is required to prepare about fifty slides from fresh material, performing for himself all of the necessary technical manipulations, according to the methods given in this manual. To further the work in this course, and to meet the needs of advanced students and of practitioners, this book is primarily intended.

PART I.
THE SOURCES OF PATHOLOGIC MATERIAL AND THE
METHODS OF OBTAINING IT FOR EXAMINATION.

PART II.
THE TREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL.

The chief sources of pathologic material are the autopsy, surgical operation, diagnostic excision and curetting, the spontaneous discharge of diseased tissue, and the experimental production of pathologic conditions in animals. To these sources may be added the blood and other body-fluids, as well as pathologic fluids, exudates, effusions, cyst-contents, etc., particularly the cellular elements found in the sediment of such fluids.

That an accurate pathologic diagnosis be secured, the material must first be properly obtained, its gross characteristics carefully noted, the portion to be examined microscopically chosen with discrimination, and, finally, the microscopic examination itself carried out along the various lines indicated. All of these procedures require the knowledge of a certain amount of technique, and the general principles of such technique should be familiar to every student of medicine. While it is not possible that every medical graduate can enter into the active practice of his profession as an expert pathologist, yet the possession of the technical knowledge necessary to perform an autopsy properly and to select with discrimination the tissue for microscopic examination gives to a physician a distinct practical advantage. This advantage becomes the greater if to the possession of this knowledge there be added also a practical working knowledge of the technique necessary for the microscopic examination and diagnosis. Not that this knowledge should be so extensive as to cover the great field of special methods; all that is really essential is a knowledge of the general principles of laboratory examinations; and a very large proportion of practical work can be successfully carried out if the physician possesses this foundation knowledge. In the first days of practice a young physician so equipped often finds that his laboratory training comes to be his chief source of income and opens the way to a successful professional career. It constitutes a professional asset which the older practitioner usually does not possess.

1. AUTOPSY (Postmortem examination, necropsy, necroscopy, obduction, mortopsy, section; Latin, sectio cadaveris, sectio anatomica, autopsia cadaverica, sectio, obductio; French, autopsie cadaverique, nécropsie; German, Leichenschau, Section, Obduction) is the term preferably applied to the examination of the dead body, conducted for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death, for the study of the pathologic conditions present with reference to their nature and cause, or for the obtaining of anthropologic, anatomic or surgical data. When carried out primarily with the view of obtaining evidence of legal importance, as in the case of a suspected crime, accidental death, the identification of a body, in damage suits for injuries received, malpractice, insurance, etc., the autopsy is usually styled medicolegal, or the German term obduction is not infrequently applied. The terms prosector and obducent, although used originally in a medicolegal sense, are now generally applied to the person performing the autopsy whether medicolegal or not.

2. IMPORTANCE OF THE AUTOPSY. The opportunity of performing an autopsy should be regarded by the physician and student as a very great privilege. Even to the prosector with an experience of several thousand autopsies to his credit, each new examination of a dead body becomes a new revelation and extends still farther his intellectual horizon. To the student and physician in practice each autopsy may, if performed in the proper spirit, become in itself an educational factor of the greatest value. In no other scientific procedure is there such a demand made upon the faculties of observation, judgment and interpretation, and in no other is there such intimate correlation between methods of technique and the higher intellectual processes. It is unnecessary to add that the ability to perform an autopsy in the proper manner presupposes a foundation of accurate anatomic and pathologic knowledge as well as a capacity for careful work.

Primarily, the aim of the autopsy is to ascertain the cause of death and to acquire knowledge of the changes produced in the[Pg 4] tissues and organs by the disease-process. If for no other purpose than that of extending our knowledge of disease, the autopsy becomes the most valuable factor in furthering the development of medical science. We have but entered into the broad, rich fields of pathology; at any time new facts may be discovered or observations of the most far-reaching nature made. From year to year the statistics of the most common diseases must be revised in the light of new conceptions of disease. Through the autopsy there lies within the reach of every practitioner the opportunity of contributing something worth while to the general sum of medical knowledge. There is not a pathologic condition in the medical category that does not call out for illumination upon some point or other. The phenomena of malignant tumors, the earliest stages of the so-called chronic affections, as well as the majority of the infectious diseases, require further autopsy observations for their elucidation. The autopsy establishment of the diagnosis is also of the greatest importance in giving value to vital statistics. Until we have a more universal confirmation of the clinical diagnosis by the pathologic our vital statistics must of necessity be imperfect.

To the practitioner the autopsy offers further a most valuable control of subjectivity and a guide to methods of diagnosis and treatment. Without such a control no one is so likely to get into a dangerous rut as the practicing physician. The disclosures of the autopsy will enable him to correct faulty methods, and should effectually check any tendency to superficial diagnosis. Particularly is this the case with regard to such diagnostic methods as palpation, percussion and auscultation. Postmortem percussion offers a most valuable means of acquiring precision in this important branch of physical diagnosis. The percussion boundaries may be marked upon the body by pencil, or long pins may be inserted, so that when the body is opened the exact relation of the percussion area to the organ in question may be noted. In the case of palpable tumors the results of palpation before the body is opened should be carefully controlled by the findings when the actual conditions are exposed. Even when the cause of death seems obvious it is worth while to perform an autopsy at every opportunity offered, both for the sake of controlling technical methods and for the pictures of disease revealed. More accurate knowledge of the nature of the processes of disease can be obtained through one autopsy than through months of textbook reading. To the surgeon the opportunity of examining cases dying after surgical operation should be[Pg 5] a source of great satisfaction. The review of anatomic relationships offered by the autopsy is in itself worth while, and in the case of healthy individuals killed by accident the survey of the normal appearances of the organs and tissues offers an opportunity for study too valuable to be neglected. Further, it is justifiable to practice upon the cadaver any surgical operation that does not disfigure it. Removal of the spleen, transplantation of thyroid tissue into the spleen, decapsulation of the kidney, transplantation of ovarian tissue, gastric and intestinal operations, anastomosis of blood-vessels, operations upon the uterus and cervix, prostate, vas deferens, thyroid, nose, ear, etc., and many other surgical procedures may be practiced with profit upon a cadaver during the course of an autopsy. The feasibility of a new operative method or the improvement of an old one may thus be demonstrated.

In the case of medicolegal autopsies the ends of justice as well as the life, liberty or reputation of some individual may depend upon the results of the postmortem examination. In all cases to which there is any suspicion attached, or in which the cause or manner of death is doubtful an autopsy should be legally required, but unfortunately this is not yet done in this country. Physicians individually should endeavor to create in the public mind a more healthy attitude toward the autopsy and an appreciation of its usefulness. As to his own share in the advantages derived from it, it is safe to say that no physician can perform an autopsy properly without having his experience widened, his knowledge of disease increased, his diagnostic faculties sharpened and his tendency to subjectivity controlled. Last, but far from being the least, should be his gain in honesty and humility.

3. LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE AUTOPSY. The individual cannot dispose of his dead body without the consent of his nearest heirs, except in those States (New York) providing by statute that a person may direct the disposition of his cadaver. The legal rights to the corpse are vested first in the husband or wife of the deceased; if none, then first in the father, then in the mother; after the parents, in the brothers or sisters; after them in the next of kin, according to the course of common law; and then to the remotest degree according to the law of descent of personal property. An autopsy performed with the consent of the relative having the body in custody cannot be questioned, if it is properly performed. In the case of members of societies requiring autopsies the membership cards or certificates should be endorsed by the nearest heir.

[Pg 6]

A physician who performs an autopsy without the consent of the person having the custody of the deceased does so at his own risk, except in those cases in which the autopsy is in accordance with legal statutes. In the majority of the States there are statutes providing that the Coroner or Board of Health shall order an autopsy whenever a person is found dead and the cause of his death is not apparent, and cannot be ascertained from the evidence given, or from a superficial examination of the body. In such cases no permit from the relatives is necessary, and an autopsy performed under the direction of law is never subject to legal punishment, if it has been performed according to approved methods. Nevertheless, even in these cases it is a better policy to secure the consent of the custodian of the body, when this is possible.

When consent to an autopsy is withheld and the physician feels that such an examination is necessary, he should turn the case over to the Coroner or Board of Health, and act under such direction. Conflicting decisions, however, have been made in different States. The Supreme Court of Indiana (1909) held that a Coroner cannot order an autopsy unless there was a reasonable supposition that death had occurred from violence or casualty. A suit brought by an Indiana physician to recover fee for an autopsy held on the order and under the direction of a Coroner was set aside on the ground that there was not the slightest suspicion of death from casualty or violence. Such a decision is too narrow and not framed in accordance with the actual needs of the times in so far as the protection or enlightenment of the community is concerned. Under such a decision a Coroner or Board of Health could not in safety order an autopsy in the case of a death in which the diagnosis had not been established clinically, when no suspicion of violence or casualty exists, although the establishment of the diagnosis through an autopsy might be of the greatest importance to the family or community.

On the other hand the Court of Appeals in Kentucky (1906) affirmed judgment for the defendant in a suit for damages brought against a physician for performing an unauthorized autopsy to secure a burial permit, the court holding that, if the autopsy was made in good faith for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death in order that a burial certificate might be granted, and if the autopsy was made decently with due regard to the sex of the deceased and without unnecessary incisions or mutilations, there could be no grounds for damages. This is a reasonable and just decision and laws framed upon it should be passed in all the States. Autopsies[Pg 7] performed under such conditions, however, should always be conducted in the presence of several witnesses competent to testify as to the methods used.

In several States legal authority is given to the Board of Health to order an autopsy whenever the health interests of the people demand such an investigation. Autopsies performed under such orders against the desire of the relatives should always be carried out with extreme care and in the presence of proper witnesses.

State and charitable hospitals cannot be made liable for autopsy performed by Coroner or Board of Health, when the consent of the relatives is withheld. It is high time that all charitable institutions in this country should require an autopsy from all patients dying within their walls. The cards of admission should contain a clause to this effect, and such cards should be counter-signed by the nearest relatives.

Inasmuch as some life-insurance policies contain clauses requiring the presence of a representative of the company at the autopsy or a forfeiture of the claims, it is best to ascertain if such policies exist in any given case, and to notify the company. The Supreme Court of Missouri has decided that an autopsy made in ignorance of such an insurance clause is no bar to recovery if the company be notified in time for a re-examination of the body.

Supreme Court decisions also hold that consent for an autopsy implies removal of organs and tissues for microscopic study, when such is necessary to fulfill the object of the autopsy.

One of the great needs of this country is a uniform autopsy law and the establishment of a proper medicolegal autopsy code, as in Germany. As conditions exist at the present, crimes may be easily concealed, the safety of the community endangered by failures in diagnosis of communicable affections, and our morbidity and mortality statistics become a shame and reproach to the nation. The majority of our medicolegal autopsies are made by ignorant and imperfectly trained coroners and coroners’ physicians, mostly political appointees of inferior material. We need in our medical schools a greater amount of attention paid to the teaching of autopsy-technique and gross pathology. The community must also be educated to a realization of the value of autopsies. It is the duty of every physician and layman to work diligently for the improvement of existing conditions. Had the ideas of a former Governor of the State of Michigan been realized there would have been compulsory autopsies upon the bodies of every person dying within the State, and far-reaching results would have been attained. The economic[Pg 8] importance of tuberculosis and the venereal diseases would have been made clear, the profession and laity alike educated, and the progress of preventive medicine tremendously aided.

4. PERMISSION FOR AUTOPSY. It is a desirable and certainly a wise precaution to obtain a written permit for the autopsy from the next of kin or from the legal representative of the body, in case the examination has not been ordered by law. Some of the legal decisions quoted above offer sufficient grounds for this precaution. The following form is in use in the University of Michigan Hospital.

There can be no doubt that the public in general is beginning to appreciate the usefulness of autopsies, as it is much easier to obtain them now than it was ten years ago. The proper display of tact and a reasonable exposition of the object of the examination will practically always meet the objections urged on sentimental grounds. Aside from these the chief objection usually met with is the fear of mutilation of the body. Emphatic assurance may be given in this respect, not only as to the entire absence of any disfigurement resulting from the examination, but also as to the marked improvement in the general appearance and condition of the cadaver as the result of the autopsy.

While it is obviously difficult to give any specific rules as to the method to be pursued in seeking permission for an autopsy, there are certain arguments that can be used to advantage. Natural curiosity, the general good to humanity, the control of diagnostic and therapeutic methods, new knowledge to be gained, the question of inherited or infectious conditions, the strengthening of insurance claims, etc., are some of the lines that may be followed in working for an autopsy. Satisfaction is always expressed when definite light is thrown upon the hereditary or infectious nature of the condition.[Pg 9] Religious scruples may often be overcome by an appeal to the pastor or priest.

In a certain number of cases the matter is hopeless from the beginning, but in the majority the autopsy may be secured by the exercise of proper tact and patience. The laity should be educated to ask for the autopsy; and even at the present time laymen often show a greater willingness in this direction than some members of the profession. That physicians and undertakers who discourage or oppose autopsies should be avoided is a principle that should be instilled into the minds of the public at large. Undertakers soon come to recognize the aid given them by the autopsy in the matter of embalming and preserving the body, and the prosecutor should always show his readiness to allow the undertaker to profit by his operations, and to render him such definite help as may be within his power.

As a last resort the offer of a small amount of financial aid in the burial expenses will secure sometimes a permission otherwise refused. In extreme cases the physician may decline to sign the death certificate, or the Coroner may be called in, or the case turned over to the Board of Health. Under suspicious circumstances such procedures are necessary, but threats to resort to these expedients should not be made without good reasons.

With the request for the autopsy should be included the right to take such portions of organs or tissues as is necessary for a microscopic examination and for the complete diagnosis. It is, of course, never necessary and certainly unwise in the majority of cases to make any definite statements as to what or how much shall be taken away or left. No specimens should be taken if this is absolutely forbidden; and, while a half autopsy is better than none, the importance of the microscopic examination should be urged, if necessary, as strongly as the performance of the autopsy. The use of a written permission, such as is given above, obviates the necessity of making a special request for material and avoids the complications that such a request often brings about. Moreover, the legal decision above quoted grants the right to microscopic examination as included in the permit for the autopsy when such an examination is necessary to complete the aims of the autopsy.

5. AUTOPSY INSTRUMENTS. An autopsy can be properly performed with very few instruments; indeed, a knife and a saw, with a needle to close up the body, would suffice for the majority of cases. But there are very great advantages in the use of certain instruments adapted especially to autopsy needs, and these the[Pg 10] physician should gradually acquire for his work. It is not advisable to purchase the so-called “postmortem sets” sold by the dealers, but far better to start with two or three of the most necessary instruments and gradually add to these. Surgical instruments as they become discarded can often be made to do good service in the autopsy outfit. In private practice the fewer instruments one can get along with the better, as there is much less trouble in carrying them about and in taking care of them, and it is better to make the performance of the autopsy as inconspicuous as possible. In teaching institutions and in hospitals the number and variety of instruments that can be utilized in autopsy work are limited only by the financial means at disposal, but even under the most favorable conditions in this respect it is better to simplify as much as possible. The list given below will meet all requirements.

Knives. The large section- or cartilage-knife is the most important cutting instrument used in autopsy work. It is a strong, heavy knife 20-22 cms. long, with handle and blade of about equal length. The blade has a heavy back, a bluntly rounded rather than a sharp point (more blunt than appears in the illustration), and bellies at its anterior third, narrowing toward the handle. In its widest part the blade should measure about 1¾ cms. The handle is heavy, 1½ cms. broad, and a little over 1 cm. in thickness toward the blade, gradually diminishing to about ¾ cm. at the posterior third, then increasing to 1 cm. toward the end. This variation in thickness gives a gentle curve to the handle that is of great importance in adapting the latter to the form of the closed hand, so that the knife becomes practically a cutting extension of the fore-arm. With this knife all the chief incisions are made, and it is rarely out of the hands of the operator during the autopsy. The handle or blade may be made shorter or longer according to preference, but the other features of the instrument are most important.

[Pg 11]

Scalpel. (See Fig. 2.) A number of dissecting scalpels of varying sizes are needed for finer dissections. They should have a metal handle, and are preferably of one-piece construction.

Long Section- or Brain-Knife. In place of the broad thin brain-knife usually advised, an amputation-knife can be used to much better advantage in the section of the brain and in making the chief incisions in the large organs. It should have a sharp point rather than a blunt one.

Myelotome. This is used only for the purpose of cutting the spinal cord squarely across in the removal of the brain. It has a slender steel stalk with wooden handle, and a short, thin, narrow blade set obliquely at the end of the stalk. This instrument is not absolutely necessary, as the cord may be satisfactorily cut with the point of the long section knife.

Scissors. (See Fig. 5.) A number of these are of service: one large and strong pair with long handles and short stout blades, another large pair curved or bent with the longer blade blunt- or probe-pointed, a small pair with a narrow, probe-pointed blade for opening small vessels or ducts.

Enterotome. (See Fig. 6.) For opening the intestine the enterotome or intestinal scissors are used. These consist of one long probe-pointed blade bluntly rounded at its end, and a shorter blade with straight end fitting into the longer blade. Neither blade should be sharp-pointed.

Costotome. (See Fig. 7.) The cartilage-shears have two short, thick blades, the upper one with a broad belly, the lower one curved. Between the strong handles a spring is placed, and the construction should be such that when the blades are closed the ends of the handles do not touch. The form in which the handles meet and are secured with a catch is a dangerous autopsy instrument because of the severe pinching that the operator’s hand is sure sooner or later to receive.

[Pg 12]

Saws. (See Figs. 8, 9, 10.) A small hand-saw (bone-saw) is necessary for opening the skull, and the same saw may be used to open the spinal canal. It is sometimes made with a rounded point (“fox-tail” saw). For sawing vertically through the base of the skull when exposing the nasal tract a larger butcher’s saw with a high frame may be used. For sawing the angles of the skull-cap Hey’s saw may be of service but is not essential. A metacarpal saw may be used for opening small bones or the long bones of an infant. Band saws are sometimes used in opening up the nasal tract.

Rhachiotome. (See Fig. 11.) This instrument consists of two curved saw blades placed parallel to each other in such a way that the distance between them can be regulated by screws. There are two handles, a horizontal one for the right hand, and an upright one for the left hand attached to the fixed saw blade. It is used in opening the spinal canal.

Chisels. (See Figs. 12, 13, 14.) A very convenient autopsy instrument is the T-chisel or skull-opener, used for springing off the skull-cap and in detaching the periosteum. Side- and guarded-chisels may be used for the same purpose. The hatchet-chisel may also be used on the skull or spinal column. Straight and curved bone-chisels are also necessary for the examination of the bones and bone-marrow.

Brunetti Chisels. (See Fig. 15.) These are of great service in opening the spinal canal, but require some practice for their proper use. When used with skill they are preferable to the rhachiotome. The chisels are rights and lefts, and have a long, heavy,[Pg 13] curved blade, broadening toward the cutting end, which has on its right or left side a small blunt projection that is introduced into the spinal canal after the removal of a portion of one of the vertebræ. This projection serves as a director and lever, while the cutting edge of the chisel is driven through the lateral portions of the bony covering of the canal by means of blows from a wooden mallet received upon the heavy handles.

Hammer. (See Fig. 16.) The steel hammer of the amputation- or bone-sets is often of great service in autopsy work. The hook at the end of the handle may be used to lift up the skull-cap after the sawing is completed.

Mallet. (See Fig. 17.) A wooden mallet is necessary for the use of the Brunetti chisels. It may be loaded with lead or the end may be covered with felt to deaden the sound of the blows.

Forceps. (See Figs. 18, 19, 20.) Dissecting forceps of various types are useful in the finer dissections. Cover-glass forceps should be at hand for use in the taking of smears. A pair of strong bone-forceps may be of occasional service in cutting ribs or small bones. When the spinal canal is opened by means of the Brunetti chisels or rhachiotome the loosened fragments of the vertebræ should be jerked off by means of lion-forceps, or a strong pair of ordinary nippers may be used for the same purpose.

Miscellaneous Instruments. (See Figs. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.) Probes of various sizes, grooved and curved[Pg 14] directors, retractors, catheters, both metal and flexible, injection-syringe, blow-pipe with valve, trocar, cannulas, hand-drill for wiring bones, an iron-vise, etc., all find a place of usefulness in autopsy technique. In institution work motor band-saws, trephining or dental engines, drills, etc., may greatly facilitate the progress of autopsies when the daily number of these is great and when special examinations of the ear or nose are required. The needles for sewing up the incisions should be large, strong and slightly curved. A strong linen thread should be used for stitching and for ligatures.

Besides the instruments mentioned above there should be brass or nickel measuring sticks, one 10 cms. long and one 30 cms. long, a flexible metal measuring tape, graduated glass vessels for measuring fluids, graduated glass cones for orifices, etc. Suitable scales should also be provided. Rounded or triangular wooden blocks are needed to elevate portions of the body. For the display of gross specimens as they are removed from the body, agate dishes or wooden trays that have been infiltrated with paraffin should be at hand. The necessary outfit for the taking of material for bacteriologic examinations should always be present. Likewise cover-glasses and slides for smears, and reagents for the examination and preservation of tissue should be at hand. Sponges, pails, towels, tow or excelsior for filling up the body-cavities, disinfectants, etc., must be supplied.

The autopsy outfit may be extended indefinitely to suit the requirements of the conditions or the ideas of the pathologist. In actual practice, however, the physician may confine his requirements to the limits of a cartilage knife, dissecting scalpel,[Pg 15] forceps, one small probe-pointed pair of scissors, enterotome, saw, T-chisel, needles, thread, sponge and specimen bottles. Five or six dollars would cover the initial expense, and the set may be gradually increased. It would seem unnecessary to decry the use of surgical instruments for the autopsy. Once an instrument is used in an autopsy it should be left in the autopsy set.

CARE OF INSTRUMENTS. The cutting instruments should always be kept sharp and bright. Care should be taken that when the knives are sharpened the blunt points and rounded bellies are not ground off. After use the knives should be cleaned, disinfected and wiped dry. A tight galvanized iron box containing wire trays and a bottom pan for holding formalin is very practical in institution work. In private practice the knives after cleaning and disinfection may be kept in a holder made of Canton flannel or chamois skin having pockets fitted to the instruments; the whole may be rolled up into a small and compact bundle.

6. PREPARATION FOR THE AUTOPSY. Permission having been obtained, the autopsy should be performed without delay. It is very important that the examination should be carried out before the body has become cold, if any thorough microscopic study of the tissues is to be made. Changes in the finer structure of cells and nuclei quickly take place, and certain tissues, such as parts of the nervous system, the medullary portion of the adrenals, the pancreas, mucosa of gastro-intestinal tract, etc., within an hour or so after death are usually no longer fit for microscopic study. In all cases, therefore, it is best to make the autopsy as soon as possible after death, that is, as soon as positive signs of death appear. In the majority of cases this takes place within an hour, and the most favorable time for the performance of the autopsy falls within one to three hours after death.[Pg 16] Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to make the examination sooner, but for various reasons the operation is very repugnant when performed within the first half-hour after death. For ordinary purposes an autopsy performed within twelve to twenty-four hours is usually satisfactory. Occasionally it becomes necessary for medicolegal purposes to examine a body some days, weeks, or even months after death and burial.

The body should not be frozen if microscopic studies are to be made. When the autopsy is delayed cold storage just above the freezing point produces less change in the gross pathologic picture, as well as in the finer structure. No embalming fluids, injections, punctures, etc., should be allowed, and undertakers should be instructed not to do these things until after the question of autopsy has been decided and the operation completed. If the use of an embalming fluid becomes necessary, formalin, not stronger than a ten per cent solution, should be advised, as it does not damage the tissues and hinders but little the operations of the autopsy. Strong solutions, as found in the usual embalming fluids, render the tissues stiff and hard and cause color changes, while the strong vapors are very unpleasant to the obducent. The use of arsenical embalming fluids or preparations should be wholly discountenanced. When it is desired to study the mucosa of the stomach or intestine, it may be fixed soon after death by the introduction of a fixing fluid into the stomach or intestine by means of a tube and pump. Finally, instructions should be given that the body shall not be dressed for burial until after the autopsy.

The necessity of making special preparations for an autopsy depends upon its performance in a regularly appointed autopsy room or under the conditions of private practice. In the former case the autopsy room should be constructed to meet the demands of the work. In teaching hospitals it should be a large, well-lighted and properly-ventilated room with proper facilities for teaching-staff and students, and should be so[Pg 17] connected with the hospital wards that the conveyal of bodies may be protected from observation. In the same building there should be the pathological laboratory, library and museum, a waiting-room, and under some conditions a chapel for funeral services. The autopsy room itself should have a grooved concrete floor sloping to a central drain, the furniture should be of simple construction, and so built that the entire room may be washed with a hose. The seats should be arranged in an amphitheatre facing the northern side of the building, which should be constructed practically wholly of glass, the lower sashes containing ground glass or prisms. The northern half of the roof should likewise be of glass.

In the pit, in the field of strongest illumination, should be placed the autopsy table. This should be strongly built, of marble, slate, soapstone, artificial stone, copper, zinc, etc., about seven feet long, thirty inches wide, and thirty to thirty-six inches high. A high table is much preferable to a low one. It should have a top with grooves slanting toward a central perforated plate fixed in the central hollow standard in such a way that the top may be freely revolved. In the standard there should be a drain and ventilating shaft connected with a fan revolving outward. The drain from the table as well as the others from the laboratory should empty into a large catch-basin where the contents may be sterilized before passing into the main sewer. Above the table a combination gas and electric light with hot and cold water-pipes should be arranged. A sheet of blue glass of the proper tint may be used in connection with the illuminating apparatus to give daylight effects.

Extra tables, weighing and measuring apparatus, sinks, lavatories, bacteriologic outfit, sterilizer, instrument-case, etc., may be supplied as needed. In the case of delayed permission, or when the law requires that the bodies be kept a certain length of time before the autopsy, it becomes necessary to provide a proper cold-storage[Pg 18] apparatus. The local conditions will suggest the most convenient and appropriate construction. In routine autopsy service well-trained assistants and attendants become a necessary factor in the satisfactory performance of the work.

In private practice the autopsy is usually made in a private dwelling or, more rarely, in an undertaker’s shop. Under such conditions much depends upon the ability of the operator to make the best of things. In place of a proper table, the cadaver must be examined upon the bed, undertaker’s body-rest or shutter, in or upon the coffin, on the coffin lid, box, door, shutter, table or board. It is always advisable to move the body from the bed when anything else can be found upon which it can be placed. The support should be put in front of the window giving the best light and the cadaver placed upon this with its left side toward the window. Care should, of course, be always taken that the operation cannot be witnessed from without. A piece of oil-cloth or several layers of newspapers should be placed upon the floor beneath and around the support. When it is necessary to make the autopsy on the bed or in the coffin an abundant supply of old newspapers tucked under and around the cadaver will usually prevent the escape of blood or fluids.

An abundance of cold water should be provided, also a slop-pail, several basins, towels, old cloths, sponges, etc. Before the operation is begun the instruments and utensils, specimen bottles, needle and thread, etc., should be arranged. A stick of wood may serve as a head-rest. Material for filling up the body and restoring its form should be secured, according to the need for such. Hay, bran, tow, excelsior, old cloths, paper, etc., may be used for this purpose.

When all is ready for the operation members of the family or of the laity should be tactfully gotten out of the room. It is always well to ask members of the family if they desire to be present, but this invitation should be given in the expectation that it will not be accepted. The effect of an autopsy upon the minds of the laity is not always a pleasant one, and harm is sometimes done through the misinterpretation of necessary procedures and the[Pg 19] resulting gossip. In private practice it is worth while, as a matter of courtesy, to invite several of one’s colleagues to witness or take part in the autopsy. An ideal way would be to have one of these perform the operation in expectation of future reciprocation. In the interests of objective observation a clinician should never perform the autopsies of his own cases, but should turn them over to a trained pathologist or to a colleague. The operator is usually in a better position to know what to do than the onlookers, and while the suggestions of the latter are usually futile they may be endured for the occasional great help derived from them.

As far as the obducent himself is concerned he may prepare himself simply by removing his coat and rolling up his sleeves, or he may wear an autopsy coat or apron. While an autopsy can without doubt be best performed with hands bared, the danger to the operator is sufficiently great to lead him to sacrifice the undoubtedly greater technical skill thus gained, to his own safety, by the use of some protective. Rubber gloves of a medium weight, reaching half way to the elbows, are a great protection when carefully cleaned, sterilized and cared for. The sleeves of the coat may overlap the gloves and be fastened to these by an elastic band. When gloves are not used the hands may be covered with carbolized vaseline, or a six per cent solution of guttapercha in benzin. Cuts, abrasions, hang-nails, etc., must be protected by surgeon’s-plaster, collodion, finger-cots, etc. When these are used it may be necessary to remove them during the course of the autopsy, as they are easily torn or become loose. Frequent washing in flowing water lessens the danger of infection. Blood and other fluids from the body should never be allowed to dry upon the skin or upon anything used in connection with the autopsy.

Gloves should be thoroughly washed and scrubbed; and, when clean, washed in four per cent formaldehyde and dried before they are removed from the hands. They should be then dusted inside and out with talcum powder and put away dry. When they are again used they should be tested for holes by filling them with water. After having been used several times they easily tear. If the autopsy has been performed with unprotected hands, thorough disinfection of these, particularly of the finger-nails, should be carried out. Unpleasant odors may be removed from the hands by the use of mustard, dilute tincture of benzoin, turpentine, etc., and then washing with tincture of green soap. Rubbing with cornmeal is very effective in removing discolorations of the skin, particularly the blood-stains fixed by formaldehyde that occur so often in the course of autopsies on bodies injected by the undertaker.

[Pg 20]

Postmortem infections should receive prompt surgical attention, as the smallest one is dangerous and may develop in a few hours to such an extent as to cause the most alarming constitutional symptoms. In a way all autopsy work, like surgical operations, offers a risk to the operator. This is particularly great in all cases of pyogenic infection, tuberculosis, blastomycosis, syphilis and the acute specific infectious diseases. Any of these infections may be received through the unbroken skin by way of a hair-follicle; but previous cuts, abrasions, hang-nails, etc., form a frequent avenue of entrance for the infecting agent, as well as punctures, scratches and cuts received during the autopsy from instruments, spicules of bone, needles, etc. It is particularly dangerous to allow blood, pus or exudates from the peritoneal or thoracic cavity to enter a glove through a hole. A finger or hand so bathed is very likely to develop hair-follicle infections. All wounds received during the autopsy should be allowed to bleed freely, and then should be thoroughly washed in sterile water, alcohol and ether and an antiseptic.

Tuberculous warts are very common on the hands of prosectors having a large autopsy service and not using gloves. A generalized tuberculosis may follow. These warts are easily removed by repeated painting with fuming nitric acid, just sufficient to keep the skin yellow. If this treatment fails such warts should be excised. Syphilis has been reported only a few times as due to postmortem infection; but observations tend to show that the spirochætes may remain virulent for several hours (7-24) after death.

7. AUTOPSY TECHNIQUE. The object of the autopsy is to examine thoroughly, in as short a time as possible, and in the easiest and most convenient method, all of the organs and tissues of the body, with reference to the occurrence of disease-changes, in such a way that nothing will be overlooked or obscured. The preservation of relationships becomes, therefore, a very important matter; and nothing should be done to disturb these until a complete pathologic picture has been obtained. All unnecessary handling and cutting must be avoided. No hasty or ill-advised cuts should be made. Careful deliberation is often necessary as to the proper course to be pursued in order to obtain the proper result. Each autopsy is a law unto itself in this regard. New complications constantly arise and must be studied before the right way of revealing the solution of the pathologic problem is found. Above all things nothing should be destroyed until its relationships have been fully[Pg 21] determined. False steps taken in an autopsy cannot be retraced, and the complete investigation and the successful attainment of a diagnosis may be made impossible by improper methods of technique. As in all other technical matters there is a best way of carrying out the different steps of the autopsy; and as this best way must be altered to suit the conditions as they arise, it follows that there is both a science and art of autopsy-making. Some general rules can be laid down that apply consistently to all autopsies, but strict adherence to one method is impossible in all cases. As in everything else the prosector should be master of his technique and not let it master him.

When everything is ready for the autopsy the operator should take his place at the right side of the cadaver, unless he happens to be left-handed, when it may be more convenient for him to stand at the cadaver’s left. This position at the cadaver’s side he does not leave, except when opening the cranium, when he stands behind the head. When the spinal cord is removed posteriorly he still remains on the same side of the table, although the cadaver, having been turned over, presents its left side toward him. The instruments arranged in proper order should be on a tray close at his right hand, either on a neighboring table or placed on the autopsy table. As they are used they should be washed and returned to their proper place and not allowed to lie on the body or table.

The cutting technique employed in the autopsy is, as a rule, quite different from that employed in surgical operations or in dissection. For the large incisions the cartilage-knife is used. It should be held in the palm of the hand so that when the arm is extended the knife-blade becomes an extension of the axis of the arm, and used with a free arm-movement, fingers and hand being firmly fixed to the knife-handle. Long, sweeping cuts, adequate in pressure, and giving smooth and even incisions, are made by moving chiefly from the shoulder, with secondary movement from the elbow. The knife-blade should not be pressed or pushed into the tissues, but should be drawn through them rather quickly, cutting as it is drawn. The greater the force used, the more swift the drawing-motion should be. All cuts should be clean; if made in the wrong place they will do less damage than ragged, uneven incisions. The toe of the cartilage knife is used for the beginning and end of long incisions and for cutting in hollow or depressed surfaces. For flat surfaces the belly of the knife is employed. The heel of the blade can be used for cutting cartilages. The incisions made in the[Pg 22] body should be directed away from the operator, especial care being taken to avoid injuring his left hand or the hands or arms of anyone assisting in the operation. When the knife is held as directed there is not much danger of a slip except at the end of the incision when, the resistance being overcome, the knife goes through with a rush. To avoid this, pressure should always be slackened toward the end of the incision. The main incisions in the organs should be made with the brain-knife or short amputation knife, by a long, sweeping cut made from heel to toe of the knife-blade and beginning at the part of the organ farthest from the operator, drawing the blade through the organ toward the operator. For finer dissections the smaller scalpels are to be employed, and in such cases the dissection-technique of fixed arm and free finger movement must be used. In many places within the body the cutting-edge of the knife should be directed outward rather than inward so that underlying structures may not be injured. Often the fingers of the left hand are used in such cases to take the place of a grooved director. The application of these and other points of technique will be elucidated in the chapters following, whenever it is of advantage to use some especial method. In general nothing should be done to disturb relationships until these have been noted, and cuts should be made into organs in such a way that they may be reconstructed in their original shape and condition.

Order and cleanliness should characterize the autopsy. Abundance of water should be at hand, and after every incision the knife should be dipped into a vessel of water standing on the autopsy table. Practically all cuts should be made with a clean wet knife; only in the case of the chief-incisions of the large organs is it of advantage to cut with a clean dry knife, when it is desirable to obtain a judgment of the moistness or dryness of the cut surface. Never cut with a dirty knife, as the cut-surface may be obscured. A gentle scraping with the knife-blade often gives a more distinct picture of the cut surface. The water-stream should not be used too freely upon cut surfaces; it should be employed only when there is so much blood or fluid that the surfaces are obscured, or when it is desired to float up certain tissues or parts of organs. A better picture of the cut-surface can sometimes be obtained by blotting it with absorbent paper free from lint. Organs and tissues removed from the cadaver should not be allowed to dry. Nor should they be left in water. Both conditions will quickly ruin material in so far as its after-use for microscopic study is concerned. They should be kept covered with moist cloth or paper. As the organs[Pg 23] are removed from the body they may be quickly dipped into water and quickly rinsed, but beyond this the use of water is not advisable.

Blood and fluids within the cavities of the body should be quickly removed as soon as their character is determined. Stomach and intestinal fluids in particular should not be allowed to escape within the body-cavities. They should not be washed out, but removed by the aid of beakers and sponges. Drops of blood or other fluids upon the surface of the cadaver should be removed before they become dry. All respect should be paid to the dead body. The face and hair should be covered after they have been examined; and great care should be taken to prevent any accidental cuts on the surface; and the entire field of operation as well as the autopsy-table must be kept clean. In private practice the external genitals should be kept covered except for their examination. An abundance of large sponges and a gently-flowing stream of water under low pressure permit a clean and orderly autopsy. The use of a hose with water under high pressure is dangerous because of the accidental spattering that is sure to occur. Blood and fluids from a dead body should not be spattered about because of the great danger of spreading infection. When accidents do happen prompt cleaning up and disinfection should be carried out. Particularly in private practice is it of the greatest importance that no blood-stains be left behind.

The time required for an autopsy varies with the conditions of the individual case. A complete and well-performed autopsy under ordinary circumstances requires at least one hour, usually an hour and a half. It is true that all the organs can be removed from the body in a much shorter time, but the removal and inspection require at least the time given above, if properly done. Some cases present great difficulties and may require 4-12 hours for a satisfactory and complete examination. For a medicolegal examination 2-3 hours is usually necessary. No prosector should make more than two autopsies in one day, and, if he is making them every day, one daily is quite sufficient. The intellectual and nervous energy required for a good autopsy is so great that it is impossible for anyone to do justice to a large number made in quick succession. In many German laboratories this fact is recognized and the autopsies are assigned proportionately to members of the pathologic staff.

At the close of the autopsy the cadaver must be thoroughly cleaned and restored, as far as possible, to its natural appearance. Directions for the restoration and closure of the autopsied body will be given in a later chapter.

ORDER OF THE AUTOPSY. In so complicated a piece of work as the complete autopsy it is absolutely necessary that a definite order of procedure be followed at every autopsy, altered when necessary to suit the requirements of individual cases. In medicolegal examinations a definite autopsy order should be prescribed by law. For the average case, in fact for nearly every autopsy, I believe the following order, as given in my protocol book, to be the best one. It is based upon topographic and anatomic relationships, preservation of blood-content, ease and convenience of method, etc. As the protocol should follow this order, it is given here in full.

Autopsy-Protocol No.

1. Name: 2. Sex: 3. Age:

4. Nationality: 5. Status: 6. Occupation:

7. Day and Hour of Death: 8. Time of Autopsy:

Clinical Diagnosis:

Pathologic Diagnosis:

Prosector:

[Pg 25]

A. External Examination. General.

B. Internal Examination.

I. SPINAL CORD.

[Pg 26]

II. HEAD.

III. THORAX AND ABDOMEN. (Main Incision.)

[Pg 27]

IV. THORAX.

V. MOUTH AND NECK.

[Pg 28]

VI. ABDOMEN.

VII. MALE PELVIS.

[Pg 29]

VIII. FEMALE PELVIS

IX. SPECIAL REGIONAL EXAMINATION.

X. MICROSCOPIC AND BACTERIOLOGIC FINDINGS.

XI. SUMMARY OF CASE.

The organs may be inspected and opened in the body without removing them; but when weights and measures are desired they should be removed and sectioned on the table. When the spinal cord is removed posteriorly it should be done at the beginning of the autopsy, for the sake of convenience and cleanliness. If the thorax and abdomen are examined first there is a loss of solidity and resistance, making the posterior opening of the spinal canal more difficult. The head may be opened while the cadaver is face downward and the brain removed with cord attached. If the cord is examined anteriorly this should be done at the close of the autopsy after the thorax and abdomen are completely cleaned out. The head should be opened before the heart and great vessels are cut in order to avoid bleeding the sinuses and pial veins. It should be kept elevated until the heart has been examined to avoid bleeding the latter through the jugulars. The abdomen is opened before the thorax so[Pg 30] that the position of the abdominal organs and the height of the diaphragm can be correctly noted. A complete survey of the peritoneal cavity should be made at once before the appearances are changed through the loss of blood or other fluids, or through drying or handling. The size of the liver should be estimated before the heart is cut out, inasmuch as the loss of blood through the cut inferior vena cava may reduce its size as much as one-half. The pleural cavities should be examined before its vessels are cut, as the escape of blood may alter the appearances of the pleuræ. The heart is opened before the lungs are removed, so that its blood-content may be judged. The section of the neck organs is conveniently carried out according to anatomic relationships, beginning with the tongue. In the abdomen the spleen is removed first because it is the most easily gotten out of the way. The intestines up to the duodenum may be taken next, or the adrenals and kidneys, followed then by the gastro-intestinal tract, pancreas and liver. When necessary the kidneys may be removed in connection with the pelvic organs. In the case of extensive growth of neoplasms, marked inflammatory processes, adhesions, malformations, anomalies, etc., the order must be changed to meet in the best way the demands of the situation. Such changes in the order must always be mentioned in the protocol. It is a great mistake to begin the autopsy with a local examination of a supposed fatal lesion, except in the cases of wounds, particularly in medicolegal cases, in which a most careful and minute description of the wound is necessary.

Some writers (Letulle, Heller, et al.) advocate the removal of neck, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic organs en masse and their examination outside of the body. Except in rare cases in the adult, and more frequently in the child, this method does not present any special advantages aside from the preparation of museum specimens. It may be convenient to follow it when a very short time is allowed for the autopsy, just sufficient to remove the organs so that they can be examined later. When this method is followed the order should be:

For the ordinary clinical autopsy this method is more inconvenient and time-consuming, and offers not a single advantage over the order advocated above. I use it only in young children and in adult cases of generalized carcinomatosis, sarcomatosis, pulmonary embolism, congenital cardiac lesion, tuberculosis, aortic aneurism with tracheal or bronchial erosion and a few other rare generalized conditions. For all other cases I advise that the first mentioned order be followed, varying it as occasion demands. The autopsy should be individualized. Departures from the routine order will take place chiefly in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It is often more convenient to remove the kidneys before taking out the intestines, to examine the liver before the spleen, or to make other similar variations in the order. The order of examination of the larger divisions of the body (head, thorax, abdomen and pelvis) should always be followed strictly; but the neck and thoracic organs, or the thoracic organs alone, may be removed en masse and examined outside of the body, and the same procedure may be carried out in the case of the abdominal or pelvic organs whenever advisable. Removal en masse with examination on the table is especially indicated in the case of the neck and thoracic organs in aortic aneurism, pulmonary embolism, congenital cardiac lesions, mediastinal neoplasms, generalized carcinoma or sarcoma of thoracic organs, etc. The same procedure is indicated in the case of the abdominal organs in generalized carcinomatosis or sarcomatosis, inflammation and tuberculosis of the abdominal organs or peritoneum, aneurism of the abdominal aorta, pseudomyxoma peritonei, etc.

In my judgment it is extremely bad practice to examine first that part of the body which the clinician believes to be chiefly affected. Still worse is it to limit the autopsy to such a regional[Pg 32] examination. Imperfect and subjective conclusions will be avoided if the regular order is followed and each organ examined objectively. In all cases a complete autopsy should be made if permission can be obtained, and the permit for an autopsy should be regarded as one for a complete examination unless definite exceptions have been made. The examination of any organ or part should never be neglected. Many prosectors habitually omit the section of the neck-organs, intestines and genital tract when there is nothing to attract especially their attention to these parts. The examination of the spinal cord, orbits, nasal tract, ears, joints and bones may be omitted in the ordinary autopsy in the absence of especial considerations directing attention thereto; all other parts should be systematically examined. The pathologist must always maintain an unprejudiced state of mind toward the clinical diagnosis—rather a doubting mind than a disposition to accept the suggestions of the clinical opinions. The best cure for subjectivity is the complete performance of the autopsy in regular routine order, and the dictation of the protocol at the autopsy table during the operation.

THE PROTOCOL. Autopsy findings should be recorded in the form of complete, concise notes, following the order of the autopsy. Such a protocol should consist of descriptive statements of the pathologic changes found, as well as of all negative conditions. It must be a guarantee that all organs have been examined and that nothing has been overlooked. Herein lies the great value of the use of a protocol blank book with printed autopsy forms. When such are used and both positive and negative pathologic findings are recorded during the progress of the autopsy the chances of omission are reduced to a minimum.

The protocol must be purely objective and exact. All appearances should be so carefully described that from the protocol itself a diagnosis may be formulated. Conclusions and diagnoses have no place in the protocol until the final summing up. It is better to describe the appearance of organs than to class them as “normal” or “negative,” “nothing notable,” etc. The only excuse for the employment of such phrases is a lack of time for the dictation of a proper protocol, but the scientific value of the autopsy is thereby impaired. As the complete description of the normal appearances would require too much time and lessen that available for the pathologic examination, the prosector should describe briefly the chief characteristics of the normal organ, any variation in any one of these characteristics being sufficient evidence that the organ had suffered pathologic change. The description of the normal organ, however, usually offers the greatest difficulty to the beginner, and so much time may be spent upon this that the pathologic changes are slighted. However, the relatively small number of points constituting the criterion for the normal organ may be learned by experience and by the study of autopsy-protocols made by experts. The latter study is also necessary for the acquisition of the extensive protocol terminology that has been developed. A knowledge of this terminology lightens greatly the difficulties of the protocol; but its misuse leads to confusion and incorrect interpretations.

It is not a good plan to write up the protocol after the autopsy has been finished. It should be dictated during the progress of the[Pg 34] autopsy. Only in this way can an accurate and purely objective description be obtained. The use of simple, terse English and the proper employment of autopsy terminology are also chief factors in the production of a good protocol.

The importance of following a definitely-outlined routine of procedure is very evident in the case of protocol-making. The general order of the autopsy should be followed strictly in the protocol; and all deviations from the usual method noted and described. Aside from this general order, each organ or part as it is examined should be systematically described according to the following scheme:

1. Location and relation to other parts.

2. Size and weight.

3. Shape. (Contour, lobes, edges, borders, character of surface, etc.)

4. Color.

5. Consistence.

6. Odor.

7. Cut surface.

8. Blood-content.

9. Histologic features in detail. (Capsule, surface, parenchyma, stroma, vessels, etc.)

10. General and localized pathologic conditions.

For the hollow viscera and body-cavities the following points should be systematically noted in addition:

1. Size and shape of cavity.

2. Free gas or air?

3. Fluid or solid contents? (Amount, odor, color, cloudiness, consistency, precipitation or separation on standing, presence of blood, fibrin, pus, parasites, etc.)

4. Condition of wall of cavity (serosa or mucosa).

1. Location and Relation. The organs and parts should be located according to the landmarks of regional anatomy. Brain-lesions may be charted upon the printed outline sheets of the different parts of the brain. Similar outline sheets may also be used for other parts of the body.

2. Size and Weight. The exact weights and measurements should be given in the metric terms. Organs should be weighed and measured after the removal of other tissue in which they may be imbedded (fatty capsule of kidney, etc.) or to which they are attached (diaphragm from liver, blood-vessels from heart, etc.).[Pg 35] The volume of the organ may be estimated by putting it into a graduated vessel containing water and noting the amount of displacement. In the absence of facilities or the time necessary to take weights and measurements an approximate estimate of size and bulk may be given by comparisons with well-known objects, such as peas, mustard-seed, pepper-corns, walnuts, apple, hen’s egg, etc., but such terms are only relative and not accurate, and their use should be avoided as much as possible. That the weight and measurements of any given organ fall within normal limits cannot be taken as evidence that the organ is normal. The judgment as to the size and weight of the organ must always be controlled by a consideration of the pathologic conditions present as to the exact factor in the increase or the loss of size or weight.

3. Shape. The organs should be removed with the least possible disturbance of shape. If it is not possible to do this, the shape of the organ should be noted as it lies within the body. A knowledge of the normal form of the organs must serve as the basis for judgment. Comparison of pathologic alterations in form with the shape of some familiar object is permissible (horse-shoe, hour-glass, shagreen, cauliflower, mushroom, coral, polypoid, hog-backed, etc.) Borders, contours, edges, external surfaces, etc., are rounded, sharp, flatter, thinner, saccular, lobulated, smooth, wrinkled, folded, villous, polypoid, granular, nodular, fissured, etc. All possible anomalies of form exist from the very slightest deviations up to the most marked distortions.

4. Color. The color of an organ or part should be noted as soon as possible after its removal from the body, or, better, as soon as the cadaver is opened, since oxidation, evaporation, loss of blood, and contact with water quickly cause color-changes. Venous blood may quickly become bright red, notably in the spleen and cerebral veins and sinuses. It is not to be supposed that, even when the cadaver is opened within a very short time after death, the color is that of the living body. Certain color-changes always take place as soon as death occurs, but it is necessary to create a color-standard for the different organs as seen under the conditions of the ordinary autopsy. Injections of formalin and other undertaker’s fluids destroy all color, and should not be permitted before the autopsy. Freezing likewise changes the color of many of the organs.

The judgment of the color of the tissues and organs of the human body is extremely difficult because of the fact that only rarely is a pure simple color seen. Ordinarily a combination of colors is present, and the analysis of these is often not easy. If the[Pg 36] organ is held before the eyes at a distance of about a yard an impression of a single color-unity may be obtained, but when brought nearer to the eyes the surface presents a variegated, mottled, speckled or streaked effect of many colors, sometimes running the entire range of the spectrum. The colors most frequently seen in the body are yellow, red and brown in all possible combinations and shades. Blue, gray, slate, black, green and purple are also common in combination with these three or with one another. The analysis of the color is concerned, first with the color proper of the parenchyma, secondly with the color of the blood and the blood-content, thirdly with the color of some pathologic substance contained in the tissue, as blood- or bile-pigment, carbon, melanin, etc. In describing color-combinations use the predominant color last; as, for example, a reddish-yellow-brown means that the predominant color is brown with more yellow in it than red. Innumerable combinations of these three colors exist (light brown, chocolate, yellowish-brown, brownish yellow, brownish red, etc.). The macroscopic color will not be apparent in microscopic preparations except when due to a true pigment.

The term discolored is applied to dirty, cloudy colors, particularly gray or greenish, as in gangrene. Spotted, mottled, streaked, variegated, etc., have the same application in the autopsy-protocol that they have elsewhere. The judgment of the color of an organ should be made twice: as seen through the capsule or external covering, and again on the cut surface of the organ. In the latter case the transparency, translucency or opacity of the surface should be noted with the color. Normally translucent structures become opaque as the result of inflammatory thickening, parenchymatous degenerations, leukocyte infiltrations, tubercles, postmortem digestion, etc. An increase in translucence may be due to œdema, hydropic degeneration, amyloid, mucoid and colloid degenerations, liquefaction necrosis, anæmia, atrophy, loss of pigment, etc. (translucent, transparent, jelly-like, colloid, mucoid, lardaceous, sago, bacon, ham-fat, pearly, etc.).

5. Consistence. This is best estimated by placing the four fingers of the right hand beneath the edge of the organ as it lies on the board or in the body and lifting it slightly upward and inward toward the main mass of the organ. This should be done in several places, so that an idea of the general consistence of the organ is obtained. Hollow organs must be tested before and after opening, in the latter case, to get an idea of the consistence of the wall. Organs with capsules should be tested through the uncut capsule[Pg 37] and also on the cut surface. After the general consistence has been determined an examination of the entire organ by thumb and fingers should be made to determine localized areas of different consistence (soft: abscess, cyst, œdema, areas of degeneration, etc.; hard: amyloid, tubercles, tumors, chronic passive congestion, fibroid indurations, pneumonic areas, etc.). The size and location of such areas should be carefully noted. The presence of fluctuation, loss of elasticity, pitting on pressure, friability, hardness, etc., should be described in ordinary terms, although a comparison with familiar objects often gives a more definite impression than the simple use of adjectives describing the condition (consistence of leather, dough, mush, pea-soup, putty, wood, jelly, stone, iron, etc.). The relaxation or softness of an organ is often judged by its flattening on the board, or by its hanging down over the index-finger when this is placed beneath its middle and the organ raised, or by the jelly-like tremors of the organ when the dish containing it is agitated.

An increased friability is noted in diseased bones, muscles, pneumonic lungs, organs showing acute congestion, etc. An increase or a loss in elasticity is to be noted chiefly in the large blood-vessels, lungs, skin, etc. In describing a condition of loss of normal firmness the German School makes frequent use of the termination malacia (softening) in such words as myomalacia, osteomalacia, gastromalacia, myelomalacia, encephalomalacia, etc. When such softening is the result of postmortem autolysis or digestion, as is so often the case in the stomach (postmortem perforations), thymus, pancreas, adrenals, brain, etc., the term postmortem softening is more frequently used in this country. Soft tumors are described as medullary, encephaloid, etc. In all judgments as to consistence the normal differences between the organs must be considered, as well as the length of time between death and the autopsy, the cause and manner of death, undertaker’s manipulations, temperature, moisture, rigor mortis, putrefaction, etc.

6. Odor. But little attention is paid in the average autopsy to the odors of the body, and very little has been written about their importance. This is probably due to the fact that the average individual more or less consciously or unconsciously suppresses the sense of smell. Yet a keen sense of odors and an ability to analyze them are of the very greatest importance in autopsy work. Certain infections, and other diseases as well, have peculiar and distinctive odors (small-pox, measles, colon-bacillus infections, pulmonary gangrene, diabetes, uræmia, acute yellow atrophy, leukaemia, etc.). The odor of many drugs and poisons may also be distinguished in the[Pg 38] tissues, gastro-intestinal tract or body-cavities (alcohol, ammonia, amyl nitrite, aromatic and ethereal oils, assafétida, carbolic acid, chloral, chloroform, creosote, ether, hydrocyanic acid, iodoform, musk, nicotine, nitrobenzol, phenacetin, phosphorus, etc.) Many foods may be recognized in the stomach by the odor (onions, garlic, cabbage, turnips, pineapple, oranges, apples, peaches, vinegar, grape-juice, caraway and anise seeds, celery, sage, cardamom, and many others). In describing odors we should compare them with natural odors or class them as sweet, sweetish, sour, bitter, pungent, sharp, heavy, yeasty, pus-like, fruity, etc.

7. Cut Surface. The cut surface of the organs and tissues should be examined immediately after the organ is sectioned. During the examination the organ should be moved in different planes so that the light may fall upon the surface in various angles. Color-changes, differences in reflection and refraction, minute inequalities of the surface, etc., are often brought out in this way when otherwise they might be overlooked. During the examination the surface may be gently scraped over by the blade of the large section-knife held at an angle of 45° to the surface. The character and amount of the blood and fluid exuding from the surfaces and vessels should be noted; after this has been done the cut surface may be gently washed with water and examined with regard to histologic and pathologic details. During the inspection pressure may be made upon the organs to determine still further the blood- and fluid-content. The color, moisture or dryness, consistence, reflection or “shine” (dry-shining, moist-shining, fatty shine, pearly shine, etc.), cloudiness, translucency, transparency or opacity of the cut surface must also be considered. Normal organs are never perfectly dry, although they vary greatly in the amount of moisture shown on the surface. They have, therefore, always a certain degree of reflecting power. Different parts of the cut surface of the same organ should be compared as to color, moisture and dryness. (Areas of suppuration, congestion, œdema, inflammation, recent hemorrhage, hydropic degeneration, liquefaction necrosis, etc., are more moist than normal; old thrombi, fibrinous exudates, old hemorrhages, simple, coagulation, caseous and Zenker’s necrosis, dry gangrene, anæmic and hemorrhagic infarctions, amyloid, concretions of cholesterin, bile-pigment, lime-salts, urates, etc., contents of dermoid cysts and cholesteatomata, etc., are dry.) The cut surface must be described also as to its even or uneven character, finely or coarsely granular, shagreened, rough, nodular, elevated or depressed portions, fissures, folds, umbilication.

[Pg 39]

The cut surface of neoplasms is examined especially by scraping it with a dry knife held at an angle of 45°. The cells thus obtained constitute the tissue-juice (“cancer- or sarcoma-milk”). Soft medullary neoplasms yield an abundance of such cell-scrapings, hard tumors but little. The cells thus obtained may be treated according to the various methods given on Page 219, and then examined microscopically. The cut-surface of the soft parenchymatous organs (bone-marrow, spleen, thymus, lymphnodes, liver, pancreas and kidneys) also yields material for examination by this method.

8. Blood-Content. The blood-content of the organs should be estimated both before and after they are sectioned. This estimation should be based upon the color of the organ, condition of the blood-vessels, amount of blood exuded from the cut surface, number of bleeding-points (anæmia, hyperæmia, stasis). Capillary, arterial and venous hyperæmia should be differentiated when possible. Only rarely are evidences of arterial congestion seen in the cadaver. It is also necessary to observe the occurrence, location and extent of hypostasis and to differentiate antemortem and postmortem (lungs, brain, intestines, etc.). The association with œdema and inflammation, particularly in the lungs (hypostatic pneumonia) speaks for antemortem hypostasis. A red color in parts possessing no blood-vessels (heart-valves, endocardium, intima of aorta, cartilage, etc.) indicates an imbibition of diffused hæmoglobin (hæmatin-imbibition). Changes in the color of the blood (carbon monoxide, hydrocyanic acid, and hydrogen sulphide poisoning, all poisons producing methæmoglobinæmia, icterus, leukæmia, etc.) should be described and recorded; likewise all hemorrhages, extravasations, etc.

9. Histologic Features. After the general points given above have been considered the histologic features of the organ should be taken up in routine. For example, in the case of the spleen, the capsule, trabeculæ, pulp, stroma, follicles and vessels should be examined; in the liver, the capsule, trabeculæ, liver-acini, blood-vessels and bile-ducts; in the kidneys, capsules, cortical surface, cortex, labyrinths and medullary rays, glomeruli, columns of Bertini, medullary pyramids, vessels, pelvis and beginning of ureter. When the organs are thus systematically examined there is but little chance that anything visible to the naked eye has been overlooked.

10. Pathologic Lesions. Anomalies, defects, erosions, ulcers, evidences of trauma, inflammations, abscesses, tubercles, gummata, neoplasms, parasites, and all forms of pathologic changes, local or general, must be accurately located and described. The changes[Pg 40] peculiar to certain diseases and infections must always be borne in mind during the examination of any organ in which such conditions are likely to be found. The relationship of lesions in different parts of the body must be recognized. Localized lesions must be described according to position, size, form, color, consistence, etc. Their nature must be recognized, their relation to other or to pre-existing conditions determined, the stage of the process estimated, and the part played in the causation of death ascertained.

In the examination of the body-cavities and hollow organs, as well as pathologic hollow structures, the first thing to note is the escape of gas or air under pressure. Occasionally it is best to open the organ under water to note the escape of bubbles. The odor of the gas, inflammability, etc., are to be noted. The fluid or solid contents (blood, bile, urine, féces, mucus, pus, exudates and transudates, altered secretions, food-remains, concretions, foreign bodies, parasites, etc.) are described as to their amount, color, consistence, odor, reaction, chemical nature, precipitate, presence of cellular elements, etc. The size of the cavity, monolocular or multilocular, the character of its lining (transparency, translucency, cloudiness or opacity, color, “shine,” moisture, smoothness, roughness, villous or polypoid, consistence, thickening, swelling, elevations, atrophy, incrustations or deposits on the lining, etc.) are to be considered. In the case of cystic tumors (adenocystomata, dermoid cysts, cholesteatomata, etc.) especial attention should be paid to the character of the cyst-contents (mucoid, glairy, colloid, jelly-like, pea-soup-like, pultaceous, mushy, doughy, caseous, pearly, laminated, flaky, powdery, etc.).

THE BEGINNING OF THE AUTOPSY. The autopsy begins with the examination of the exterior of the body. The cadaver should be completely stripped of clothing and examined as a whole, then as to its separate parts. Time is saved and omissions prevented if a definite order is followed in the external examination, such as follows here.

1. Identification of the Body. In ordinary cases the name of the deceased will be given upon the autopsy-permit, and this will serve as sufficient identification. In large autopsy-services, when several cadavers may be brought in at the same time, each one should be properly tagged so that no mistake is possible. It is necessary in medicolegal cases to make a more formal identification by having the cadaver positively identified by persons having knowledge of the individual during life, or by those who first saw the body, or who took it in charge. In such cases when identification is impossible at the time of autopsy the protocol should give in full details the place, time, and conditions of discovery of the body, with an accurate description of its external characteristics, clothing, articles found on the body, surroundings, etc. Bertillon measurements and finger-markings may be taken; dental work should be carefully described; false teeth and hair, eyeglasses, etc., should be preserved, and the most careful attention should be paid to bodily anomalies or peculiarities, birth-marks, tattoo, etc. Photographs, casts, Roentgengrams, etc., may be taken. Powder-marks, blood-stains, as well as those of semen and other discharges, should be described and, if necessary, preserved. Legal names, as well as aliases, should be recorded and attested in all cases of legal significance. In fact, the only proper way to conduct any autopsy is with the assumption that the results will have legal value; and such an assumption is the best safeguard against important omissions.

2. Sex. This should always be mentioned in the protocol. In the case of pseudohermaphrodism the determination of the real sex may be difficult and may eventually be decided by microscopic studies. Likewise in bodies that have been burned or mutilated the question of sex becomes a matter of anatomic and histologic study.[Pg 42] The character of the bones, pelvis, remains of sexual organs, etc., are used as criteria to decide the question. In cases of burning, the uterus in the female and the prostate in the male may often be recognized microscopically when the head and extremities are burned off and only a charred mass of flesh and bone remains.

3. Age. When the true age is not known the apparent age must be estimated by considering the general appearance of the body, development, bones, epiphyses, sutures, blood-vessels, skin, hair, teeth, sexual organs, etc. Roentgengrams of the epiphyses, hands and feet may be made. The presence of an arcus senilis should be noted. Arteriosclerosis of the temporal and radial arteries may be determined by inspection and palpation. The determination of the age of the new-born will be considered in a later chapter.

4. Nationality. When not definitely known this may be estimated by such criteria as color of skin, finger-nails, character of hair, facies (cheek-bones, jaw, forehead, cephalic index, facial angle, eyes, etc.), hands, feet, general build, etc. For ethnologic and anthropologic data the body may be described according to the primitive type it represents (Australioid, negroid, mongoloid, xanthochroic, melanchroic, Iberian, dolichocephalic, etc., according to the different classifications).

5. Status. Unmarried, married, widow, widower, divorced, legal status, citizen of what country, state, county or town, etc.

6. Occupation. As this often throws light upon the pathologic condition present in the body, the trade or occupation should be ascertained and stated in the protocol. When no direct information is available a judgment concerning it may be made on the basis of certain conditions, occupation or industrial diseases found in the body (anthracosis, argyrosis, siderosis, silicosis, chalicosis, lead-poisoning, chronic phosphorus poisoning, nitrobenzol and other forms of poisoning, localized muscle-hypertrophy or atrophy, callus, etc.).

7, 8. Time of Death and Time of Autopsy. The day and hour of death and the time of autopsy should be noted. When the time of death is not known with certainty it can only approximately be estimated by the condition of the body with respect to such postmortem changes as rigor mortis, algor mortis, hypostasis, diffusion-spots, decomposition, etc. From no one of these signs of death can an absolute statement be made as to the time of death; so great a variation may occur with any one or with all of these so-called positive signs of death that only very relative estimates can be given.[Pg 43] Between the actual time of death and the appearance of positive signs of this event there exists a variable period in which death announces its appearance by negative signs only; the cessation of the vital functions, respiration, circulation and nervous excitability. These functions may, however, be reduced to so low a degree of strength that their existence cannot be made out by the usual methods, and a condition of apparent death or “suspended animation” may be present. Such a condition is most frequently seen in cases of cholera, hysteria, catalepsy, hypnosis, excessive fatigue, prolonged exposure to cold or to high temperatures, concussion, severe hemorrhage, action of certain poisons, electrical currents and lightning stroke, strangulation, asphyxia, suffocation, drowning, etc. The condition of apparent death may last hours or even days, but as a rule it is one of very short duration. Granting the existence of such a possibility of apparent death before absolute signs of death appear, it follows that in all autopsies made very soon after death has occurred, the prosector must bear such a possibility in mind, and satisfy himself beyond all doubt of the actual occurrence of death before beginning the autopsy.

Tests for the Determination of the Occurrence of Death. Loss of reflexes or response to stimuli are early signs. Mirror, flame or feather held before the mouth and nose, or vessel containing fluid placed on epigastrium show absence of respiration. Opening of artery, temporal or radial; if death has occurred vessel will be empty. Tests with blood-pressure apparatus are negative in dead body. Electrical tests and Roentgengrams of heart and lungs show no movement in these organs. Subcutaneous injection of ammonia; no congestion or vesicle formed in the dead body. Subcutaneous injection of fluorescin (Icard’s test): in the living body a greenish color soon appears in skin, mucous membranes and conjunctivæ; but not in the dead body. Heat applied to the skin causes no reddening in the dead body, and, if a vesicle forms, the fluid contained in it has no albumin and the underlying skin is dry and glazed and not red. The application of caustics produces no eschar in the dead body. A steel needle inserted into the living tissues becomes quickly tarnished; in the dead body oxidation will not take place after many hours. Glazing of the eyes (if these are open) takes place very quickly after death; the eye-ball collapses ordinarily, but may remain prominent in death from hanging, suffocation, apoplexy, etc. The eye loses its elasticity; the pupils can be made oval by compressing the globe (Ripault’s test). The patch of dark discoloration on the part of the sclerotics exposed to evaporation is known as Larcher’s[Pg 44] sign. The hands held against a strong light lose the pink tinge between the fingers, and the soles and palms become yellow. A tight ligature about a finger or limb causes no reddening (Magnus’s test). Relaxation of the sphincters occurs soon after death. It should be borne in mind in this connection that the discharge of gas and féces is not uncommon after death, that a fetus may be expelled by the increase of intra-abdominal pressure due to rigor mortis and gas-formation, that a discharge of semen or prostatic fluid almost always occurs in the adult male, that electric contractility may last several hours after death, that muscles may twitch during this period, and that atropine will dilate the pupils for some time postmortem.

9. Build. The body should be measured by stretching in a straight line a metal tape-measure from the vertex to the centre of the external arch of the instep, the foot being held at a right angle to the surface of the table. Giantism or dwarfism, partial or complete, asymmetrical development, etc., should be noted and the type determined (rachitic, cretinoid, congenital and acquired deformities of bones may cause dwarfism; giantism may be congenital or due to disease of the hypophysis as in acromegaly). In all cases of abnormal development of the skeleton the possibility of diseased conditions of the hypophysis, thyroid, thymus, adrenals and sexual glands must be borne in mind. In a general way the build of the body may be described as large, heavy, strong, medium, small, delicate, etc. Racial, sex and age differences should be noted. Roentgen-ray examination may here also be made use of in the determination of stages of skeletal development. Approximate estimates of the general build may be made when only part of the body is preserved. Such rules as nineteen times the length of the middle finger equals the approximate height, four times the length of the femur equals the height, the distance from the tip of the olecranon to the tip of the middle finger is five-nineteenths of the height, etc., are obviously very uncertain.

10. General Nutrition. The body should be weighed. Nutrition good, medium, poor, emaciated, etc. Condition of skin, muscles, panniculus, etc. Differentiate loss in fat from loss in muscle. Distinguish physiologic fat from pathologic (lipomatosis, etc.).

11. Head. The size and shape of the head should be noted, and any peculiarity or pathologic condition described (microcephalic, macrocephalic, dolichocephalic, brachycephalic, etc.).

12. Facies. Aside from individual and racial characteristics the face of the cadaver may show varying expressions (Hippocratic[Pg 45] facies, hepatic facies, expression of peace, pain, horror, distortion, etc.). Note all anomalies and pathologic conditions (leontiasis ossea, leonine expression of leprosy, hare-lip, etc.).

13. Eyes. Closed or open, shape, size, color, deep-set, changes due to death, condition and size of pupils, arcus senilis, color of conjunctivæ and sclerotics, eye-lids. The pupils are usually dilated at death, but after a short time they contract, usually unequally, and remain so for several days. Note particularly all anomalies and pathologic conditions (corneal scars, coloboma, cataract, strabismus, etc.).

14. Neck. Short and thick, long and narrow, thin or fat, smooth or wrinkled, scars, enlargements, marks of rope, fingers, string, evidences of strangulation, hemorrhages, abrasions, etc., other forms of trauma, cysts, enlarged glands, condition of thyroid, etc.

15. Thorax. Shape, length, breadth and depth, angle of Louis, epigastric angle, symmetry of sides, prominence or depressions, pigeon-breast, shoemaker’s or funnel breast, rachitic rosary, character of ribs and interspaces, mammæ, degree of hairiness, eroding tumors or aneurisms, etc.

16. Abdomen. Depressed, scaphoid or elevated, distended, tympanitic, presence of fluctuation, symmetry, results of palpation (neoplasms), character of abdominal wall (tightly stretched or lax, wrinkled), presence of linea fusca or lineæ albicantes (pregnancy, ascites, tumor). The existence of enteroptosis or gastroptosis can often be told by inspection of the abdomen.

17. Back. General build and contour, bedsores, etc. Spine should be carefully examined (anterior, posterior or lateral curvatures, evidences of trauma, etc.).

18. Anomalies. Malformations and anomalies of any region should be thoroughly examined and carefully described. The most common ones found in adults are hare-lip, cleft palate, branchial cysts, bifid sternum, accessory ribs, malformations of fingers and toes, hypertrophy of great toe, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, pseudohermaphrodism, congenital dislocations, particularly of hip, lumbosacral meningoceles and dermoid cysts, microcephalus, club-foot and hernia, its variety, location, size and condition. Under anomalies may be considered the stigmata of degeneracy and the homo delinquens type. These should also be mentioned in the identification of the cadaver.

19. Deformities. Location, degree, character, probable cause, etc. Most commonly caused by tuberculosis, rachitis, gonorrhœa,[Pg 46] syphilis, osteitis deformans, trauma, burns, osteomalacia, tabes, muscular atrophies, gout, rheumatism, tumors, aneurism, diseases of the lung causing asymmetry of the thorax, acromegaly, etc. Most common forms are Pott’s disease, spondylitis, ankylosis, spinal curvature, contractions and retractions of parts, bow-leg, knock-knee, changes in the pelvis, dwarfism, shortening of extremities, exostosis, drumstick or clubbed fingers, flat foot, loss of bones, amputations, occupation deformities, swelling of joints, tophi, Charcot’s joint, hygroma, ganglion, etc.

20. Signs of Trauma. Location, size, character and condition of wound (bruises, bloody suffusions, hæmatoma, erosion, denudation, lacerations, punctures, crushing, blister, fractures, dislocations, bullet-wounds, marks of hanging, strangulation (abrasions in the neck caused by hanging show minute hemorrhages in and about their edges, particularly in the upper border; section of the neck shows small hemorrhages in the cervical tissues), or drowning, burns, action of corrosives (brown spots on lips), effects of electric currents, etc. In the case of powder-markings note number, direction, burning, singeing of hairs, etc.) In medicolegal cases the description of traumatic lesions should be especially minute and complete. An effort should be made to distinguish postmortem from antemortem wounds. Recent wounds have clean cut walls and edges covered with blood; old wounds show reaction, vascularization, granulations, adhesion of edges of wound, or of exudate. Postmortem wounds are usually free from blood unless large veins are ruptured. Loss of the epidermis before or after death causes in the cadaver yellowish or brown, firm, leather-like spots.

21. Surgical Wounds. Location, size, nature of operation, state of wound, character of surgical dressings, drainage, etc., discharge from wound as blood, pus, féces, urine, etc., odor of wound, age as shown by stage of repair, evidence of infection, etc. Hypodermic marks, saline injections, blisters, venesection, cupping, exploratory punctures, recent vaccination marks, etc., should be noted.

22. Scars. Location, size, character, recent or old, pigmented or pale, rough or smooth, contractures, keloids, traumatic or surgical, nature of injury or surgical operation, hypodermic scars, vaccination, acne, cupping, small-pox, chicken-pox, shingles, “electric belt,” croton oil, burns, etc.

23. Skin. Color (racial differences), brown, gray or black pigmentations in Addison’s disease, pellagra, syphilis, vitiligo, xanthoma, chloasma, pigmented nodes or nævi, argyria, arsenical poisoning, pernicious anæmia, xeroderma pigmentosum, chronic[Pg 47] jaundice, vagabond’s skin, tan, following blisters, plasters, cupping, use of croton oil, Roentgen irradiation, effects of violet rays, melanotic tumors, pregnancy, etc.; bronzing in Addison’s and chronic icterus; lemon yellow in chlorosis and pernicious anæmia; yellow to dark green in icterus; grayish-brown in potassium chlorate poisoning; bluish-red (cyanotic) in cardiac insufficiency; yellowish-bluish-red (“Herz-farbe”) in cases of complete loss of compensation; cherry-red or rose-red in carbon-monoxide or hydrocyanic acid poisoning, rarely as the result of an erythema, although this condition usually disappears after death; dirty sallow to grayish or greenish in tumor cachexia and poisoning with H₂S; white after severe hemorrhage, cachexia of chronic Bright’s disease, leucoderma, vitiligo, albinism, leprosy, etc.; red, yellow, green or brown in hemorrhages according to their age. Eruptions should be classified and described as to location, abundance, stage, etc. (macules, papules, wheals, desquamation, scales, blebs, bullæ, pustule, tubercles, ulcers, abscess, phlegmon, herpes, crusting, granuloma, etc.). With the exception of chicken-pox and small-pox the eruptions of the acute exanthemata disappear after death, as do all erythematous rashes except in rare instances. Emphysema of the skin should be differentiated from œdema. The most common lesions of the skin are acne, eczema and syphilis. Tuberculosis (lupus) is not uncommon; anthrax, favus, rhinoscleroma, actinomycosis and blastomycosis and Aleppo or Delhi boil are more rarely seen. Tinea versicolor and tricophyton (barber’s itch and the various forms of ringworm) are the most common parasitic affections. In the Southern states ground-itch due to the hook-worm is the most common. Leprosy should be considered in connection with individuals coming from Norway, Sweden and Finland and other leper-foci. The most common tumors of the skin are all the various forms of hæmangioma and lymphangioma (freckles, moth patches, naevi, moles, warts, birth-marks), fibroma, lipoma and squamous-celled carcinoma (horny and basal-celled types). The latter is the most common form of malignant tumor. Sarcoma of the skin is more rare; the melanotic sarcoma, arising usually in a pigmented mole, is the most common form. Next to this is the round-cell sarcoma or lymphosarcoma (mycosis fungoides, leukaemic and aleukaemic lymphocytoma, etc.). Spindle-cell sarcoma, angiosarcoma, endothelioma and other forms are less common. Sebaceous cysts (wen, atheroma, steatoma) are very common. Less frequent are molluscum contagiosum, xanthoma (endothelioma lipomatodes), myoma, myxoma, chondroma and osteoma. Adenoma sebaceum and sudoriparum[Pg 48] are rare. Other conditions of the skin to be noted are cleanliness, elasticity, general nutrition, moisture, presence of scales, atrophy, hyperplasia (ichthyosis, horny warts, cutaneous horns, the various forms of elephantiasis), scleroderma, keloid, xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism, leucoderma, vitiligo, myxœdema, seborrhœa, alopecia, erysipelas, dermatomyositis, psoriasis, impetigo, rhinophyma, herpes, miliaria, sudamina, symmetrical gangrene, trophic changes, “goose-flesh,” hemorrhages, scars, tattoo-marks, etc. The various forms of skin-diseases should be described and recorded whenever present.

The presence of petechiæ or ecchymoses in the skin (purpura) is characteristic of all the forms of essential purpura (simplex, peliosis rheumatica, hæmorrhagica, senilis, morbus maculosis Werlhofii, scurvy, Möller-Barlow disease, etc.); such skin hemorrhages occur also as the result of trauma, congenital hæmophilia, in the course of many infections (small-pox, plague, typhus, yellow fever, endocarditis, measles, scarlet fever, septicæmia, pyæmia, rheumatism, meningitis, typhoid fever), in many intoxications (snake-bite, icterus, nephritis, iodine, bromine, phosphorus, chloroform, etc.), also in severe anæmia, pernicious anæmia, leukæmia, sarcoma, carcinoma, acute yellow atrophy of the liver, hysteria, vicarious menstruation, reflex hemorrhages, stigmatization, etc. The number, size, color and location of all cutaneous hemorrhages should be recorded.

24. Hair. Color, abundance, distribution, character, quality, condition, length, pathologic conditions (alopecia areati, senilis, præsenilis, pityrodes, syphilitica and symptomatica, trichorrhexis nodosa, hypertrichosis, parasites, etc.). In prolonged fevers and wasting diseases the diameter of the hair is diminished. Symptomatic alopecia occurs after syphilis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, measles, erysipelas, anæmia, Roentgen irradiation, etc. The length, color and quality of the hair as well as amount and distribution vary in different races. Hypertrichosis is often associated with degeneracy, criminal tendency, epilepsy, idiocy and certain forms of insanity. An apparent growth of hair after death may be caused by retraction of the tissues; an actual postmortem growth is not conceded by the majority of authorities in spite of the numerous tales to that effect. Loss or absence of pigment is seen in albinism, leukotrichia due to infection, Graves’ disease, exposure, burns, nervous affections, fright, worry, etc. The presence on or about the body of hairs not belonging to the cadaver is a point of great importance[Pg 49] in medicolegal cases and one that should be thoroughly investigated as to their source. Human hair can be identified microscopically, and it is possible to recognize different specimens according to their variation in color, length, quality, etc.

The nails should be considered in connection with skin and hair, with reference to the following points: presence or absence, hypertrophy, atrophy, color, condition, length, development, onychia, hyperonychia, paronchyia, onychogryphosis, longitudinal and transverse ridges, fissures and cracks, opacity, brittleness, etc.

25. Teeth. Number, character, condition, anomalies, dental work, caries, Hutchinson’s teeth, odontoma, dental osteoma, dentigerous cysts, epulis, papilloma, etc.

26. Mucous Membranes. Color, deposits or incrustations, eruptions, erosions, herpes, mucous patches, rhagades, ulcers, fissures, moisture, trauma, effects of corrosives, burns, pigmentation, as in Addison’s disease, leukoplakia, hairy tongue, hemorrhages, tumors, etc.

27. Muscles. Musculature and condition of muscles (slight, athletic, well developed, poor, flabby, soft, etc.), anomalies, etc.

28. Rigor Mortis. Postmortem rigidity is one of the absolute signs of death. It begins usually 1-2 hours after death, the involuntary muscles and heart showing it first. Externally it shows first in the muscles of lower jaw and neck, extends downward, involving the lower extremities last and disappearing in the same order. Its appearance, however, is subject to the greatest variation, and the presence or absence of rigor mortis cannot be used as a criterion for the estimation of the length of time the body has been dead. Instantaneous rigor has been reported in suicides and in people killed in battle. Intense excitement, great muscular exertion, etc., favor its rapid appearance. It also comes on very quickly after death from rabies, tetanus, strychnine poisoning, cholera and a number of other conditions. It sometimes is delayed or absent after heat-stroke; chronic alcoholism also delays its appearance. Usually the contraction lasts 24-48 hours, but under certain conditions may persist for several days. It is prolonged in muscular individuals, after death by suffocation, rabies, strychnine poisoning, etc. The stiffening of the muscles may be broken by application of heat or the use of force (removal of clothes from the body); when once broken it rarely returns. In a case of death from rabies seen by the writer the rigor was so strong that it required the united efforts of two men to straighten the limbs, and before the close of the autopsy the rigor had returned as strong as in the beginning. Rigidity due to undertaker’s injections and freezing must not be[Pg 50] mistaken for rigor mortis. The possibility of rigidity due to ankylosis must also be borne in mind.

29. Panniculus. The subcutaneous panniculus is estimated by pinching up a fold of skin between the thumb and fingers of the right hand and the thickness determined. The amount is described as panniculus abundant, moderate, absent, etc. Estimates should be made of panniculus of upper extremities, thorax, abdomen, back and lower extremities. Pathologic conditions, such as general obesity, adiposis dolorosa, multiple lipomata, elephantiasis lipomatosa, fatty collar, etc., should be described in full.

30. Oedema. At the same time that the panniculus is being examined, the presence or absence of œdema (pitting on pressure) should be noted in the same regions. When present it may be described as slight, moderate, marked, extreme, localized, universal, etc. Emphysema of the subcutaneous tissue is shown by the presence of elastic swellings of the skin, not pitting on pressure, but giving a crepitation when palpated.

31. Body Heat. The absence or presence of the body heat is of great importance in giving some idea as to the relative length of time the body has been dead. The nose, ears and extremities first become cool, the liver region retaining the heat longest. The rate of cooling depends upon the external temperature and the conditions of the body. Nude bodies, cadavers exposed to water and cold, and bodies that have suffered severe hemorrhages lose their heat more rapidly. Under ordinary conditions the rectal temperature is the same as that of the surroundings in about forty hours. During the formation of the rigor there may be a slight increase in the temperature of the cadaver. An increase above the normal temperature has also been noted in the dead body immediately after death from tetanus, cholera, small-pox, peritonitis, electric currents, suffocation, gangrene, etc.

32. Hypostasis. After death the blood passes into the veins and very soon through gravity collects in the greatly distended veins of the lowest portions of the body, except where these are pressed upon by the weight of the body. Such a settling of the blood begins usually within 1-2 hours after death, but may take place even before death (hypostatic congestion) in cases of long-standing recumbent position, cardiac lesions with failure of compensation, wasting diseases, acute infections, death from suffocation, etc. Postmortem lividity should be described as to its extent, location and color. In anæmia the color is pale purplish red, in congestion dark purple, in cyanosis the color may be dark bluish red and the fingers, toes, ears,[Pg 51] etc., retain the cyanotic appearance for some hours after death; in potassium-chlorate poisoning the color is chocolate, in hydrogen-sulphide poisoning grayish green, in poisoning with hydrocyanic acid or carbon monoxide it is rose or cherry red. Fresh hypostatic patches can be made pale by pressure and when cut they will bleed freely. Hemorrhages cannot be pressed out nor will hemorrhagic areas bleed as freely as hypostatic patches. In all medicolegal cases care should be taken to differentiate bruises and ecchymoses from hypostatic patches, as in the popular mind the latter are often regarded as evidences of trauma or violence. The location of the hypostasis is of importance in showing the position of the body after death; if the anterior portion of the body is hypostatic the cadaver must have been lying upon its face for some time after death; suspension of the body for some time after death by hanging causes a hypostasis of the lower extremities. Of the internal organs the brain, lungs, stomach and coils of intestine chiefly show hypostasis. Antemortem hypostasis of the lungs is distinguished from postmortem by its deeper color, firmer consistence, more marked œdema and microscopic signs of beginning inflammation (hypostatic pneumonia). Cadaveric lividity reaches its maximum in 24-48 hours, and after this time diffusion gradually occurs. In connection with the examination of hypostatic areas the condition of the superficial vessels as to size, distention, etc., should always be noted.

33. Putrefaction. The first signs of putrefaction are seen in the transformation of the hypostatic areas into diffusion spots and stripes following the course of the larger veins. The color is at first a dirty red or brownish-red, but soon becomes gray or green as a result of the action of hydrogen sulphide diffusing from the intestines. Diffusion spots cannot be made pale by pressure, nor do they bleed when cut. The greenish coloration begins first over the abdomen and lower intercostal spaces, and this gradually spreads over the body, showing first in the hypostatic areas and along the veins. The abdomen then becomes distended; gas may form in the subcutaneous tissues so that the skin becomes swollen, crackles on pressure and gives off gas-bubbles when cut. The epidermis becomes loosened in spots, forming blebs containing a dirty-brown exudate, while the tissues become soft and are easily torn. The odor of putrefaction is evident. Decomposition sets in more quickly in infants, in fat and plethoric individuals, and after death from snake-bite, active syphilis, plague, sepsis, heat-stroke, suffocation, acute infectious fevers, icterus, gangrene, diabetes, etc.; it is delayed by[Pg 52] hydrocyanic acid and other poisons. When putrefactive bacteria are present in the body, decomposition may begin immediately after death.

34. Orifices of the Body. The mouth, nose, ears, anus, urethra and vagina are to be examined with special regard to their condition and contents (open, closed, gaping, torn, bleeding, discharge of pus, blood, mucus, féces, stomach contents, semen, urine, foreign substances, parasites, ear-wax, etc.). In cases of suspected rape an especial examination of the orifice of the vagina or anus is indicated.

35. Percussion and Palpation. The external examination may be closed by the percussion of the heart, lung, spleen, liver and stomach boundaries, and by the palpation of the abdomen. The fine opportunity for control of technique, judgment as to sound, size, consistence, shape, etc., should not be lost. Rigor mortis of the abdominal muscles can be removed by kneading the muscles or by the application of hot cloths.

1. METHODS OF EXAMINATION. The spinal cord may be opened anteriorly or posteriorly. The choice of method is largely a matter of convenience or of individual skill in using certain instruments, such as the Brunetti chisels. The method of opening posteriorly is more commonly used in this country, as it requires less skill. It necessitates, however, an additional long skin incision that must be tightly stitched together to prevent leakage of blood and fluids after the restoration of the body. For this reason it is not as clean a method as the anterior opening, which requires only the one main skin-incision. In private practice the latter method is often advisable, as by it an examination of the cord can often be secured when the relatives would not consent to its removal posteriorly, on the ground of undue mutilation of the body. The anterior examination also permits a better inspection and an easier removal of the spinal ganglia and nerves.

Examination of Cord Posteriorly. For the opening of the spinal cord posteriorly the cartilage-knife, bone-forceps, bone-nippers and rhachiotome are necessary; in place of the latter the single saw, double chisel, Brunetti chisels or single chisel may be employed. The posterior examination of the cord should take place at the beginning of the autopsy, after the external inspection of the cadaver, before the thorax and abdomen are examined. The removal of the sternum gives a loss of resistance to the manipulations upon the back of the cadaver, and the turning-over of the body after it has been opened anteriorly is usually an unpleasant procedure because of the dripping of blood and other fluids. When it is found necessary to examine the cord posteriorly after the opening of thorax and abdomen it is better to fill these cavities with tow or excelsior, replace the sternum and sew up the anterior skin-incision before turning the body over.

The cadaver is placed face downwards, with medium-sized blocks beneath the cervical and lumbar regions, the arms being folded underneath the body. With the cartilage-knife an incision is then made through the skin and subcutaneous tissues in the median line, over the spinous processes, beginning above at the occipital prominence and ending at the lower border of the sacrum. The[Pg 54] skin and subcutaneous tissues are then dissected back by bold slashing strokes for a distance of a hand’s breadth on both sides of the spine, thus laying bare the muscles of the neck and back. The muscles may be stripped back with the skin, but the heavy flaps thus formed are very likely to fall back and cover the seat of operation. Chain retractors may be used to hold the skin flaps back, particularly in the case of a very fat individual, but usually the separate stripping of the skin and muscles is sufficient. To remove the muscles the cartilage knife is set close against the spinous processes of the uppermost vertebræ and a deep cut made on each side of the spine throughout its entire length, severing the vertebral attachments of all muscles and tendons. About four finger-breadths outside of these cuts there should now be made from above downwards on both sides another deep cut through the muscles parallel with the first two incisions. The bundles of tendons and muscles between these parallel cuts on both sides of the spine are then separated from the bones as cleanly as possible, beginning either above or at the sacral end, severing the muscle-mass at the end at which the separation begins, but leaving it attached at the other end, where it is laid over the side of the body out of the way, and replaced after the examination of the cord is completed; or the two bundles of muscle may be cut off at both ends and disposed of without further trouble. Portions of tissue clinging to the vertebræ should then be scraped or cut away with the chisel or knife.

When the vertebræ are bared the next step is the removal by saw, bone-forceps or chisel of the posterior bony wall of the spinal canal in such a manner as to expose the cord and permit of its removal without causing any damage to it, either from the instruments or from fragments of broken bone. A single-bladed saw with curved ends may be used to saw through the laminæ on both sides of the spinous processes; or even the small bone-saw (Fig. 9) may be used for this purpose. The blade of the saw should be held obliquely against the spinous processes with the sawing edge directed outward so as to cut the laminæ close to the medial borders of the ascending and descending transverse processes. The sawing is complete when the spinous processes become movable. The straight-edged chisel may be used to cut any adhesions left after sawing, and the bone-forceps may be used to cut the atlas and axis. When the laminæ have been cut through on both sides of the spinal column for its entire length, including the sacrum, the posterior ligament between the atlas and occiput is cut with the cartilage knife; and the strip of bone and ligaments loosened by sawing is[Pg 55] torn off from above downward by grasping it in the upper cervical region with a pair of bone-nippers and jerking it off forcibly downward toward the sacrum, thus exposing the spinal canal. It may be taken off in the opposite direction by cutting the ligament between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum and stripping upward.

The use of the single saw is not advised, however, as it is too time-consuming. The laminæ on both sides of the spinous processes may be cut at the same time by the use of Luer’s rhachiotome (Fig. 11). The blades are separated according to the size of the vertebral arches and are set so as to include the spinous processes and cut the outer border of the laminæ close to the transverse processes in such a manner as not to injure the cord. Since the spinal canal is broader in the cervical and lumbar regions than in the dorsal, the distance between the saw-blades must be regulated accordingly. The dorsal portion is first sawed. The sawing should be in long cuts without too great pressure, the instrument being steadied by placing the left hand on the upright bar. As soon as the spinous processes become movable on slight pressure the sawing should be stopped. Should the blades become caught in the saw-cuts great care should be taken to avoid injuring the cord while releasing them. The straight-edged chisel may be inserted into the cuts and any parts still adherent may be carefully sprung apart. This is necessary particularly in the upper cervical region. The entire posterior wall of the canal may be loosened in this way, the sacrum being also sawed, when it is desired to open this part of the canal. When all the spinous processes are movable the attachments either above or below are cut with the cartilage-knife, and the spinous processes and laminæ torn off by the bone-nippers in one piece, either toward the head or sacrum as is the more convenient.

The laminæ may be cut by a chisel instead of a saw. The straight-edged or curved single chisel, the “tomahawk” chisel, or the double-bladed chisel of Esquirol may be employed. The latter instrument has adjustable chisel-blades that can be set to include the spinous processes. These blades are very strong and short, and have convex cutting edges. The use of a wooden mallet (Fig. 17) is to be preferred to that of the steel hammer in driving chisels of any type. The straight, curved and tomahawk chisels are held with their cutting edges directed slightly outwards. The Amussat rhachiotome is a chisel-knife with a curved metallic handle, the cutting edge running along the length of the chisel. When set at an angle of 45° to the laminæ it is driven through them by means of blows[Pg 56] from a wooden mallet delivered upon the chisel-back over the cutting edge. The Brunetti chisels are shown in Fig. 15. In using these to open the spinal cord posteriorly, a block should be placed beneath the abdomen so as to raise the lumbar vertebræ above the level of the dorsal. The intervertebral ligaments of the last lumbar vertebræ are then cut through with the belly of the cartilage-knife held at right angles to the spine. The laminæ and spinous process of the last lumbar vertebra are then cut out with the straight-edged chisel or bone-forceps, exposing the canal. The right and left Brunetti chisels are then alternately used, beginning usually with the “left” chisel, the blunt probe-point being introduced into the canal, while firm pressure downward is made upon the handle, while at the same time the cutting edge is driven through the outer borders of the vertebral arches by blows from a wooden mallet delivered upon the head of the handle. Great care must be taken to keep the cut at the same level throughout. It is better, however, to cut too high rather than too low. In the latter case the cord may be injured, while in the former the bone may later be easily trimmed off sufficiently without causing any damage. The arches of three to four or even more vertebrae may be cut without removing the chisel. The same thing is then done on the other side, using the “right” chisel. The loosened portion of bone and ligaments is then cut or torn off with the bone-forceps or nippers. The cut bone should not be touched with the hands because of the danger of injury and subsequent infection from the sharp spicules and splinters of bone. As the canal is opened the block under the body is pushed towards the head, the object being always to cut down hill and not upward. When the cervical region is reached the head of the cadaver should be firmly held by an assistant so as to give sufficient resistance to the blows of the mallet. The skilful use of the Brunetti chisels is difficult to acquire and a great deal of practice is necessary, but when once the knack is obtained the spinal canal can be opened in this way more quickly than by any other method. In private practice the noise made by the hammer upon the head of the handles of the chisels is unpleasant, and should be avoided by the use of felt or something else on the head of the chisel or mallet to deaden the sound.

Another easy and convenient way of opening the spinal canal posteriorly is the cutting of the laminæ by means of special bone-forceps designed for this purpose. The cutting-edges may engage the laminæ from without or the lower blade may be introduced into the canal as a blunt probe, while the upper blade cuts down[Pg 57] upon it through the side of the arch. Such bone-forceps should be very strong and have long handles to give sufficient purchase, as a good deal of force is necessary to cut through the laminæ. With a good instrument the canal can be opened in this way in about 10-15 minutes. It requires much less skill than is needed for good and quick work with the Brunetti chisels, and for that reason is recommended, as is also the use of Luer’s rhachiotome, for the general practitioner.

In the case of marked curvatures of the spine it may be impossible to use either rhachiotome or Brunetti chisels. The straight single chisel and small saw can be used on the concave and convex sides of the curvature respectively. In children and young adults the canal can be easily opened with the bone-forceps.

After the removal of the posterior wall of the spinal canal the peridural adipose tissue and the dural sac are exposed in the canal. The cord may now be removed with dural sac intact, and when the cord is soft this should be done, but in so doing the spinal fluid is likely to be lost; and, as it is very important to obtain a knowledge of the amount and character of this fluid, care should be taken to preserve it. With the block placed under the cervical region to keep the cervical and dorsal vertebræ higher than the lumbar the dural sac may be opened in the median line from above downward. The cervical dura is grasped with a pair of forceps and lifted so that a cut can be made in it with the small bent, probe-pointed shears. The blunt probe-point is then introduced into the subdural space and the dura cut in the median line downward toward the sacrum. With care the arachnoideal sac with its fluid may be preserved intact. What fluid there is in the subdural space will collect in the lumbar region and may be secured while the lumbar dura is cut. The fluid in the subarachnoideal space will likewise collect in the lower portion of the cord, and it is best at this stage of the operation to introduce a sterile pipette through the delicate arachnoid and draw up the fluid, preserving it for bacteriologic and microscopic examination.

The thirty pairs of spinal nerves are now cut from above downward, beginning on the right side. The cut edge of the dura or a dural fold, if the dura is left uncut, is seized with the dissecting forceps and pulled over to the left, so that as much of the nerve can be secured as possible. A long, narrow, sharp-pointed scalpel is inserted, outside of the dura, into the intervertebral foramina, as far as possible, and the nerves are cut while traction is made upon the dura to the opposite side. The same procedure is then carried[Pg 58] out upon the left side. When all of the spinal nerves are cut, the scalpel is introduced in the spinal canal upward, as near to the foramen magnum as possible, and the cord and dura are cut transversely. The cord should be held by the dura; direct pressure with forceps or fingers upon the soft substance of the cord should never be made. If the forceps cannot be used to hold the dura with advantage, then the cord enclosed in the dural sac may be gently but firmly held in the palm of the left hand and lifted and drawn downward towards the sacrum with the greatest care. As the cord is removed the fibrous attachments between the dura and the longitudinal fascia of the anterior wall of the canal are cut with the small scalpel by means of oblique cuts upon the bodies of the vertebræ. Any fragments of bone impeding the removal of the cord should be trimmed off with the bone-forceps. The forcing of the cord through a tight aperture in the open canal may ruin that portion of the cord. In some cases it may be better to sever the dura and cord at the sacral end, below the cauda equina, and remove it toward the head, using the same method of holding the dura, and cutting the spinal nerves and peridural tissue. When this is done the importance of saving the spinal fluid should be borne in mind. Some prosectors prefer to sever the dura and cord above before cutting the spinal nerves, and to cut these and the epidural fascia while removing the cord. An experienced operator may save time in this way, but there is greater danger of injuring the cord. The cord may also be removed by severing the spinal nerves and vessels inside of the opened dura and lifting the cord out of the dura, but it is more likely to be damaged by this method. When the brain has been removed before the cord the dural attachments as high as the foramen magnum should be severed and the cord removed up to the point where it was severed from the brain. If it is desired to remove the cord attached to the brain, the cord is first loosened throughout its length from below up to the foramen. It is then carefully protected while the skull is opened; and after the brain-connections have been severed it is drawn up through the foramen as the brain is lifted out of the skull. After its removal from the body the cord is stretched out upon table or board and the dura opened in the median line both anteriorly and posteriorly, if the latter cut was not made before its removal from the body. If it is desired to make sections of both cord and dura for microscopic study the dura may be left uncut or attached to the cord after it has been opened in the median line. It then helps to hold the pieces of cord together after the latter has been cut. Otherwise the[Pg 59] dura may be removed from the cord by cutting the nerve-roots and denticulate ligaments on both sides. The cord is now examined by making transverse cuts through it with a clean knife which is dipped into clean water before each cut. The cord is allowed to hang over the index-finger of the left hand while the knife is drawn across it, severing it down to the underlying pin which is left uncut to hold the pieces together. The cuts are usually begun in the cervical region and are made at the level of the spinal nerves. When the dura is left attached to the cord it may be laid back and the cord cut within it, or if it has not been opened, the cuts may be made through it and the cord at the same time, if a very sharp knife is used. Areas of softening should not be cut, but should be preserved intact for examination after fixation and hardening. If the segments of cord are left attached to the dura or pin the cord and membranes may be fixed and hardened en masse so as to permit future orientation.

Examination of Cord Anteriorly. After the complete examination of the neck, thoracic and abdominal organs the spinal column is divested of all remaining tissues, including the psoas muscles. A block is then placed beneath the lumbar vertebræ. With the belly of the cartilage-knife held transversely across the spinal axis the intervertebral disks on both sides of the next-to-the-last lumbar vertebra are cut down to the level of the canal. If the lumbar vertebræ are sufficiently elevated by the block placed beneath the abdomen, the cutting of the disks allows the neighboring vertebræ to spring away, so that the body of the vertebra thus separated can be cut out by the bone-forceps or chisel. The spinal canal is thereby exposed; so that the Brunetti chisels may now be used in cutting the pedicles and stripping off the vertebral bodies. As this stripping progresses upward the block is moved toward the head so that the cutting is always down hill. The chisels are driven through the pedicles of five or six vertebræ at a time; the handle is forced down until the long chisel-blade is nearly parallel with the vertebræ. At the same time the cutting-edge must be sent forward at a uniform level, just high enough to expose the canal. If the cut is too high the chisel will enter the body of the vertebra, if too low the probe-point will be pushed into the cord. When the cervical vertebræ are being cut the head of the cadaver must be steadied by an assistant. As the sections of vertebræ are loosened the intervertebral disks are cut with the cartilage-knife and the pieces of bone pulled away with the bone-nippers. When the canal is fully exposed the examination of the dura and the removal of cord and[Pg 60] dura proceed as when the canal is opened posteriorly. The straight chisel and the bone-forceps are also used to open the spinal canal anteriorly, but the Brunetti chisels are especially recommended for this operation.

Examination of Spinal Ganglia. While these may be examined when the canal is opened posteriorly, they can be exposed with less danger of damage in the anterior examination. To expose them in the posterior examination they must either be drawn forcibly through the intervertebral foramina, or the articular processes must be cut away with the chisel.

When it is desired to remove a part of the spinal column for preservation as a specimen, the intervertebral cartilages and the cord above and below the portion to be removed are cut through with the knife, and the ribs severed with a chisel, while the adherent soft parts are cut away. The saw or chisel is then used to complete the disarticulation if necessary and the loosened portion is removed. The entire spine may be removed, if desired; and may be bisected with a band-saw. A stick of wood may be put in the place of the spine and covered with plaster-of-Paris.

After the cord and dura have been removed the inner surface of the canal should be examined. The character of the cut surface of the vertebral bodies is also noted, and the bones examined for pathologic conditions.

2. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE SPINAL COLUMN.

1. Dorsal Incision. Note color of skin as it is cut, number of bleeding points, moisture, bedsores, amount and character of panniculus, color and blood-content of muscles, hemorrhages, purulent and tuberculous processes (usually infiltrations from diseased vertebræ) trichina in spinal muscles, etc.

2. Vertebrae. Necrosis from bedsores, surfaces smooth or rough, purulent and tuberculous processes (most common anteriorly), exostoses, curvatures, fractures, dislocations, erosions, malformations (spina bifida and supernumerary vertebræ most common), neoplasms (secondary carcinoma, primary sarcoma, myeloma and chloroma most common), actinomycosis, syphilis, rachitis, etc.

3. Dura. Note epidural tissue first, then dura, its thickness, color, translucency, blood-content, intradural pressure, character of inner surface (normally it is grayish-white, smooth and shining).[Pg 61] defects, bone-formation, organizing blood-clots, hæmatoma, gumma, neoplasm, etc. Most common pathologic conditions are chronic pachymeningitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, traumatic lesions and secondary carcinoma. Primary tumors (sarcoma) and parasites (echinococcus and cysticercus) are rare. Teratomata occur in sacral and coccygeal regions. A diffuse formation of adipose tissue is common, as is also the development of bony plates in the dura in old chronic pachymeningitis (usually syphilitic). Note character and amount of contents of subdural space (blood, pus, serous exudate, etc.).

4. Inner Meninges. Normally gray, transparent, delicate. Note intrameningeal pressure, contents of subarachnoid space, color, thickness and translucency of arachnoid and pia, blood-vessels, presence of blood, pus, fibrinous exudates, localized thickenings, calcification, etc. Most common pathologic conditions are acute and chronic leptomeningitis, results of trauma, hemorrhage, syphilis, tuberculosis, cerebrospinal meningitis, leprous meningitis, etc. Bony plates (osteomata) are found in the arachnoid of the majority of people over forty-five years of age. In small number and size they have no pathologic significance; they are often large and very numerous in old cases of syphilitic leptomeningitis, sometimes encasing the cord. Primary tumors (fibroma, myxoma and sarcoma) are rare. Teratoid tumors (lipoma, myolipoma, neuroma) are occasionally found in the lumbosacral region, often associated with spina bifida. Secondary carcinoma and sarcoma, and metastases of the so-called glioma of the eye are also rarely found.

5. Cord. Size and form. Average length about 45 cms.; weight, 30 grms.; weight of cord to that of brain, 1:48.

Adhesions to inner meninges, consistence (should be uniform; changes in form and consistence are often the results of postmortem changes), color (gray-white, as seen through the pia), translucency (sclerotic areas in the white matter are firmer, depressed and gray or brownish-gray in color, and more translucent when present in the gray matter), moisture, color and blood-content of cut surface, relation of white and gray matter, symmetry of parts, size of[Pg 62] central canal, presence of cavities, areas of softening (soft, yellowish-white, loss of structure), hemorrhages, congestion, anæmia, œdema, gumma, tubercle, tumors, parasites, etc. The normal consistence of the lower portion of the cord is usually somewhat firmer than that of the upper part. The “butterfly-figure” should stand out distinctly on the freshly-cut surface; the outlines between the white and gray matters should be sharp, and the gray matter should be grayish-red in color. Normally the white matter tends to rise above the gray. Inasmuch as the cord is often injured accidentally during its removal it is important to distinguish such artefacts from pathologic softenings. This can be easily done by taking a small portion of the doubtful area and examining in the fresh state under the microscope. In true softening numbers of “fat-granule” cells and also capillary walls showing fat-degeneration are seen.

The pathologic lesions of the cord easily recognized by the naked-eye are areas of sclerosis or gray degeneration, yellow degeneration, hemorrhage, anæmia, œdema, congestion, tabes dorsalis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, acute poliomyelitis, syringomyelia, ascending and descending degenerations, glioma, gumma, tubercle, certain malformations, neoplasms and parasites. Other important pathologic conditions are: Malformations (myelocele, hydrorrhachis interna, diastematomyelia, etc.), atrophy, myelitis, sclerosis, effects of trauma, syphilis and intoxications, infections, tuberculosis, etc. Primary tumors are: Glioma, gliosarcoma, gliomyxoma, sarcoma (spindle-cell, myxo-, angiosarcoma, etc.), neuroepithelioma, neuroma, diffuse gliosis, etc. All are rare with the exception of the gliomata. Metastatic carcinoma and sarcoma are relatively rare. Cysticercus and echinococcus are rare.

The thickness, color, consistence and translucence of the spinal ganglia should be noted. Atrophic nerves are smaller, more gray and more translucent.

6. Inner Surface of Vertebrae. The remains of the epidural tissue and the inner surface of the spinal canal should also be carefully examined, noting the consistence of the vertebræ, the character of the ligaments, fascia, periosteum, etc. The anterior wall of the canal should be smooth, the color of the vertebræ grayish-red, that of the intervertebral disks grayish-white. Caries, tuberculosis and syphilis lead to roughening of the bony wall of the canal.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

1. Removal of Skull-Cap. For the section of the head the cadaver is placed upon its back with its head near the end of the table. The head may be elevated by a block placed beneath the neck, or it may be elevated and at the same time firmly held in position by the use of a special head-rest, different varieties of which are offered by instrument-makers. It is better to use the simple block of wood and to control the position of the head with the hands during the operation. The prosector takes his position behind the head of the table. The hair of the cadaver is then arranged in such a manner as to be out of the way, and protected by towels so that it will not become matted with blood and bone-dust. When the hair is short it is parted in a line extending from just behind the ears across the vertex. The shape of the head and the degree of baldness will determine the exact position of the primary incision through the scalp; sometimes it must be made farther back than the line connecting the ears in order that the incision may be concealed. In the great majority of cases it will be made as follows: The head is steadied with the operator’s left hand, and turned as far to the right as possible. The point of the cartilage-knife is then inserted into the scalp, just within the hair-line, behind the left ear, and with the belly of the knife the scalp is cut through to the periosteum, in the line of the hair-part, over the vertex, and as the head is turned to the left, down to the hair-line behind the right ear, the knife, as it approaches the end of the incision being raised so as to make the point finish the cut. This scalp-incision should be made with a strong and quick drawing movement, but the knife should not be pressed so firmly against the bone as to cut through the periosteum, else hemorrhages, collections of pus. etc., may escape before they are seen.

The scalp is next loosened anteriorly by means of the hands, using the tip of the cartilage-knife occasionally to nick the fascia and thus facilitate the working forward of the anterior flap until it has been loosened as far as the supraorbital ridges anteriorly and down to the level of the beginning and ending of the incision made[Pg 64] across the vertex. When sufficiently loosened the anterior scalp-flap is turned over the face, and stretched over the chin, where it will remain, out of the way, and with both face and hair protected. The posterior flap of the scalp is then worked back to the same level at the sides and to the lower border of the occipital protuberance posteriorly. It is then turned under between the back of the neck and the wooden block. In stripping the scalp the greatest care should be taken not to cut or tear off the periosteum. Scars, tumors, adhesions, traumatic lesions, etc., in the scalp should be carefully worked out and described as the flaps are loosened. The convex margin of the fascia of the temporal muscles is now cut with the point of the cartilage-knife and the muscles are stripped down on both sides to the level of the folded-over scalp-flaps, where they are either left hanging down out of the way or are cut off and laid aside. If they cannot be easily stripped down, they may be scraped off with the chisel. Some prosectors remove them at the same time with the scalp, but this is usually not well done. The skull now should be bare, except for the periosteum, down to the level of a line passing just above the upper margin of the orbits anteriorly, at the sides just above the aural opening, and posteriorly just below the occipital protuberance.

The periosteum is next removed over the entire cranial surface by means of the chisel, bone-scraper or dull knife. In medicolegal cases particularly it is of the greatest importance that the periosteum be removed in this way and the surface of the skull-cap carefully examined. In ordinary cases the periosteum is often left attached to the skull-cap when the external examination shows no pathologic conditions to be present.

After the examination of the periosteum and external surface of the cranium the skull-cap is removed by sawing in such a way that a space large enough for the convenient and safe removal of the brain is afforded. This may be done in several ways. A circular incision may be made through the skull around its entire circumference just above the level of the folded-over flaps of scalp. The left hand should be protected by a folded towel. The head is held firmly in the left hand and turned slightly toward the left. The saw-cut is then begun anteriorly about ½ cm. above the supraorbital margins, and continued around to the right, while the head is turned more and more to the left. The ear should be held down out of the way by an assistant. The saw-cut is continued then at the same level to the posterior median line just below the level of the occipital protuberance. The saw is then removed and the head[Pg 65] turned as far as possible to the right; the saw-cut is then continued around the left side from the posterior median line until the beginning of the cut in front is reached and the circular incision is complete.

Another method of sawing the skull-cap is to saw in two planes, forming an angle just behind and below the ear (angular method). The anterior cut is made above the hair-line of the forehead and carried down at the sides to meet just below and behind the ear the posterior semicircular cut made at this level. A modification of this method is to make the anterior and posterior cuts[Pg 66] join at a sharper angle in front of the ears. Both of these methods have for their object the prevention of disfigurement of the forehead. When the circular method is used a depression or ridge is often seen in the forehead, after the restoration of the body, due to the slipping of the skull-cap after it has been replaced. Such an accident may happen even when the bones are wired together, unless great care has been taken in wiring.

A more satisfactory way of opening the skull, and one that makes slipping of the skull-cap after restoration practically impossible, is the method used by the writer, and illustrated in Fig. 26. The scalp-incision and the folding back of the flaps are carried out as described above. The right half of the anterior flap of the scalp is then taken in the left hand and used to control the position of the head, the latter being turned to the left as far as possible. An oblique saw-cut is then made on the right side in a line extending from the posterior margin of the site of the posterior fontanel, over the right parietal eminence toward the right mastoid prominence. The sawing begins on the greatest convexity and is continued upward a slight distance beyond the median line, and downward far enough to cross the level of the connecting horizontal cut to be made later at a level just above the aural canal. The left half of the posterior scalp-flap is now taken into the left hand and used to steady the head while it is turned over to the right as far as possible. A similar oblique cut is then made on the left side, crossing the one made on the right, in the median line, behind the site of the posterior fontanel, and extending down across the left parietal eminence in the direction of the left mastoid prominence. While the head is still held by the left half of the posterior scalp-flap a horizontal saw-cut is begun on the left side, just above the aural canal, intersecting the oblique cut posteriorly and continued around to the front at a level just above the supraorbital ridges. When the frontal region is reached the head is steadied by holding the left half of the anterior portion of the scalp-flap. When the horizontal cut reaches the right temple the right half of the anterior flap is taken in the hand, and the head turned to the left while the cut is carried around the right temporal region to intersect the right oblique cut. When the skull-cap is removed there is formed an interlocking joint (Fig. 27) which under ordinary conditions holds the restored skull-cap firmly without wiring and without the formation of a ridge or crease on the brow, since the bone cannot slip. It is best, however, in the event[Pg 67] of the shipment of a cadaver by rail to wire the bones to prevent any forcible dislodgement.

Whatever method is used the greatest care should be taken to saw the skull-cap without injuring the brain. The difference in thickness of different portions of the cranium must be borne in mind. Sight, sound and “the feel” are taken as guides. The outer and inner tables, the diploë, and the dura have an entirely different resistance and give a different sound. The saw-dust of the outer table is white, that of the diploë red, that of the inner table white. As soon as the saw strikes the dura a peculiar “rustling” or “scraping” sound is heard, and this should be taken as the warning to stop sawing. On curved surfaces it is best to begin sawing on the greatest convexity and to continue until the saw is through and then to extend the cut from this point. The sawing should be done[Pg 68] lightly and quickly, without too strong pressure. Set the saw carefully at first, to avoid slipping. The small bone-saw is usually used for this operation; saws attached to electric or dental engines are sometimes employed. Care should be taken to bring the beginning and ending of the saw-cut into the same plane; and the oblique cuts should be symmetrical.

As soon as the sawing is completed, no matter what method is used, the T-chisel or skull-opener (Fig. 12) is used to spring off the skull-cap. The chisel-blade is inserted into the saw-cut in the right frontal region, and turned sideways with a quick, powerful movement of the right hand. Any portions of the inner table not completely sawed through (usually in the region of the petrous portion of the temporal) are thus broken, and the dura is loosened sufficiently from the inner table to allow the prosector to introduce the fingers of the right hand beneath the skull-cap in the frontal region and to hold down the dura while the fingers of the left hand inserted into the frontal saw-cut pull the skull-cap backward with a powerful tug, completely separating it from the dura, unless the dura is adherent throughout, as is the case in very young children, old people, and in certain pathologic conditions. In the latter case it may be necessary to cut the dura along the line of the horizontal saw-cut and to remove it with the skull-cap, cutting the falx as the skull-cap is lifted. In young children the dura must always be removed with the skull-cap. In the case of pathologic adhesions an attempt should be made first to separate them from the lamina vitrea by cutting them with a knife or chisel-blade inserted through the saw-cut. As the adhesions are severed the skull-cap is lifted gradually backward. Too much force should not be used in jerking off the skull-cap, else the brain may be damaged. Whenever possible the dura should be left intact, as a better judgment is thereby obtained of the intradural pressure, and there is less danger of losing the contents of the subdural space.

Some prosectors use hammer and chisel to remove the skull-cap. This is a bad method, particularly so in the case of medicolegal autopsies, as artificial fractures of the skull may thus be produced. It is safest never to use a hammer in the opening of the skull.

The skull-cap is examined as soon as taken off. If the periosteum was not previously removed it is now scraped off, and the skull-cap examined against the light. After its complete examination the operator proceeds to the removal of the brain.

[Pg 69]

2. Removal of the Brain. The convexity of the dura is first examined. The narrow-bladed brain-knife or long section knife (Fig. 3) is now taken in hand, and with the cutting edge directed upward the point of the blade is inserted into the anterior end of the superior longitudinal sinus and the sinus cut open as far posteriorly as the opening in the cranial vault will admit. Its walls and contents are then examined. With cutting edge outward the point of the brain-knife is then inserted through the dura just to the left of the anterior end of the falx and the dura cut around to the left at the level of the horizontal saw-cut. The knife is then inserted through the dura just to the right of the falx and the dura cut in the same way on the right side. The two halves of the dura are now loosened from the convexity of the brain by breaking the blood-vessels connecting the dura with the inner meninges. The index-finger is swept over the convexities and along the sides of the longitudinal sinus, tearing the pial veins. Pathologic adhesions should be carefully worked out. The finger is then used to raise the falx anteriorly so that the point of the brain-knife can be introduced beneath it to cut it upward and forward. The dura is then carefully examined and turned back over the brain and allowed to hang down over the occiput. The inner meninges over the exposed portion of the brain are now examined; and the brain is then removed as follows: The four fingers of the left hand are placed beneath the frontal lobes, lifting these sufficiently for the prosector to be able to cut the I, II, III, IV and VI cranial nerves, the carotids and pedicle of the hypophysis down to the tentorium cerebelli. The tentorium is then cut with the tip of the brain-knife, which is held perpendicularly, by a gentle up-and-down sawing motion, from left to right along the superior border of the petrous bones. The V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII cranial nerves are then cut as closely as possible to their exits. As they are cut the brain is lifted gradually more and more, and supported by the left hand. When all the connections have been cut except the cord and vertebral arteries these are severed by the myelotome (Fig. 4), or by the brain-knife, the point of which is put down through the foramen magnum as far as possible, and the cord and vertebral arteries severed by a transverse cut made from left to right as nearly horizontal as possible. The knife is now laid aside and the first two fingers of the right hand put beneath the two cerebellar lobes so that the medulla and portions of cervical cord fall between these fingers, which are then used to lift them upward and backward. The freed brain is now rolled over backward out of the cranial cavity upside down onto the palm[Pg 70] of the left hand, and is then placed upon a board, tray or dish ready for examination. If the cord has already been removed, any portion remaining is taken out with the brain. In case the cord has been freed and is to be removed with the brain it is only necessary to cut the vertebral arteries and then to lift up the brain, drawing the cord up through the foramen magnum.

3. Section of the Brain. (Modified Virchow Method.) The brain as it is taken from the cranium is placed upside down, with occipital lobes toward the prosector. The basal meninges and blood-vessels are then carefully examined. The hemispheres and convolutions are separated and the arachnoid torn by the tip of the index-finger or the handle of a scalpel; and the branches of the cerebral vessels to their deepest ramifications are thus exposed, giving a complete picture of the circle of Willis and all of its branches to the point where they enter the brain-substance. The larger vessels are opened by transverse or longitudinal cuts and their walls and contents noted. The brain is then turned over, and the meninges examined over the entire convexity. The pia and arachnoid are then removed together over the entire convex and median surfaces of the hemispheres. If the blood-vessels between the convolutions are seized with the forceps the meninges can be easily stripped off, the fingers aiding the forceps, using great care not to tear the brain substance. The meninges are removed about half-way down the outer sides of the hemispheres and are there left intact so as to hold the pieces of brain together after it has been cut, and so permit orientation. The cortical surface is then examined; if bloody, it should be washed with a weak stream of water.

The hemispheres are now separated until the corpus callosum comes into view. The left hemisphere is then held by the left hand, with the thumb on the median surface and the fingers on the outer and under sides, so that the hemisphere is turned outward and yet raised slightly at the same time, thus stretching the corpus callosum over the cavity of the left lateral ventricle. The point of the narrow brain-knife (Fig. 3) with cutting edge upward is then introduced with great care through the corpus callosum about midway between the genu and splenium and close to the gyrus cinguli (gyr. forn., Fig. 28). The corpus callosum at this point is about 2 to 3 mm. thick and it is gently nicked with the point of the knife until an opening is made into the cavity of the ventricle. The knife-point must not be allowed to slip through to damage the basal ganglia beneath. Into the small opening thus made the brain-knife,[Pg 71] held nearly horizontal, with cutting edge upward, is introduced and the corpus callosum cut forward until the anterior horn of the ventricle is reached. The point of the knife is then passed into the horn and the knife-handle raised and turned over forward, cutting slightly outward through the frontal lobe to its apex and disclosing the anterior horn. The knife is then reversed, held horizontally, with cutting edge upward, and the corpus callosum cut posteriorly from the beginning of the first cut, until the posterior horn is reached, when the point of the knife is inserted into the horn and the knife turned over toward the operator, cutting backward[Pg 72] and somewhat outward through the occipital lobe to its apex and opening up the posterior horn. (See Fig. 28.) By this method the lateral ventricle is opened first at the highest point of its cavity, and the fluid contents collect in the anterior and posterior horns so that the amount and character can be easily noted.

The left hemisphere is now turned still more to the left, and with the brain-knife a broad, smooth cut is made through it downward and outward at an angle of 45°, reaching nearly to the cortical surface, in a line connecting the cut through the frontal lobe with that through the occipital and passing along the outer borders of the corpus striatum. The left hemisphere is thus separated in the form of a prism-shaped mass having a convex under surface. (See Fig. 29.) The severed hemisphere falls back by the force of its own weight and the flat cut-surface of the cerebrum is then bisected by a[Pg 73] cut made at right angles to it, from before backward, and extending nearly to the cortical surface. (See Fig. 29.) In the case of both of these large incisions of the hemisphere the severed parts are left connected by a small portion of cortical tissue and the pia. The knife should be perfectly dry and clean while making these cuts, and the cut surfaces should not be touched with the fingers or knife-blade, or wet with water, until they have been carefully inspected. Other straight parallel cuts may be made through the brain substance toward the cortex, the severed portions being left connected by the pia so as to permit future orientation.

The right lateral ventricle is now opened. The four fingers of the left hand are placed outside and beneath the right hemisphere with the thumb on the median surface, gently raising the hemisphere toward the left, taking care to see that the corpus callosum is not pulled over to the right of the median line. The knife is held in the right hand beneath the left one. The right ventricle is then opened in the same way as the left, beginning in the middle of the corpus callosum near to the gyrus cinguli, and opening first the anterior horn and then the posterior. The operation is somewhat more difficult on the right side than it is on the left, owing to the lack of tension in the cut corpus callosum, so that greater care must be taken to avoid injuring the floor of the ventricle. After the opening of the ventricle the right hemisphere is cut by long parallel incisions made in the same way as on the left side. (See Fig. 29.)

After the right ventricle has been opened the corpus callosum and fornix are raised by the thumb and index-finger of the left hand, putting the septum pellucidum on the stretch. The narrow brain-knife is then introduced through the interventricular foramen from the right, its blade flat, with cutting edge directed forward and upward, and the fornix and the corpus callosum are cut anteriorly, exposing the cavity of the septum pellucidum. To expose the third ventricle, the corpus callosum, septum pellucidum and fornix are then lifted up and laid back from the velum chorioides. The tela chorioidea is then, with the chorioid plexus of the third ventricle, pulled backward from over the pineal body and the corpora quadrigemina, care being taken not to tear away the pineal body. The[Pg 74] veins entering the tela from the great ganglia are cut with the point of the knife. The right descending posterior pillar or crus of the fornix is then lifted with the thumb and index-finger of the left hand, the brain-knife on the flat side with cutting edge to the right is introduced beneath it, and the crus is cut toward the right. The corpus callosum, fornix and tela are then turned over to the left (see Fig. 29), fully exposing the pineal body and the corpora quadrigemina.

The cerebellum and medulla are now supported by the index-finger of the left hand placed beneath the latter; while the brain-knife is held nearly horizontally in the right, and a deep sagittal cut is made into the vermis exactly in the median line so as to make a small opening into the fourth ventricle. The point of the knife with cutting edge upward is then introduced into this opening and the incision through the vermis increased anteriorly and posteriorly until the two cerebellar hemispheres fall apart and the fourth ventricle is wholly opened. The point of the knife, with cutting edge upward may then be introduced into the posterior opening of the aqueduct and the latter opened to the third ventricle, the pineal body being removed before the cut through the roof of the aqueduct is made. In the Virchow method the corpora quadrigemina and the vermiform portion of the cerebellum are sectioned in the median line by a cut opening up both aqueduct and the fourth ventricle. Other prosectors open the aqueduct from the third ventricle toward the fourth. The left cerebellar hemisphere is now cut through in the line of the middle branch of the arbor vitæ, exposing the dentate nucleus. Each half of the hemisphere is again bisected by a cut made at right angles to the surfaces exposed by the first cut. The right cerebellar hemisphere is then similarly sectioned.

The section of the brain now shows all of the ventricles and their relations, as well as the condition of a large part of cerebral and cerebellar brain-substance. (See Fig. 29.) All cut portions are connected with each other and it is possible to fix the entire brain as it now stands and later find no difficulty in topographic orientation. There still remains, however, the demonstration of the conditions in the basal ganglia, pons, medulla, etc. These structures are best shown by transverse cuts made across the entire brain as it lies after the opening of the ventricles. The hemispheres may be cut singly, but it is better to cut both of them at the same time, using a dry blade and drawing the knife from left to right, making identical cuts on the two sides, that the histologic features may be compared. The transverse cuts may be made in the same region[Pg 75] as recommended in the method of Pitres (see below), or they may be made closer together. As the cuts are made the sections are separated from each other by the knife-blade and the cut surfaces examined. After the cerebrum has been cut transversely in this way the peduncles, pons, medulla and cervical cord are elevated on the index-finger of the left hand and also sectioned transversely and the cut surfaces examined. If the index-finger be placed beneath the medulla parallel with its long axis, and medulla and pons raised up the cerebellar lobes fall to the side out of the way. All transverse cuts are made from left to right and so deep that only a small portion of brain-tissue, or the basal meninges hold the parts together for future orientation. The brain is now completely sectioned, with all parts preserved and capable of being restored to their normal relations. The parts may be re-assembled and the entire brain put into the fixing fluid, when it is desirable to save the entire organ for microscopic study.

4. Examination of Base of Cranium. After the section of the brain the prosector returns to the head and examines the basal sinuses (see Fig. 31) by cutting them open with the point of the brain-knife or by using small shears and forceps. When cut open the walls of the sinuses should be laid back for inspection. Ordinarily the sinus transversus, sinus petrosus superior, sinus petrosus inferior, sinus cavernosus and the sinus sigmoideus are opened. The last-named is given especial attention because of the frequency of thrombosis and its involvement from carious conditions of the neighboring portions of the temporal bone. In purulent mastoid inflammation the infection often reaches the meninges by this route. The carotids and the exits of the cranial nerves (see Fig. 31) are [Pg 80]then examined. The hypophysis (see Fig. 31) is then removed by making semicircular cuts through the overlying dura mater around the gland and then lifting it out of the sella. This is best accomplished by means of the small scalpel and forceps. It is sometimes necessary to chisel away the overhanging bony parts in order to remove the hypophysis without damaging it. When removed it may be sectioned by a sagittal cut made either to the left or right of the pedicle.

The basal dura is next removed by means of forceps and knife, chisel or dura-forceps. The bones are then carefully examined for fractures, caries, etc. Particularly in cases of middle-ear disease, meningitis, etc., should the dura be removed from the temporal bone and the latter carefully examined.

[Pg 81]

5. Examination of the Orbit. When the eye-ball cannot be enucleated anteriorly the orbit may be opened by removing its roof with small bone-chisel and hammer according to the lines of incision given in Fig. 32. The dura is, of course, first removed. The bony plate covering the orbit is thin and easily splintered, so that the chisel should be very carefully used. The pieces of bone should be removed with the forceps. The optic foramen and the superior orbital fissure may be opened at the same time. After the removal of the roof of the orbit the orbital fat and muscles are dissected away until the optic nerve and eye-ball are exposed. The sclera is then seized with the forceps and the eye-ball pulled back and cut quickly around its equator with sharp shears or scalpel. The head should be held so that the eye looks downward, so that when cut the vitreous humor falls out, leaving the retina well spread out over the posterior half of the bulb. If the retina is thrown into folds it may be straightened by blowing into it or filling it with water. After the retina has been examined it may be washed off from the chorioid, leaving it attached around the papilla. The pigment-layer remains attached to the chorioid, and when the latter is examined for the presence of tubercles it should be removed. When removed for microscopic studies the eye should be placed at once in a suitable fixing fluid.

6. Examination of the Ear. The dura is removed from over the temporal bone and the tegmen tympani cut off with chisel and hammer as indicated in Fig. 32, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, thus exposing the tympanic cavity as shown in Fig. 33. When the tegmen tympani is very hard and compact the hammer and chisel are used to remove[Pg 82] that portion of the tegmen lying laterally to the eminence formed by the upper semicircular canals. As the ear-ossicles lie immediately beneath the roof of the tympanic cavity care should be taken not to injure them with the chisel, and this can be best accomplished by beginning to chisel so far posteriorly that the tegmen of the mastoid antrum is first cut away, and from this opening the cut is extended carefully until the tegmen tympani is removed. When the tegmen of the tympanic cavity is very thin and porcelain-like, as is often the case, it may be most quickly and expediently removed by means of the pointed bone-forceps. A complete view of the tympanic cavity is obtained by removing the coverings of the mastoid antrum posteriorly and the bony canal anteriorly after first drawing out the musc. tensor tymp. from the canal. The mastoid process may be opened with the saw or with chisel and hammer. The labyrinth may be exposed by cutting anteriorly with the chisel held horizontally in such a way as to spring off the upper half of the bony labyrinth, exposing the vestibule and cochlea. The superior and posterior semicircular canals come off, and from their open spaces the membranous semicircular canals can be lifted out with the forceps and then examined in water.

The external auditory canal may be opened and the outer surface of the ear-drum examined by carrying the anterior flap of the scalp downward and forward until the entrance into the bony canal is reached. The external ear is then cut off close to the bone, using slight pressure so as to avoid tearing out the lining of the canal or injuring the tympanum. The anterior bony wall of the canal, and a part of the lower, are then carefully chiseled away until the membrane is exposed. Any bony projections on the thicker upper or lower wall of the canal may be trimmed off to give an unobstructed view. When pathologic changes are present upon any part of the wall of the canal the latter should be opened from the other side so as to expose the condition fully.

For the removal of the auditory apparatus and its examination outside of the body a number of methods are advised. The temporal bone may be resected by extending the scalp-incision half-way down the neck along the anterior edge of the trapezius. The anterior flap with the external ear is carried forward as far as the middle of the zygoma and below to the angle of the lower jaw. The posterior flap is carried backward to the middle of the occipital bone. All soft parts are cut as closely to the bone as possible. A saw-cut is now made across the posterior cranial fossa, beginning just behind the mastoid process and extending to the median line[Pg 83] of the clivus half-way between the anterior border of the foramen magnum and the sella turcica. The sinus sigmoideus is thus included in the part to be removed. A second saw-cut is then made across the middle cranial fossa, in a line nearly parallel with the transverse diameter of the skull, cutting the middle of the zygomatic arch, the anterior portion of the squama, the great wing of the sphenoid and the pterygoid process, to the tuberculum sellæ. The median ends of the two saw-cuts are then united by a chisel-cut in the median line of the sella and clivus. All bony connections remaining are then cut with the chisel. The soft parts are then cut, beginning with those attached to the mastoid process; the loosened bone is then raised and pulled anteriorly so that the posterior capsule of the maxillary joint can be cut and the jaw-bone disarticulated. All remaining soft parts of neck and nasopharynx are now cut and the temporal bone with the complete ear-apparatus and neighboring portion of nasopharynx is removed. When both temporal bones are removed the saw-cuts should not be carried to the median line, but should stop at the borders of clivus and sella, and then united on each side by sagittal chisel-cuts made along these borders, leaving the clivus and sella as a firm connecting bridge between anterior and posterior portions of the skull. The resected bone may now be examined by means of a saw-cut made perpendicularly through the apex of the eminence of the superior semicircular canals and parallel with the crista of the petrous bone. The tegmen should be removed before the saw-cut is made and the covering of the tympanic cavity and the outer wall of the external auditory canal also removed. The tendon of the tensor tympani is cut and the anvil-stapes articulation severed so that the saw-blade passes between the drum, hammer and anvil on one side and the head of the stapes on the other without damaging or displacing the ossicles. This can be accomplished by pushing outward the drum with hammer and anvil so that the saw-blade can pass between the anvil and the head of the stapes. The bone should be held in a vise and a fret-saw used. On one side of the cut will be seen the drum, hammer, anvil and anterior portion of the mastoid cells; on the other the stapes, wall of the labyrinth and posterior half of the mastoid cells. The Eustachian tube may be easily worked out from the tympanic cavity or from the pharyngeal opening.

A sagittal section of the middle ear may be made, giving pictures as shown in Figs. 34, 35. The temporal bone is resected as above, the tegmen tympani removed and the bony covering of the Eustachian tube removed with hammer and chisel until the tube is[Pg 84] exposed from its pharyngeal opening to the isthmus. The temporal bone is then divided into an outer and an inner half by cutting the roof of the tube with fine straight scissors from the pharyngeal mouth to the bony portion and then cutting the membranous floor of the canal likewise. The bony canal, the floor of the tympanic cavity and the mastoid process are then cut sagittally with a fine fret-saw, passing between the lower annular segment of the sulcus tympani and the inner wall of the tympanic cavity. By altering the direction of the saw-cut the Eustachian tube may be removed in connection with either outer or inner portion of the temporal bone.

[Pg 85]

7. Examination of Nose and Neighboring Cavities. Of all the methods advised for the examination of the nasal cavities the method of Harke (Fig. 32) is the easiest and gives the best views of the nasal tract. After the brain has been removed the scalp incision is carried downward to the middle of the neck on both sides, following the anterior edge of the trapezius, as for the removal of the temporal bone. The anterior flap is then carried forward as far as the bridge of the nose and the edges of the orbits, and the flap pulled down over the face. The posterior flap is carried back as far as the upper cervical vertebræ, removing the muscles with the scalp.[Pg 86] The head of the cadaver is now raised and firmly held by an assistant or clamped in a head-holder; and with the large meat-saw the occipital bone is sawed through in the median line, cutting first the squama and then the clivus. The saw is then set anteriorly into the frontal bone, to the left or right of the septum, in order not to injure the septum narium. (Fig. 32.) The sawing then proceeds through the sella turcica, body of the sphenoid, ethmoid and frontal bones until the base of the skull is divided into halves. The cartilage-knife is then introduced through the foramen magnum and the basal ligaments cut. The right and left sides of the skull posteriorly are then taken in the two hands and with a quick, powerful tug forced outward until the nasal bones, hard palate and alveolar processes break apart. The two halves of the base of the skull then open like a book, turning on an axis, running through the inferior maxillary articulation and the occipito-atloid ligaments. If there is too great resistance in the region of the foramen magnum, the anterior and posterior arches of the atlas may be cut with a chisel. The sphenoidal sinus, septum narium, frontal sinus and the nasal cavity on one side of the septum with the nasopharynx are thus exposed, and their walls and contents may now be examined. Material for bacteriologic examination should be secured before further cutting is done. The septum may then be removed with forceps and scissors, the nasal cavity on the other side examined, the nasopharynx inspected, and the antrums opened with small bone-forceps. After the examination is complete the halves of the base are brought together and fastened with copper wire anteriorly and posteriorly, taking care that the anterior wire will not be visible through the skin of the forehead.

8. Examination of Face. When the anterior flap of the scalp is carried down to the edge of the orbits and half-way across the lower jaw as advised above for the removal of the temporal bone, the parotid region may be examined. The upper and lower maxillary bones are best examined after the removal of the neck-organs. A transverse incision is made in the skin of the neck low enough to be concealed by the clothing, and connecting with the longitudinal scalp-incisions. The facial flap is then dissected upward with great care as far as the infraorbital edges, exposing the maxillary bones, from which the soft parts must be so carefully removed that restoration of the face can be made. For the examination of the anterior nasal-cavities the upper lip must be separated from the bones.

[Pg 87]

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN SECTION OF HEAD.

1. Scalp. Note wounds, hemorrhages, inflammations, scars, parasites, neoplasms, number and location of bleeding-points on section, color of different portions, adhesions to periosteum or cranial bones, etc. Most common pathologic conditions are wounds, hemorrhages, wens, lipoma, squamous-celled carcinoma, syphilis, tuberculosis, favus, pediculi, tricophytia, angioma and round- and spindle-celled sarcomata. The temporal muscles should be examined for hemorrhages, œdema, purulent inflammations and trichinæ. The postmortem hypostasis of the back of the head should not be regarded as pathologic.

2. Periosteum. Subperiosteal hemorrhages, purulent infiltrations, adhesions, indurations, chronic inflammation with new-formation of bone, and neoplasms are the most common pathologic conditions.

3. Skull-Cap. The measurements (circumference, 49-65 cms.; long. diam., 18 cms.; trans. diam., 13-15 cms.), form, asymmetry, character of surface (normally smooth and moist), color of cranial bones, character of sutures and fontanels (easily traced?), supernumerary sutures and bones, consistence (softened in craniotabes, purulent inflammations, syphilis, neoplasm), new-formations of bone, perforations (syphilis, neoplasms, Pacchionian granulations, purulent inflammation), elevations, depressions, fractures, areas of erosion or absorption, thickenings of external surface (crater-like due to organized cephalhæmatoma, chronic periostitis, neoplasm or gumma), radiating scars or indurations (syphilis), red, soft, spongy thickenings (rachitis). The temporal and frontal regions are most frequently the seat of syphilitic (corona veneris) and rachitic changes (frontal and temporal bosses, square forehead, etc.) Note ease or difficulty in sawing, relation of external table, diploë and inner table, measure thickest and thinnest portions, character and amount of diploë, weight of skull-cap (heavy in sclerosis, light in atrophy), dural adhesions, examine by transmitted light (color, blood-content, presence of pus in diploë may be shown by greenish or yellow color), smooth or rough inner table, erosions (rough, more or less reddened), grooves of meningeal vessels, Pacchionian erosions, hyperostosis, exostosis, osteoma, osteophytes (not uncommon in pregnant women, also in hydrocephalus, acromegaly), atrophy (old age, craniotabes, hydrocephalus), sclerosis (syphilis). In marked cachexias (cancer of stomach) the inner table often shows a high degree of erosion and atrophy.

[Pg 88]

4. Dura. Collections of pus may be found between skull-cap and dura in purulent inflammations of scalp or diploë. Rupture of middle meningeal artery or its branches, with or without fracture of the skull, gives rise to hemorrhagic extravasations in same location. Old hemorrhages may be partly organized. In young infants the dura is adherent to the skull-cap and cannot be separated. In youth and adult life it is adherent only along the longitudinal sinus and about the blood-vessels; in old age it becomes more adherent. Extent, location and strength of adhesions should be noted. The normal dura should be grayish-red, smooth, symmetrically stretched, so that a small fold only can be taken up by the fingers in the frontal region, and just translucent enough to show the outlines of the convolutions and the pial vessels. An increased tension is caused by exudates, tumor, abscess, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage, congestion, œdema, etc. Diminished tension occurs in atrophy of the brain, especially marked in the frontal region, where the dura may be wrinkled and loose. Perforations of the dura by Pacchionian bodies are very common along the longitudinal sinus in late life, and should not be regarded as pathologic. Small osteomata are not uncommon in the same place and in the falx; they may be very numerous in acromegaly, late syphilis and cachectic conditions. Changes in the color of the surface of the dura may be due to hemorrhage, purulent or syphilitic inflammation, old thickenings, etc. Thickenings are more easily seen from the inside surface of the dura; they appear as hard, tendon-like, opaque areas. The normal inner surface is smooth, grayish and moist-shining. In pachymeningitis it may be dry, dull, roughened, and covered with blood, pus or fibrin. The most frequent pathologic condition on the inside of the dura is the organizing or encapsulated hemorrhage (pachymeningitis hæmorrhagica chronica, hæmatoma duræ), so common in chronic alcoholics. Miliary tubercles of the dura are common in meningeal tuberculosis. A gummatous pachymeningitis is not infrequent in late syphilis. Pachymeningitis fibrosa is also common in old syphilitics. Actinomycosis occurs in connection with actinomycotic encephalitis. The primary tumors of the dura are fibroma, osteoma, fibro-endothelial tumors (psammoma) and angiosarcoma, etc. Secondary carcinoma or sarcoma is rare.

5. Longitudinal Sinus. Character of walls and contents. Thrombosis, with purulent or gangrenous inflammation, is the most important condition. Note mouths of superior cerebral veins.

6. Meningeal Vessels. Note grooves, rupture, thrombosis, hemorrhage, infection, amount of blood, symmetry of distribution,[Pg 89] etc. Traumatic rupture of middle meningeal is the most important condition.

7. Basal Vessels. Anomalies in size and distribution, thickness and character of vessel-walls (sclerosis, atheroma, aneurism, calcification). Thrombosis, embolism, aneurism, sclerosis, atheroma, calcification, obliterative endarteritis due to syphilis, are the most common conditions. The changes in the middle cerebral arteries are of especial importance in cases of apoplexy, softening, etc.

8. Inner Meninges. The arachnoid, subarachnoid space and pia are usually considered together. The arachnoid bridges over the sulci, the pia dipping down following the brain substance. The contents of the subarachnoideal space are best seen, therefore, between the convolutions. The inner meninges are gray, delicate and transparent; the pial veins show plainly, the arteries are empty and lie deeper, while the more superficial veins are uniformly filled with blood. Sclerotic arteries run more superficially and are more prominent. The removal of the skull-cap often gives rise to the presence of air-bubbles in the pial vessels, and this should not be mistaken for any pathologic condition. Hypostasis likewise should not be regarded as a pathologic condition. Normally the membranes are moist; in increased intracranial pressure (tumors, hydrocephalus, hemorrhages) they are dry and dull. Inflammation is shown by a loss of transparency of the membrane and by the presence of exudate in the subarachnoideal space. Old thickenings are white and opaque. The amount of fluid in the subarachnoideal space may be so great as to cause the arachnoid to bulge out over the sulci. Note character of exudate (purulent, fibrinous, serous or hemorrhagic). In purulent meningitis greenish-yellow or yellowish-white collections of thin pus are found in the meshes of the arachnoid; in fibrinous inflammation the exudate is grayish or milky white. The normal fluid (cerebrospinal) of the subarachnoideal space is clear and small in amount. It is increased in œdema and congestion, as well as in serous inflammations. In inflammatory conditions the membranes are dull and cloudy and the fluid more or less turbid. Pathologic adhesions may exist between dura and inner meninges, and between the latter and the brain-substance. In the latter case the meninges do not strip easily, but pull off portions of the cortex. Over tumors, gummata, areas of softening, the meninges may be so adherent that they cannot be separated from each other. In old syphilitics, alcoholics, cachexias of old[Pg 90] age, etc., the pia may be thickened, white and opaque (leptomeningitis chronica fibrosa). Aneurisms of the pia vessels are of great importance in cases of meningeal hemorrhage. They may be very small (size of pea) and often are found only after very careful search. Atheroma, infective emboli, etc., are also causes of meningeal hemorrhage. Meningeal tubercles are very common and often hard to recognize. They are usually best seen over the basal meninges. Often they can be demonstrated by stripping off the meninges and floating the membrane in mercuric chloride or formalin fixing-fluids. After a few minutes’ fixation the tubercles appear as minute grayish or opaque points, the membrane often appearing as if sprinkled with fine sand or powder. The Pacchionian bodies of the arachnoid must not be mistaken for tubercles. They are grayish in color, and most abundant along the longitudinal sinus. The meninges over the two hemispheres should be compared as to transparency, thickness, blood-content, amount of fluid in arachnoideal space, etc.

The most important pathologic conditions of the inner meninges are anæmia, hyperæmia, stasis (asphyxia), œdema, hemorrhages (stasis, anthrax, aneurism, atheroma, infective emboli), serous, purulent and fibrinous inflammation (pyogenic cocci, bacillus pneumoniæ, pneumococcus, bac. coli, diplococcus intracellularis), chronic leptomeningitis (syphilis, alcoholism, toxæmia, etc.), tuberculosis, syphilis (gummatous meningitis), blastomycosis, actinomycosis and neoplasms. The last named are not common. Cholesteatoma, hæmangioma, lymphangioma, endothelioma, fibroma, osteoma and lipoma represent the benign tumors found here. Primary sarcoma is the most common tumor, usually angiosarcoma, perithelioma, cylindroma, round-cell-, spindle-cell- or myxosarcoma. Secondary sarcoma and carcinoma occur. Animal parasites are cysticercus and echinococcus.

8. Cerebrum. Weight of brain as a whole 1,200-1,400 grms. (15-50th year). Cerebrum averages 1,039 grms. in the female, 1,155 grms. in the male. A weight of 1,100 grms. may be taken as the minimum normal, and 1,700 grms. as the maximum for the brain as a whole. The relation of the brain-weight to that of the body is 2-100. In old age there is a loss of weight. Sagittal diameter 15-17 cm., transverse 14, vertical 12.5 cm.

Examine the convexity, comparing hemispheres, noting convolutions and sulci (size, number, symmetry, etc.) Atrophy of the gyri is shown by increased width of sulci and the narrower, sharper gyral apex. With increased intracerebral pressure the gyri are flattened and broader, and the sulci smaller. Note color and consistence[Pg 91] of cortex, adhesions with pia, areas of fluctuation, induration, depressions, yellow softening, recent and old hemorrhages, effects of trauma, tumors, tubercles, gummata, etc. Examine median surfaces, note arching of corpus callosum. On section of the brain note color (pale in anæmia, red in capillary hyperæmia; hemorrhages, areas of softening, tumors, tubercles, gummata, sclerotic areas, abscesses, etc., all show color variation from the normal gray or white); consistence (soft in degeneration and abscess, hard in sclerosis), moisture (normally is moist-shining; moisture increased in œdema, inflammation, abscesses, soft tumors, recent degenerations; dry in old caseous tubercles and gummata, and in anæmia), blood-content (number of bleeding-points, distinguish from punctate hemorrhages), character of cut surface (normally smooth, sclerotic areas, abscesses and areas of softening are uneven and depressed, hard tumors and sclerotic blood-vessels are elevated above the surface). The absolute and relative size of cortex and medulla, and the distinctness of the boundary between them, should be noted.

Hemorrhages may occur in any part of the brain, and may be large or small. Rupture into a ventricle is always fatal. The large hemorrhages are due to rupture of a diseased artery; small punctate hemorrhages throughout cortex are usually embolic (fatty embolism). Old hemorrhages are brownish in color (pigment). Areas of softening are usually the result of embolism, thrombosis or sclerosis. They are usually yellow, yellowish-white or brownish-yellow or red.

9. Ventricles. Contain about a teaspoonful of clear fluid. This may become purulent, cloudy, hemorrhagic, fibrinous. Note size of ventricles and horns. (Fluid increased and ventricles dilated in hydrocephalus.) Character of ependyma normally gray-red, delicate; may be pale or red, indurated, thickened, roughened (chronic ependymitis), hemorrhagic, etc. Compare floors of lateral ventricles as to symmetry (corpus striatum large in hemorrhages), color, etc. Adhesions are found most frequently in posterior horns. A fine granulation of the ependyma is caused by miliary tubercles. Large solitary tubercles may be found in the ventricles. Do not mistake postmortem softening of ependyma for pathologic changes. In the third ventricle note the presence of any abnormal contents, character of wall, symmetry of corpora quadrigemina, etc. Look for same changes in fourth ventricle as in lateral. Lining is gray-white and delicate; floor should be gray-white, firm, and show anatomic structures. Gray sclerotic areas are often present in[Pg 92] floor. Solitary tubercles, tumors (glioma, neuroepithelioma, gliosarcoma, sarcoma), dermoids and cysticercus-cysts may be found here. Examine aqueduct of Sylvius for abnormal contents.

10. Chorioid Plexus. The tela chorioidea is normally delicate and translucent. Note color (red, pale, cloudy), swelling, purulent infiltration, condition of blood-vessels, tubercles, etc. Psammoma, sarcoma, papillary epithelioma, carcinoma, fibroma, angioma, cholesteatoma, cysticercus and echinococcus may be found in the tela and plexus. Cysts due to œdema are very common, also aneurismal dilatations of the vessels. In cases of hydrocephalus the veins of Galen should be examined for thrombi or compression from without. In acute hydrocephalus the plexus is deep red; hyperæmic, its vessels distended with blood.

11. Pineal Gland. The most common pathologic findings are: psammoma, adenoma, teratoma, sarcoma, formation of cysts (hydrops cysticus glandulæ pinealis), hypertrophy, abscess (purulent meningitis), metastatic tumors. In all cases of giantism especial attention should be paid to the pineal gland as well as to the hypophysis.

12. Cerebral Ganglia. Color, consistence, moisture, blood-content, hemorrhage, degeneration, sclerosis.

13. Peduncles. As above.

14. Cerebellum. Cerebellar cortex is 2 mm. thick, grayish-red in color. Note irregularities in thickness, color, consistence, blood-content, moisture. Compare hemispheres. White substance should be shining and moist. Abscesses, tubercles (solitary or conglomerate), gummata and neoplasms are the most common pathologic conditions.

15. Pons. Consistence firm normally. Note blood-content, relation of white and gray stripes, hemorrhage, degenerations, cysts, neoplasms, etc.

16. Medulla. Color grayish-white, consistence firm. Note blood-content, hemorrhages, degenerations and cysts (syringomyelia).

17. Hypophysis. Cysts are common, also calcareous concretions. Adenomatous hyperplasia is the most common tumor (acromegaly, obesity). Carcinoma, sarcoma, lipoma and teratoma are rare. Gumma and tubercle occasionally occur; even when the gland is wholly destroyed, acromegaly does not result. Epithelial tumors of the infundibulum may occur in association with hypoplasia of[Pg 93] the genitals. In diseases of the thyroid the condition of the hypophysis should be especially considered.

18. Basal Sinuses. Note contents (marantic and infective thrombi), especially in middle-ear disease and meningitis. Distinguish postmortem clots from thrombi, the former being dark-red, soft and moist, and are not adherent to the walls. The walls of the sinus should be gray, delicate, and shining.

19. Basal Dura. Note same conditions as in dura covering convexity.

20. Cranial Nerves. Examine and trace to exits. Note atrophy, degenerations, compression, indurations, thickenings, neoplasms (neuroma), etc.

21. Base of Skull. After the removal of the basal dura the bones of the base should be smooth and gray-yellowish-red in color. Look for fractures, caries, roughened areas, exostoses, collections of pus, hemorrhage, neoplasms, etc.

The most important pathologic conditions of the brain are congenital defects or malformations (hydrocephalus, microcephalus, etc.), anæmia, hyperæmia, œdema, hemorrhage (traumatic, spontaneous, capillary, apoplexy), embolism, thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, aneurism, anæmic infarction, encephalomalacia (white, yellow and red softening), pigmented scars, atrophy, secondary degeneration, encephalitis, (non-purulent, purulent, hemorrhagic, syphilitic, metastatic, chronic), sclerosis (diffuse, disseminated, focal, hypertrophic), tuberculosis, syphilis, actinomycosis, blastomycosis, rabies, primary neoplasms (glioma, neuroglioma ganglionare, angiosarcoma, spindle-cell sarcoma, polymorphous-cell sarcoma, perithelioma, endothelioma, angioma, myxoma, fibroma, osteoma, teratoma, lipoma), primary epithelial tumors of ventricles, pineal gland and hypophysis (adenoma, cholesteatoma, papillary epithelioma, carcinoma), metastatic tumors (all forms of carcinoma and sarcoma, malignant chorio-epithelioma), cysts, parasites (cysticercus, echinococcus) and traumatic lesions (commotio cerebri, contusio cerebri, hemorrhage, red softening, puncture and shot-wounds, infected wounds, traumatic abscess). Especial examination of the brain should be made in all cases of acromegaly, epilepsy, cretinism, congenital idiocy, degeneracy, criminal tendency, insanity, chorea, caisson disease, locomotor ataxia, paralysis agitans, syringomyelia, spastic paralysis, infantile paralysis, hereditary ataxia, rabies, all forms of paralysis, motor or sensory disturbances and neuritis.

[Pg 94]

3. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN EXAMINATION OF EYE.

The fat-tissue in the orbits should be yellowish-white; from it the red muscles and the white nerves should be easily distinguishable. On section of the eye-ball the vitreous normally is clear and the retina uniformly grayish-black and smooth. The most common and important conditions to be looked for are phlegmonous inflammations, purulent panophthalmitis, orbital hemorrhage, thrombosis of ophthalmic vein and sinus cavernosus leading to pachy- and leptomeningitis, neoplasms of orbit, wall of orbit, eye-ball or lachrymal gland (melanosarcoma, glioma, gliosarcoma, neuroepithelioma, various forms of sarcoma, angioma, lipoma, adenoma, carcinoma), affections of individual muscles (myositis, atrophy), atrophy of optic nerve, choked disk, retinitis, choroiditis, iritis, glaucoma, etc.

4. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN EXAMINATION OF EAR.

Note condition of scalp (hyperæmia, œdema, hemorrhage) about ear, condition of external canal (dry, moist, character of contents), condition of periosteum, particularly over the mastoid process (normally grayish-red), condition of bone after removal of periosteum (normally smooth). Inflammatory œdema, purulent infiltrations in the soft parts, collections of pus beneath the periosteum, roughness of bone beneath elevated periosteum, presence of pus or blood in external auditory canal, perforations of drum, etc., should be noted. Normally the drum should be grayish-white and shining. Note contents of middle ear, Eustachian tube, condition of ossicles, mastoid cells and bone. Lining of middle ear should be grayish-red and smooth; the cut edges of bone should be uniformly grayish-red. When infiltrated with pus they are brown or greenish. The mucous membrane is deep-red or greenish in purulent inflammation; yellow, creamy pus, often of very offensive odor, may be found in middle ear, Eustachian tube or external canal. Note character of perforations; old ones have smooth and thickened edges. The most important pathologic conditions are: otitis media purulenta, inflammation of mastoid cells, caries of mastoid process, sinus-thrombosis (leading to meningitis or pyæmia), otitis media tuberculosa, granulomatous polypi, cholesteatoma, sclerosis, congenital anomalies, foreign bodies, parasites, neoplasms (chiefly of external ear).

[Pg 95]

5. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN EXAMINATION OF NOSE.

The normal mucosa of the nasal tract is light grayish-red. Note character of contents of the cavities (mucus, blood, pus, dry clots or scabs), congestion, hemorrhage, erosions, ulcerations, diphtheritic membrane, diffuse or localized thickenings of the mucosa (polypi), adenoids, exostoses, caries, foreign bodies, parasites (maggots) and neoplasms (sarcoma, fibroma, carcinoma). The most important conditions are acute and chronic catarrhal inflammations, ozæna, croupous or diphtheritic inflammations, syphilis, atrophy or hyperplasia of the mucosa, polypi, and more rarely tuberculosis. Syphilis causes inflammations and gummatous infiltrations of the mucosa, gummatous periostitis, foul-smelling necrosis of the bony portions (ozæna syphilitica). Dense hard fibromata developing from base of skull may fill up the nasopharynx or erode the cranial base and press upon the brain. Softer sarcomatous growths may arise from the hypophysis, or from the lymphoid tissue of the mucosa. Squamous-celled carcinoma is not infrequently primary in the antrum and thence invades the nose. Primary malignant tumors of nasal tract not common. Leprosy, glanders, blastomycosis, and rhinoscleroma are more rarely seen.

I. METHOD OF OPENING TRUNK.

1. The Main Incision. After the examination of the cranium has been completed, the skull-cap is replaced and the anterior flap of the scalp drawn up over it, to hold it in place until the close of the autopsy. The head is then wrapped in a towel to protect the face and hair.

The prosector then stands at the right side of the cadaver (if left-handed, on the left side), the body being brought as near as possible to the edge of the table. The cartilage-knife is then held in the palm of the right hand and with it an incision is made through the skin in the median line of the body, extending from just below the thyroid cartilage to the base of the penis in the male, and to the anterior commissure in the female, passing to the left of the umbilicus. If pathologic conditions (hernia, surgical wound, tumor, etc.) are present in the median line the main-incision should deviate to right or left as expedient. The incision in the suprasternal notch is made with the point of the knife, the thumb and fingers of the left hand being used to put the skin of the neck on a stretch. Over the sternum the knife is held horizontally and the tissues cut to the bone. As soon as the epigastrium is reached less force is used, and the cut should not be deeper than through the skin and subcutaneous tissue over the abdominal portion of the incision. At the end of the incision the knife is raised, vertically and the cut finished with the point of the knife. The incision is then carefully deepened in the epigastrium, just below the ensiform, until a small opening is made through the peritoneum into the abdominal cavity. To determine the presence of gas within the peritoneal cavity the peritoneum should first be nicked with the point of the knife to make a very small opening through which the escape of any free gas within the cavity can be easily noted. When bacteriologic examinations of the peritoneal fluid are to be made, the incision should be extended down to the peritoneum, which should then be seared, and the fluid secured by means of a sterile pipette forced through the seared portion. If it is more expedient to secure the[Pg 97] fluid through an incision, the opening should be made with a sterilized knife and the fingers should not be put into the cavity, but are used to lift up the abdominal wall at the sides of the incision. In cutting through the peritoneum great care should be taken not to injure the stomach or intestines, which, often greatly distended,[Pg 98] are pressed tightly against the peritoneum. If the opening is made just below the ensiform the knife, should it slip through unexpectedly, usually strikes the liver without causing any damage.

The abdominal incision is now extended downward to the pubis. The first and second fingers of the left hand are introduced into the peritoneal cavity and used as directors to lift up the abdominal wall and to keep the intestines from the knife, the latter cutting between them in the line of the first incision through the skin and subcutaneous fascia. When the main incision is complete the knife is introduced into the abdominal cavity with cutting edge directed outward and the abdominal muscles are divided on either side just above the pubis by cuts extending outward to the skin. (See Fig. 36.) Care should be taken not to cut the latter. These transverse cuts made from the peritoneal surface permit the opening of the peritoneal cavity to the necessary extent, so that transverse incisions through the skin are not necessary.

The abdominal flaps are now held back and a thorough inspection of the cavity made, noting particularly the position of the abdominal organs, contents of cavity, condition of peritoneum and appendix, occurrence of perforations, etc. The position of the diaphragm is then determined on both sides, by passing the right hand up under the ribs to the highest part of the dome of the diaphragm and then pressing outward against the chest-wall so that the height can be estimated by rib or interspace.

The skin and muscles are now stripped from the thoracic wall on both sides of the median incision, beginning first on the right. (See Fig. 36.) The right flap of the abdominal wall is taken in the left hand just above the umbilicus and turned over the right lower border of the ribs, and pulled forcibly upward and outward to the right, putting the peritoneum, the ligamentum teres of the liver and abdominal muscles upon a stretch over the edge of the ribs. These are then cut by the cartilage-knife in an incision extending from the median line along the edge of the ribs deep down into the flank.[Pg 99] The loosened flap of skin and muscle is then pulled over to the right with the left hand, while the right hand holds the cartilage-knife, with its cutting edge turned obliquely to the surface of the ribs, and makes long, sweeping cuts from above downward, severing the thoracic muscles and fascia as closely as possible to the costal cartilages and ribs. The skin and muscles are thus stripped off from below upward until the right side is laid bare as far back as the anterior axillary line and to the middle of the clavicle above. (See Fig. 36.)

The right mammary gland is next examined. The index-finger of the left hand is put upon the nipple, the skin-flap turned over, and an incision made from the inner surface, extending through the gland to the nipple. Parallel incisions may then be made. The axillary glands may be examined by carrying the skin and muscle flap farther down into the axilla. The thoracic wall is then laid bare on the left side, in exactly the same way as on the right, except that the right hand works underneath the left, as the latter pulls the flap over to the left. When the left side is stripped, the left mamma is examined in the same way as the right.

The thorax is now opened, beginning with the right second costal cartilage. This is cut with the belly of the cartilage-knife about ½-1 cm. from the costal articulation so as to leave as much of the cartilage attached to the sternum as possible. (See Fig. 36.) The cut is made with a rocking motion so that the knife-blade will strike upon the next lower cartilage instead of going through into the thoracic cavity. The cartilages and intercostal muscles are cut in this manner in succession down to the tenth, the cut flaring outward below with the outward curve of the costal articulations. The cartilages forming the lower edge of the ribs are left uncut at this time. When the first opening into the pleural cavity is made attention should always be paid to the possible escape of gas or air (pneumothorax). When pneumothorax is suspected the opening may be made through a little pocket of water formed by holding up the skin-flap and filling the hollow with water. A similar incision is then made through the cartilages on the left side from the second to the tenth. The lower right edge of the ribs is now lifted with[Pg 100] the right hand, and the cartilage-knife, held on the flat, with cutting edge toward the abdomen, is put through the opening of the incision through the cartilage and through the diaphragm, and the last cartilages cut by a stroke made outward and slightly upward to avoid injuring the abdominal organs. The last cartilages on the left side are then cut by putting the blade of the cartilage-knife, held on the flat with cutting edge outward, through the diaphragm from the abdominal side, into the incision through the cartilages, and cutting through the lower edge of the ribs in the same manner as on the right.

The lower part of the sternum and cartilages is then lifted in the left hand and the diaphragm trimmed off closely beneath it. Still lifting the sternum the tissues of the anterior mediastinum are cut close to its under surface, care being taken not to cut the pericardial sac. The sternum is thus freed up to the cartilage of the first ribs and the sternoclavicular attachments. With the sternum lifted as high as it is possible to do so without breaking it the cartilages of the first ribs are now cut with the blade of the cartilage-knife turned outward to avoid cutting the large vessels and flooding the part with blood from the distended veins. This is possible since the cartilages of the first ribs extend farther outward than those of the second ribs. (See Fig. 36.)

After the first costal cartilages have been cut on both sides, the sternum is lifted nearly perpendicularly and twisted slightly toward the right so that the capsule of the left sternoclavicular articulation can be put upon a stretch. The latter is then opened from below until the joint is exposed. With the sternum still pulled firmly upward and toward the right the left sternoclavicular articulation is completely severed, the left sternocleidomastoid and other muscles and fascia attached to the sternum are cut from left to right; and the sternum, twisted over to the right, is disarticulated in the same manner from the right clavicle, and the right sternocleidomastoid cut. The freed sternum is now examined. It may be cut through in the median line with the saw, or cuts made into it with knife or chisel.

2. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE MAIN INCISION.

1. Panniculus. Note thickness at different points in the incision, color (straw-color, rosy or almost white in early life, orange or reddish-yellow in atrophy or old age, brown in severe anæmias), moisture (œdema, serous or purulent inflammation, transfusion; the latter should not be mistaken for pathologic œdema), dryness in atrophy, long-continued fevers, cachexias, etc., number of bleeding points (passive congestion, hypostasis), hemorrhages (recent, old, pigmented).

2. Musculature. The muscles of the neck, thorax and abdomen are examined with reference to the following points: size (atrophy, hypertrophy), color (normally bright brownish-red, may be paler than normal, deep brown, yellow or grayish), consistence (pale muscle usually tears easily, brownish muscle usually tears less easily), moisture (moist in œdema, inflammation, and as a result of transfusion; dry in anæmias, severe diarrhœas, long-continued fevers), translucency (increased in Zenker’s necrosis, fatty infiltration, fatty degeneration, atrophy, anæmia; diminished in cloudy swelling and simple necrosis), blood-content (anæmia, hyperæmia), hemorrhages (trauma, surgical, hypodermic injections, toxic, infective, hæmatoma of abdominal rectus in typhoid fever), inflammation (acute, chronic, focal, diffuse, primary, secondary, abscess, fibroid, etc.), bony formations (myositis ossificans), parasites (trichina the most common, especially frequent in muscles of neck and in the intercostals and diaphragm, small whitish, oval bodies looking and feeling like grains of sand; echinococcus and cysticercus are more rare), neoplasms (not common, the spindle-cell fibrosarcoma or “recurrent fibroid” of abdominal wall the most frequent form). Zenker’s necrosis (hyaline, waxy or “fish-flesh” degeneration) is of frequent occurrence in the abdominal muscles in typhoid and other severe fevers and intoxications. Anomalies of sternal and pectoral muscles are not rare.

3. Abdominal Cavity. Watch carefully for the escape of gas when the first cut through the peritoneum is made. A lighted match may be held over the opening, or the skin incision may be[Pg 103] filled with water and the peritoneum opened through the water, noting the escape of bubbles. The odor (sour, sweetish, yeasty, fécal, putrid, etc.) should be noted. Abnormal contents of the peritoneal cavity are to be measured and described as to color (amber, greenish-yellow, color of bile, red, bloody, brown, gray, creamy, milky, opalescent, etc.), consistence (thin, clear, watery, serous, pea-soup-like, gruel-like, creamy, jelly-like, colloid, semi-solid, etc.), odor (fécal or foul, due usually to the presence of the colon bacillus; acid or yeasty in perforation of stomach; fruity in diabetes, acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis; odor of ether, chloroform, alcohol, etc.), contents (blood, bile, féces, stomach-contents [distinguish perforations due to postmortem digestion], fibrin, fat, chyle, pus, foreign-bodies, mucin or pseudomucin, parasites) and reaction (acid, alkaline). Non-inflammatory ascites occurs in portal stasis, hepatic cirrhosis, thrombosis or compression of portal or splenic veins, chronic passive congestion, chronic valvular lesions with incompensation, nephritis, severe anæmia, obstruction or rupture of thoracic duct, etc. The fluid of transudates is usually clear, odorless, alkaline, low specific gravity (below 1.016), small albumin- and fibrin-content, few flocculi, and relatively small number of white cells. Inflammatory exudates are turbid, often foul-smelling, usually acid, specific gravity over 1.016, high albumin-, fibrin- and urea-content, numerous thick flocculi and numerous cells. In early peritoneal tuberculosis the fluid may be clear and resemble that of a transudate. Milky and opalescent fluids are found in diabetes, lipæmia, new-growths of the peritoneum, obstruction or rupture of thoracic duct or receptaculum. Hemorrhagic exudates may be traumatic (rupture of spleen, liver, intestines, extra-uterine pregnancy, etc.), inflammatory (severe acute peritonitis), or due to new-growths or tuberculosis of the peritoneum, extreme portal stasis, perforation of gastric or typhoid ulcers, severe intoxications, chronic icterus, etc. Red effusions may be due to diffused hæmoglobin. In such cases there is no settling of the color, and coagulation may not occur. When red cells are present settling takes place on standing. Rupture of gall-bladder or bile-ducts may lead to presence of free bile in the peritoneal cavity. Postmortem diffusion of bile through the gall-bladder wall should not be mistaken for a pathologic condition. In normal conditions there is just enough fluid in the peritoneal fluid to make the surfaces moist, and about a teaspoonful in all may be collected from the flanks and pelvis. The amount may be greatly increased just before death in all cases of slowly progressive cardiac weakness.[Pg 104] Note character of peritoneum (normally moist-shining, grayish, translucent, cloudy, dry, lustreless, thickened, hyaline (“iced” or “Zuckerguss”) in chronic inflammation.)

4. Omentum. Note position of lower border, amount of fat, condition of blood-vessels, dry or moist-shining surface, adhesions (to appendix, cæcum, oviducts), indurations, contractions (edges rolled up), character of lymphnodes, cysts, tubercles, secondary tumors, snared-off tumors from ovary or uterus (parasitic cysts, fibroids), encysted foreign bodies, etc., exudates on surface, fat-necrosis, accessory spleens, encysted parasites, hernia, etc. Most common pathologic conditions are inflammation (secondary to appendicitis, salpingitis, etc.), metastic carcinoma and tuberculosis.

5. Position of Abdominal Organs. Note situs viscerum inversus, gastro-enteroptosis, displacements due to spinal curvatures and deformities, and hernia, anomalies or malformations, locate organs by usual landmarks (edge of ribs, ensiform, umbilicus, etc.), position of lower and left borders of liver, gall-bladder, spleen, pylorus and fundus of stomach, appendix, colon, etc. Malposition of transverse colon especially common. Note volvulus, ileus, invaginations, etc. Examine stomach and intestines carefully for perforations. Differentiate postmortem perforations and those due to pathologic conditions. (Edges of postmortem perforations soft, slimy, without evidences of disease.) The appendix should also be carefully examined at this time. Note also peritoneal surface (color, thickness, translucency, tubercles, adhesions), color and blood-content of all abdominal organs before acted upon by exposure to air. In the female examine pelvic organs. Do not mistake postmortem perforations of stomach or intestine, postmortem imbibition and diffusion of bile in region of gall-bladder, postmortem contraction of intestines, dilatations of lymphatics with lymph or chyle, agonal transudates, accessory spleens, etc., for pathologic conditions.

6. Position of Diaphragm. Normally fourth rib or interspace on right, fifth rib on left, higher in the young, lower in old age. Raised in conditions of increased abdominal pressure (pregnancy, ascites, enlargement of liver or spleen, subdiaphragmatic abscess, dilatation of stomach, urinary or gall-bladder, tumors of any abdominal or pelvic organ, especially ovarian cysts, etc.), low in increase of intrathoracic pressure (pleuritic effusions, pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, hypertrophy of heart, tumors, aneurism, etc.).

[Pg 105]

7. Mammae. Condition varies according to age, pregnancy, lactation, etc. In resting glands the structure is lobulated, connective-tissue white with yellow fat between; in the white connective-tissue are small grayish-red nodules of gland-tissue (“breast-grains”). During lactation the fat disappears entirely or to a large extent, the entire organ consisting of a more homogeneous grayish-white glandular tissue, distinctly granular on section, and resembling the section of a salivary gland. Note size of ducts, presence of secretion (colostrum or milk) on pressure, congestion, œdema, abscess, fistula, caseous tubercles or gummata, cysts (milk, “soap,” “butter,” senile, new growths), neoplasms, atrophy, hypoplasia, hypertrophy, accessory nipples, parasites (echinococcus). The most common tumors are adenofibromata and carcinomata. Tuberculosis is not rare. In the male breast hypertrophy has been noted in association with malignant chorio-epithelioma of the testis; and in the female with pseudopregnancy and tumors of the genital tract. Adenofibroma, gumma and tuberculosis are the most common conditions of the mammæ in males.

8. Costal Cartilages. Note color (ochronosis), degree of ossification, anomalies, separations, fractures, caries, tuberculosis, alteration in shape (pigeon-breast, emphysema, Pott’s Disease, erosions of tumors or aneurisms, rickets, etc.). The costochondral edges are thickened as a result of rachitis (rachitic rosary). In old age the costal cartilages may undergo the so-called “asbestos-like” degeneration, becoming yellowish- or grayish-brown, streaked with shining whitish granules, with calcification or ossification and new-formation of blood-vessels. Degeneration cysts (senile) are not infrequent, and the cartilages sometimes appear as if soaked with oil, soft and translucent. Fibroid or calcified areas may be present. Spaces and clefts within the cartilage may be filled with new-formed bone-marrow.

9. Sternum. Note shape (pigeon-breast, “shoemaker’s,” rounded, scaphoid, bifid, anomalies of ensiform, etc.), fractures (in marked osteoporosis the bones may break during removal), erosions (aneurisms, tumors), tuberculous and syphilitic caries, gummata, perforations, etc. Under surface of sternum should be smooth, shining, translucent and grayish. In chloroma the under surface may present a uniform greenish layer ½-1 cm. thick. Bone-marrow of sternum is normally red and lymphoid in character; may be green in chloroma, pyoid in leukæmia, hyperplastic in severe anæmias. Sclerosis and osteoporosis of sternal bones are not rare. In the former condition the marrow may be entirely absent; in the latter hyperplastic.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

1. Thoracic Cavity. As soon as the sternum is removed the anterior mediastinum and the pleural cavities are examined, noting first the position and relation of the thoracic organs, quantity and character of mediastinal fat, the contents of the pleural cavities, pleuritic adhesions, etc. Pleuritic exudates should be removed before they have become mixed with blood from the cut vessels or heart; and the pleural surfaces should be examined before their appearance has been changed by exposure to the air or to fluids. Pleuritic adhesions should be broken or cut, beginning with the left side and then on the right, and the entire surface of both lungs wholly freed.

2. Thymus. The thymus is then examined by means of transverse cuts; or, when large, is dissected from below upward, turned up onto the neck, and removed later in connection with the neck organs. When no traces of thymic tissue are visible to the naked eye the thymic fat should always be cut transversely and examined for the presence of small lymphoid nodules. In the case of hypertrophic thymus the question of pressure upon the trachea becomes of very great importance, and, to settle this, the trachea should be opened above the sternum before the thymus is removed; or the thymus may be taken out in connection with the trachea and both sectioned horizontally at the same time. In cases of sudden death, in which the thymus may be an etiologic factor, it is safest to examine the trachea from above the sternum before the thorax is opened, or to fix the whole body (infant’s or child’s) in formalin and then to remove thymus with trachea, and examine by means of transverse sections.

3. Pericardial Sac. This is next examined with respect to the degree of intrapericardial tension. Its anterior wall is then picked up at about its middle by the thumb and index finger of left hand,[Pg 107] and the point of the long section-knife, with cutting edge outward, is pushed through the pericardium and a small slit made into the sac. The escape of gas or air should be noted at this time. A sterile pipette may now be introduced and the fluid contents of the sac secured for bacteriologic examination; or before the pericardial sac is opened the pericardium may be seared with a hot iron and a sterile pipette pushed through it into the cavity. The longitudinal incision through the pericardium is now extended upward to its attachment to the great vessels, and through the opening thus made the character and amount of the pericardial fluid are determined. The incision is then extended to the left at its lower end by cutting the sac-wall toward the apex of the heart. Through the three-cornered incision thus made the heart is lifted out of the sac and the surfaces of the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium examined. Localized adhesions of the pericardium may be cut or torn, extensive or complete adhesions may be separated when this is possible; if this cannot be done, the pericardial layers are cut with the heart wall.

4. Section of the Heart. The heart may be examined either in the body or outside. The choice of several methods may be taken, and the one most convenient and easy of performance is advised, rather than a method based upon such considerations as the direction of the blood-current in the normal body. The chief essential is to expose completely the interior of the heart with the least possible disturbance of anatomic relationships, and to accomplish this in the simplest and easiest way. Such a method must leave the heart in such shape that it can be reconstructed for histologic study or utilized as a museum specimen. This can be accomplished by a modified Rokitansky method, as follows:

The heart is first carefully inspected as it lies in the pericardial sac. The apex is then lifted in the left hand and the posterior wall inspected. The heart is then drawn up over the right edge of the ribs, so that the left border of the heart presents uppermost as the line of greatest convexity. The point of the narrow brain-knife (amputation-knife), with cutting edge upward, is then inserted through the wall of the left ventricle at the apex, just to the left of the septum, and the knife pushed into the cavity until the point can be forced through the ventricular wall just below (ventricular side) the left auriculoventricular ring, and the ventricle-wall is then cut upward (as the heart is held) to the apex, in the line of greatest convexity, exposing the cavity of the left ventricle. The knife is laid aside and the ventricle is explored with[Pg 108] the fingers of the right hand and the size of the mitral opening estimated. Before the fingers are introduced through the valvular openings the flaps should be carefully examined to see that no vegetations, thrombi, etc., are in danger of being loosened by them. With the opening of the heart-chambers the blood, if fluid, may pour out into the pericardial sac and flood the pleural cavity if not prevented by sponging or by removing it by means of a beaker. The knife is then introduced on the flat through the mitral opening into the left auricle in a line continuing the first incision with the junction of the left pulmonary veins. (See Fig. 38.) The knife is then turned with cutting-edge upward, the point thrust through the upper left pulmonary vein or between the left pulmonary veins, and the auricular wall is cut upward (downward anatomically) to meet the first incision below the mitral ring. The incision should pass between the mitral segments. The left auricle, mitral ring and flaps and the greater portion of the left ventricle are thus exposed and should be inspected.

The heart is then taken in the left hand and held by the anterior flap of the left ventricle, with the fingers inside the ventricle and the thumb on the outer surface of the anterior wall of the left[Pg 109] ventricle, and lifted up vertically out of the pericardium. The brain-knife held perpendicularly, with cutting-edge to the right, is pushed through the right ventricular wall just to the right of the septum, carried across the cavity of the ventricle, to engage again in the ventricular wall in the line of greatest convexity, just below (anatomically) the right auriculoventricular ring, and the wall is then cut upward to the apex. The right ventricular cavity is thus opened, the fingers are introduced to explore the tricuspid ring, and the cavity and contents are inspected. The knife, held flat, is then carefully introduced through the tricuspid opening into the right auricle, the cutting edge outward, and its point thrust through the wall of the auricle midway between the superior and inferior venæ cavæ, and the auricular wall and tricuspid ring are cut upward toward the apex to meet the first incision into the right ventricle. If sufficient care is taken the incision will fall between the anterior and posterior cusps. Right auricle, tricuspid flaps and ring, and the right ventricle are thus exposed for inspection.

The heart is then drawn downward and allowed to lie flat in the pericardial sac, and the pulmonary artery is then explored with the fingers of the right hand. While the anterior wall of the right ventricle is held by the thumb and index-finger of the left hand the knife is then introduced, on the flat, along the right side of the septum, into the pulmonary artery; the edge is turned upward and the point pushed through the wall of the artery, about 3 cm. beyond the ring, and a cut made toward the apex through the anterior wall of the artery, pulmonary ring and anterior wall of right ventricle, just to the right of the septum. The pulmonary artery, ring, pulmonary flaps, and right side of auricular and ventricular septum are now inspected. In cutting the pulmonary ring care should be taken to make the incision between the two anterior cusps.

With the heart still lying flat in the pericardial sac, the aortic opening is explored by the index-finger of the right hand and the size of the ring estimated. The knife is then introduced on the flat, into the left ventricle, along the left side of the septum, through the aortic opening and as far as possible into the aorta. It is then turned, with the cutting edge upward, and the point pushed through the anterior wall of the aorta. The heart is then drawn downward and slightly raised by the left hand, holding it at the apex by the two flaps of the right ventricle. The knife is then drawn from above downward toward the apex, cutting in succession the anterior wall of the aorta, across the pulmonary artery,[Pg 110] through the aortic ring, and the anterior wall of the left ventricle, just to the left side of the septum. By dissecting away the pulmonary artery from the aorta the incision through the former may be avoided. (See Fig. 41.) When desired this cut may be brought down through the septum instead, but if the bundle of His is to be studied in serial sections the cutting of the septum should be avoided. The enterotome or long straight shears may be used for all the incisions except the first ones made into the ventricles. For these the knife is necessary. The incision through the aortic ring usually cuts the anterior segment, but by making the cut more to the right the incision will pass between the anterior and the right posterior flaps.

Before the valvular orifices are cut it is often expedient to test the adequacy of the valves by means of water or air. The hydrostatic test is employed to the best advantage in the case of the pulmonary and aortic valves, either by pouring water into the vessels, or by immersing the heart in water and then lifting it up quickly. In the case of the auriculoventricular valves the air-test is carried out by inserting the nozzle of a bellows through an opening made in the ventricular wall and noting the effect of blowing and suction. Graduated cones or balls may be used for more accurate measurement of the orifices, or they may be measured after they have been cut.

If sufficient care is exercised in cutting the valvular rings the incision can be carried between the flaps without injury to the latter. This is often desirable in cases of valvular lesion, endocarditis, etc. In such cases the valvular rings may be left uncut, the line of incision being broken by the auriculoventricular ring, when the mitral and tricuspid valves are concerned. The pulmonary and aortic rings may also be left uncut; the incisions are stopped at the rings, and then begun again in the vessel-walls beyond the valves.

When bacteriologic examinations of the heart-contents are to be made the wall of the auricles or right ventricles can be seared with a cautery and a pipette introduced through the seared area; or the heart can be opened with a sterile knife, care being taken not to introduce the fingers into the opening or to permit the entrance of water.

Excellent preparations for the museum or for demonstration purposes can be made by distending the heart with alcohol or formalin. Blood and blood-clots should first be washed out. When fixed the heart may be sectioned in various planes, leaving the segments attached by the epicardium posteriorly, or openings may be[Pg 111] cut in the walls. A very good picture of hypertrophy and dilatation is obtained by making a transverse cut through the ventricles midway between apex and base. Alterations in the form and position of the ventricular septum are best seen by this method.

After the opening of the heart and the inspection of the orifices, valves and auricular and ventricular septa, the coronary vessels should be examined by transverse cuts, or opened by fine probe-pointed scissors, beginning at their origin in the aorta. The auricular septum should be carefully examined for possible defects. While this is being done the wall should not be put on the stretch, but should be lax. The auricular appendages should be cut open from the auricles and examined for thrombi, which are of not infrequent occurrence in them. The mouths of the coronary veins and the veins of Thebesius should be examined also. The cardiac muscle is examined by parallel, vertical or horizontal incisions. The papillary muscles should be cut longitudinally from apex to base. The cardiac plexus and the ganglion of Wrisberg should be examined before the heart is removed.

When the heart is in a state of rigor mortis the contraction should be made to pass away by kneading or by the application of heat, before the organ is opened, or before any measurements are taken. After the heart has been opened it may be removed for weighing.

The heart may be removed first and then opened outside of the body. The organ is grasped in the left hand and lifted vertically and upward toward the head as far as possible, putting all of the attachments on the stretch. The vessels are then cut from below upward, first the inferior vena cava, then the pulmonary veins, the superior vena cava, pulmonary artery and lastly the aorta. (See Fig. 39.) The vessels should be cut as closely as possible to their exits through the pericardium, and care must be taken to get out the auricles entire.

After removal from the body the heart is placed upon the board with its anterior surface up, and the apex toward the operator. It may then be opened by the same method given above, by inserting the point of the brain-knife into the left ventricle just to the left of the septum, and cutting first the wall of the left ventricle along its left border as far as the mitral ring, exploring the mitral orifice, and then cutting it and the auricular wall into the upper left pulmonary vein with the long shears. The right ventricle, right auricle, pulmonary artery and finally the aorta are opened in succession, using the enterotome for all cuts except the first opening[Pg 112] of the ventricle. The first incisions into the ventricles can be made very conveniently by holding the heart vertically with apex up, and the ventricle to be opened toward the prosector. The brain-knife is held vertically and its point inserted into the ventricle, just to the right or left of the septum, according to the ventricle to be opened, then carried across the cavity and pushed through the ventricular wall below the auriculoventricular ring, and the wall is then cut toward the apex. The remaining incisions are most easily made with the enterotome when the heart is held flat on the board with its anterior surface up. When the heart is opened outside of[Pg 113] the body the Virchow method of opening in the direction of the blood-stream may also be used. (See below.)

Under certain conditions other methods must be employed for the examination of the heart. In cases of suspected aneurism, pulmonary embolism, patent ductus arteriosus, etc., the thoracic organs should be removed en masse and dissected on the table. They may be removed in connection with the neck-organs or alone. In the latter case the trachea is cut transversely above the sternum, the fingers of the left hand introduced into the trachea, and, while traction downward is being made with force, the œsophagus and cervical vessels are cut transversely, the trachea and vessels stripped down to the level of the clavicle, and the subclavian vessels cut on both sides. The thoracic organs are then stripped from the vertebræ down to the diaphragm and cut off just above the latter.

The pulmonary artery may be examined in situ before the heart is opened by thrusting a sharp-pointed scalpel through the wall of the artery just beyond the valves and cutting upward to the branches going to the right and left lungs. This incision may be extended downward through the pulmonary valve and the anterior wall of the right ventricle, and the right side of the heart first exposed.

Virchow Method. The heart is rotated toward the left side of the cadaver so as to bring the venæ cavæ into view, and is held by the index-finger and thumb of left hand. An incision is then made in the wall of the right auricle, beginning midway between the two cavæ and extending downward as far as the right auriculoventricular ring, in the direction of the right ventricular ridge. The tricuspid is examined from above. The tricuspid ring may be left uncut and an incision made in the ventricle-wall, beginning just below the valve and extending downward along the right ventricular ridge to the septum, or the incision may be carried down in the same line passing through the tricuspid ring. The long narrow-bladed knife or the enterotome is introduced into the right ventricle and an incision made from the middle of the first incision, just above the insertion of the anterior papillary muscle, through the pulmonary orifice into the pulmonary artery, passing between the two anterior leaflets of the pulmonary valve. The heart is now drawn up on the right edge of the ribs so that the left ventricular border presents uppermost. The left auricle is then opened by an incision beginning in, or just below, the lowermost pulmonary vein and extended in the direction of the left ventricular ridge as far as the auriculoventricular ring. Beginning just below the ring an incision is made through the entire length of the left ventricular ridge as far as the apex and to the septum, which lies usually beyond the apex. A second incision is then made in the left ventricle from the apex, extending through the anterior ventricular wall close to the septum, parallel to the descending branch of the anterior coronary artery and about 1 cm. from it, and passing through the aortic opening between the anterior and the right[Pg 114] posterior cusps. This is the more easily accomplished if the pulmonary artery has been dissected away from the aorta, so that the incision can be carried well over to the right. (See Fig. 41.) As the chambers of the heart are opened the contents should be inspected, clots removed, and the valvular orifices examined from the upper side. The coronary arteries are then opened with the fine probe-pointed scissors. When the heart has been removed from the body it may be opened on the board by following the method as given above. The heart is held very conveniently for the Virchow incisions by putting the four fingers of the left hand beneath it and the thumb on the anterior surface; complete pronation puts the heart in the position for opening the right side; complete supination gives the position for opening the left side.

Nauwerck Method. By this method the left auricle, left ventricle, right auricle and right ventricle are opened in succession. The heart is seized in the left hand, and without rotation is drawn upon the right edge of the ribs. Beginning in the upper left pulmonary vein or between the veins an incision is made through the wall of the auricle to the sulcus circularis, avoiding any injury to the coronary vessels. Beginning below the mitral ring an incision is carried along the left ventricular ridge to the apex. The left auricle and ventricle are then cleared of blood and the mitral opening examined. The heart is then put back into its natural position; the left thumb is placed in the apex of the left ventricle and the four fingers passed over the right border of the heart to its posterior surface, rotating the heart to the left until the right auricle is brought uppermost. (See Fig. 40.) Then an incision is made through the wall of the right auricle, beginning midway between the superior and inferior venæ cavæ and extending to the tricuspid ring, then begun again 1 cm. below, is carried along the right border of the heart, or slightly anterior to it, as far as the[Pg 115] septum. (See Fig. 40.) The contents of right auricle and ventricle and the tricuspid valves are now inspected. The heart is then removed from the body by lifting it up vertically as far as possible and cutting the vessels from below upward as close as possible to their exits through the pericardial sac. The hydrostatic test is then applied to the aortic and pulmonary valves by pouring water into these vessels, or by immersing the heart an water and then lifting it out. The heart is then laid flat on the board with apex toward the operator. The enterotome is introduced into the right ventricle and through the pulmonary orifice and an incision made through the anterior wall of the right ventricle, beginning just above the anterior papillary muscle at about the middle height of the ventricle, and cutting through the pulmonary conus and pulmonary valve well to the left, close to the septum, following the narrow ridge of fat at the base of the artery so as to pass between the left anterior and posterior segments. The heart is then rotated on its vertical axis so that the right auricle is turned toward the prosector, and the tricuspid ring is[Pg 116] opened with the intestinal shears. The auricular appendage is then cut open from the auricular incision. The heart is then held in its former position and an incision is made in the anterior wall of the left ventricle just to the left of the septum, from the apex through the aortic ring and the left wall of the aorta, while the pulmonary artery is pulled to the right. (See Fig. 41.) Care must be taken not to damage the right border of the base of the mitral; the cut should pass half way between the pulmonary orifice and the left auricular appendage, cutting the left aortic flap. If it is desired to save the cusps the pulmonary artery may be dissected from the aorta and the incision carried between the right posterior and the anterior valve-flaps. The heart is again rotated toward the right and the mitral ring is cut with the enterotome, which is introduced from the left auricle into the left ventricle. The left auricular appendage is then cut open. The heart-wall is then examined by means of parallel vertical or horizontal incisions. The papillary muscles are cut longitudinally from apex to base. The coronary vessels and their branches are then examined, partly from the aorta and partly from the incisions through the muscle.

Prausnitz Method. The heart is removed and held in the palm of the left hand and two vertical incisions are made on either side of the septum, parallel with it, and extending from base to apex. Two other incisions are then made from base to apex on the outer borders of the ventricles, connecting at the apex with the first incisions. The ventricles are opened by the triangular flaps of the anterior wall thus formed, these flaps being attached at the base of the heart. The contents of the cavities are examined and removed; the valvular orifices and flaps are examined, and the pulmonary and aortic rings are cut through with the shears by extending the two incisions made on each side of the septum, taking care to pass between the cusps.

The heart can also be opened with the long shears alone. The openings of the two cavæ in the right auricle are connected by an incision. The auricular appendage is opened by a second cut. The shears are then put through the tricuspid ring, and this with the right ventricle is cut, the incision following the right ventricular border. The pulmonary orifice is then opened by a cut made along the right side of the septum. The left heart is opened through the pulmonary veins, cutting first the auricle-wall, then the mitral ring and ventricular wall to the apex. An incision is then made along the left side of the septum, through the aortic orifice into the aorta.

5. Section of the Lungs. The general inspection of the pleural cavities and pleural surfaces is made as soon as the thoracic cavity is opened, as indicated above. If a pneumothorax is present the pleural cavity on the affected side is filled with water, the neck organs are exposed and a tube inserted into the trachea. When air is forced through this bubbles will escape from the perforation and the opening can be easily located. When extensive or complete pleural adhesions are present, so that they cannot be separated, it becomes necessary to remove the costal pleura in connection with the visceral layer. This is accomplished by loosening the costal pleura and subpleural fascia at the cut edge of the ribs[Pg 117] with the blade of the knife, until the fingers and, finally the hand, can be worked in between the costal pleura and the chest-wall, gradually separating the two until the entire lung is freed with both layers of pleura adherent. Firm adhesions at the apex may have to be cut with the knife. Similar adhesions with the pericardium or diaphragm may make it necessary to cut out the adherent portion with scissors or knife and remove it in connection with the lung. When the pleural adhesions are very firm upon the right side the prosector may find it most convenient to stand at the left side of the cadaver and from this position separate the right costal pleura from the chest wall. An assistant may be of great service in pulling the thoracic wall outward. The edge of the ribs or cartilages may be covered with a towel or the skin may be drawn over it to protect the hands. In extreme cases it may be necessary to saw the ribs and remove them in connection with the lungs. Sometimes the adhesions may be separated more easily if the neck-organs are first removed down to the clavicle, and then, in connection with the lungs, are removed en masse, by means of powerful tugs, from above downward. The apical and posterior adhesions may be torn fairly easily in this way when ordinary manipulations in the thoracic cavity have no effect upon them.

When the pleural surfaces are free the left lung is lifted out of the cavity onto the right edge of the chest-wall, pulling it forcibly over to the right so that its posterior surface becomes uppermost. In this position the lung may be sectioned by one or more main incisions made with the long section-knife, cutting the organ from apex to base, down upon the ribs in the direction of the main bronchi and vessels. After the examination of the cut surfaces the organ may be returned to the cavity. It is better, however, to remove the lung, and section it outside the body. This is done by cutting the mediastinal pleura, pulmonary vessels and main bronchus with the cartilage-knife, while the lung is held upon the right edge of the thoracic opening, holding the knife so that its blade strikes the edge of the costal cartilages.

The lung, when free, is placed upon the board with its hilus downward and base toward the prosector. (See Fig. 42.) It is then held in the left hand, as shown in the illustration, the thumb holding the lower lobe, the index-finger between the lobes with its tip upon the main bronchus, the other fingers holding the upper lobe. With the long section-knife held slightly obliquely toward the anterior edge the main-incision is now made in one sweeping cut from apex to base, along the line of greatest convexity, down[Pg 118] upon the main-bronchus and its chief branches and the large vessels. Care should be taken not to cut off the bronchi of the two lobes from the main bronchus. Incisions parallel to the main one may be made, if desired. Usually it suffices to go carefully over the remaining part of the lung, feeling it carefully for airless solid areas; if such are present they may be sectioned separately. The bronchi are then opened from the cut surface by means of the probe-pointed scissors, cutting as near to the pleura as possible. The sound or director may be used with advantage in opening up cavities from the bronchi. The position of the lung should be so changed that the bronchi always extend away from the prosector in a straight line. The portion of the lung containing the uncut bronchus should be left hanging over the left hand to put it on the stretch, thereby facilitating greatly the opening of the bronchus. The pulmonary vessels are opened with fine probe-pointed scissors from the cut surface. The bronchial lymphglands are then sectioned with the knife.

[Pg 119]

The right lung is then lifted up out of the thorax onto the right side of the thoracic opening, and is either sectioned in this position, or the mediastinal pleura, pulmonary vessels and bronchus are cut from below upward with the knife, its edge being directed against the ribs. When freed the lung is placed on the board, root downward and apex toward the prosector. (See Fig. 43.) The index-finger is put between the upper and lower lobes, the thumb holds the upper lobe, the other fingers are spread out over the surface of the lower lobe. The main-incision is then made in a sweeping cut, from base to apex, along the line of greatest convexity, the knife-blade being held slightly obliquely toward the anterior border (see Fig. 43), cutting down upon the main bronchus and its first division. Other parallel cuts may be made. The middle lobe[Pg 120] is then sectioned by a sagittal incision on its anterior surface, directed toward its anterior border. The bronchi, pulmonary vessels and bronchial lymphnodes are then opened as in the case of the left lung.

Bacteriologic examinations may be made from smears or cultures made from the cut surfaces; or, to avoid contamination, the surface may be seared with a hot iron and the material obtained by means of a sterile pipette pushed through the seared surface into the lung-tissue.

When the neck-organs are not removed the section of the thorax closes with the examination of the aorta, oesophagus, thoracic duct and thoracic vertebrae. The blood-vessels and œsophagus are opened with the curved scissors, from above downward, the contents noted, and the walls examined. The thoracic duct is best dissected out from the right side, by cutting along the right side of the aorta and turning the latter over to the left. The duct is more easily recognized at its lower end. It may be inflated with the blow-pipe, or opened with a probe and fine probe-pointed scissors. Sometimes the duct can be most easily found by removing the left lung and then turning the right lung over into the left pleural cavity. The posterior mediastinal tissues are put on a stretch, so that the duct can be recognized through the pleura. For the examination of the left subclavian vein the left clavicle should be removed.

[Pg 121]

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE THORAX.

1. Thoracic Cavity. Presence of gas or air (pneumothorax, infections with colon bacillus, gas-forming bacillus, proteus, etc.), relative degree of pressure, odor, etc. Measure contents of each pleural sac; note character of fluid (clear, turbid, bloody, chyliform, chylous, purulent, fibrino-purulent). Normally the pleuræ are moist-shining, smooth, grayish, transparent; only a few drops of fluid found in the cavities. In cases of slowly progressive cardiac insufficiency large amounts of clear fluid may collect in the cavities just before death. Non-inflammatory collections of fluid also occur in general œdema. In these conditions the pleuræ are not cloudy or dull, while in the case of inflammation the pleural surfaces are dry, cloudy, dull-shining, injected, rough or covered with fibrinous or purulent exudate. Examine pleural surfaces particularly for evidences of inflammation, recent and old tuberculosis, primary and secondary neoplasms (carcinoma).

2. Position of Thoracic Organs. Locate anterior borders of lungs, apex and borders of heart. The normal lung collapses after the removal of the sternum. How much of the pericardial sac is left uncovered by the lungs?

3. Anterior Mediastinum. Note character of connective-tissue, amount and color of fat-tissue, number and size of lymphnodes, occurrence of œdema or emphysema. An artificial œdema may be caused by the injection of large quantities of salt solution in the pectoral region just before death. An artificial emphysema may be produced by the removal of the sternum. The condition of the large veins in the upper portion of the mediastinum should be noted before the heart is removed. Are they lax, moderately full, or distended? Secondary tumors, hemorrhages, abscesses, œdema and emphysema are the most common pathologic conditions.

4. Thymus. The writer believes that the weights usually given for the thymus in the new-born are too high, and that 7-10 grms. represents the usual normal weight. A gland weighing 20 grms. or more must be regarded as enlarged. The organ reaches its fullest development at the end of the second year. Atrophy begins then, developing slowly up to the age of puberty, after that more rapidly. In adults the thymus normally consists of a mass of adipose tissue containing lymphoid nodules, in some of which corpuscles of Hassall persist to old age. Postmortem softening[Pg 122] should not be mistaken for abscesses. The most important pathologic change is hypertrophy. Pressure of the enlarged gland upon the trachea, nerves or great vessels may cause thymic stridor, asthma, or thymic death (“lymphatic constitution”). Enlargement of the thymus may occur in “status lymphaticus,” exophthalmic goitre, cretinism, myxœdema, Addison’s disease, acromegaly, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, scorbutus, rachitis, tonsillar hyperplasia, adenoids, congenital syphilis, Hodgkin’s disease, leukæmia, anencephaly, anæmia, acute infections, or it may exist as an independent affection. Oedema, congestion, inflammation, tuberculosis, neoplasms, etc., may also cause an enlargement. Absence of the thymus has been observed. Primary and secondary forms of atrophy in association with marasmus occur in children. Note relation of size of thymus to condition of child; atrophy of the organ is usually coincident with marasmus. Inflammation, tuberculosis, cysts, primary and secondary neoplasms, gummata, etc., are not common.

5. Pericardium. Note tension of sac, fluctuation, adhesions, thickness, character of inner surface, contents (amount, color, odor, presence of fibrin, blood or pus, gas). Normally there are about 5-10 c. c. of clear yellow fluid in the sac. Both peri- and epicardium normally are moist-shining, smooth, grayish and transparent. Large amounts of clear watery fluid may collect in the pericardial sac in slow death in cases of chronic valvular lesions, chronic nephritis, bronchitis and emphysema, but the surface of the peri- and epicardium remains smooth and shining. In inflammatory increase of the pericardial fluid the serous surfaces are dull, cloudy or dry, and may be covered with a layer of fibrin, the fluid is more or less cloudy and contains flakes or strings of fibrin, or may be purulent. The fibrinous exudate may be very extensive and from the movement of the heart be drawn out into bands, threads or villus-like prominences (cor hirsutum or villosum). Pericarditis is common in acute rheumatism, septicæmia, pyæmia, puerperal fever, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and as a terminal infection in cardiac and renal disease. Tuberculosis is one of the most common causes of purulent, fibrinous and hemorrhagic pericarditis, particularly of the cor villosum. Examine surfaces for tubercles. The presence of blood in the pericardial exudate points usually to tuberculosis or malignant neoplasm, but in small amount may be found in various infections and intoxications. The age of the pericarditis may be judged by the amount of organization of the exudate,[Pg 123] adhesions, thickenings, etc. “Milk spots,” “soldier’s spots,” “tendinous patches” or “friction scleroses” represent hyaline thickenings of the pericardium due to old pericarditis. Total synechia or atresia of the cavity may occur. As the result of calcification of an old pericarditic exudate the heart may be surrounded by a calcareous sheath (“stony heart,” “petrified heart”). Hæmopericardium results from the rupture of the heart, aorta, pulmonary artery or coronary vessel. Petechiæ of the peri- and epicardium are found in pyæmia, septicæmia, hæmophilia, scurvy, severe anæmia, leukæmia, chronic nephritis, and death from suffocation and various intoxications. Pneumopericardium may be due to perforating wounds, or to perforations from lungs, stomach or œsophagus, or to infections with gas-forming bacilli. Malformations are rare (diverticula, ectopia). Tuberculosis is usually secondary. Gummata are rare. Actinomycosis is usually secondary to actinomycosis of the neck or lungs. Primary neoplasms are rare. Secondary carcinoma and sarcoma (especially lymphosarcoma) are more frequent. Cysticercus, trichina and echinococcus are rare.

6. Heart. Note more carefully its position, whether displaced to right or left, location of apex, borders, etc. Relative size compared to cadaver’s right fist, which is usually a little smaller than the heart. Weight and measurements:—(The heart should be weighed after it has been opened, and its cavities freed from blood and clots.)

Average weight in adult male, about 300-350 grm.

Average weight in adult female, about 250 grm.

Normal limits, 200-350 grm.

Weight of heart to body-weight in adult male, 1:169; in the female, 1:162.

Circumference at base of ventricles 25.8 cm., length of ventricles 8-9 cm., breadth 8.5-10.5 cm., thickness 3-3.6 cm.; minimal measurements are for the female. Auricles are 5-6 cm. in length. Compare ventricles as to size.

Note form (long, cylindrical, pyramidal, broad, short, round, etc.) In hypertrophy of the left ventricle the heart is longer and more cylindrical; in hypertrophy of the right it is broader and more rounded. Normally the apex is formed by the left ventricle, the sulcus longitudinalis running to the apex and nearly dividing the heart into halves. In hypertrophy of the right ventricle the apex is formed by this ventricle, the sulcus longitudinalis passing to the left of the apex; in hypertrophy of the left ventricle the longitudinal sulcus runs to the right of the apex. What part of[Pg 124] the heart lies anteriorly? (Normally a large part of the right ventricle.)

The consistence of the organ, particularly that of the ventricles, should be noted (firm, flabby, soft, etc.). Condition of the heart-chambers (empty, contracted, dilated, full). Rigor mortis should be removed by kneading or by the application of heat. The amount of subepicardial fat, its color, translucency, occurrence of serous atrophy, œdema, subepicardial hemorrhage, etc., are to be noted. In marasmus a serous or mucoid degeneration of the subepicardial fat is not uncommon. The subepicardial fat increases with age, and is normally most abundant along the grooves and blood-vessels, particularly the auriculoventricular grooves and on the right ventricle. Normally the color of the heart-muscle of the ventricles should be seen through the epicardium. The fat is increased in obesity, chronic alcoholism, chronic anæmia, tuberculosis, etc. When the fat-infiltration is so marked that the muscle cannot be seen the condition is known as adipositas or obesitas cordis, or in extreme cases as lipoma cordis capsulare.

7. Right Heart. Note amount of blood contained in right chambers (over-distended in death from asphyxiation, pneumonia, etc.), also its consistence (thick, thin, watery), color (light, dark, red, yellowish, chocolate, purplish), blood-clots (size, color, cruor, lardaceous clots, chicken-fat clots, pus-like clots, consistence, moisture), presence of free fat, gas or air, diffusion of hæmoglobin, presence of bile-pigment in blood. Note also amount and character of blood in venæ cavæ. The size of auricular and ventricular cavities should be estimated, noting condition of trabeculæ and papillary muscles (atrophic, flattened, hypertrophic, fatty, fibroid, calcification). The musculature of the ventricular walls is examined as to its thickness (normally the right ventricle wall is 4-5 mm. thick). Postmortem contraction should not be mistaken for hypertrophy. The color of the heart-muscle normally is pinkish in infants, flesh-red in adults, and brownish-red in old age and in atrophy following compensatory hypertrophy (brown atrophy). Under normal conditions the muscle is translucent. In cloudy swelling the heart-muscle appears cloudy and opaque as if cooked. Fatty degeneration appears as yellowish, opaque patches or streaks (“tiger-heart”), particularly in the papillary muscles and trabeculæ. In severe intoxications the process may be diffuse, and the entire musculature appear cream-colored or yellowish and opaque. The consistence may be firm, flabby, soft, putty-like; localized areas may be caseous. Infarcted areas are soft when fresh (myomalacia[Pg 125] cordis). The consistence is increased in atrophy, fibroid heart, chronic interstitial myocarditis, syphilis, etc. Cloudy swelling and fatty degeneration make the heart muscle softer and more friable. In postmortem decomposition the heart as a whole becomes soft. Normally the endocardium should be gray, delicate, thin and transparent. The chordæ tendinæ are long, narrow and delicate. Note thickenings of endocardium and chordæ tendinæ, presence of thrombi (dry, brick-red, yellowish or gray, firmer than clots and adherent to the endocardium, often show simple softening, which should not be mistaken for pus; may be parietal, polypoid, valvular or free). The endocardium may be stained diffusely yellow (bile) or brown (methæmoglobin). Creamy or yellowish opacities of the intima are due to fatty degeneration.

8. Left Heart. Note same things in left side of heart as on right. In cardiac paralysis left ventricle is filled with blood if rigor mortis has not set in. Left ventricle wall is 10-15 mm. thick normally; may become 30 mm. thick in hypertrophy. Papillary muscles and trabeculæ may be markedly hypertrophic, but in the greatly dilated heart (aortic insufficiency) may be much flattened. The septum of the ventricles may share in the hypertrophy of either ventricle and when hypertrophic bulges into the cavity of the unaffected side. Examine wall of left ventricle, particularly near the apex, for infarcts, fibroid patches, aneurismal dilatation, rupture, fatty degeneration, thrombi, etc. Look particularly for pathologic conditions involving the atrioventricular bundle.

9. Orifices and Valves. Orifices should measure as follows:—Tricuspid (12-12.7 cm.), mitral (10.4-10.9 cm.), pulmonary (8.9-9.2 cm.), aorta (7.7-8 cm.). Rough measurements may be taken with the fingers, tricuspid admitting three, mitral two, pulmonary one and a half, aorta thumb. The orifices may be measured by graduated cones, or in the ordinary way after the heart is sectioned. Normally the edges of the valve-flaps should be delicate, smooth and thin. Examine for vegetations, thrombi, induration, thickening, contractions, ulcerations, tears, perforations, defects, calcification, atheroma, valvular aneurism, etc. Note thickening, contraction, adhesion, shortening, etc., of the chordæ tendinæ. When the tendons are long, narrow and thread-like, and without adhesions, the probabilities are that a lesion of the mitral orifice was not present.

10. Coronary Vessels. Walls should be uniformly delicate and thin, and the intima should be delicate, gray and transparent. Note contents of arteries and veins. Examine arteries especially[Pg 126] for thrombi, emboli, arteriosclerosis, atheroma, calcification, obliteration of lumen, thickening of wall, loss of elasticity, opacity of intima and increased tortuosity of course.

The most important pathologic conditions of the heart are:—endocarditis (ulcerosa, maligna, verrucosa, simplex, chronica fibrosa, sclerosing), valvular insufficiency and stenosis, hypertrophy, dilatation, atrophy, fatty infiltration, fatty degeneration, cloudy swelling, anæmic infarction, calcification, acute and chronic myocarditis, abscess, fibroid heart, cardiac aneurism, rupture, thrombosis, embolism, malformations (septum defects, patent ductus arteriosus, stenosis or atresia of orifices), tuberculosis (not rare, in association with tuberculous pericarditis, or general miliary tuberculosis), syphilis (gumma not common, localized or diffuse interstitial myocarditis the most common manifestation), actinomycosis, cysticercus, echinococcus, trichina and neoplasms (primary rare, in part congenital, fibroma, lipoma, angioma, myxoma, rhabdomyoma; secondary sarcoma less rare than secondary carcinoma, most common forms are melanotic sarcoma and lymphosarcoma).

11. Left Lung. Weighs 350-500 grm. Size (voluminous, collapsed, compare lobes); form (edges rounded, sharp, nodular, saccular or cystic, contractions, depressions, emphysematous enlargements); pleura (examine again more closely. Circumscribed dull-shining or cloudy areas point to some pathologic condition of the lung beneath. Look for evidences of healed tuberculosis, particularly in the pleura of the apices. Secondary carcinoma of the pleura is very common. Primary tumors are rare; endothelioma and sarcoma are the most common forms. Small circumscribed areas of pigmentation usually represent old tubercles); color (depends upon degree of anthracosis, blood-content and condition of pleura, areas showing especial color should be examined closely; most common colors are pinkish-gray normally, grayish, slaty, black, red, brown, dark-red to black); size of air-cells (normally can be seen with naked eye, best seen at apex and borders, about size of pin-points, when larger than the head of a pin they are emphysematous); lobules can also be seen with naked eye, usually polygonal in shape, 2-3 mm. in diameter; consistence (estimate by going over entire lung, pressing the lung-substance between thumb and fingers; air-containing lung is soft, elastic and crepitates; airless areas are hard, firm and do not crepitate).

On the cut surface the following points should be noted: Blood-content (anæmia, hyperæmia, hypostatic congestion), color[Pg 127] of cut-surface, air-content, exudate (serous, purulent), consistence (hard, soft, elastic, caseous, brittle, crumbling), character of surface (smooth, granular, nodular, cavities). Cavities should be described according to their position, size, shape, contents and character of their walls.

12. Right Lung. Weight 420-620 grms. Note size, form, color, surface, size of air-cells, lobules, consistence, blood-content, air-content, exudate, consistence and character of cut-surface, as in case of left lung.

Evidences of healed tuberculosis are found in practically all adult lungs in the form of localized thickenings or puckering of the pleura, especially at the apices, hyaline or anthracotic nodules, encapsulated, caseous or calcified tubercles. Old scars and indurations are firm, hard and usually black in color. Caseous areas are smooth, dry, white or grayish, and opaque. Very young tubercles are elevated, grayish and translucent. Atelectatic areas are depressed and bluish-red in color. Areas of hepatization are red or gray, elevated, granular, crumbling, moist in early stage, dry in caseous hepatization. In bronchopneumonia the areas of hepatization are usually sharply circumscribed. Metastatic abscesses lie usually beneath the pleura, are usually multiple and distributed over both lungs. Bronchopneumonic areas are usually found in the dependent portions, particularly in right lung. An abundance of foamy, watery fluid on the cut-surface indicates œdema; when very bloody there is usually a marked stasis or beginning hepatization present. In atelectasis and fibrinous hepatization the exudate from the surface is not foamy. Emphysematous areas are white or grayish-white and are most frequently found along the borders. Large air-spaces are often found along the interlobular septa (interstitial emphysema), particularly in children following trauma, croup, whooping-cough, etc. In chronic passive congestion the lung is firmer than normal, deep-red or brownish in color. Hemorrhagic infarcts lie usually beneath the pleura, are wedge-shaped, with base toward pleura, firm, smooth on section, or granular, and when fresh are nearly black; older ones are lighter and brownish. Cavities in the lung occur in tuberculosis, embolic and primary abscesses, actinomycosis, gangrene, bronchiectasis, primary and secondary tumors, etc. Gangrenous areas have diffuse borders, are gray or greenish in color, with central softened areas, with ragged borders and stinking smell. In bronchiectatic cavities the smooth mucosa of the bronchus passes directly into the wall of the cavity. Primary carcinomata of the lungs appear as cavities having a white medullary[Pg 128] wall, or as medullary strands running along the bronchi. Tuberculous cavities have caseous walls, are more or less encapsulated, and usually show younger tubercles in the neighborhood of the wall. Antemortem hypostasis is usually darker and firmer than postmortem, and is usually associated with inflammation (hypostatic pneumonia).

The most important pathologic conditions of the lungs are:—Anomalies (anomalous lobes common, infradiaphragmatic accessory lungs, agenesia, congenital bronchiectasis), atelectasis (fœtal, compression, obstruction, paralytic, etc.), emphysema (acute, chronic, vicarious, senile, atrophic, hypertrophic, interstitial, gangrenous), hyperæmia, stasis, brown induration, hypostasis, œdema (universal, stasis, hypostatic, atelectatic, acute, chronic, terminal), hemorrhage, hemorrhagic infarction, thrombosis, embolism, fatty embolism, pneumonia (croupous, atypical, bronchopneumonia, acute and chronic interstitial), abscess, gangrene, tuberculosis (acute miliary, caseous pneumonia, peribronchial, tuberculous bronchopneumonia, indurative, fibroid, phthisis pulmonum), syphilis (gumma, white pneumonia), actinomycosis, neoplasms (primary adenoma, lipoma, papilloma, chondroma, osteoma, sarcoma, carcinoma and teratoma are rare; metastatic sarcoma and carcinoma are common; malignant chorio-epithelioma is not infrequent), parasites (echinococcus, cysticercus, hook-worm embryos, pentastomum and distomum pulmonale).

13. Bronchi. Note size, contents, thickness of wall, color and thickness of mucosa. Normally the bronchi are empty, and the mucosa grayish-red. In pulmonary œdema they contain clear, foamy fluid; in bronchitis they may contain a mucous, mucopurulent, purulent, fibrinous, hemorrhagic or putrid exudate. In acute bronchitis the mucosa is red; in chronic bronchitis the mucosa may be red or brownish, and thickened or folded. Material from the stomach may enter the bronchi postmortem and cause a postmortem digestion of the mucosa or wall.

The most important pathologic conditions of the bronchi are:—Inflammation (acute and chronic catarrhal bronchitis, fibrinous, putrid, atrophic, obliterans), bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, syphilis, stenosis, bronchiectasis, perforation (aneurisms, abscess, carcinoma, tubercles, etc.), bronchial calculi, foreign bodies, neoplasms (adenoma, papilloma, carcinoma, chondroma, osteoma), parasites (cysticercus, echinococcus, hook-worm embryos, distomum pulmonale, pentastomum).

[Pg 129]

14. Bronchial Glands. Note size, pigmentation (gray, dark-gray, black), consistence, character of cut-surface, caseation, fibroid induration, calcification, œdema, congestion, abscess, neoplasm. Tuberculosis and secondary neoplasms are the most common conditions. Lymphosarcoma is the most frequent primary tumor.

15. Pulmonary Vessels. Character of walls and contents. Normally the intima is smooth, grayish-white and translucent. Fatty degeneration of the intima is not rare (acute infections and intoxications); atheroma and aneurismal dilatation are infrequent. Occasionally parietal thrombi and thickening of the wall due to organization of a thrombus are seen. The pulmonary arteries are normally empty or contain soft cruor or agonal white clots. These are not adherent to the wall, do not fill the lumen and are soft and moist. Emboli fill the lumen as if forced into it (at the branchings of the artery they form “rider’s” emboli); they are more dry and brick-red, brownish or grayish in color. Occasionally they may be unrolled into long fibrinous strands. Older emboli may show more or less organization and adherence to the vessel-wall. In air-embolism the pulmonary arteries contain a mixture of blood and air looking like a stiff-beaten white of egg of red color. Large emboli of liver-tissue or liver-cells may be found in the pulmonary arteries after traumatic rupture of the liver. Fat-emboli of the smaller arteries can be recognized by the naked-eye. Thrombosis of both pulmonary arteries and veins is very common in chronic valvular lesions, pneumonia, terminal infections, burns of the skin, poisoning with hemolytic agents, etc.

16. Great Vessels of Thorax. Note size of lumen, condition of walls, particularly of intima, and the contents. Circumference of thoracic aorta 4.5-6.0 cm., thickness of wall 1.5-2 mm. Test elasticity of wall by stretching; note if it retracts and becomes shorter than the œsophagus, which was cut at the same level. Note consistence of wall (stiff and hard in sclerosis and calcification). Normally the intima of the aorta is smooth, grayish-white and semitranslucent; the wall is elastic. Fatty degeneration, sclerosis, atheroma and aneurismal dilatations are the most common pathologic findings. Fatty degeneration shows itself in yellowish spots or streaks, more opaque and slightly elevated. Sclerotic areas are hard, white and tendon-like. Atheromatous “plaques” and “ulcers” are white or yellowish, elevated, rough, scaly, with loss of substance, often more or less calcified. Thrombi are frequently formed upon such atheromatous patches. Hemorrhage into the intima may occur (aneurysma dissecans). Radiating or linear sclerotic[Pg 130] folds and depressions in the intima, with or without dilatation of the lumen, usually result from syphilis (mesaortitis). A dirty brownish discoloration of the intima is due to an imbibition of diffuse hæmoglobin, usually postmortem. In chronic icterus the intima may be bile-stained. Thrombosis of the aorta is not common. Congenital or acquired stenosis at the isthmus is rare. Tuberculosis of the aorta-wall is also very rare.

17. Thoracic Portion of Oesophagus. Note size (stenosis, dilatation, diverticulum), contents (food, stomach-contents, blood, pus, foreign-body), thickness of wall, color of mucosa (normally grayish-white), neoplasms (carcinoma), perforations, erosions (aneurism, abscess, neoplasm), inflammation. Anomalies, tuberculosis, syphilis, actinomycosis and neoplasms (with the exception of carcinoma) are rare. The most common location of carcinoma is toward the cardia. Thrush is the most common parasite. Varices of the œsophageal veins are common, and from these fatal hemorrhages may occur. In the thoracic portion they are usually the result of collateral distention to offset a portal stasis (hepatic cirrhosis, Banti’s disease, thrombosis of splenic or portal veins). The passage of stomach-contents through the cardia into the œsophagus may cause a postmortem softening or perforation of the œsophageal wall.

18. Thoracic Duct. Note size, contents and character of wall. Tuberculosis, malignant neoplasms, obstruction, rupture and purulent inflammations are the most important pathologic conditions. In miliary tuberculosis the thoracic duct may be the primary focus or the avenue by which the bacilli enter the blood. The duct also plays an important part in the dissemination of malignant tumors and infections from the abdominal cavity and pelvis. Chylothorax and chylopericardium are usually caused by the blocking of the thoracic duct by malignant neoplasms (lymphosarcoma, carcinoma), or by rupture of the duct.

19. Thoracic Vertebrae. Note surfaces of vertebræ (normally smooth), curvatures, softening, erosions, exostoses, neoplasms, fractures, dislocations. Tuberculosis, curvatures and malignant tumors (secondary carcinoma, primary sarcoma, myeloma, chloroma) are the most common conditions. Aneurismal erosions are not rare.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

1. Removal of the Neck-Organs. The block is left beneath the neck, and the chin pulled upward by an assistant, so as to put the skin of the neck on a tight stretch. If the main-incision cannot be extended to the symphysis of the chin, the cartilage- or long section-knife is run up beneath the skin in the median line to the point of the chin, and, with the blade held nearly flat, the skin is loosened from the tissues of the neck, first on the left side, then on the right, as far back as the mastoid processes and the spinal column and to the ends of the clavicles. Great care should be taken not to cut through the skin. The long section-knife, with blade flat, is then pushed through the floor of the mouth, to the left of the median line, taking care not to damage the tongue, and with the blade of the knife closely hugging the inner border of the lower jaw, the floor of the mouth is cut through as far as the angle of the jaw. The knife is then turned with its cutting edge toward the right and a similar cut made through the floor of the mouth as far as the right angle of the jaw. The knife must be held at right angles to the floor of the mouth to avoid cutting the tongue. When the mouth is open the course of the knife can be seen, but usually the mouth is tightly closed in rigor mortis. When cutting the floor of the mouth it is better to make short sawing movements with the knife than to attempt to cut it with one sweeping cut. Instead of cutting from the median line the knife may be inserted at the right or left angle of the jaw and the cut extended upward to the chin and thence toward the other angle. (See Fig. 42.)

As soon as the floor of the mouth is opened and the tongue loosened from the lower jaw the left hand is introduced beneath the skin, through the incision, into the mouth, and the tongue seized by thumb and middle finger, and drawn forcibly downward, while the other fingers are used to lift up the skin from the knife. The long section-knife, with cutting edge turned toward the left, is then introduced in the median line, along the left hand, until its point reaches the hard palate, taking care to work the point back slowly until it reaches the border between soft and hard palate. This must be done by feeling rather than by sight. The block[Pg 132] under the neck is then pushed up under the head and the chin thrown forward so that the point of the knife is directed at right angles against the cervical vertebræ. The soft palate is then cut to the left, while the tongue is pulled firmly downward and toward the right, putting the uvular arch on a stretch so that the knife[Pg 133] passes around the left tonsil. The knife is then turned and the same cut made on the right, severing the right faucial pillar and tonsil, while the tongue is pulled downward and to the left. The point of the knife is then pushed back to the pharyngeal wall and the latter is cut from right to left by a strong, firm stroke directed at right angles to the surface of the upper cervical vertebræ. The cut through the pharyngeal mucosa should be at the level of the boundary between the laryngeal and nasal portions, at about the height of the axis. While this cut is being made firm traction should be kept up on the tongue, pulling it downward, and alternately to the left and right. The loose retropharyngeal and retroœsophageal fascia tears easily and the mouth organs can now be pulled so far downward that first transverse and then oblique cuts through this fascia can now be made upon the vertebræ, severing the vagi, carotids and jugulars, and working from above downward, until the mouth and neck organs can be lifted up through the skin-incision and the entire mass of the neck-organs separated from the spinal column as far as the clavicles. Pulling the mass toward the right, the left subclavian vessels and fascia are severed by a cut directed downward and outward beneath the clavicle. Traction is then made toward the left and the right subclavians cut beneath the clavicle. If the thoracic organs have been removed the œsophagus and aorta may now be stripped down to the diaphragm and there cut off, or the neck-organs may be cut off at the level of the bifurcation of the bronchi.

The organs, having been removed, are placed on the board, œsophagus upward, and the tip of tongue toward the prosector. The tongue is then cut in the median line and the cut surfaces examined. Transverse cuts may be made when indicated. The uvula is then lifted up and examined; and the tonsils and palate next examined, the former by means of longitudinal incisions. The intestinal shears are now introduced through the fauces into the œsophagus and the left pillar cut between the uvula and the tonsil. The posterior wall of the pharynx and that of the oesophagus for its entire length is then cut in the median line, and these structures examined. After the examination of the larynx from above, the long blade of the intestinal shears is introduced into the larynx and trachea, and these are cut in the posterior median line into the right bronchus. The œsophagus is pulled to the left (prosector’s right) out of the way. The left bronchus is opened by a special incision to avoid cutting aorta and œsophagus. The larynx is now lifted up and held in both hands with the thumbs on the horns of the thyroid cartilage, and the fingers outside, and the larynx opened[Pg 134] by forcibly bending back or breaking the cartilage, so that the entire interior of the larynx can be examined without touching the mucosa.

The neck-organs are now turned over, with the aorta toward the prosector and the tongue pointing away. The right and left lobes of the thyroid are opened by oblique cuts running from above downward and inward, and the isthmus is cut sagittally. The parathyroids must be dissected out behind and below the thyroid, along the course of the terminal branches of the inferior thyroid artery. The parotid, submaxillary and sublingual glands and the cervical lymphnodes are opened by longitudinal cuts. The aorta, carotids, jugulars and their branches are opened with the curved or probe-pointed scissors. The vagus, superior and inferior laryngeal nerves and the cervical sympathetic ganglia are to be examined when the case requires it. The examination of the neck-organs then closes with the inspection of the muscles of the neck and the cervical vertebrae.

[Pg 135]

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN EXAMINATION OF THE MOUTH- AND NECK-ORGANS.

1. Mouth. Contents (blood, mucus, stomach-contents, foreign-bodies, etc.), color of mucosa (normally grayish-red), vesicles (aphthæ), cheilitis, gingivitis, various forms of stomatitis, noma, scorbutus, Ludwig’s angina, ulcers (syphilis, carcinoma, decubital, tuberculosis), hyperkeratosis, macrocheilia, thrush, scars, wounds, action of corrosives, lead-line, neoplasms, etc. Note pillars of fauces, size, shape and condition of uvula. If the teeth have not been inspected during the general examination they should receive attention at this time. Note malformations, anomalies, neoplasms (adamantoma, odontoma, dental osteoma, various forms of cysts, epulis, giant-cell sarcoma, papilloma, fibroma, etc.)

2. Tongue. Mucosa normally is moist and grayish-red. Note discolorations, coatings, crusts, scabs, exudates, various forms of stomatitis, “geographical tongue,” glossitis, abscess, fissures, ulcers (syphilis, carcinoma, decubital), chancre, wounds, action of corrosives, scars (epilepsy, syphilis), tuberculosis, neoplasms (carcinoma, lymphangioma, hæmangioma, papilloma, leukæmic lymphocytoma, adenoma, thyroid adenoma [struma baseos linguæ], and rarely sarcoma, congenital fibroma, lipoma, myxoma, chondroma, osteoma and dermoid cysts), thrush, actinomycosis, leprosy, trichinæ, cysts (lymphangiectatic), hyperkeratosis, leukoplakia, “black hairy tongue,” macroglossia, partial or total hypertrophy. All forms of syphilitic lesions may be found upon the tongue (chancre, condyloma, plaques, papules, fissures, rhagades, ulcers, gumma, etc.) “Smooth atrophy” of the base of the tongue is regarded by various authors as pathognomonic of tertiary or congenital syphilis. Cysticercus and echinococcus are very rare.

3. Pharynx. Normal mucosa is smooth and gray-red. Note contents, color and character of mucosa, atrophy, congestion, œdema, exudations (mucous, purulent, croupous, diphtheritic, thrush), ulcers, scars, hyperplasia of lymph-follicles, adenoids, various forms of acute and chronic pharyngitis, retropharyngeal abscess, syphilis, tuberculosis, neoplasms (nasal polypi, lymphosarcoma, leukæmic lymphocytoma, aleukæmic lymphocytoma, carcinoma, retropharyngeal dermoids, lipoma, cysts, fibroma, chondroma, etc.), glanders, leprosy, actinomycosis, rhinoscleroma, cysticercus and echinococcus.

4. Tonsils. Size (how far do they project?), smooth or showing depressions, color (normally uniformly gray-red), atrophy,[Pg 136] hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, various forms of inflammation (acute and chronic tonsillitis, diphtheria, angina superficialis, lacunaris, follicularis, pseudomembranosa, purulenta and phlegmonosa, tonsillar ulcers, cysts and abscess), syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, thrush, concretions, neoplasms (carcinoma, primary is rare, secondary from primary in tongue or larynx more common; lymphosarcoma or lymphocytoma, either aleukæmic or leukæmic, is the most common neoplasm of the tonsil, other forms of sarcoma and connective-tissue tumors are rare), cysticercus and echinococcus are rare.

5. Nose. If the brain is not removed and the nasal tract not examined by the method of Harke, as much of the nose as possible should be inspected, and the various conditions noted, as described in Chapter VI.

6. Oesophagus. Contents, size (dilatation, stenosis, diverticula), color and character of mucosa (normally smooth, transparent, pale, grayish-white, often hypostatic on posterior surface), inflammation, swelling of mucosa, leukoplakia, œdema, erosions, ulcers, action of corrosive poisons, perforation, foreign bodies, varices (cirrhosis, splenic anæmia), hemorrhage, aneurismal erosion, infective granulomata (tuberculosis, syphilis and actinomycosis are all rare), neoplasms (benign are rare, sarcoma rare; carcinoma most common usually at the lower or middle third), parasites (thrush the most important infection). Postmortem softening of the œsophagus from the regurgitation of stomach-contents must not be mistaken for pathologic conditions. Oesophagomalacia is of the rarest occurrence during life.

7, 8. Larynx and Trachea. Nature of contents, character and position of epiglottis and plicæ aryepiglotticæ (the latter should be thin; greatly thickened in inflammation and œdema), mucosa (normally gray-red and smooth); vocal cords (position and relations as viewed from above; should be thin and tendon-like; mucosa thickened in inflammation and œdema; may be atrophic), œdema, inflammation, diphtheritic membranes, ulcers, syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy, glanders, actinomycosis, rhinoscleroma, neoplasm, foreign-bodies, etc. An extreme œdema of the glottis may disappear after death, and its occurrence be shown only by the wrinkled appearance of the mucous membrane. Anomalies are rare, the most common being a laryngocele. In typhoid fever erosions and ulcers are not rare in the larynx. In small-pox ulcers, diphtheritic inflammations and hemorrhages may occur. The most common tumor is the fibroma or fibro-epithelioma (papilloma), occurring particularly in[Pg 137] children and singers (“children’s nodule,” “singer’s nodule”). Angioma, myoma, lipoma and chondroma are rare. Thyroid adenoma, the so-called “amyloid-tumor” and adenoma of the mucous glands are rare. Sarcoma is also rare. Lymphosarcoma and leukæmic infiltrations are not common. Primary carcinoma is more frequent than sarcoma, but is relatively rare. It occurs most frequently in men, arising on the true vocal cords, and is squamous-celled. In trichinosis the laryngeal muscles usually show an early and abundant invasion. The most important pathologic conditions of the trachea are anomalies (diverticula, fistula, tracheocele), inflammation (catarrhal, membranous, pseudomembranous), tuberculosis, syphilis, secondary erosions, ulcers and perforations (tumors of thyroid, cancer of œsophagus, tuberculosis and suppurating lymphnodes, aneurisms), stenosis, compression from enlarged thyroid, thymus or lymphnodes, dilatation, tracheotomy, intubation, and neoplasms (relatively rare). The cartilages of both trachea and larynx should be examined for inflammation, pigmentation, etc.

9. Thyroid. Weight is 30-60 grms. The dimensions of the lateral lobes are: Length 5-7 cm., breadth 3-4 cm., thickness 1.5-2.5 cm. They should be symmetrical. Note variation in form, character of cut-surface (normally glassy, granular and yellowish-pink). The colloid is transparent, yellow or brown in color, and rises above the cut-surface. Cysts of varying size are very common, likewise encapsulated adenomata. A firm, yellowish, moderately enlarged thyroid is often seen in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Increase of the stroma with hyaline change and calcification is common. The most important pathologic conditions of the thyroid are: goitre (struma diffusa, nodosa, maligna, benigna, parenchymatosa, hyperplastica, adenomatosa, colloides, gelatinosa, cystica, vasculosa, fibrosa, hæmorrhagica, calculosa, ossea, amyloides, inflammatoria, etc.), inflammation (thyreoditis simplex, purulenta, abscess), neoplasms (carcinoma the most common form of malignant tumor, sarcoma not rare, adenoma and cystadenoma very common, combinations of sarcoma and carcinoma have been observed; other forms rare), granulomata (tubercles and gummata are rare), parasites (echinococcus). Especial examination should be made of the thyroid in cretinism, myxœdema, all forms of cachexia of unknown etiology, infantilism, lymphatic constitution, unexplained death, rachitis, chondrodystrophia, acromegaly, giantism, idiocy, etc. In marked constitutional disturbances conditions of athyreosis, thyreoplasia and hyperplasia of the thyroid may play an etiologic[Pg 138] rôle. Accessory thyroids are not uncommon in the neck, in the supraclavicular fossæ and behind the sternum. They usually show the structure of fœtal adenomata, but may become cystic or undergo carcinomatous change.

10. Parathyroids. These organs are usually four in number, sometimes more, sometimes only one or two. They are usually paired, and are found near the inner posterior borders of the lobes of the thyroid, near the two terminal branches of the inferior thyroid artery. They vary in size from 3-15 mm. in length, 3-4 mm. broad, by 1-2 mm. in thickness. They are normally brown in color, and soft in consistence. It is often difficult to distinguish them from the hæmolymph nodes that are common in this region. The parathyroids should be examined in all cases of tetany, paralysis agitans, acromegaly, epilepsy, infantile atrophy, myotonia and obscure cachexias. Conditions of supposed hypoparathyreosis have been reported. Hypertrophy of the parathyroids has been observed in acromegaly. Adenoma has been described by several writers. Cysts, fatty degeneration, fatty infiltration, colloid degeneration, cloudy swelling and tuberculosis have been reported as occurring.

11. Cervical Lymphnodes. Note number, size, color, consistence, character of cut-surface, etc. The most important pathologic conditions are: tuberculosis, secondary carcinoma, Hodgkin’s disease, lymphosarcoma (leukæmic and aleukæmic), various forms of inflammation, dermoid and epidermoid cysts, cystic lymphangioma (congenital cystic tumor of the neck), branchiogenic carcinoma, and hyperplasia in syphilis, rachitis and status lymphaticus. In acute inflammation the lymphnodes are red and soft; in chronic inflammation they are usually grayish-white and firm.

12. Salivary Glands. The parotid, submaxillary and other salivary glands are examined as to size, color, consistence and character of cut-surface. The most important conditions are: parotitis (epidemic and secondary), chronic inflammation, calculi, cystic dilatation of ducts [ranula], Ludwig’s angina, salivary fistula, granulomata (tuberculosis, syphilis and actinomycosis), neoplasms (most common forms are the mixed tumors containing cartilage, fibrous connective-tissue and myxomatous tissue and cords or rows of cells regarded by some observers as endothelial, by others as epithelial; other less common tumors are adenoma, fibroma, carcinoma and sarcoma). Symmetrical enlargement of the salivary and lachrymal glands occurs as the result of aleukæmic or leukæmic lymphocytoma (“Mikulicz’s disease”).

[Pg 139]

13. Cervical Vessels and Nerves. Examine the arteries and veins, noting contents, thickness and character of walls, size of lumen, changes in the intima, sclerosis, atheroma, calcification, thrombosis, embolism, etc. In death from strangulation or hanging the intima of the carotids may be torn. The aorta is usually examined after the section of the neck-organs. Note size of lumen. In the adult it usually admits the index-finger or thumb. The circumference of the thoracic aorta is 4.5-6 cm.; that of the abdominal aorta is 3.5-4.5 cm. Note its elasticity, contents, thickness of wall, changes in intima, etc. Fatty degeneration of the intima, sclerosis, atheromatous plaques and ulcers, calcification and thrombosis are the most common conditions. Syphilis is a very common cause of mesaortitis, shown by linear or radiating depressions of the intima. The carotid gland (paraganglion intercaroticum) at or near the division of the carotids should be noted. It is about the size of a rice-grain, oval, vascular and of firm consistence, resembling very much the superior cervical ganglion. Alveolar tumors apparently primary in this gland have been observed by a number of writers. Its epithelial nature is denied by some observers who class it with the sympathetic system. The nerves and ganglia should be examined and any change from the normal noted, such as atrophy, effects of pressure, involvement in scar-tissue, hæmorrhage, inflammatory processes, neoplasms, etc.

14. Deep Muscles of Neck. Note same conditions in these muscles as mentioned above for abdominal and thoracic muscles. Retropharyngeal abscesses and hemorrhages resulting from fractures and luxations of the vertebræ are the most common conditions.

15. Cervical Vertebrae. Anterior surface should be smooth. Fractures, luxations and tuberculosis are the most common conditions. In caries of the vertebral bodies the surfaces become rough and sharp. In luxations irregular prominences and deviations are found. The prominent portion usually shows sharp edges.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

The preliminary general inspection of the peritoneal cavity was made after the main incision. (See Chapter VII.) After the examination of the neck and thoracic organs has been completed, the abdominal organs are removed and examined separately. The method to be followed must be varied to meet the conditions. In the case of extensive carcinomatosis, general peritonitis, peritoneal tuberculosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei, etc., when adhesions are numerous and the abdominal organs matted together, the examination becomes very difficult, and it may be necessary to remove the abdominal organs en masse and dissect them on the table. If the œsophagus and aorta have not been removed from the thorax they are stripped down to the diaphragm, which is cut on both sides, so that aorta, œsophagus and the abdominal organs en masse can be stripped down to the brim of the pelvis and there cut off to be examined outside the body.

For the ordinary autopsy the following order of examination of the abdominal organs is recommended: The spleen is first examined. It is lifted up from beneath the left under-surface of the diaphragm by tearing or stretching the ligamentum phrenico-lienale and the gastrosplenic omentum. In the case of wandering spleen the technique of removal must be modified to suit the conditions. When the spleen is very soft great care must be taken not to tear or rupture it. When adhesions to the diaphragm are present these must be torn or cut. The spleen is then laid upon the left edge of the ribs. In this position it may be sectioned by an incision made from upper to lower pole, and then, after it has been examined, it is allowed to slip back into the abdominal cavity, when its removal from the body is not desired. If it is to be removed and examined outside of the body, its ligaments and vessels are cut with the knife directed against the edge of the ribs, taking care not to cut the stomach or tail of the pancreas. It is then weighed and measured, and examined by means of a chief incision through its convex surface, from upper to lower pole, and reaching to the hilus. Parallel sagittal or transverse cuts may be made as desired. The cut surface is then thoroughly examined. Bacteriologic examinations should[Pg 141] be made when indicated, before the organ is sectioned. A portion of the capsule is seared and the pipette introduced through the seared area.

The intestines are examined next. They may be opened inside the body without separating them from the mesentery, but the best method by far is to remove and open them outside of the body. The middle portion of the transverse colon is lifted up by the left hand and the ligamentum gastrocolicum and the mesocolon transversum cut close to the intestine, toward the left, separating the left half of the transverse colon, then the splenic flexure and the descending colon and the sigmoid flexure to the rectum. After the splenic flexure has been separated the descending colon can usually be stripped down to the sigmoid by the hands without using the knife. When the sigmoid has been freed from its mesocolon two ligatures are put around the upper portion of the rectum, about an inch apart, and the intestine is then cut between the ligatures. The freed portion of the large intestine is then carried over into the right side of the abdomen and as much of the lower portion as is possible is put into a pan or tray resting upon the cadaver’s right thigh. The right half of the transverse colon, the hepatic flexure and the ascending colon are now freed down to the beginning of the ileum, care being taken not to cut off the appendix when loosening the cæcum. The entire large intestine is then gathered into the tray resting on the cadaver’s thighs, and the intestine is pulled down firmly by the left hand in a line corresponding to the main axis of the right thigh. The coils of small intestine are left in their natural position. The ileum is then severed from the mesentery as follows: The intestine is pulled by the left hand straight down in the middle line of the right thigh, putting the mesentery on a stretch. The long section-knife is used by the right hand to cut the mesentery close to the intestine in a manner resembling the use of the bow in violin-playing. The blade of the knife is held slightly obliquely against the mesenteric insertion of the intestine, and as the left hand pulls up the coils of intestine against the knife, the latter in the bowing or sawing movement severs the mesentery from the intestine as close to its insertion as is possible without cutting the intestine. The freed portions of intestine are caught in the tray resting on the thighs, and the left hand grasps in succession new portions of the small intestine and pulls them against the knife until the entire intestine is freed up to the duodenum and the root of the mesentery. A double ligature is put around the jejunum and the intestine severed between the ligatures, and the freed jejunum,[Pg 142] ileum and large intestine are now removed in the tray for examination. The severing of the intestine from the mesentery in this manner can be carried out very quickly after a little practice. Care must be taken to cut the mesentery as close as possible to the intestine without nicking the latter. If too much mesentery is left on the intestine it cannot be laid out straight and its opening is made more difficult. If the coils of the small intestine are left in their natural position, and if the ileum when it is first taken up by the left hand is not twisted, the coils will unroll before the knife without any difficulty. Some prosectors begin with the jejunum, ligating it at the point where it comes out from beneath the mesentery, cutting it between the ligatures and separating it from the mesentery downward until the entire intestine as far as the rectum has been freed. The latter is ligatured and the freed portions removed. When the saving of time is of great importance the large intestine may be freed as described above, a ligature put around the upper end of the jejunum, and the mesentery severed at its root, so that the entire mass of small intestine with its mesentery is removed for further separation from the mesentery outside of the body. When peritoneal adhesions that cannot be easily torn are present it may be necessary to remove the intestines with mesentery attached.

After the removal of the intestines from the body they are opened by the intestinal shears, beginning either with the jejunum or the large intestine, the cut being made in the line of the mesenteric attachment. As the intestine is opened careful attention should be paid to the contents of each portion. It is very poor technique to dilate the intestine with water or to run water through it before it is opened. There is danger of washing away parasites, blood, etc. When the intestine is distended the opening is easy, but when collapsed it can be more easily opened if an assistant straightens it out and holds it on the stretch in advance of the enterotome. It may be opened on the table, in the tray, or in a pail. The latter method is a clean and convenient one. As the intestine is opened it is passed on the flat beneath the handle of the pail as it rests on the rim, so that the intestinal contents are scraped off into the pail and the clean mucosa examined as it is pulled from the pail into a basin or tray. The ileocæcal valve should be carefully examined from above before it is cut through. The appendix may be opened from the intestine by the small probe-pointed shears, the cut being made on the side opposite the mesenteric attachment. Transverse sections can be made, if desired. When the intestines are[Pg 143] opened within the body, the enterotome is introduced into an opening made in the ileum just above the ileocæcal valve and the intestine is cut upward to the duodenum, along its mesenteric attachment, the coils being drawn upon the probe-pointed blade of the enterotome with the left hand. After the small intestine is opened the enterotome is introduced through the ileocæcal opening and the large intestine cut in the anterior tænia as far as the rectum. The opening of the intestine within the body should be left until all the other abdominal organs have been examined, because of the disagreeable mess made by the escape of the intestinal contents into the cavity.

The duodenum is opened next. The curved scissors, or the enterotome, is introduced into its lower end through an opening made above the ligature, and the inferior and descending portions of the duodenum are cut in the middle line of the anterior wall. The superior portion is then cut up to the pylorus, the cut passing through the inferior wall of this portion, the enterotome being held in the axis of the canal and pylorus, while the duodenum is pulled over to the right by the left hand. Before the pylorus is cut it should be explored, as to its width or constriction, by the index-finger of the left hand. The duodenum may also be opened first in the lower part of the descending portion. The root of the mesentery is pushed over to the left and a fold of the anterior wall is picked up by the thumb and index-finger of left hand and cut with the shears, so that when let free by the left hand there is formed a longitudinal incision in the duodenal wall large enough to admit the long blade of the enterotome. The duodenum is then cut up to the pylorus as described above. The inferior part of the duodenum is then opened from the point where the first incision is begun. The duodenum may also be opened downward, beginning at the pylorus, a small transverse cut being first made in the stomach wall just above the pylorus and the stomach opened along the greater curvature as far as the cardia. The enterotome is then placed through the pylorus and the duodenum cut in the median line of its anterior wall throughout its entire length. When the duodenum is opened, the papilla, the ductus choledochus and the ductus Wirsungianus are to be carefully examined. The papilla can usually be easily found by stretching the duodenal mucosa transversely over the head of the pancreas. It lies below the middle of the head of the pancreas, and about four finger-breadths below the pylorus. Pressure should be made upon the gall-bladder to force bile through the duct and papilla, and thus demonstrate their patency. When this cannot be done a sound should be introduced, and the common duct opened[Pg 144] into the hepatic and cystic ducts. If the duodenal mucosa just below the papilla be stretched forcibly downward the duct can usually be opened by the small scissors without the aid of a grooved director. The duct of Wirsung may be explored with the sound from the papilla to the left of the common duct, or from its separate opening when the two ducts do not open in common. Both the bile-duct and the duct of Wirsung may be opened in the opposite direction, from the liver and pancreas respectively.

The stomach is opened from the pylorus after the size of the latter has been ascertained. The anterior wall may be cut midway between the greater and lesser curvatures, or the cut may follow the greater curvature, extending through the cardia into the œsophagus. As the stomach is opened its contents are inspected and removed. They should not be allowed to escape into the abdominal cavity. When the organs are removed en masse the stomach may be opened from the cardiac end. The organ may also be opened by an incision through its posterior wall or along its lesser curvature, as occasion may demand. If it is desired to save the pyloric ring the incision may stop above or below it and begin again on the other side. The stomach, with the lower portion of the œsophagus and the superior portion of the duodenum, may be separated from their attachments and examined outside of the body.

The pancreas is examined by turning the stomach toward the thoracic cavity, cutting or tearing the gastrocolic omentum, and cutting the exposed organ by a longitudinal incision through head, body and tail, or by means of parallel transverse incisions made through the different parts of the organ. The ducts of Wirsung and Santorini should be explored. It must be freed from the duodenum before it is weighed. The pancreas may be removed in connection with stomach, duodenum and liver and examined outside of the body. This is advisable in all cases of perforation of the stomach, ulcer, carcinoma and surgical anastomoses, carcinoma of pancreas, acute pancreatitis, obstruction of common duct, duodenal ulcer, etc.

The liver may be examined in the body without removal. The left hand is put between the diaphragm and the convex surface of the right lobe of the organ, and the liver raised up out of the cavity. With the long section-knife a main incision is made deep into the organ, from left to right, about a hand’s-breadth above the lower border. Parallel incisions to the main incision may be made. After the examination of the cut surface the organ is dropped back into the abdomen. When the liver is to be weighed and measured it is[Pg 145] removed from the body by cutting first the ligamentum hepatoduodenale, examining, as they are cut, the common duct, hepatic artery and the portal vein. The left lobe of the liver is then taken in the left hand and raised as high as possible. The left triangular ligament, the left half of the coronary ligament, the suspensory ligament, the right half of the coronary ligament and the right triangular ligament are cut from left to right. The inferior vena cava is cut at the same time. In the case of adhesions between liver and diaphragm these must be cut or the diaphragm itself removed in connection with the liver. In such a case the diaphragm must be trimmed off before the liver is weighed. The liver may also be removed in the opposite direction, raising up the right lobe and severing all connections as far as the median line of the spinal column. The right lobe is then pulled upon the right edge of the thorax-wall, and the connections with the left lobe are severed. In separating the under surface of the right lobe care must be taken not to damage the right adrenal. The liver is then weighed and measured, and placed upon the board with the right lobe toward the prosector. A long, deep cut is then made by drawing the long-section-knife across the left and right lobes, extending the cut through to the porta. Additional cuts may be made parallel to this chief-incision. When occasion demands a number of sagittal incisions may be made instead. As mentioned above, it is often best to remove the liver with stomach, pancreas and duodenum and examine on the table.

The gall-bladder is opened from its fundus with the fine probe-pointed shears; its contents are caught in a vessel and examined. The cystic, hepatic and common ducts may be explored from the gall-bladder, if they have not been from the intestine. The gall-bladder may be dissected from the liver and removed in connection with the duodenum.

The portal vein is opened into its radicles; the examination of the splenic vein is of especial importance. The portal lymphnodes are examined at this time.

The mesentery and the mesenteric lymphnodes are now examined. The former may be cut off at its root and examined outside of the body. The lymphnodes may be opened by longitudinal or transverse incisions.

The left adrenal and kidney are now examined. If the pancreas and stomach have not been removed from the body they are turned over toward the thoracic cavity, so as to expose completely the left adrenal. The movability of the kidney is then tested.[Pg 146] Beginning above the adrenal an incision is made through the peritoneum and underlying tissue, curving outward around the kidney and downward to its lower pole, taking care not to bring the incision too far around the lower pole of the organ for fear of cutting the ureter. The knife is then laid aside, and the adrenal and kidney are pulled upward toward the median line until they are entirely free save for the blood-vessels and ureter. The loose tissue about the fatty capsule of the kidney is usually easily separated. The blood-vessels are then cut from above downward against the spinal column, the ureter being left uncut. Holding the kidney in the two hands, it is pulled downward toward the pelvis, stripping the ureter free as far as the pelvic brim. At this level the ureter may be cut, or, if it is desired to remove the kidneys in connection with the pelvic organs, the ureter is left uncut and the kidney laid over the pubis until the pelvic organs are removed. When the kidney and adrenal are removed they are placed upon the board and the adrenal separated. The latter organ is then examined by means of parallel transverse incisions, or by an incision in its longest axis in the middle of its flat surface. When the adrenal is left in the body it may be examined by means of the same incisions. The fatty capsule is then stripped from the kidney and the organ weighed and measured. It is then held in the palm of the left hand with the ureter between the middle fingers, the convex border up, the thumb placed on one flat surface, the fingers on the other, holding the organ tightly. The kidney is then opened by means of a long incision made with the long section-knife, beginning at the upper pole, drawing the knife through the convexity, to the lower pole, and extending the cut through the organ to the pelvis. As the knife approaches the hilus the grasp of the left hand upon the organ is loosened and pressure upon the knife lessened so as not to cut through the hilus. The edges of the fibrous capsule are then caught by the fingers or forceps and the capsule stripped from the cortical surfaces. The external surface and the cut surfaces are then examined. When indicated other incisions into the kidney substance may be made. The ureter is sounded from the pelvis, and opened with the fine probe-pointed shears. The renal artery and vein may be examined now, or better when the kidney is being removed.

The right adrenal and kidney are removed in the same way, by making a curved incision around the outer border of the organs, pulling them up toward the median line and cutting the blood-vessels from above downward against the spine, and then stripping[Pg 147] the ureter downward to the pelvis. After removal the adrenal is separated from the kidney and examined as directed above for the left adrenal. The kidney and ureter are then examined in the same way as on the left. When it is desired to remove the right kidney with the pelvic organs the same procedure is carried out as advised above in the case of the left one. In the removal of the right adrenal care should be taken not to injure the vena cava. In the case of displacement of either kidney the incisions for the removal of the organ must be altered to suit the case.

After the examination of the abdominal viscera is completed the abdominal aorta is opened in the median line of its anterior wall and followed into its branches, the iliacs and hypogastrics. When occasion demands it may be stripped from the spine and opened outside of the body. The inferior vena cava is also opened throughout[Pg 148] its length and followed into its branches. The abdominal portion of the thoracic duct should receive attention before the aorta is removed. The receptaculum chyli is found by lifting up the right edge of the aorta at the level of the second or third lumbar vertebra and dissecting out the duct up to its thoracic portion. It may then be opened by the fine probe-pointed shears. The retroperitoneal lymphnodes and haemolymphnodes are examined in situ, or removed with the blood-vessels and examined outside of the body. The sympathetic ganglia, particularly the suprarenal and the cœliac plexuses, and the splanchnic nerves are to be examined, especially in cases of Addison’s disease. The section of the abdomen closes with the examination of the ileopsoas muscles and diaphragm by means of longitudinal or transverse incisions, and the inspection of the vertebrae. Pathologic conditions in the latter are examined according to indications.

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE ABDOMEN.

1. Peritoneum. Normally the peritoneum is moist-shining, grayish and translucent. It is cloudy, dry, lustreless, injected, swollen or covered with exudate in acute inflammation; thickened, hyaline (“iced” or “Zuckerguss”) in chronic inflammation. Note degree, character and location of adhesions. The most common pathologic conditions are inflammation, tuberculosis, secondary carcinoma and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Lymphomata are found in cases of typhoid fever and in leukæmia. Primary neoplasms (lymphangioma, endothelioma, carcinoma, lymphosarcoma, angiosarcoma, etc.) are rare. Ovarian cysts of the structure of cystadenoma may give rise to implantation-metastases over the peritoneum. The parasites are echinoccocus and cysticercus.

2. Spleen. Weight 150-250 grms., length 12 cm.; breadth 8 cm., thickness 3 cm. Varies greatly in size and weight. Describe shape, character of borders, number of notches, etc. Accessory spleens are common in the gastrosplenic omentum. Capsule should be delicate, smooth, shining and transparent. Note tension of capsule (loose, wrinkled, tense), adhesions, hyaline thickenings, exudates or neoplasms. Color of spleen through capsule is bluish-red. Fresh anæmic infarcts appear as yellowish or reddish-yellow areas surrounded by a darker red zone. Cicatricial depressions on the surface of the spleen are usually the result of healed infarcts. Consistence of spleen normally is that of muscle. In acute hyperplasias and congestions the spleen is softer and more friable (acute[Pg 149] infections, typhoid fever). In chronic hyperplasias and congestions, atrophy, amyloid degeneration, etc., the consistence is firmer than normal, even to that of a wooden hardness in advanced amyloid disease. (Apply iodin test.) The large, firm spleen is characteristic of leukæmia, splenic anæmia, syphilis and chronic malaria. On section note the pulp, follicles and trabeculæ. In the normal spleen the cut surface is dark red or bluish-red, smooth, and the trabeculæ and follicles easily seen. In acute hyperplasias the pulp swells up over, the trabeculæ as a thick red or grayish-red gruel-like substance. In chronic hyperplasias the pulp is atrophic, grayish-red, and firm. In subacute hyperplasias the cut-surface often presents a shagreened appearance. The color of the cut-surface is blood-red in typhoid fever, grayish-red in septicæmias, chocolate-brown in potassium-chlorate poisoning and hemosiderosis due to other causes. In amyloid spleen the amyloid portions are glassy; when confined to the follicles the latter look like grains of boiled sago. The follicles are about the size of medium pin-heads, grayish in color, not elevated and cannot be scraped out with the knife. They are more numerous and larger in young individuals than in adults. Note size and number, degenerations, etc. The trabeculæ appear as fine gray lines, sharply outlined, increasing in size toward the hilus and capsule. They are more distinct in atrophy and chronic hyperplasias. In anthracosis of the spleen black granules are seen in the pulp, particularly about the trabeculæ. Tubercles appear as grayish-white, semitranslucent nodules, elevated above the surface, and can be scraped out with the knife-point. When caseation has begun their centres are opaque and yellowish. Gummata are grayish-white, with opaque centers, and have a periphery of vascular granulation-tissue or hyaline scar-tissue. The most important pathologic conditions of the spleen are: acute and chronic passive hyperæmia, embolic infarctions, abscess, acute and chronic hyperplasias (typhoid, malaria, plague, pneumonia, septicæmia, leukæmia, pseudoleukæmia, splenic anæmia, hepatic cirrhosis, syphilis, Kala-azar, other forms of tropical splenomegaly, tuberculosis, rachitis, idiopathic splenomegaly of the Gaucher type, etc.), wandering spleen, absence of spleen, amyloid disease, atrophy, syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, traumatic rupture, cysts (peritoneal), neoplasms (primary are rare [angioma, angiosarcoma, fibroma, chondroma, osteoma, lymphangioma, endothelioma]; secondary sarcoma [chiefly lymphosarcoma and melanosarcoma] and carcinoma are also infrequent; secondaries of malignant syncytioma are more frequently found), parasites (echinococcus, cysticercus and pentastomum).

[Pg 150]

3. Intestines. In the examination of the large intestine, appendix (average length about 9 cms.), small intestine and duodenum note the contents of the various portions with respect to amount, color, odor, consistence, presence or absence of bile, food-remains, parasites, foreign-bodies, blood, pus, concretions, etc. Note character of wall, size of lumen, color (normally gray) and character of mucosa, folds and villi, solitary follicles, Peyer’s patches, mouths of bile-duct and pancreatic ducts, ileocæcal valve and opening into appendix. Postmortem digestion of the mucosa, often leading to perforations, postmortem hypostasis, imbibition of bile, pseudomelanosis, and contractions of portions of the bowel must not be mistaken for pathologic conditions. Redness of a portion of the intestine does not in itself mean inflammation; the latter condition is shown by excess of mucus, swelling of the mucosa, hyperplasia of the follicles, hæmorrhage, etc. The contents of the small intestine are usually gruel-like in consistence, thinner in the upper part, thicker toward the ileocæcal valve. The hook-worm, ascaris lumbricoides and intestinal trichina occur in the duodenum; tænia solium, saginata and the bothriocephalus latus in the jejunum and ileum, tricocephalus dispar in the cæcum, and oxyuris vermicularis in the large intestine and rectum. Ulcers of the intestine may be due to typhoid fever, tuberculosis, carcinoma, dysentery, embolism or thrombosis of mesentery vessels, etc. Diphtheritic ulcers are caused by a variety of infections and poisons. They are usually found in the large intestine, but occasionally occur in the small intestine in cases of uræmia. Typhoid ulcers usually have their longest diameter parallel with the longitudinal axis of the intestine; tuberculous and carcinomatous ulcers usually encircle the intestine, forming “ring ulcers;” diphtheritic and dysenteric ulcers are irregular, involving the surfaces of the folds. Solitary round or peptic ulcers occur in the duodenum and jejunum. Decubital ulcers, associated with fécal concretions, gall-stones or foreign-bodies are found in appendix and rectum most commonly, more rarely in other portions of the intestines. Perforations of the intestines may be traumatic, or due to infections (typhoid, tuberculous, purulent, dysenteric, etc.), neoplasms (carcinoma), embolic gangrene, ileus, fécal impaction, erosion of calculus or foreign-body, parasites (round-worm?), over-distention, etc.

The most important pathologic conditions of the intestines are: anomalies (atresia, diverticulum, stenosis, dilatation, hernia), acute and chronic passive congestion, hæmorrhage, stasis, embolism and thrombosis, hæmorrhagic infarction, gangrene, traumatic injuries,[Pg 151] ileus, volvulus, strangulated hernia, enteritis (catarrhal, follicular, hyperplastica, cystica, purulent, ulcerative, croupous, diphtheritic, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, etc.), appendicitis (catarrhal, ulcerative, perforative, obliterative), tuberculosis, syphilis (chiefly in rectum, ulcers, stenosis and perforations), actinomycosis, anthrax, intestinal sand, concretions, foreign-bodies, and neoplasms (primary carcinoma the most important [adenocarcinoma, colloid, scirrhous, medullary, etc.], most frequent in large intestine and rectum, secondary carcinoma is rare; adenomatous polypi are common, particularly in rectum; primary sarcomata [lymphosarcoma chiefly] are much less common than carcinoma, secondary sarcoma more common than primary [melanotic sarcoma, lymphosarcoma]. Benign connective-tissue tumors [lipoma, fibroma and myoma] are relatively rare. Primary carcinoma and sarcoma occur in the appendix, as well as secondary carcinoma). Leukæmic infiltration is common in leukæmia.

4. Bile-passages. Note patency, character of mouth, contents, etc. The most important conditions are inflammation, gall-stones, obstruction, stenosis, dilatation, perforation, carcinoma, and anomalies (in the new-born). Round-worms may obtain entrance and block the duct.

5. Stomach. On the external examination the size (dilatation, contractions due to scirrhous carcinoma or scars), shape (hour-glass, etc.), position, color of surface, consistence of wall, presence of adhesions, etc., should be noted. When the stomach is opened note presence of gas (odor), character of contents (fluid, gruel-like, food-remains, curds, foreign bodies, mucus, pus, blood, parasites, drugs, etc.), odor (yeasty, sour, acid, sweetish, foul, H₂S, odor of foods or drugs), reaction (acid or alkaline), color (yellow, greenish, grayish, brown, black, bloody, etc.) Describe the character of mucus on the mucosa (tough, glassy, difficult to remove in acute catarrh; softer, grayish or grayish-red, often containing small black blood-specks in chronic catarrh). Bile gives a yellow or greenish color. The presence of blood may give to the stomach-contents the appearance of “coffee-grounds;” in hæmorrhage by diapedesis the contents may be brownish. Cloudy swelling of the glands is common in sepsis, chronic anæmia and various poisonings. It affects cells in deepest portion of glands, as shown by excising a bit of the mucosa and examining microscopically. The brownish or black discoloration of the mucosa associated with softening of the latter (gastromalacia, postmortem digestion) must not be taken for a pathologic condition. The mucosa becomes soft, cloudy or jelly-like[Pg 152] and strips easily from the whitish submucosa. Softening of the entire wall leads to perforations that must not be mistaken for pathologic ones. Their edges show no signs of disease. The normal mucosa is grayish in color. In chronic passive congestion the color may be dark red. Hypostatic congestion is common in the large veins of the fundus. Hæmorrhages occur chiefly in the fundus and along the greater curvature (caused by vomiting). In potassium cyanide poisoning the mucosa is often rosy-red in color and has a soapy feel. The normal mucosa is nearly smooth when the folds caused by contraction are spread out. Localized hyperplasias occur in chronic gastritis (etat mamelonné) and cannot be smoothed out by stretching. Erosions (common in chronic passive congestion) and ulcers (round or peptic, carcinomatous, due to corrosives, very rarely to tuberculosis and syphilis) are to be carefully examined and described. The different layers of the stomach wall are to be examined with respect to their absolute and relative thickness. Thickening of the submucosa may be caused by œdema, purulent infiltration, increase of connective-tissue, carcinomatous or sarcomatous infiltration. Hyperplasia of the muscular coat occurs chiefly at the pylorus in cases of stenosis.

The most important conditions of the stomach are anomalies (congenital stenosis of pylorus, situs inversus), acute and chronic passive congestion (portal stasis), hæmorrhages, hæmorrhagic erosions (portal stasis), gastritis (acute, chronic, catarrhal, purulent, fibrinous, diphtheritic, phlegmonous, atrophic, hypertrophic), tuberculosis (rare), syphilis (rare), anthrax, action of corrosive poisons (acids, concentrated lye, carbolic acid, mercuric chloride, silver nitrate, oxalic acid, potassium cyanide), round or peptic ulcer, perforation, neoplasms (carcinoma the most common [adenocarcinoma, medullary, scirrhous, colloid]; primary sarcoma rare [lymphosarcoma], secondary are less rare; metastases of malignant syncytioma may occur in the stomach wall; benign tumors are rarely important. The most common are adenomatous polypi, fibroma, myoma and fibromyoma), stenosis, dilatation, contraction, wounds, concretions, foreign bodies and parasites (temporary as gordius, round-worms occasionally enter, intestinal form of trichina).

6. Pancreas. Weight 60-100 grms.; measures 17-20 cm. long, 3-4.5 cm. broad, and 2.5-3 cm. thick. Color reddish-grayish-yellow; consistence firm; lobules distinct. Postmortem change occurs quickly. The most common pathologic conditions are: atrophy, fatty infiltration, hyperæmia, hæmorrhage, inflammation (degenerative, parenchymatous, hæmorrhagic, necrotic, gangrenous, purulent, chronic fibroid or interstitial [inter- and intra-acinar], cirrhosis[Pg 153] of pancreas), tuberculosis (very rare), syphilis (gumma not common, interstitial pancreatitis most common form), fat-necrosis, cysts, congenital cystic pancreas, concretions in duct, hæmosiderosis, neoplasms (primary carcinoma the most important [scirrhous, medullary, adenocarcinoma]; primary sarcoma rare; secondary melanotic sarcoma and lymphosarcoma occur, secondary carcinoma less frequently; benign tumors rare, cystadenoma being the most common), and parasites (echinococcus, round-worm in duct). In fat-necrosis or acute pancreatitis the pancreatic ducts should be examined for obstruction due to calculi or stenosis. Areas of fat-necrosis appear as opaque, white, yellow or brown, firm nodules. Accessory pancreatic tissue not rare in wall of intestine. May occur more rarely in stomach-wall, omentum or abdominal wall.

7. Liver. Weight 1,500 grms.; measures 22 cm. sagittally, 30 cm. transversely and 8 cm. thick. A dimension of over 30 cm. is enlarged; when all dimensions are under 20 cm. the liver is smaller than normal. Note size (enlarged in congestion, cloudy swelling, fatty infiltrations, leukæmia, neoplasms; smaller in atrophy, acute yellow atrophy, cirrhosis), changes of form (congenital furrows, deep furrows with thickened capsule in syphilis, fine or coarse granulations and contractions in cirrhosis, edge rounded in fatty and amyloid liver, sharper in atrophy, capsule wrinkled in acute yellow atrophy), capsule (normally smooth and transparent; thickened, white, and opaque in chronic inflammation, the thickening being usually most pronounced along the ligaments, blood- and lymph-vessels. Small, hyaline nodules or patches may be scattered over the capsule, or the entire capsule may be tendon-like [“iced” or “Zuckerguss-leber”]. Adhesions with diaphragm, stomach, omentum, spleen, intestine and abdominal wall may occur. Fibrinous and purulent exudates may be found on the capsule, particularly on the diaphragmatic surface; when encapsulated by adhesions they form the so-called subdiaphragmatic abscess), consistence (increased in fat-infiltration, cirrhosis, atrophy and amyloid; diminished in acute parenchymatous degenerations, leukæmia, acute yellow atrophy, acute congestion; fluctuation is present over abscesses, echinococcus cysts and softened tumors), color (normally brown-red; dark-brown in atrophy, dark red or bluish-red in passive congestion, “nutmeg” appearance in chronic passive congestion, chocolate-brown in hæmosiderosis, greenish in chronic icterus, yellow in acute icterus, fatty liver, leukæmia and anæmia, grayish-white[Pg 154] or yellow in cloudy swelling and fatty degeneration; sharply circumscribed dark bluish-red areas are caused by cavernous angiomata), cut-surface (normally smooth and of uniform color, blood-content abundant, before the age of puberty lobules are seen with difficulty; in adults they are recognizable from their yellowish-brown periphery and red central zones. They are about 1-2 mm. long by 1-1.5 mm. broad. Note size of lobule, color of central, intermediate and peripheral zones, distinctness of boundary of lobules, elevation of lobules above surface. Lobules are elevated in fatty infiltration and in cirrhosis, depressed in atrophy. In acute yellow atrophy they cannot be made out. Fatty infiltration begins usually in the peripheral portion of the lobules, fatty degeneration in the central zone, amyloid in the intermediate zone, hæmosiderin is found in the peripheral and hæmatoidin in the central zone. In extreme fatty infiltration affecting the entire lobule the outlines of the lobules cannot be made out. The normally shining surface is dull, cloudy, appearing as if cooked in cloudy swelling and fatty degeneration). Note amount of stroma; it is increased in cirrhosis, so that the lobules may be entirely surrounded by connective-tissue, or the connective tissue may invade the lobules. Note also size and contents of hepatic and portal blood-vessels and bile-ducts.

The most important pathologic conditions of the liver are acute and chronic passive congestion, thrombosis of portal veins, atrophy (simple and brown), fatty infiltration, cloudy swelling, fatty degeneration, acute yellow or red atrophy, amyloid, phosphorus-liver, abscess (metastatic, tropical, purulent cholangitis), cirrhosis (Lænnec’s or atrophic, Hanot’s or hypertrophic, fatty, biliary, cardiac), pericarditic pseudocirrhosis, tuberculosis, syphilis (very common: gummata, interstitial hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepar lobatum), actinomycosis, leukæmic infiltrations, glycogen infiltration (diabetes), pigmentations (hæmosiderosis in pernicious anæmia, malaria, hæmolytic poisons, etc., hæmatoidin in atrophy, bile-pigment in icterus, anthracosis, argyrosis, malaria pigment, melanin), neoplasms (most common tumor is the cavernous angioma, usually in old people, rarely of clinical significance; primary carcinoma and sarcoma rare; secondary very common [melanotic sarcoma, lymphosarcoma, metastases from carcinoma of gall-bladder and duct, stomach, pancreas and intestine, metastases of malignant syncytioma], adenoma and cystadenoma are rare), cysts, congenital cystic liver, parasites (echinococcus hydatidosus, granulosis and multilocularis, cysticercus, distomum hepaticum, pentastomum denticulatum, coccidium oviforme).

[Pg 155]

8. Gall-bladder. Note size (length 8-17 cm., diameter 3 cm., thickness of wall 1-2 mm.), amount and character of contents (clear and watery in hydrops, seropurulent or purulent in inflammation, excess of mucus in catarrhal inflammation), calculi, bile-sand, thickening and indurations of wall, œdema, character of mucosa, carcinoma (adenocarcinoma, squamous-celled). Note size, contents, thickness of wall and character of mucosa of ducts.

9. Portal Vein. Note contents, character of wall, occurrence of stenosis, thrombosis, pylephlebitis, thrombopylephlebitis, syphilitic changes, calcification, pressure from without.

10. Mesentery. Amount of fat, color, condition of vessels, blood-content, occurrence of œdema, inflammation, abscesses, hæmorrhages, infarction, gangrene, fat-necrosis, aneurism, embolism, thrombosis, cysts, parasites (bilharzia hæmatobia), tumor-infiltrations and primary tumors (lipoma).

11. Mesenteric Glands. Size, appearance on section (rose-red in acute inflammation, grayish-white in chronic), occurrence of tubercles, secondary tumors, calcification, abscesses, pigmentation, typhoid necrosis, primary lymphosarcoma, leukæmic hyperplasia, Hodgkin’s, etc.

12. Adrenals. Weight 4-7.5 grms. measurements are 5-6 cm. long, 2.5-3.5 cm. broad, 0.5-1 cm. thick. Normally the consistence is firm; it is increased in amyloid degeneration, tuberculosis, syphilis, fibroid induration and atrophy; diminished in hæmorrhage, soft caseating tubercles, degenerating tumors. Postmortem autolysis of the medulla takes place very quickly, the cortical portion remaining as a hollow capsule. On section note the relations of the grayish-white cortex (more yellow and opaque in adults from the amount of fat contained in the cells), the intermediate brown zone and the central grayish, translucent portion of the medulla. The most important pathologic conditions are tuberculosis, syphilis, atrophy, compensatory hypertrophy, hæmorrhage, infarction, thrombosis of adrenal vessels, secondary tumors (melanotic sarcoma, carcinoma), primary neoplasms (hypernephroma, accessory adrenals typical and atypical, lipoma, glioma, neuroma, sarcoma), parasites (echinococcus).

13. Kidneys. Right kidney weighs 110-145 grms., and measures 10-12 cm. long, 4.5-5.0 cm. broad, and 3-4.5 cm. thick. Left kidney weighs 150-180 grms. and measures 12 cm. long, 5-6 cm. broad, 3-4.5 cm. thick. The left kidney is usually larger and heavier than the right. Note position and movability of kidneys, thickness and color[Pg 156] of fatty capsule (increased in lipomatosis, atrophy of kidney), purulent infiltrations and fibroid thickenings of the perirenal fat. Normally the fibrous capsule is thin and translucent, easily stripped off, the inner layer remaining attached around the blood-vessels passing from capsule into cortex. The capsule is adherent in chronic inflammations and over healed infarcts and localized inflammatory processes, tubercles, tumor-nodules, etc. Note alterations in shape and size (“horse-shoe kidney,” “hog-back,” round, fœtal lobulations, fissures; enlarged in acute parenchymatous nephritis, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, chronic passive congestion, etc.; diminished in atrophy, chronic interstitial nephritis, etc.). Character of cortical surface (normally smooth, grayish-brown in color; a fine or coarse, regular or irregular granulation of the surface occurs in chronic nephritis, the elevations corresponding to the preserved portions of the parenchyma, the depressed portions to the areas of connective-tissue increase; localized depressions or fissures may be caused by old or recent scars of infarcts, abscesses, rupture, etc. Distinguish fœtal furrows from pathologic depressions. Flat, puckered or radiating scars point to syphilis. Elevations of the surface may be due to fresh infarcts, tubercles, abscesses, neoplasms, etc. Accessory adrenal tissue (resembles adipose tissue) and small papillary adenomata are very common on the cortical surface. Retention- and degeneration-cysts are also very common, particularly in the kidneys of adults). In atrophic kidneys the glomeruli can be seen through the cortical surface. Note condition of superficial vessels (stellate veins). The color of the cortical surface depends essentially upon the blood-content and the condition of the parenchyma. In acute or chronic parenchymatous nephritis the color is whitish or grayish-white. Localized fatty degeneration and cloudy swelling cause pale, grayish-yellow, opaque spots or streaks. Hæmorrhages appear as red or brown-red spots. In extreme passive congestion the kidney may be a dark purplish-blue (cyanotic kidney). In hæmorrhagic nephritis the surface may be covered with pin-point or pin-head hæmorrhages. In pyæmia or acute ascending pyelonephritis the surface may be dotted with gray or yellowish pin-head abscesses. Metastatic abscesses are uniformly distributed; others are arranged in groups. In miliary tuberculosis the surface may contain numbers of grayish translucent miliary tubercles, with opaque centers when caseation has taken place. They cannot be so easily scraped out with the knife as the abscesses. Calcified glomeruli may also appear as white spots. Proliferations of the interstitial tissue cause large, red kidneys. Anæmic infarcts are yellow,[Pg 157] brick-red or rusty, with a deeper red zone about them. Pseudomelanosis (usually postmortem) gives a gray-green color to the kidney. In icterus the color may vary from brownish-yellow to deep bronze. The consistence of the kidney is increased in chronic passive congestion, atrophy, interstitial nephritis and amyloid degeneration; decreased in acute degenerations and inflammations.

On section note color, blood-content and consistence of cut-surface, relations of cortex and medulla. The cortex is normally 0.5-1.0 cm. broad (increased in acute degenerations and inflammations, diminished in chronic inflammation and atrophy). Note number, size and color of the glomeruli. They appear as red pin-head points in congestion; in anæmia as small colorless granules; in the normal kidney as small reddish points against the lighter color of the labyrinths. In amyloid disease they are enlarged and glassy. Calcified glomeruli are white and opaque. In venous congestion the interlobular veins appear as bluish-red stripes; hæmorrhages appear as red points in the glomeruli and convoluted tubules, as red stripes in the collecting tubules. The blood-content is increased in chronic passive congestion and chronic alcoholism. On the cut-surface anæmic infarcts are usually wedge-shaped, with the base toward the cortical surface. The color of the kidney-parenchyma is usually gray; in fatty degeneration and cloudy swelling it becomes yellow or grayish-yellow. The areas of greatest degeneration appear as cloudy, opaque, yellowish points and stripes. Slight degenerations are shown by slight cloudiness of the cortex. The contrast between the grayish-white cortex and the dark-red medulla is often very striking in severe parenchymatous nephritis. In uric-acid infarction of the new-born ochre-yellow or vermilion-red stripes or lines are seen in the medullary pyramids; white lines indicate chalk-infarction; golden-yellow lines a bilirubin infarction. In gout whitish deposits of urates occur in the kidney; they are usually surrounded by scar-tissue. In purulent pyelonephritis yellow stripes of pus surrounded by hæmorrhage occur in the pyramids. Tuberculosis begins usually in the papillæ, destroying the pyramids first and then the cortex, forming a multilocular sac lined with caseating tissue. In hydronephrosis due to obstruction of the ureter the kidney becomes converted into a multilocular sac without ulceration or caseation of its papillæ. Note size of pelvis and calices, contents, character of mucosa, concretions, etc. The normal mucosa is grayish-red and delicate; it is rose-red in inflammation and often shows petechiæ. In severe inflammations grayish-white sloughs encrusted with urates are often found. Concretions of urates, phosphates or[Pg 158] oxalates may be present, often associated with decubital ulcers of the mucosa. Tuberculous ulcers of the pelvic mucosa are common. The ureters are straight and about 4 mm. thick. Note size, contents, thickness of wall, changes in the mucosa, obstruction, dilatation, concretions, etc.

The most important pathologic conditions of the kidneys are anomalies (horse-shoe kidney, dystopia, double ureters, congenital lobulation), floating kidney, congestion, anæmia, infarction, thrombosis and embolism of renal vessels, atrophy (simple, arteriosclerotic), hydronephrosis, nephrolithiasis, nephritis (parenchymatous, hæmorrhagic, secondary contracted, primary contracted), rupture, amyloid degeneration, abscess, pyelonephritis, tuberculosis, syphilis, actinomycosis, uric-acid infarct, hæmatoidin- and hæmosiderin-infarct, bilirubin-infarct, chalk-infarct, argyrosis, retention- and degeneration-cysts, congenital cystic kidney, neoplasms (hypernephroma and adenoma the most common; carcinoma infrequent, sarcoma more common, particularly the congenital adenosarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma; fibroma, leiomyoma, lipoma and angioma are relatively rare. Secondary carcinoma and sarcoma are common), pyelitis, ureteritis (cystica, polyposa, diphtheritica, purulenta), pyonephrosis, parasites (distomum hæmotobium, echinococcus, filaria, cysticercus, pentastomum and dioctophyme renale).

14. Abdominal Aorta, Iliacs and Vena Cava. Note size of lumen, thickness of wall, character of endothelium and contents. Sclerosis, fatty degeneration of intima, atheroma, calcification, aneurism, inflammation, thrombosis, stenosis, dilatation, compression, and infiltrations with pus or neoplasm are the most important conditions.

15. Lymphatic Vessels. Inflammation, obstruction, rupture, tuberculosis and invasion by malignant neoplasms are the most important conditions. (See also Thoracic Duct, Chapter VIII, Page 130.)

16. Lymphnodes. The retroperitoneal lymphnodes and hæmolymph nodes are described as to their number, size, color, consistence, occurrence of hyperplasia, lymphadenitis, atrophy, congestion, œdema, hæmorrhage, pigmentation, tuberculosis, metastatic tumors, primary tumors (lymphosarcoma), leukæmic hyperplasias and Hodgkin’s disease.

17. Sympathetic. The solar plexus, semilunar ganglia and adrenal plexus should be examined, particularly in Addison’s disease, for atrophy, degenerations, involvement in inflammatory processes, hæmorrhages, tumor-infiltrations, etc.

[Pg 159]

18. Psoas Muscles and Diaphragm. Examine for purulent, phlegmonous or gangrenous inflammations, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, trichinosis, atrophy and scar-tissue. Pus from carious processes in the thoracic and lumbar vertebræ burrows downward along the psoas muscle.

19. Vertebrae. Fractures, dislocations, curvatures, deviations, tuberculosis, caries, actinomycosis, etc.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

1. Male Pelvis. When the removal of the external genitals is permitted the fundus of the bladder is taken in the left hand and pulled toward the head of the cadaver while the anterior wall is separated from the pubis. This can be done with the fingers of the right hand or the point of the knife. The loose connective-tissue is torn on both sides around the urethra and rectum until the hand can be passed beneath the rectum, completely encircling it and the prostate which must be freed as far as its anterior border. The legs of the cadaver are then separated, and an incision is made with the large section-knife, through the skin, beginning above at the root of the penis, at the termination of the main incision, and following the arch of the pubis around the external genitals down to the left, passing around the anus to the coccyx. A similar incision is then made on the right side of the external genitals to meet the first incision behind the anus. The outer genitals are then held in the left hand and pulled downward between the legs while they are dissected from the pubis, cutting the suspensory ligament of the penis, to the level of the posterior border of the symphysis. The knife is then run through into the pelvis just beneath the symphysis, and while traction is made upon the external genitals toward the right, a sweeping cut is made downward to the left along the pubic arch, severing the insertion of the cavernous portion of the penis on that side. A similar cut is then made on the right side. The penis thus freed is then pushed up beneath the symphysis into the pelvis and the scrotum pulled up after it, putting the perineum on the stretch and pulling up the anus so that it can be seen. While the external genitals are forcibly pulled upward in the pelvic cavity toward the head, the encircling incision behind the anus is deepened, cutting the fat-tissue, connective-tissue, and muscle around and behind the rectum, until the whole mass of genital organs and rectum is so loosened that it strips up easily to the brim of the pelvis, where any remaining attachments of peritoneum or blood-vessels are severed and the entire mass removed for examination on the board.

[Pg 161]

The mass is laid upon the board with rectum uppermost. The latter is then opened from the anus, using the intestinal shears, and scraping off the contents into a pail so as not to contaminate the other tissues. The rectum is then separated from the base of the bladder and prostate, guiding the incision along the outer muscular layer of the rectum, and stripping off the latter until the seminal vesicles are wholly exposed. These are then examined by means of transverse cuts, or are opened longitudinally with the knife or fine probe-pointed scissors. The prostate may also be sectioned from its posterior surface, if it is desired to preserve the urethral side intact. Cowper’s glands are also accessible from this incision. The organs are then turned over, the penis put on a stretch and the anterior wall of the urethra cut in the median line from the meatus to the bladder. A pair of strong, medium-sized probe-pointed scissors should be used. The incision is extended through the anterior wall of the bladder. The mouth of the ureters, ejaculatory ducts and ducts of Cowper’s glands are examined. If the prostate has not been examined from the rectal side it may now be examined by means of transverse incisions across the urethra and extending entirely through the gland. The section of the genitalia is then finished by the examination of the testicles. The latter are removed by enlarging the inguinal canal on each side, slipping the testicles up through them, and bisecting each gland so that the incision falls through the head of the epididymis. The testicles may also be examined by means of incisions made in the scrotum over the glands, which are forced through the incisions and then bisected. If the vasa deferentia are to be preserved they should be dissected out before the semicircular cuts on each side of the external genitals are made.

When the kidneys have been removed, and the ureters left uncut, to be examined in connection with bladder and external genitals, they are usually left lying on the thighs until the abdominal examination is finished. They are then laid in the abdomen until the pelvic organs have been separated up to the brim of the pelvis. At this point care should be taken to see that the ureters are not cut when the whole mass of pelvic organs, ureters and kidneys is removed. When placed upon the board the ureters are laid straight and the kidneys placed in their respective positions. The ureters are sounded from the bladder and when desired opened upward from the bladder to the kidneys. The section of the kidneys may then proceed according to the directions given in the last chapter.

[Pg 162]

When the external genitals cannot be removed, the testicles can be examined by enlarging the inguinal rings and canal, and forcing each testicle up from below, through the ring. The gland is then sectioned and, after examination, returned to the scrotum.[Pg 163] The anterior wall of the bladder is then separated from the pubis and the tissues about rectum and prostate loosened until the hand can completely encircle the rectum and prostate. These organs and the bladder are then pulled up firmly toward the head of the cadaver, and with the cartilage-knife hugging the pubic bone the rectum is cut just above the internal sphincter, and the urethra just anteriorly to the prostate. When it is desired to get as much of the penis as possible, its attachments to the pubis are cut from the pelvic side, and the body of the penis pulled up into the pelvis, while the skin of the organ is loosened as far as the glans. The body of the penis may be severed from the glans or the glans may be freed from the prepuce and removed with the entire organ, leaving only the skin to be used for the restoration of the part. After the rectum and urethra are severed, the mass of pelvic organs is stripped up to the brim of the pelvis and removed, as given above. They are examined upon the board, opening first the rectum, then the seminal vesicles, prostatic urethra, bladder and prostate. The prostatic urethra and anterior bladder-wall are cut with the small probe-pointed shears, while the prostate is cut transversely with the long section-knife.

The bladder, prostate and seminal vesicles may be examined in situ, or separated from the rectum and examined outside of the body. The anterior wall of the bladder is freed from the pubis, and the lateral connections of the prostate separated. The bladder is then opened in its anterior wall by an incision from its fundus into the prostatic portion of the urethra. The prostate is then cut transversely at about its middle, the cut extending entirely through the organ. The fore-finger of the left hand is then hooked underneath the prostate, and the bladder stripped forcibly from the rectum, upward toward the pelvic brim. The base of the bladder is thus brought up into view, exposing the seminal vesicles, which are examined by transverse incisions.

In the employment of any one of these methods, the urine, if it is to be saved for examination, should first be drawn through a catheter. This is also the cleanest way of emptying the bladder, particularly when it is greatly distended. The employment of force to squeeze the urine out of the bladder through the urethra is not advisable when there is any disease of bladder or urethra present.

2. Female Pelvis. The contents of the pelvis and the external genitalia are removed from the female cadaver in the same way as in the male. The anterior wall of the bladder is first freed from the pubis and the tissues separated around and behind the rectum so[Pg 164] that the hand can be carried around the vagina and rectum. When the external genitalia are to be removed with the internal organs, an encircling incision is made on both sides of the external genitals,[Pg 165] beginning above at the termination of the main incision at the beginning of the anterior commissure, and meeting behind the anus. The external genitals are then dissected away from the arch of the pubis until the knife can be passed up beneath the symphysis and the attachments to the posterior border of the arch cut on both sides, so that the vulva can be pulled up beneath the pelvic arch, putting the perineum on the stretch. The posterior portion of the encircling incision is then deepened until the entire mass of external genitals and anus can be stripped up with the internal organs to the brim of the pelvis, where they are held up perpendicularly and any remaining attachments of peritoneum and blood-vessels cut, care being taken to cut outside of the ovaries and tubes. The mass thus removed is laid on the board with rectum uppermost and the latter opened first. The organs are then turned over, and the urethra and bladder opened in the anterior median line with the probe-pointed shears. The vagina and uterus are then opened in the anterior median line, bisecting the urethra and bladder. A heavy pair of shears having one blunt-pointed blade should be used. If it is desired to save the bladder and urethra, they can be dissected over to the right, or the vaginal wall can be cut on its left side. When the cervical canal will not admit the scissors the uterus may be cut in the median line with a knife. The horns may then be opened with the scissors. Additional cuts may be made into the uterine wall as desired (tumors, placental site, etc.). The tubes may be sounded from the abdominal extremity and then opened for their entire length with the fine probe-pointed shears, or they may be examined by means of transverse cuts. The ovaries are held with their flat surfaces between thumb and index-finger and then sectioned in the plane of greatest dimension from the convex border to the hilus. The broad ligaments, parametrium, parovarium and lymphnodes are examined by means of cuts made parallel with the sides of the uterus.

When the external genitals cannot be removed, the vagina and rectum, after they have been freed from the surrounding tissues, are put on the stretch toward the head of the body and cut through as close to the pubic outlet as possible. When this is carefully done it is possible to secure the inner labia and the urethra intact. The rectum is cut as close to the anus as possible. The organs are then stripped up to the brim of the pelvis, then held up perpendicularly while the remaining connections are severed. The organs thus removed are examined on the board in the same manner as given above. When the organs cannot be removed from the body, the[Pg 166] bladder and urethra are examined by an anterior median incision after they have been freed from the symphysis. The uterus and vagina are then cut with the knife in the anterior median line, either through the bladder or after the latter has been dissected away. The ovaries, tubes and broad ligaments are then examined as directed above. The uterus and vagina may also be dissected from the rectum and opened by a posterior median incision. This method is used in medicolegal examinations.

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE EXAMINATION OF THE PELVIS.

I. MALE PELVIS. 1. Penis. Size, anomalies, condition, character of prepuce, evidence of circumcision, presence of smegma, character of meatus, discharge, wounds, scars (on and back of corona), evidence of syphilis, neoplasms, etc. Postmortem priapism occurs particularly in leukæmia. It may be caused also by traumatic or infective thrombosis and hæmorrhage, tumor-metastases, inflammatory infiltrations, and in death from hanging. The most important pathologic conditions of the penis are: inflammations (balanitis, posthitis, cavernitis, gonorrhœa, etc.), gangrene, phimosis, paraphimosis, præputial concretions, soft chancre, hard chancre, secondary syphilides, traumatic lesions (fracture, hæmorrhage, urine-infiltrations, etc.), anomalies (hypospadias, epispadias, etc.), tuberculosis (rare), condylomata, elephantiasis, cornu cutaneum, carcinoma, sarcoma (rare; melanotic sarcoma the most common form), secondary carcinoma (primary in prostate), lipoma, angioma and teratoma.

[Pg 167]

2. Scrotum. The most important pathologic conditions of the scrotum are: œdema, inflammation, gangrene, trauma, burns, elephantiasis, carcinoma, melanotic sarcoma, lipoma, fibroma, myofibroma, lymphangioma and teratoma.

3. Testis and Epididymis. Testis and epididymis weigh 15-30 grms. Note size, form and consistence. Normal color of cut-surface is grayish yellow; becomes brown in atrophy. Note character of tunics (color, lustre, smoothness, consistence, etc.), and contents of sacs (hydrocele, hæmatocele, empyema, etc.). The most important conditions affecting the testes are: inflammation (orchitis, epididymitis, vaginitis, abscess, hæmatogenous inflammations in pyemia, mumps, scarlet fever, typhoid fever, variola, chronic fibroid orchitis in syphilis, gonorrhœal epididymitis), tuberculosis, gonorrhœa, syphilis, actinomycosis, leprosy, leukæmic infiltrations, atrophy, compensatory hypertrophy, cryptorchidism, hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele, cysts, malignant teratomata (syncytioma, cysts, cystocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adenoma, adenosarcoma, cystosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, chondroma, osteoma, myxoma, etc.), carcinoma, sarcoma, lipoma, fibroma, etc., metastatic sarcoma and carcinoma, dermoid cysts, benign teratoma, parasites (echinococcus is rare). Tuberculosis is most common in the epididymis; syphilis more frequently affects the body of the testis. Torsion of the vas deferens may occur; atrophy of the testis may result. Twisting or thrombosis of the spermatic vessels may cause gangrene of the testicle.

4. Rectum. Note contents (amount, color, consistence, odor, etc.), color and character of mucosa (normally grayish red or reddish gray, smooth and translucent, solitary follicles just visible). Normally the rectum should contain formed brownish féces; in catarrh the contents are fluid and not formed, while the mucosa is covered with a thick glassy mucus. In obstruction of the gall-ducts the féces are gray (“clay-color”). In catarrhs and chronic passive congestion the mucosa is red. Decubital ulcers are often green from the imbibition of bile, and are surrounded by hæmorrhages. They are circular or correspond in shape to the fécal mass pressing upon them. Traumatic ulcers, hæmorrhages, diphtheritic inflammation, follicular ulcers, foreign bodies, stricture, fécal impaction, hæmorrhoids, fissures, fistulous tracts, tuberculosis, syphilis, adenomatous polyps and carcinoma are the most common pathologic conditions. The oxyuris vermicularis is the most common animal parasite. Gonorrhœa of the rectum is not uncommon. Stricture is most commonly caused by syphilis.

[Pg 168]

5. Prostate. Normal size is about that of a walnut or horse-chestnut. Weighs 19-25 grm. Average dimensions are 2.7 cm. long, 4.0 cm. broad, 2.0 cm. thick. Note form, consistence, color of cut-surface (smooth or granular), amount of secretion, corpora amylacea (color brown to black), size of gland-spaces, cysts, abscesses, tubercles, neoplasms. The most common pathologic conditions are: hyperplasia (usually inflammatory, the result of old gonorrhœal infection, less commonly due to chronic pyogenic infection), neoplasms (carcinoma is relatively common, usually developed in a prostate showing chronic inflammatory hyperplasia, adenoma, myoma, fibroma, myofibroma), cysts, acute inflammation (usually gonorrhœal), typhoid prostatitis, abscesses, tuberculosis, syphilis (rare) and atrophy. Thrombosis and the formation of phleboliths are very common in the prostatic veins; they are usually associated with gonorrhœal infection. The inflammatory hyperplasia may involve one or all three lobes of the prostate. In old men showing no evidences of prostatic inflammation the prostate may be atrophic.

6. Seminal Vesicles and Duct. Should be symmetrical. Note size, contents, character of wall, and appearance of lining membrane. They measure 3-5 cm. long, 1-2 cm. broad and 0.7-1.5 cm. thick. Gonorrhœal inflammations and tuberculosis are the most common conditions. In old men the vesicles contain a brownish-yellow mucoid substance. As a result of chronic inflammation the walls of the vesicles are thickened, often hyaline; the lumen is sometimes wholly obliterated. Calcification of the wall is not uncommon. Concretions are found in the vesicles following obstruction. Cystic dilatation may occur. Primary neoplasms (carcinoma and sarcoma) are rare.

7. Urethra. Mucosa should be grayish-red, smooth, shining and transparent. The most common and important pathologic condition is gonorrhœa (acute, chronic, anterior, posterior, erosions, ulcers, abscesses, perforation, stricture, periurethral abscess, cavernitis, etc.). Non-gonorrhœal urethritis is rare (colon- and influenza-bacillus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, etc.). Trauma (crushing, laceration, perforation, urine-infiltration, hæmorrhage, periurethral abscess, phlegmon, gangrene, stricture, urinary fistula, etc.), soft chancre, hard chancre, secondary and tertiary syphilitic lesions (gumma), tuberculosis (lupus), leprosy and neoplasms (rare: adenoma, carcinoma, melanotic and round-cell sarcomata [lymphosarcoma], fibroma, angioma) may occur. The most common anomalies are hypospadias and epispadias.

[Pg 169]

8. Bladder. Size, degree of distention, amount and character of contents, character and color of mucosa (normally gray-red, smooth and transparent), muscle-coats (hypertrophic, atrophic). The most common pathologic conditions are: anomalies (ectopia, ecstrophia, vesica bipartita, vesica bilocularis, diverticula), congestion, œdema, cystitis (acute and chronic catarrh, cystitis granulosa, cystica, purulent, phlegmonous, diphtheritic, emphysematous, interstitial, peri- and paracystitis, erosions, ulcers, gangrene, malakoplakia), tuberculosis, dilatation, trauma (rupture, perforation, fistula), neoplasms (papillary fibro-epithelioma, carcinoma, adenoma, myxoma, myoma, rhabdomyoma, angioma cavernosum, sarcoma, dermoids, secondary carcinoma [usually from prostate], and sarcoma [melanotic sarcoma]), concretions (urates, uric acid, oxalates, phosphates, carbonates, cystin and xanthin), and parasites (filaria sanguinis, distomum hæmatobium, echinococcus, trichomonas, ascaris and oxyuris).

II. FEMALE PELVIS. 1. Rectum. Note same things as given above for the examination of the rectum in the male. Gonorrhœa, stricture due to syphilis and traumatic fistula (due to child-birth) are more common in the female.

2. Vulva. The most important pathologic conditions are: congestion, œdema, hæmorrhage, hæmatoma, trauma (laceration), vulvitis (catarrhal, gonorrhœal, chronic, diphtheritic, gangrenous, phlegmonous, ulcerative, abscess), erythema, eczema, herpes, acne, furunculosis, pruritus, kraurosis vulvæ, leukoplakia, Bartholinitis, retention-cysts, cysts of the glands of Bartholin, hydrocele muliebris, syphilis (primary, secondary and tertiary lesions), tuberculosis (lupus), elephantiasis, condylomata, neoplasms (lipoma, fibroma, lymphangioma, papilloma, fibromyxoma, fibromyoma, chondroma, neuroma, carcinoma [usually very malignant in type], sarcoma [rare] and metastatic tumors [very rare]).

3. Urethra. Same conditions as noted above for the male. Small polypoid granulomata (caruncles) are very common; usually gonorrhœal in origin. Primary carcinoma is more common in the male.

4. Bladder. Note same conditions as given above. Rectovesical and vesicovaginal fistulas are not rare as the result of child-birth. Secondary carcinoma is more common than in the male (from uterus and cervix), primary carcinoma more rare. Ascaris and oxyuris may enter bladder from vagina through a rectal fistula.

5. Vagina. Note size (about 5-8 cm. long), contents (foreign bodies, pus, blood, etc.), color of membrane, condition of rugæ,[Pg 170] hymen, etc. The color of the mucosa varies from a delicate rosy red to a bluish purple in the late stages of pregnancy. The most important conditions are: colpitis (acute and chronic, catarrhal, diphtheritic, gangrenous, emphysematous, granular, nodular, adhæsiva, exfoliativa, vetularum, ulcerative; gonorrhœa the chief cause; also caused by mercuric chloride and other poisons; occurs also in cholera, typhoid fever, variola, scarlatina, diphtheria and other infections), ulcers, abscesses, erosions, strictures, varices, prolapse, atresia, trauma (lacerations, rupture, hæmatoma, fistula), tuberculosis (rare), syphilis (primary less common than on vulva, secondary lesions common, gumma rare), thrush, cysts (retention, remains of Müllerian and Wolffian ducts, gas-cysts), neoplasms (papillary fibro-epithelioma, fibroma, myxoma, myoma, rhabdomyoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, myxosarcoma), carcinoma (primary rare, secondary relatively common, particularly of malignant chorio-epithelioma; primary ectopic chorio-epithelial tumors occur in vagina also), and parasites (trichomonas vaginalis, oxyuris vermicularis). Note particularly condition of hymen.

6. Uterus. The developed uterus weighs 33-41 grms. In women who have not borne children the dimensions are 7-8 cm. long, 4 cm. broad, 2.5 cm. thick; in women who have borne children the dimensions are 8-9 cm. long, 5-6 cm. broad, and 3 cm. thick. The dimensions of the postpartum uterus vary greatly, where normal contraction has taken place the length is 8-9 cm., breadth 5-6.1 cm., thickness 3.2-3.6 cm., and weight 102-120 grms. Note size, shape, character of peritoneal coat, consistence, character of cut-surface, size and contents of cavity. Length of uterine cavity 5.2-5.7 cm. Note relations between body of uterus and cervix. In adults the circumference of the body of the uterus is greater than that of the cervix; before the age of puberty it is less than that of the neck. In old age the entire organ contracts, but the body more than the cervix, so that the organ again assumes an infantile form. The external os in the virgin uterus is round or oval; in women who have borne children it appears as a transverse cleft. The most common conditions of the cervix are the so-called erosion and ectropion, cystic glands (ovula Nabothi), cervical catarrh, hyperplasia, ulcers, polypi, myofibroma and carcinoma. Note contents of cervical canal (normally glassy, tough mucus; in catarrh becomes thin, cloudy or purulent); length and shape of canal (elongations, dilatations, stenosis, etc.). Color of mucosa should be grayish-red; the folds should be distinct and symmetrical. Purulent and diphtheritic inflammations, lacerations, polypi, cysts, fibromyoma, carcinoma[Pg 171] and tuberculosis are the most common conditions affecting the cervical canal.

The uterine cavity is normally empty; during menstruation or as the result of inflammation it may contain blood and bloody mucus; and the mucosa may be deep-red. The normal mucosa is gray-red and 0.5-1.0 mm. thick. In the puerperal uterus portions of the placenta, fœtal membrane, purulent or bloody lochial discharges are present. The placental site is shown by its uneven surface and presence of blood-clots. Gangrenous and purulent areas are greenish, gray, brownish-green, and black, with opaque and ragged surface. Gas-bubbles may be present. The normal consistence of the uterus is firm, diminished in the puerperal uterus, increased in chronic metritis. The cut-surface is smooth in the virgin uterus, rough in the uteri of women who have borne children and in chronic metritis. The most common pathologic conditions of the uterus are: abortion, hæmorrhage, apoplexia uteri, hæmatometra, hydrometra, pyometra, rupture, perforation, traumatic lesions, endometritis (acute, chronic, hæmorrhagic, interstitialis, glandularis, hyperplastica, cystica, polyposa, adenomatosa, infective, decidual, atrophic, etc.), foreign bodies, tuberculosis, syphilis, actinomycosis, hyperplasia, metritis (acute, chronic, hyperplastic, atrophic), perimetritis, parametritis, atrophy, neoplasms (myoma and myofibroma the most common; adenoma, adenomyoma, adenomatous polypi are very common; carcinoma [adenocarcinoma, cystocarcinoma, medullary, papillary, colloid, scirrhous, squamous-celled, malignant chorio-epithelioma] very common; sarcoma less common but it is not rare [myosarcoma the most common form; often represents a sarcomatous transformation of a myofibroma]; metastatic carcinoma and sarcoma are rare), and parasites (echinococcus).

7. Tubes. Note length, thickness, shape, character of peritoneum, patency, fimbriated extremities (swelling, redness, exudate, tubercles, hæmorrhage), contents, color and thickness of mucous membrane, thickness and consistence of entire wall. Tubes should be straight, not tortuous; in inflammation they are usually twisted, tortuous or bent. Hæmatosalpinx is usually caused by a tubal gestation. The most common pathologic conditions are: salpingitis (usually gonorrhœal, acute, chronic, catarrhal, purulent, pyosalpinx, hydrosalpinx, interstitial, perisalpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscesses and cysts), tuberculosis, actinomycosis (rare), syphilis (very rare), hæmatoma (ectopic gestation relatively frequent), neoplasms (rare: adenomyoma, fibromyoma, fibroma, myosarcoma, sarcoma,[Pg 172] carcinoma, chorio-epithelioma and teratoma; secondary carcinoma from uterus, ovary and intestine).

8. Ovaries. Note size, form, consistence, color, character of cut-surface, number of Graafian follicles, corpus luteum, etc. Ovary at puberty weighs about 10 grm., measures 4-5.2 cm. long, 2-2.7 cm. broad, 1.0-1.1 cm. thick. The adult ovary weighs about 7 grm., and measures 2-4 cm. long, 1.4-1.6 cm. broad, 0.7-0.9 cm. thick. A corpus luteum is 1.0-2.0 cm. in diameter. Ovary is compared to an almond in size and shape. In young individuals the surface is grayish-white and smooth; with age the surface becomes more and more irregular, the organ smaller and its consistence firmer. The cut-surface in young individuals is normally very moist (this should not be regarded as œdema). The most important conditions are: inflammation (acute and chronic, hæmorrhagic, purulent, etc., oöphoritis, abscess), tuberculosis, cystic follicles, lutein-cysts, cystadenoma (multilocular, monolocular, surface papilloma, simplex, papillary), parovarian cysts, carcinoma, fibroma, sarcoma, dermoid cysts, teratomata, malignant teratomata, embryoma, parasites (echinococcus is very rare).

9. Uterine Ligaments, Vessels and Lymphatics. Peritoneum over the broad ligament should be moist-shining, delicate and transparent. Inflammatory processes are very common in the parametrium, particularly in puerperal cases. The peritoneum is cloudy, opaque, injected, or covered with fibrinous or purulent exudate. Great numbers of small cysts containing clear fluid are often found in the peritoneum of the broad ligament as the sequelæ of inflammation. Note contents of blood-vessels (thrombi, concretions, neoplasms), and character of walls. Parovarian cysts, myomata, adenomyomata (round ligament), secondary carcinoma, chronic inflammations, hæmatoma and tubercles are the most common pathologic conditions.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

1. Bones and Bone-Marrow. The methods employed will depend wholly upon the indications in any given case, the anatomic relations and the aim of the examination. Anatomic knowledge should be applied in the removal of any bone. In the case of the extremities adequate incisions should be made in the skin extending the entire length of the bone which is to be removed, and the soft parts dissected from the bone before the latter is disarticulated or cut out. When the bone is examined in situ it may be opened with hammer and chisel or cut with a saw, either transversely or longitudinally, so as to give the most instructive picture of the condition present. The spinal column may be cut longitudinally. The symphysis pubis is first cut through, a block of wood is placed beneath the lumbar vertebræ, and the vertebral bodies are sawed through in the median line, from below upward, moving the block toward the head as the sawing proceeds. The cut-surfaces of the vertebræ are then inspected. The pelvis may be removed whole in connection with the lumbar vertebræ and the upper halves of the femurs. The spinal column and the pelvis may also be removed entire by sawing the ribs on each side of the spine, cutting the occipito-atloid ligaments above, and disarticulating the femurs or sawing them at their upper half or third and removing them with the pelvis. Of the long bones the femur is the one most frequently examined. An incision is made in the skin from the groin in the direction of the large vessels extending to the middle of the leg. The ligamentum patellæ is cut through and the skin and muscles turned back at the knee until the joint is laid bare; the capsule of the joint is opened and the femur disarticulated. The skin and muscles are then separated from the upper part of the femur, the hip-joint opened, and the femur disarticulated and removed. When held in a vise it may be opened longitudinally by sawing. Other bones are removed as indicated; the chief points to be observed in their removal are the anatomic considerations and the making of the incisions in such a way as to cause the least possible disfigurement. For the examination of the bone-marrow[Pg 174] the tibia or femur, sternum, a rib and the body of one of the vertebræ are usually opened by means of the saw or chisel.

2. Joints. The joints are opened for examination with attention to the same considerations given above for the examination of the bones. Approved surgical incisions may be used. If fistulous openings into the joint are present these should not be cut until the joint is open. When bacteriologic examinations are to be made the joint should be opened with a sterile knife, or the capsule seared and punctured with a sterile pipette through which the contents of the joint-cavity are secured. The articular surfaces, epiphyses and diaphyses should be examined by transverse or vertical incisions.

3. Lymph-glands. The cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphnodes can be secured for examination by carrying the skin-flaps of the main-incision far enough back to make these regions accessible. For the examination of other glands, such as the cubital, popliteal, interscapular, posterior cervical, etc., the cadaver should be placed in a convenient position, and the skin-incisions should be made so as to expose sufficiently the part to be examined, without unnecessary mutilation.

4. Peripheral Blood-vessels and Nerves. Skin-incisions are made along the course of the vessels and nerves, and these are then exposed by careful dissection. In the case of the upper extremity the clavicle is removed when the entire course of the nerves and vessels of the arm is to be exposed.

5. Sympathetic System. The cervical, thoracic and abdominal sympathetic systems are examined either at the close of the examination of each one of these regions or at the end of the autopsy. Careful anatomic dissections are necessary for the demonstration of the sympathetic ganglia and nerves.

6. Organs of Special Sense. These may be examined at the close of the autopsy, according to the methods given above, if they have not been examined at the close of the section of the brain.

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN SPECIAL REGIONAL EXAMINATION.

1. Bones and Bone-marrow. Note size, form, color of surface, consistence (diminished in necrosis, osteomalacia, rachitis, senile osteoporosis, etc.; increased in sclerosis), fragility, fractures, separation of epiphyses, fissures, dislocations, elevation or separation of periosteum, periosteal defects, changes in periosteum (thickened, indurated, and showing hard white elevations in chronic[Pg 175] inflammation; swollen and easily stripped from the bone in acute inflammation; hæmorrhages and collections of pus beneath periosteum cause separation of periosteum; in chronic inflammation the periosteum may become more firmly adherent to the bone and contain spongy, compact, cartilaginous or osteoid osteophytes that vary in color according to the degree of calcification [bluish-red, yellowish, dirty-white, shining-white]; the normal periosteum is grayish-white in color; it is reddened in hyperæmia and hæmorrhage). The surface of bones normally is smooth and grayish-yellow in color; it becomes red with an increase in the number and size of the medullary spaces, and paler, grayish-white or white in necrosis; a dull, rough, uneven surface indicates lacunar absorption. Note localized or general thickening (exostoses, hyperostosis). On section note thickening of the bone (osteomyelitis ossificans), thinning (osteoporosis, excentric atrophy), enlargement of medullary spaces, obliteration of spaces by newly-formed bone (osteosclerosis; bone becomes heavy and solid like ivory), and caries (pyogenic infection, tuberculosis, syphilis, actinomycosis, neoplasm). Caries occurs in both spongy and compact bone, but more often in the former. The necrotic bone appears as soft, friable granules (molecular necrosis) or sequestra, between which living bone or granulation-tissue may be found. The necrotic granules feel like fine grains of sand when the finger is rubbed over the cut-surface. The color depends essentially upon the amount of granulation-tissue present (gray, grayish-red or deep bluish-red). Purulent areas are cloudy, opaque and yellowish. Tubercles appear as round, grayish, semitranslucent areas, with opaque yellowish centers when calcification has occurred. In young subjects the developing portions of the bone (epiphyses, cartilages) should receive especial examination. Note amount, color and consistence of bone-marrow. In the young individual the marrow is red; after puberty the red marrow gradually becomes restricted to the flat bones and the short spongy bones, while in the long bones there develops a yellow, fatty marrow. In old age the marrow of the long bones may become brownish, transparent, myxomatous or soft like colloid, or contain large cystoid spaces filled with a thin mucoid fluid or liquid fat. Red lymphoid marrow is found in the long bones in severe anæmias; it is grayish-red or deep red according to its blood-content. In leukæmia the marrow may be red, violet, pink, grayish or grayish-yellow (pyoid); in chloroma the marrow may be greenish. In cachexias the marrow may become gelatinous as in old age. A hyperæmic fatty marrow should not be mistaken for lymphoid[Pg 176] marrow; the fatty shine serves to distinguish the former. Cloudy yellowish areas in the marrow point to purulent infiltration. Firm sulphur-yellow masses are gummata.

The most important pathologic conditions of the bones are: atrophy, osteomalacia, rachitis, fractures, dislocations, periostitis, osteomyelitis, ostitis, acromegaly, necrosis, syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, leprosy, exostosis, hyperostosis, hyperplasia, defects, hypoplasia, dwarfism, giantism, neoplasms (primary sarcoma the most common malignant tumor [periosteal, myelogenous, myeloma, lymphosarcoma, chloroma, leukæmia]; secondary carcinoma [primary in mamma, thyroid, prostate, adrenal] also relatively common; osteoma, lipoma, exostosis cartilaginea, fibrosa and ossificans, fibroma, myxoma, lipoma, angioma, chondroma, etc.), cysts, and parasites (echinococcus, cysticercus).

2. Joints. Capsule (thickness, tension, defects, tears, perforations, adhesions), cavity (contents [normally a few drops of light-yellow, clear fluid, more in knee-joint than in other joints; may be serous, purulent, hæmorrhagic or fibrinous], adhesions, granulation-tissue, rice-bodies, free bodies, joint-mice, obliteration of cavity, osseous, fibrinous or cartilaginous ankylosis, changes in internal articular ligaments), synovial membrane (a delicate pale grayish, smooth membrane; rough from exudate or formation of granulation-tissue; red in hyperæmia or hæmorrhage. Note folds and villi; subserous fat-tissue), articular surfaces (loss or increase of cartilage, separation of cartilage, newly-formed bone, granulation-tissue, deposits of lime-salts or urates, necrosis or purulent infiltration of the cartilage, erosions, eburnations, defects or enlargement of ends of bones; in degeneration and necrosis the bluish-white, transparent cartilage becomes opaque, cloudy and yellowish). The most important pathologic conditions of the joints are: arthritis (acute, chronic, serous, purulent, gangrenous, primary, secondary, gonococcal, pneumococcal, streptococcal, tuberculous, syphilitic, deformans, villosa, prolifera cartilaginea, adhæsiva, ulcerosa, sicca, neuropathic), dislocations, deformities, abnormal position, congenital anomalies, chondritis, spondylitis, gout, necrosis, ankylosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, free bodies, neoplasms (rare: angioma, sarcoma, chondroma, lipoma; secondary more common from an extension of sarcoma of neighboring structures; metastatic tumors rare), and parasites (echinoccocus very rare).

3. Lymphnodes, Peripheral Vessels and Nerves, Sympathetic and Organs of Special Sense. The pathologic conditions of these structures have been given above.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

The Section of the New-Born differs from that of the adult in several particulars, as follows:—

a. Spinal Cord. The spinal canal may be opened with the scissors alone, as the soft, bony structures of the spinal column are easily cut.

b. Skull. The cranium is opened, after the removal of the scalp, in the usual way, by cutting with the scissors into the posterior angle of the anterior fontanel and then introducing the shears into the longitudinal sinus, and cutting the latter posteriorly in the line of the sagittal suture. The sinus is then opened anteriorly. The sutures between the frontal and parietal bones, and between the parietal and occipital bones, are now cut with the shears down to the level of the greatest circumference of the cranium. The cranial bones with the adherent dura are then pressed outward from the brain, and are either held in this position or cut through with the bone-shears so that sufficient room for the removal of the brain is afforded. The anterior falx is then cut and the brain removed as in the adult, using great care because of its very soft consistence. When too soft to be removed the brain may be opened within the skull; or a horizontal section may be made with the large, flat brain knife at the level of greatest circumference. Some prosectors freeze the brain before removal, or remove it while the cadaver is immersed in a strong solution of brine.

c. Section of Thorax, Neck-organs and Abdomen. A small block of wood is placed beneath the lumbar vertebræ, and the main-incision reaching from thyroid cartilage to the pelvic crest is made, the incision passing to the left of the umbilicus, and diverging outward below it so as not to cut the left umbilical artery. The incision is now extended through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity, the right half of the abdominal wall turned up so as to expose the umbilical vein, which is cut loose from the abdominal wall, so that a second diverging incision can be made through the abdominal wall, beginning just above the umbilicus and passing down to the right of the right umbilical artery, without cutting the[Pg 178] umbilical vein. There is left between the two diverging cuts a triangular flap of abdominal wall (see Fig. 47) containing the umbilicus, urachus and umbilical arteries, and connected with the liver by the umbilical vein. The umbilical vessels are then probed and examined by transverse sections; and the triangular flap of abdominal wall turned down over the pubis. After the height of the diaphragm has been noted the thorax is opened by cutting the ribs outside of the costochondral articulations so as to give more room. The thymus gland is then examined and removed. The heart may be opened in the same way as in the adult, extending the cut into the pulmonary artery up to the ductus arteriosus, which is examined by the probe. The ductus arteriosus is easily found by cutting the pulmonary artery in the middle of its anterior wall. In the median line beyond the right and left branches of the pulmonary artery is the opening of the duct, which can be probed into the descending aorta. (See Fig. 48.) The heart may then be removed, and the foramen ovale carefully examined.

[Pg 179]

It is usually better to take out the neck and thoracic organs en masse and examine on the table. This must always be done in cases of suspected thymic death and when the question of the child having been born alive or dead is to be settled. The position of the diaphragm must be taken before the thorax is opened. The upper air passages are then ligated. The thoracic cavity is then opened; the pericardium and heart opened and examined. The larynx and trachea are opened above the ligature, and the whole respiratory tract with the ligature in position is removed from the thorax and[Pg 180] placed in a vessel of clean water. The air passages below the ligature are then opened, and the lungs, after their floating power has been tested, are cut beneath the water in order to see if air-bubbles arise from the cut-surface or from the bronchioles. The lungs are examined piece by piece for air-containing portions, noting their floating power, crepitation, occurrence of bubbles, etc. In the case of suspected thymic enlargement the trachea should be explored[Pg 181] from above for a stenosis, before the thorax is opened. If evidences of pressure upon the trachea cannot be demonstrated in this way the body of the child can be fixed in formalin and then opened. The thymus and trachea are then examined by means of transverse sections. The stomach should be ligated at both ends and then removed, and opened under water. The presence of air points to extra-uterine “swallowing” movements. This test is worthless if decomposition has set in. When the thoracic organs are taken out en masse the ductus arteriosus can be examined from the aorta. The removal of neck, thoracic and abdominal organs en masse is often of advantage in the examination of the infant cadaver, as the organs can be much more easily examined on the table than in the body. The neck organs are first removed after ligating trachea and œsophagus, and with the thoracic organs are stripped down to the diaphragm and then lifted up out of the body and laid over the left side of the body. The diaphragm is then cut laterally and posteriorly. The rectum is ligated and cut between ligatures. The crura of the diaphragm, the cœliac vessels and root of mesentery are then cut, and the viscera, including the kidneys, are stripped down to the brim of the pelvis, where the peritoneum and blood-vessels are cut.

The ear-test (the demonstration of the opening-up of the Eustachian tube and middle ear by the establishment of respiration) may be shown by the examination of the middle-ear from the cranium. The ear-drum must be examined to see if it is intact.

The Béclard center of ossification in the lower epiphysis of the femur is examined by opening the knee-joint, flexing the leg, and then making parallel transverse cuts perpendicularly to the long axis of the bone, until the greatest diameter of the center of ossification is cut.

The eye-ball may be removed and examined for the pupillary membrane. The eye is cut through a few millimetres back of the cornea, the anterior segment is fixed in dilute chromic acid or alcohol and then examined microscopically; or it can be examined in the fresh state, the membrane being visible even to the naked eye.

Bacteriologic examinations should be made in the usual way, the material being secured by sterile pipette, sterilized knife or platinum loop, smears, etc. In the examination of a very fresh cadaver the possibility of danger from infection with syphilis must always be borne in mind.

[Pg 182]

II. POINTS TO BE NOTED IN THE SECTION OF THE NEW-BORN.

Aside from establishing the cause of death, the autopsy of the new-born has for its aim the determination of the age of the infant, its viability and whether it was born living or dead. Special attention must therefore be paid to all points that may be of value in settling these questions.

The average length of a full-term new-born child is 50 cm. (42-58 cm.), boys being somewhat longer than girls; 58 cm. may be taken as the maximal length, 48 cm. the minimal. Both length and weight vary within wide limits. The length of the fetus in the first five months of intra-uterine life corresponds approximately to the square of the month. In the last five months the age of the fetus equals approximately the length in centimetres divided by five. Viability is usually regarded as beginning in the eighth month and with a body-length of over 32 cm. The average weight of the full-term new-born is 3,200 grms., for boys 3,310 grms., girls 3,230 grms.; maximum weight 5,500 grms., minimal 2,500. The weights for the different months are: second month, 4 grms., third month 5-20 grms., fourth 120 grms., fifth 284 grms., sixth 434 grms., seventh 1,218 grms., eighth 1,549 grms., ninth 1,971 grms., tenth 2,334 grms.

Look for traces of vernix cascosa. The skin of the well-nourished, full-term, new-born is smooth, not wrinkled, white or grayish-red rather than red in color (a slight icteric tint is so common as to be regarded as normal), and showing the fine lanugo hair only on the shoulders. The hair of the scalp averages 2-3 cm. in length. The finger-nails are firm, horny and extend beyond the finger-tips. The subcutaneous panniculus should be abundant. The average length of the umbilical cord is about 50 cm., and it is inserted about the middle of the body or just below it. As a rule it is thrown off on about the 5-6th day. The cartilages of the nose and ears are firm. In male infants the testicles lie in the firm and wrinkled scrotum (they begin to descend in the seventh month); in the female the outer labia usually meet, but occasionally the inner ones are visible. In the seventh and eighth months the clitoris rises above the greater labia. A small amount of blood-stained discharge is often present in the vagina of the new-born. From the mammæ of both male and female new-born a whitish turbid fluid (“Hexenmilch”) can usually be expressed. The great fontanel is 2-2.5 cm. broad, while the posterior one is nearly closed. The pupillary membrane is absent after[Pg 183] the eighth month. The ductus arteriosus remains open 4-5 days after birth; the foramen ovale is not completely closed until the second or third month of extra-uterine life, although by the tenth day the opening is nearly obliterated. The center of ossification in the lower epiphysis of the femur should be present and measure 2-9 mm. It is not present in the eighth month and in a large proportion of cases begins to develop in the ninth month. Only rarely is it absent in normal full-term infants. It appears in the bluish-white cartilage as a lenticular mass of red or reddish-brown color in which the blood-vessels can be easily seen. It may be absent in congenital rachitis or syphilis, or in the latter disease it may show the characteristic appearance of osteochondritis syphilitica.

The head should be examined for the presence of the “head-tumor” or “caput succedaneum,” the œdematous swelling of the scalp over the parietal eminences. Minute hæmorrhages may be present in the tissues. The tumor usually grows smaller or disappears within 12-48 hours. In difficult labors a hœmatoma neonatorum may be produced between the periosteum and bone, usually over the right parietal eminence. It appears as a circumscribed tumor which may increase after birth and persists for a long time. As the result of a periostitis ossificans a wall of bone may be formed about the extravasate, or it may be encapsulated with small bony plates. After the absorption of the extravasate the newly-formed bone may persist throughout life in the form of a “crater-like” or “coral island” elevated circle of bone. Infection of the hæmatoma not infrequently leads to the formation of a subperiosteal abscess, purulent infiltration of the cranial bone and purulent meningitis. The cranium should also be carefully examined for other evidences of conditions due to the mechanism of birth, such as the general shape of the head, condition of sutures, movability of the cranial bones, depressions, over-lapping, etc., of the cranial bones. Wounds of the scalp and face should be carefully noted. The circumference of the cranium is 34.5 cm., sagittal diameter 10-13.5 cm., transverse 8-9.5 cm., diagonal 12-14 cm. The brain of the infant is normally rosy-red in color, rather translucent, soft, almost jelly-like, and moist. Tearing of the pial veins or meningeal arteries during delivery may produce fatal meningeal hæmorrhages.

The weights of the internal organs are: brain 380 grms., thymus 7-10 grms., heart 20.6 grms., lungs 58 grms., spleen 11.1 grms., kidneys together 23.6 grms., testicle 0.8 grm., liver 118 grms. The mature placenta weighs about 500 grms., and measures 15-20 cm. in diameter, 3 cm. thick in the middle and 0.5-1 cm. thick at the edge.

[Pg 184]

In the examination of the abdomen the color and appearance of the peritoneum, position of abdominal organs and height of diaphragm should be noted. Before respiration is established the diaphragm is at the fourth rib; after respiration is begun it is about one rib lower on both sides, usually a little lower on the left side than on the right. The condition of the umbilicus and umbilical vessels is of great importance (umbilical hæmorrhage, infection, insertion of cord, line of demarcation, etc.). Note contents, size of lumen, thickness and character of walls, appearance and moistness of intima. In umbilical infection the process spreads through the sheaths of the umbilical arteries rather than of the vein. The infected arteries contain yellowish-brown purulent thrombi; and the tissues about them show œdema, hæmorrhages, purulent infiltration or small abscesses. The perpendicular position of the stomach, the relatively large size of appendix to that of kidney and spleen, the lobulation of the kidneys, and the relatively large size of liver and adrenals must be borne in mind and not be regarded as pathologic. Examine adrenals especially for occurrence of hæemorrhage, infarction and thrombosis. Look for accessory adrenals (“adrenals of Marchand”) in broad ligament and along the spermatic cords. Thrombi in the renal and spermatic vessels are not rare in the new-born. Note occurrence and degree of uric-acid infarction of the kidneys (formerly supposed to indicate that child was born alive). Meconium is present in the large intestine of the child born at term; when prematurely born it is found only in the small intestine. It is greenish in color and contains cholesterin, crystals of calcium sulphate, bile-pigment, desquamated epithelium and granular detritus.

In the examination of the thorax especial attention should be paid to the thymus, noting its size, color, consistence and evidences of pressure upon underlying structures, particularly upon the trachea. In death from suffocation small petechiæ are often found in the thymus and in the serous membranes. The lungs rise up over the edges of the pericardium and thymus when respiration has occurred, and their color is a light rose. Areas of atelectasis are bluish. The unexpanded lungs are brownish-red, firm in consistence and distinctly lobulated. Air-containing lung floats in water and crepitates, and gives off bubbles when cut beneath the water. Attempts at artificial respiration may draw some air into the lungs. Gas-bubbles may be produced by decomposition. In white pneumonia the lung is pale, grayish-white and airless. The larynx, trachea and bronchi are to be examined for presence of mucus,[Pg 185] amniotic fluid, meconium, foreign substances, etc. The ligated stomach should also be tested as to its floating power, and should be opened under water to determine the presence of air or gas.

The determination of the exact cause of death in the new-born is often very difficult or impossible. In many cases no adequate lesions can be found to explain the occurrence of sudden death in the first days or weeks after birth. Among the more frequent causes of such deaths are congenital syphilis, asphyxia neonatorum (cardiac syphilis, presence of amniotic fluid, etc., in respiratory passages, congenital cardiac lesions, injury to brain, meningeal or cerebral hæmorrhage, congenital marasmus, intra-uterine infections, umbilical infections, enlarged thymus, “overlying,” poisoning, congenital hæmophilia, melaena neonatorum, etc.), adrenal hæmorrhage, malformations of gastro-intestinal tract, absence of common duct, nephritis, pneumonia, etc. The most important congenital infections are syphilis, gonorrhœa, tuberculosis, variola, typhoid, pyogenic infection, tetanus, measles, scarlatina, influenza, meningitis, malaria, recurrent fever, pneumococcus, colon bacillus and others, mostly very rare. Congenital leukæmia has been observed. Numerous cases of congenital neoplasm have been reported (hæmangioma, lymphangioma, fibroma, lipoma, neurofibroma, papilloma of the larynx, adenoma, carcinoma [liver, kidneys, stomach, intestine], cystic tumors of liver, pancreas, kidneys and ovary, rhabdomyoma or rhabdomyosarcoma of kidney, heart, etc., adenosarcoma of kidney, dermoid cysts and various forms of teratomata).

Congenital syphilis is so common and such an important condition in the new-born that especial search should always be made for evidence of its presence. Smears of all the organs should be made in the cases examined soon after death, and either stained or examined at once by the dark-field method for the presence of the spirochæte. The most common anatomic manifestations of congenital syphilis are pemphigus, macules, papules, or maceration of the skin, white pneumonia, cardiac dilatation due to interstitial myocarditis, interstitial hepatitis, splenic enlargement and osteochondritis syphilitica. The long bones should always be examined for the last-named condition; they should be removed and cut longitudinally. In the boundary between epiphysis and diaphysis the presence of a yellow, hard zone points to this condition. The area of ossification is increased, irregular, and is separated from the bone by the yellowish zone, which in its earliest stages is soft and cellular, later sclerotic. The area of proliferating cartilage is also increased and may contain medullary spaces, showing as red[Pg 186] lines. In rachitis the ossification-zone is wholly or partly wanting, while the zone of proliferating cartilage is broader and rich in red medullary spaces. In place of the ossification-zone there may be present a layer of soft, grayish-white osteoid tissue containing medullary spaces. No sharp line exists between the different zones.

As has been stated above, every autopsy should be conducted as if it were a medicolegal case, and autopsy-protocols should be so complete and accurate that they may be accepted as evidence in any case in which such testimony can be introduced. While the ordinary autopsy may give satisfactory evidence as to the nature of the pathologic processes found and the cause of death, the scope of a medicolegal autopsy includes not only the cause and manner of death, but also the identification of the body, the determination of the commission of a crime, the manner in which the crime was performed, its motive and the detection of the criminal. Under such conditions the prosector must extend the field of his observations and conclusions to meet the possibilities of the witness-stand. The general technique of the medicolegal autopsy will vary but little from that of the ordinary, and these variations will be given here, as follows:—

Other causes of death requiring especial consideration in a medicolegal examination are:—

Abortion. Determined by the finding of fœtal tissues, chorionic villi, decidua, enlargement of uterus, formation of sinuses at placental site, curetted surface, corpus luteum of pregnancy in ovary, punctures or lacerations of uterus and cervix, effects of corrosive fluids, infective endometritis, evidences of poisoning.

Asphyxia. Death due to lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide, produced by interference with respiration, choking, drowning, hanging, paralysis of muscles of respiration, intoxication, etc. When respiration is suddenly checked ecchymoses are usually found in the pericardium, pleura, meninges, thymus, and rarely in peritoneum. Lips, skin of face and neck, and finger-nails may be deeply cyanotic; the blood is dark and fluid; passive congestion of lung is usually present. In death caused by hanging or strangling there may be fracture of the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage or tracheal rings, marks upon the skin, hæmorrhage, laceration of the intima of the arteries, fracture or dislocation of the cervical vertebræ and injury to the cord. In death from drowning the bronchi, lungs and stomach may contain fluid, there is watery fluid in the pleural cavities, maceration of skin, greater water-content in blood of right heart than of left, with consequent raising of freezing point.

Infanticide. The points to be considered in determining the age and viability of the child are given in Chapter XIII. The most[Pg 192] important causes of death in the new-born are also given in the same chapter.

Electric Shock. Burns of skin, “lightning figures,” signs of asphyxia, laceration of internal organs.

Burns and Scalds. Extent of burn more important than depth of the burn; death usually ensues if one-third of the surface is burned. Burns show scorching, singeing or marks of the hot object; scalds usually show some action of the hot fluid on the skin or mucous membranes. Demonstration of carbon-monoxide in blood of internal organs proves the inhalation of carbon monoxide. When exposed to intense heat the soft parts of the body show marked shrinking.

Heat or Cold. No characteristic lesions in death from these causes. Diagnosis must be made by exclusion and history of case.

Starvation. Marked disappearance of fat and atrophy of all organs, stomach and small intestines empty, marked emaciation, blood anæmic, concentrated when subject was deprived of water.

Violence. Wounds must be minutely described as to character, degree of laceration, contusion, extravasation, damage to tissues, direction of force, character of instrument, means and method of infliction, path of projectile or stab-wound, etc. Postmortem changes and injuries must be differentiated, as must be also antemortem and postmortem lesions, primary and secondary effects of the injury, effects of injury and pre-existing diseases. Intracranial hæmorrhages must be carefully differentiated with respect to causation by violence or disease. Effects of contrecoup must be borne in mind. The presence of other marks of trauma, the exclusion of disease, the location of the clot, the age of the clot, the age of the patient, etc., are some of the factors to be considered. In young people without alcoholic history or syphilis intracerebral hæmorrhages without signs of violence are rare. When associated with fractured skull they are usually regarded as due to the trauma.

When the autopsy is finished the body-cavities are cleansed and then thoroughly dried. No blood, stomach- or intestinal-contents should be left in the cadaver. All bleeding or dripping parts should be tightly secured; the anus and vulva should be tightly stitched, and the penis ligated. If necessary, the organs are then cleansed and returned to the body, as nearly as possible to their normal positions, although the brain, because of the difficulty of getting it back into the skull-cap, is usually put into the thoracic cavity. When several autopsies are done at the same time, care should be taken not to mix the organs. The undertaker should always be aided in his work; and, if he so desires, an embalming powder or fluid may now be sprinkled or poured into the cavities.

The skull-cap must be securely fastened in its normal position, so that no slipping can occur. If the body is not to be shipped any distance the posterior interlocking joint will usually hold it firmly in place if the scalp is drawn tightly together and closely stitched. When the body is to be moved some distance, the skull-cap must be more firmly fastened. This can be accomplished by drilling holes at the sides of the saw-cut and fastening the skull-cap to the cranium by means of copper wire, which must be tightly twisted and pressed flat against the bone. When this is done in the temporal region the wire is completely concealed by the temporal muscles when these are drawn up with the scalp, or if these have been cut away pads of cotton can be put in their place. The cranial fossæ and the skull-cap may be filled with plaster-of-Paris; while this is still soft a piece of wood may be pushed through into the foramen magnum and allowed to project high enough above the saw-cut to hold the skull-cap on, when it, filled with plaster, is put in position. With the setting of the plaster the skull-cap is firmly held. A little ingenuity will suffice to improvise various other methods of securing the skull-cap, by the use of bandages, metal pins, etc. After the employment of Harke’s method the halves of the skull must be brought together and securely fastened at the base or in the occipital region. After resection of the temporal bone for the examination of the auditory apparatus the defect[Pg 194] must be filled in with cotton or other substance, and the lower jaw and external ear restored to their normal positions. After examination of the orbit and the removal of the posterior half of the eye-ball a wad of red- or black-stained cotton should be used to fill out the eye so that it will have the same degree of fullness that the other eye has. When the eye is enucleated a glass-eye may be substituted and the lids fastened together by fine stitches made on the conjunctival side. If it is desired to save the skull-cap an artificial skull-cap may be molded from a square piece of pulp-board of the thickness of 0.5 cm. in the case of the adult, somewhat thinner for children. The pasteboard is soaked in warm water for about fifteen minutes, and is then molded over the skull-cap. It is then cut parallel with the edges of the saw-cuts so that the edge of the board will extend about 1 to 1.5 centimetres over the edges of the skull-cap to overlap the bones below the saw-cut. The cranial cavity is then filled with plaster or cotton. The pasteboard is removed from the skull-cap before it becomes too dry for its lower edge to be adapted easily to the lower border of the saw-cut. Ridges or folds are trimmed off with the knife and the surface made smooth. It is then adjusted and firmly fastened in position by passing several turns of strong twine around the lower border over-lapping the cranial bones. The temporal muscles and the scalp-flaps are then drawn up and tightly stitched. A close base-ball stitch should be used to fasten the scalp-flaps, and a black thread should be used. If the scalp has been stretched so that it is loose and baggy, a portion of it may be cut out, so that when sewed together the flaps will fit tightly. The hair must be freed from all bone-dust and blood-clots, washed if necessary, then dried, and arranged in its former position in such a manner as to hide the sutures.

The place of any bone that has been removed may be filled by a piece of wood cut to the required proportions, and securely fastened by wire or bolts, or plaster-of-Paris may be poured about it and allowed to set. After removal of the spinal column or of portions of it, there may be substituted a block of wood or an iron pipe of suitable size, which may either be securely fastened above and below by means of wire or bolts, or it may be held in place by imbedding it in plaster-of-Paris. These expedients are not necessary after the removal of the cord alone, but only when entire sections of the spinal column are removed. When the cord is removed posteriorly the skin-incision is tightly closed with a base-ball stitch,[Pg 195] and then covered with a strip of surgeon’s plaster or collodion to prevent leakage of blood and serum after the body is turned over.

The thoracic and abdominal cavities are filled with dry bran, saw-dust or finely-cut excelsior to fill out the normal contour, a piece of old cloth or paper is laid over the whole, and the sternum replaced. It is usually not necessary to fasten the latter, but if desired the costal cartilages may be stitched together, or wired when the needle cannot be pushed through the cartilage. When the tongue and neck-organs have been removed, the lower jaw must be held in position by fine stitches in the mucous membrane of the lips to prevent the jaw from dropping and leaving the mouth open. The contour of the neck may be restored by a pad of cotton.

The main-incision is then closed by a continuous base-ball stitch, using a stout linen pack-thread and a rather large, slightly curved needle. The first stitch begins in the middle-line about 1 cm. above the beginning of the main-incision, the needle being introduced from below through the incision, and the thread secured at its end by a knot. The stitches are then made about 5-7 mm. apart, the needle each time being pushed through the skin from the inside, so that it comes through the skin about 5 mm. on either side of the incision, alternately to the left and right. The thread is kept tightly pulled, and as perfect coaptation as possible is secured. At the end of the incision the thread is secured by a knot before it is cut. Collodion or surgeon’s plaster may then be used to cover the entire incision. All other skin-incisions are sewed up in the same manner. When the testes and the body of the penis have been removed, it may be necessary under certain conditions to restore the form of these parts before the main-incision is closed. Cotton wads may be used for this purpose.

When all incisions are finally closed the cadaver is carefully washed and all blood-stains and discolorations removed. When formalin has been used as an injection-fluid blood spilled upon the skin may produce a brownish stain that is removed with difficulty. Corn-meal or hand-sapolio may be used to remove such stains. After the cadaver has been thoroughly washed, it is dried, and can then be turned over to the undertaker.

1. Autopsies on Animals. In the case of the small animals used ordinarily for laboratory purposes, such as the mouse, rat, guinea-pig, rabbit, cat and dog, the animal is put upon its back and fastened to the autopsy-board either by small nails driven through the extremities or by slip-knots of string or rope passed over the latter. Autopsy board and holders designed especially for the purpose can be obtained from makers of laboratory apparatus. A main-incision is made in the anterior or median line from the chin to the genitalia, and the skin stripped back from the thorax on each side to expose the ribs. The thoracic cavity is then opened by cutting the ribs with the bone-shears or bone-forceps, and the sternum and cartilages are removed. The neck, thoracic and abdominal organs may then be removed en masse and examined outside the body, or the organs may be removed singly and examined in succession, following in general the same methods of procedure as in the autopsy on the human body, adapting the methods given above to differences in anatomic structure and size. For the opening of the skull and spinal canal the bone-forceps alone may be used, or in the case of larger animals the saw may be needed. Anatomic considerations should govern the method of opening the skull. Directions for the performance of autopsies on inoculated animals will be found in textbooks on bacteriology; and veterinary methods of autopsies on the larger domestic animals are given in textbooks on veterinary pathology. In all cases of autopsies on animals full protocols should be kept, following the general order of the autopsy, altered to suit the individual case.

2. Surgical Operation. A very large part of the material obtained for pathologic examination is removed by the surgeon for diagnostic purposes. The question of the surgical technique employed may be left to the surgeon, but as far as the pathologic aim is concerned certain principles should be followed, if the object of the examination is to be secured. Unfortunately these principles are not recognized by the great majority of practitioners, and pieces of tissue to be examined are taken at haphazard from the surface or from necrotic areas, to be run through by the pathologist, only[Pg 197] to find that no diagnosis is possible, either because the portion of tissue removed did not extend deeply enough or is wholly necrotic. Great care and judgment should be exercised in the choice of the portions to be removed for diagnosis. The part removed must be characteristic of the condition present. It is necessary not only to ascertain the character of the pathologic change but also the nature of the reaction in the surrounding tissue. A neoplasm may show the histologic structure of an adenoma, but at its periphery may be found infiltrating the neighboring tissues as an adenocarcinoma. If the piece of tissue for examination is removed from the central part or surface of the tumor, an incorrect diagnosis may be given. This is especially true in the case of rectal and uterine polypi, papillomata of the mouth and penis, horny warts, etc. The rule to be followed in all cases is that the excised portion must be at the boundary-line of the neoplasm or morbid process, and extending across it so as to include both pathologic and surrounding normal tissues. The cut must be deep enough to extend into living tissue, and in the case of epithelial surfaces to go below the basement membrane. It should be made at right angles to the surface. Necrotic, softened, or degenerating portions should be avoided, unless a portion of this is removed in addition for the purpose of ascertaining the nature of the degenerative changes present. The scraping away of superficial scabs, exudates, etc., should never be practiced for purposes of diagnosis. Time is saved if a satisfactory excision be made the first time, and to secure this the tissue must be living, the cut must be deep enough, and the portion removed must fully represent the nature of the condition present. When organs are removed, as in the case of the appendix, uterus, tubes, ovaries, mamma, etc., several portions of tissue representing different structures of the organ should be secured for the examination.

Tumors and other pathologic specimens received from the surgeon should be fully described as to size, form, weight, consistence, color, relation to surrounding tissues (encapsulated, well-defined borders, growth by infiltration or expansion, zone of inflammation, etc.), character of cut-surface (color, moisture, translucency, smooth or elevated, homogeneous, character of cell-scraping, evidences of structure, etc.). Accompanying all pathologic material sent to the pathologist should be concise and accurate notes giving the name, sex, age, nationality, occupation and status of the patient, anything in the individual or family history bearing upon the condition, the source of the specimen, its exact location and relations, manner of[Pg 198] growth and character of operation. The pathologist should have full data upon which to construct his diagnosis. A very common idea among surgeons is that the specimen alone should be sufficient for the pathologist, and that other data are not necessary for the formation of his opinion. Many other considerations than the mere histologic picture presented by a specimen enter into the formulation of a pathologic diagnosis, if it is to bring to the aid of the surgeon all that a pathologist’s knowledge and experience can give. This is particularly true when the pathologist, as is usually the case, is asked to give a prognosis. Both in hospital service and in private surgical practice it is best to have printed history forms to be filled out and to be sent to the pathologist with each specimen.

Another factor seriously interfering with the efficiency of the pathologist’s work is the failure of the surgeon to see that the material removed for diagnosis is properly taken care of before it reaches the pathologist. Tissues removed for examination should never be allowed to dry. They should not be exposed to the air, but should either be placed at once in a fixing fluid or covered with damp cloth. Curettings should be placed for a moment upon a pad of gauze to remove the excess of blood, and the fragments of tissue are then picked up and put into the fixing solution. When sent by mail or express fresh tissues should be wrapped in damp cloth and then in rubber cloth; or if the distance is great they should be put into fixing fluids. A sufficient quantity of the latter should be used, or decomposition may take place before the specimen reaches the pathologist. All material for bacteriologic examination should be removed under proper precautions, put into sterilized vessels, properly sealed and sent to the pathologist under proper precautions.

THE TREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL.

INTRODUCTION. The material obtained by autopsy, surgical operation, curettage, excision, spontaneous discharge, animal experimentation, etc., may be examined microscopically in the fresh state, or prepared for microscopic examination by methods of fixation, hardening and imbedding. The methods necessary for such histologic studies of pathologic material are given in the following pages, arranged as far as possible in their logical order. Only those methods are given that, in the light of the writer’s experience, yield the best results, from the standpoints of economy of time, labor, and expense, and perfection of result. The number of histologic methods contained in the literature is so great that it is out of the question for the student or practical worker to try out all of them. To give all of these methods would create confusion. I have attempted to avoid this by giving in full detail only those which in our laboratory experience have yielded the best results. So many methods represent but slight variations of some original method, and in the great majority of cases these variations add so little or nothing of value to the original method that in such cases the latter alone is given in full, with references only to the variations of the method. The individual equation plays such a large part in the judgment of laboratory methods that allowance has been made for this when certain variations or alterations in original methods have been strongly recommended by expert laboratory workers.

The purpose of the microscopic examination is the revealment of pathologic changes too small to be recognized by the naked eye, and the securing of a diagnosis that cannot be made macroscopically, as well as the confirmation of diagnoses based upon the gross appearances. Aside from these more immediate practical considerations, the microscopic examination of tissues is concerned with the solution of etiologic and pathologic problems, and the extension of our knowledge of disease. The aim of pathologic technique is the fixation of tissues for microscopic examination in such a manner that all of the morphologic and chemical elements and constituents[Pg 200] of the tissue are perfectly preserved, so that with differential staining methods they are all brought out with sufficient contrast to be readily and correctly identified. In a certain number of methods this ideal is attained, and to Weigert, more than to any other worker in the field of pathologic technique, are we indebted for such ideal methods.

The choice of methods will depend upon the source and nature of the material, the object of the examination, the time-element and the degree of responsibility involved. The cellular elements of all pathologic fluids, secretions and excretions should be examined in the fresh state as well as in fixed preparations. For the demonstration of various chemical and morphologic features that are lost or altered by processes of fixation and imbedding, and when a rapid diagnosis is required, the examination of the material in its fresh state or by the freezing method is indicated. When the freezing method cannot be employed because of the changes in cells and tissue produced by it, when very thin or serial sections are desired, when a rapid diagnosis is not required, and when a very careful and minute study is desired, with the application of various staining methods, then the material should be fixed, hardened and imbedded and cut upon a microtome. Whatever method is chosen, it must be borne in mind, particularly in practical diagnostic work, that the portions chosen for microscopic examination must represent the characteristic anatomic structures of the tissue or organ, that living tissue be included, that the pathologic condition be represented both in its fully-developed state and at the transition-border between it and the healthy tissue, and that when sections are cut the block or tissue must be so oriented as to give the most comprehensive view of the tissue and the pathologic process. To accomplish this fully it is often necessary to make a number of blocks representing different areas of the material, and to cut these in different planes.

For practical diagnostic work or for pathologic research various instruments and utensils are necessary, although the expense of fitting up a working pathologic laboratory is not as great as it is often thought to be. The most expensive item, as well as the most important, is the microscope. This should be of the best make, and should be carefully selected and tested before the final purchase. As a rule the German makes, Zeiss, Leitz, and others, are to be preferred to the American instruments, in spite of the higher cost due to the duty imposed. I have found the German microscopes uniformly good and standing the wear and tear of a teaching laboratory much better than the American-made stands. I have never seen a poor Zeiss or Leitz objective, but cannot say the same thing of other makes. On the other hand, I have seen some American objectives that were as good as any German ones, but there are not many such. If one is going to buy an American microscope it should be bought on the same principle that one would buy a violin or a piano, wholly on its individual merits; and these can be ascertained only by having the instrument carefully examined and tested by an expert. Most laboratory workers will agree that the Zeiss instruments are the best; they are also the most expensive. For all practical purposes a Leitz stand costing ninety to one hundred dollars is quite good enough. A medium-sized continental stand, with rack and pinion and micrometer screw for coarse and fine adjustment, a triple nose-piece with dust-protector, Abbé condenser, iris diaphragm, plane and concave mirrors, three objectives (low, high and ¹/₁₂ oil-immersion), and two eye-pieces, a low and a high, form a complete outfit that answers all practical requirements. The new type of stand with curved arm and large stage, permitting the examination of all parts of a Petri dish or glass plate, and with the mechanism of the fine adjustment protected from any strain when the instrument is lifted by the arm is especially recommended. I have also found the black-finish very practical. The entire outfit need not be purchased at once; the stand with its accessories and a low power may first be purchased, and the higher-power objectives obtained later. One of the first luxuries is a movable adjustable[Pg 202] stage. A very good and relatively cheap one is made by the Spencer Lens Co., of Buffalo. If a Zeiss stand is purchased the objectives A, D, and ¹/₁₂ oil-immersion, and oculars 2 and 4 best meet the requirements. Of the Zeiss apochromatic series, the objectives 16.0, 8.0, 4.0, and oil-immersion 2.0 mm., apert. 1.30, and oculars 4, 6 and 8 are most serviceable. The apochromatic objectives and the compensation-oculars are expensive, and need not be used for ordinary work, but are indispensable for photographic work. The Leitz objectives, 3, 6, or 7, and ¹/₁₂ oil-immersion, with oculars 2 and 4, and the equivalent objectives of the Spencer Lens Co. or Bausch and Lomb will answer all ordinary needs. For the purpose of microscopic measurements an ocular micrometer is necessary. This may be obtained as a separate eye-piece, or as a round piece of glass with measured divisions marked upon it that may be put into an ocular. The value of the scale must be determined for every lens and tube-length by estimating the number of its parts covering one part of a stage-micrometer marked in hundredths of a millimetre.

An instrument of any one of the above-mentioned makes, carefully selected and tested, should last its owner a life-time if proper care is taken of it. It should receive the same careful attention[Pg 203] accorded a good violin or piano. It should be protected from dust, action of chemicals, heat, sunlight, and rough usage. When carried it should be supported in such a way that its weight is not thrown upon the thread of the adjusting screws. The adjustment, draw-tube and iris diaphragm should be carefully oiled at intervals, using the least possible amount of the best microtome oil. It is not necessary here to enter into the construction and theory of the microscope, as this knowledge has usually been obtained before the pathologic laboratory is reached. Experience has shown me, however, that it is always necessary to remind students, even those experienced for some time in the use of the microscope, of certain fundamental principles in the adaptation of microscopic technique to pathologic work. The following rules are of value:—

1. Use a low-power objective for all work except for the study of bacteria, microparasites and finer cell-structures. The aim should be to obtain as much of a bird’s-eye view of the “geography” of the section as possible. Contrast plays a very important part in pathologic diagnosis; and it is lost in high-power work, so far as the relations of cells and tissue-elements and pathologic products are concerned. The student almost invariably enters the pathologic laboratory with a fixed “high-power habit,” and he is usually greatly surprised to learn how much he misses with the high-power and how much he can see with the low-power. A motto used many years in my laboratory, “Low-power objective and high-power cortex,” is of greater educational value than may appear at first sight. A slide should be examined first with the naked-eye, as it is held against a window or light; then it should be examined under the low power. Rarely will it be necessary to use a high-power except for the purposes mentioned above.

2. Weak eye-pieces should be used; strong ones darken the field and tire the eyes. Only in the case of apochromatic lenses and compensation oculars can the strong ones be used without darkening the field too much.

3. In the use of higher powers see that the tube is drawn out to the proper length, as indicated in the directions sent with the instrument.

4. For pathologic work an Abbé condenser is essential. It should be pushed up to its proper position beneath the stage, and the plane mirror should be used with it, reflecting the light from a cloud if possible. Daylight is always the best light. When this[Pg 204] cannot be obtained an incandescent or Welsbach lamp with ground-glass globe can be used. The concave mirror should then be used. The yellowish tint of artificial light may be avoided by the use of a piece of blue glass placed beneath the condenser, or a vessel of copper sulphate solution may be interposed. Especial lamps designed to meet the requirements are offered by the trade.

5. The iris-diaphragm should be adjusted by the same hand that moves the slide, usually the left one. With unstained preparations the diaphragm should be nearly closed; when using the oil-immersion it should be fully opened, as is also the case when stained preparations are studied with the lower power. With higher magnification the aperture is diminished somewhat, although color-effects are best shown with open diaphragm. In the study of pigments the diaphragm should be fully closed for a few moments to see if the pigment shows any color by reflected light. It is then examined by open diaphragm. In the study of sections the mirror and diaphragm should be manipulated in various ways to bring out all of the detail of the preparation, and should be adjusted to suit each preparation.

6. Objectives must never be screwed down until they strike the slide or stage. The higher-powers are frequently ruined in this way. When running the objective down always examine from the side to see that there is no danger of its striking the stage. In the use of the oil-immersion place the drop of oil upon the slide or cover-glass, and lower the objective by turning the coarse adjustment until the oil spreads out between the lens and the glass; then focus with the fine adjustment until a well-defined field is obtained. The oil-immersion lens should not be allowed to stand many consecutive hours in the oil. The oil should be cleaned from the lens by wiping the latter with lens-paper or a soft cloth; if the lens is sticky the paper or cloth may be moistened with benzol. The lens itself should never be wet with benzol, xylol, alcohol or any cleaning-fluid, because of the danger of softening the balsam in which the lenses are imbedded.

7. Use the mechanical stage only for differential blood-counting, or when the entire section is to be gone over carefully, or when certain details are found with difficulty and it is desirable to mark them for future reference. An immense amount of time is lost in the use of the mechanical stage for ordinary work. By moving the slide with the fingers of the left hand resting upon the stage an entire section may be gone over in a few seconds without missing[Pg 205] any part of it; to accomplish the same thing with the mechanical stage requires much more time.

It is an excellent plan for the student to purchase his microscope when entering the medical school and to use his own instrument throughout his course. It is the one instrument without which no physician can afford to enter practice; and the student who uses his own microscope before graduation will continue to use it afterward. The microscope obtained, the remaining expenditure necessary for the fitting-up of a practical working laboratory of clinical and pathologic diagnosis need not be very great if one’s financial condition does not warrant spending with a free hand. It is possible with a little labor and ingenuity to make at home, or to show the local tinsmith how to make, a large part of the necessary apparatus, such as sterilizers, paraffin-ovens, drying ovens, thermo-regulators, etc., at a slight cost. Students of mine have made these things out of old tin cans and glass tubing; one student at a cost of less than three dollars constructed a microtome on which practical working sections could be cut. For the celloidin method no apparatus except the microtome is necessary, as the process of imbedding is carried on in bottles or dishes. These points are mentioned to offset the prevalent idea that a large expenditure is a necessity in installing a practical working laboratory.

In a large diagnostic laboratory, or in one intended for teaching and investigation, there are numerous accessories necessary to modern microscopic technique. For the observation of living objects a warm stage is needed. The simple electrical apparatus devised by Ross is the most convenient form, as it can be slipped on and off the slide without changing the focus. It can be attached to any electric light circuit and requires no attention.

For drawing from the microscope the improved form of the camera lucida, or the latest model of the Edinger drawing-apparatus are recommended. Both of these instruments have recently been greatly improved. The Zeiss microphotographic apparatus is by far the best for microphotographic work. For the polarization-microscope, microspectroscope, and the complicated and expensive ultra-violet and dark-field apparatus the worker is referred to the Zeiss catalogues. A simple and practical dark-field method for the illumination of bacteria, spirochætes and ultramicroscopic particles suspended in fluids requires only a strong illumination and the use of a Zeiss, Leitz, or Reichert dark-field condenser; or the very simple “India-ink” method may be used for the demonstration of spirochætes.[Pg 206] (See Staining of Spirochætes.) Especial instruments for easily finding a certain field are obtainable, and are of great convenience in marking slides for photographic purposes.

Next to the microscope the most important instrument in pathologic work is the microtome. One that can be used for either celloidin or paraffin work, and that can also be utilized as a freezing microtome, should be selected in private work, when economy is desired. The majority can be used for either paraffin or celloidin, and one of the Becker models can be easily attached to the carbonic acid holder for the cutting of frozen material. The Bardeen freezing microtome is relatively inexpensive, very satisfactory, and can be easily attached to the carbonic acid tanks. It can be recommended for freezing work. The “slide” type, either that in which the knife-holder is moved by the hand directly or by a crank turned by the hand, is advised for ordinary diagnostic work. For students and beginners the crank is of great advantage, as the knife is securely held and cannot jump. The best microtomes are made by Schanze of Leipzig, Jung of Heidelberg, Becker of Göttingen, the Cambridge Scientific Co., the International Instrument Co., and the Bausch & Lomb Co. For either celloidin or paraffin work the medium or large Schanze slide-microtome or the Minot’s precision microtome are recommended; for cutting serial sections in paraffin the latest modification of the Minot automatic rotary microtome is especially adapted. The best microtome knives are made by Walb[Pg 207] of Heidelberg. A long, heavy knife is to be preferred to a light one. For the freezing microtome a knife of the type of the blade of a carpenter’s plane set in a wooden handle should be used, Hones and strops of the best quality are necessary.

Paraffin-ovens and drying-ovens of suitable size, and constructed preferably of copper, are necessary for paraffin work. The water-space about the oven should be sufficiently large, and the temperature should be controlled by a thermo-regulator. Various models are offered in the trade, but they can be made more cheaply by the local tinsmith. The thermo-regulator can also be home-made by anyone who has the necessary training in glass-blowing usually given in courses in bacteriology.

I. METHODS OF EXAMINATION.

Pathologic material is examined in the fresh state when it is desired to make a diagnosis in the shortest time possible, or when the processes of fixation and hardening produce such alterations in the morphology and chemic constitution of the cells that these features can be recognized only in the unfixed, fresh state. So far as the saving of time is concerned it is possible to take material removed during an operation, examine it in the fresh state, and return a diagnosis to the surgeon, while the patient is still on the table under the influence of the anæsthetic. It is not possible to do this with all tissues or with all pathologic conditions; but, when it can be done, the advantages of such a rapid diagnosis, in the saving of time, labor, expense and danger to the patient, are obvious. The best idea of the cell is also gained by its study in a fresh condition. Vital phenomena and certain morphologic features, as cilia, can be observed only in fresh material. Many of the chemic constituents of cells (glycogen, fat, mucin, pseudomucin, albumin-granules, cholesterin, etc.) are either lost, or are so changed by processes of fixation or hardening that they can no longer be recognized. The majority of specific chemic tests can be made in fresh tissues only. Moderate and slight degrees of fatty degeneration and cloudy swelling are easily recognized in the fresh state; in fixed and hardened preparations they may not be recognized at all. Particularly in the case of the heart-muscle is it necessary to make an examination of the fresh material when the diagnosis of these conditions is concerned. Further, a greater or less degree of shrinking is caused by many of the agents used in fixing and hardening, and this is avoided by the examination of the fresh material. In the case of pathologic fluids (sputum, urine, féces, etc.) an examination of the sediment in the fresh state should always be made as a matter of routine. The formed elements of these fluids are best determined by this means. In the case of tissues, a diagnosis made by means of scrapings, smears, teased bits of tissue, frozen sections, etc., should always be controlled by the examination of fixed and hardened material.

[Pg 209]

In the examination of fresh material the following methods are employed: Sedimentation, smears, scraping, crushing, teasing, maceration, sections, shaking or penciling, digestion, intravital staining, injection, the warm stage and “cultivation.”

1. Sedimentation. The formed elements of pathologic fluids (urine, sputum, pus, blood, exudates, transudates, cyst-contents, etc.) are examined by collecting the sediment of such fluids from the bottom of a sedimenting glass or bottle, by means of a capillary pipette controlled by the finger. While the sediment is passing up into the tube the pipette should be moved about the bottom of the vessel so as to get some of the sediment from all parts. When the fluid is rich in cellular elements sedimentation is not necessary; a drop of the fluid is placed upon the slide; if too thick it is diluted with physiologic salt-solution or serum. If poor in cellular elements the fluid must be centrifugalized by means of a water- or electric-centrifuge; and a drop of the sediment in the centrifuge tube is then removed by the pipette and placed upon the slide, and covered with a cover-glass. To facilitate the low-power examination of such sediments parallel streaks upon the slide may be made across its entire length, and examined without the use of cover-glasses. To apply the various reagents mentioned below it becomes necessary to use a cover-glass as directed.

2. Smears. A clean fresh cut is made into the organ or tissue, and a clean slide or cover-glass is drawn across the surface. Without permitting the smear to dry a drop of salt-solution or any desired reagent is put upon it, and it is then examined. This method is especially applicable to the study of the cells of the spleen, bone-marrow, lymphnodes, etc. Permanent balsam-mounts may be made of such smears by fixing with heat or alcohol and ether, staining, drying and mounting.

3. Scraping. A fresh cut is made into the organ or tissue, and the excess of blood absorbed by a pad of absorbent paper devoid of lint. A clean scalpel held at an angle of 45° is then drawn with some force back and forth over the cut-surface until its blade collects a sufficient amount of “tissue-juice” made up of the cells of the tissue. This is then put upon a slide, and covered with salt-solution or any desired reagent, and is then examined. This method is used especially for cellular infiltrations, soft tumors, and parenchymatous organs (spleen, lymphnodes, bone-marrow, liver, etc.), and for the inner wall of cysts (echinococcus-cysts, cysts lined with ciliated epithelium).

[Pg 210]

4. Crushing. A small bit of the tissue is cut out with the scissors or scalpel, and placed upon the slide. A cover-glass is then placed upon it and pressed down so firmly that the bit of tissue is spread out in a thin film or layer beneath the cover-glass. Reagents are introduced beneath the cover-glass, as desired. (See below.) This method is used in the examination of the lung, kidneys and brain for fatty embolism, and of the brain and spinal-cord for “fat-granule” cells, pigment, calcified ganglion-cells, Negri bodies, etc. It is also frequently used in the bacteriologic examination of tissues (crushing of tubercles, etc.).

5. Teasing. A small bit of the tissue is cut out and placed upon the slide or in a staining-dish and covered with physiologic salt-solution. It is then teased with fine needles until divided into its ultimate elements. Hard tumors (mature connective-tissue tumors, fibrosarcomata, etc.), muscle (examination for trichina), nerve-trunks, etc., are best examined in this way.

6. Maceration. In the case of some tissues the ultimate histologic elements are so firmly held together that they cannot be separated without the aid of a macerating- or dissociation-fluid. (See below.) Digestion is also used for the same end. The tissue should be as fresh as possible and cut into small bits, which are placed in the maceration-fluid in watch-glasses or staining-dishes for twenty-four hours or longer. The macerated bits are then teased until the finest elements are separated. In the case of very minute elements the teasing may be carried on under a hand-lens or the stereoscopic binocular microscope. During the process of maceration all parts of the macerating tissue must be kept covered with the macerating-fluid, or the uncovered portions will become hardened.

7. Section-cutting. Sections of fresh tissue may be made with the curved shears, simple razor, double-bladed razor and the freezing-microtome.

a. Curved Shears. The tissue is put upon a stretch, and from the surface a thin, flat section is cut out with the scissors. With care a fairly thin section may be obtained in this way. It may be examined by pressing it upon a slide beneath a cover-glass, or it may be treated as a frozen section.

b. Simple Razor. As a part of their required laboratory training medical students should learn how to make working sections with a simple razor. Such a technical knowledge is sure to be of practical use at some time or other. With a little practice sections[Pg 211] sufficiently thin for ordinary diagnostic work can be cut. If the piece of tissue is large it may be held in the hand; but when small or soft it may be placed in a matrix of hardened liver, pith, potato, apple, firm lard or butter, paraffin, etc., and cut at the same time with the latter. Both blade and tissue should be wet with physiologic salt-solution. The blade, which must be very sharp, should be drawn through the tissue by a shoulder movement, with the wrist-joint fixed. As the sections are cut they are floated off of the razor-blade into physiologic salt-solution, and thence treated as desired.

c. Double-bladed Knife. This consists of two parallel blades arranged so that the space between them can be changed by means of screws. For firm material the blades should be close together; for soft material farther apart. The blades should be dipped into physiologic salt-solution to fill up the space between the blades. The instrument is then drawn through the tissue, and the section between the blades floated out in salt-solution. Some workers use this double-bladed knife to make a perpendicular cut into the tissue, then turning it to either side to cut the lower edge of the section and removing the blades with the section between them. Both the single- and the double-bladed razors require practice for successful section-cutting. Further, it must be borne in mind that sections of fresh tissue obtained by these methods are unsuited for complicated staining methods and can be used only for the simplest staining processes. Nevertheless, in a fairly large proportion of pathologic conditions it is possible to secure a diagnosis by these methods.

d. Freezing Microtome. Much more satisfactory sections can be obtained by freezing the fresh tissue and cutting it upon the freezing microtome. Various types of these instruments are in the market. The freezing is accomplished by the use of ether, ethyl-chloride or fluid carbonic acid gas. The ether and ethyl-chloride freezing-microtomes consist essentially of a metal plate or hollow box on which the tissue rests and against the under-surface of which a spray of ether or ethyl-chloride is forced by means of a rubber bulb connected with a supply of the freezing agent in a bottle. Such freezing attachments can be attached to any microtome, but special instruments as Jung’s “student’s freezing microtome,” Cathcart’s, Bausch and Lomb’s or Becker’s ether-freezing microtome can be recommended for this purpose. (See Fig. 52.) The tissue to be frozen must be of small size and not more than 3-4 mm.[Pg 212] thick. It is placed upon the freezing plate in a drop of water, white of egg or thick gum-arabic, and pressed firmly against the plate. The spray must not be too constant or strong, but should be given with regular pauses of about a second to allow the ether to evaporate. The tissue must be firmly frozen, but not so hard that it crumbles. It is usually difficult to freeze the upper part of the tissue hard enough to give good sections, and this half-frozen tissue must be trimmed off with the knife until good sections are secured. As the sections are cut they are removed from the knife-blade with the finger and put into physiologic salt-solution that has been recently boiled to drive off the air, so that, in thawing, there may be no formation of air-bubbles in the tissue to cause artefacts. If put into strong alcohol diffusion-currents may damage the tissue; a succession of graded solutions should, therefore, be used if the sections are to be fixed and hardened. The further treatment of frozen sections is given below. The relative slowness of the method of freezing, its greater cost, the necessity of the frequent replacement of the rubber bulbs and tubing, and the greater amount of trouble required by the use of ether or ethyl-chloride are disadvantages that can be avoided by the use of the carbonic acid freezing microtome. Where much work is done by the freezing method the use of the latter is advised.

The carbonic acid outfit consists of a microtome arranged so that it can be connected with a cylinder of compressed carbonic acid gas, as shown in the Aschoff-Becker or Bardeen models. (Figs 53 and 54.) The cylinders or drums containing a charge of 15-30 lbs. of the liquid carbonic-acid are furnished by the trade at reasonable rates. It is not necessary to buy the drums, as they are replaced by full ones as needed. They are provided with valves and can be fastened in an upright position or laid flat upon a table, in any way convenient[Pg 213] for the attachment to the microtome. Connection is made between the valve of the cylinder and the object-holder of the microtome by means of strong rubber tubing which should be securely wired at both ends, or by a flexible metallic tube. The latter is preferable, as the rubber-tubing often bursts, or is so stretched by the pressure of the gas that it must be frequently replaced. Object-holders with flexible metallic tube attachment for use in an ordinary microtome are supplied by Bausch and Lomb and other firms. My personal experience makes me prefer the Bardeen freezing microtome (see Fig. 54) to all others. It is cheap and can be easily attached to the valve of the gas-cylinder, which is fastened horizontally to the table-top, as it has a screw-thread fitted to the uniform thread of the drum-valve. The object-holder can be raised or lowered between the glass-tracks on which the knife runs, so that sections of a definite thickness can be obtained. The most satisfactory knife is that of the type of a plane-bit set in a wooden handle. (See Fig. 55.) It[Pg 214] must be well honed and stropped. The tissue, which should not be more than 5 mm. thick, is placed upon the object-holder in a drop of water, albumin fixative, or saturated solution of gum-arabic, and pressed firmly against the plate as the gas is turned on slowly and evenly. Freezing is usually accomplished in one-half to one minute. The best results are obtained by turning the gas on for about 15-20 seconds, then turning it off for several seconds; the tissue will continue to freeze; if not hard enough the gas is turned on again for 15 seconds and then turned off. If necessary this may be repeated until the tissue is properly frozen. The interruption of the gas-flow prevents over-freezing and thereby lessens the amount of change in the cells. When sufficiently frozen the gas is then turned off; the knife, with bevel-edge down, is held in the right hand with its handle between the palm and the ball of the thumb with the back of the hand uppermost; and the edge of the knife set at an angle of 45° to the tracks, along which it is rapidly pushed back and forth, shaving the sections from the frozen tissue as the latter is pushed up above the level of the tracks by means of the micrometer screw turned with the left hand. The screw should have been adjusted at the proper height before freezing, so[Pg 215] that no time is lost in getting the object-holder up to the height for cutting. By holding the elbow and fore-arm closely against the body and pushing from the elbow with wrist-joint fixed the shaving of sections can be accomplished very quickly, so that with one freezing several hundred sections can be obtained. The microtome-screw should not be turned by the left hand until the knife on its return has cleared the tissue. A little practice in co-ordinating movements is necessary for expert work. The sections should be allowed to collect upon the knife-blade until a large number have been cut; they are then swept off the blade by the finger into cold freshly-boiled physiologic salt-solution. Sections of tissue that have been previously fixed can be put into 60 per cent alcohol, where the sections will unroll and straighten out perfectly flat. When the method of freezing by alternately turning on and off the gas, as given above, is followed, and the amount of freezing in the interval noted, there is no danger of over-freezing, and the breaking and crumbling of sections, with the production of marked artefacts, is avoided. When over-freezing has occurred the block may be partly thawed out by the finger. But over-freezing, as well as repeated freezing and thawing, may cause so much damage to fresh tissue that a diagnosis cannot be obtained from the frozen sections. After thawing out in the physiologic salt-solution the sections of fresh tissue obtained by freezing are treated according to the methods given in the next section of this chapter.

It must be emphasized here that the process of freezing is an active one, and alters the relation of cell-structures. With many fresh tissues the changes resulting from the freezing are so great that no diagnosis can be made. It seems necessary here to warn against the routine employment of the rapid method of freezing and staining fresh tissues in the diagnosis of material obtained by surgical operation. It has become a fad with some surgeons to make a pathologic diagnosis by the freezing method while the patient is on the table. Consequently, as the result of diagnoses made by the rapid freezing and staining method, many mistakes are made, even[Pg 216] by supposed experts in this line. Particularly in the diagnosis of sarcoma is it easy to make mistakes because of the altered aspect of the cells caused by freezing. Normal lymphnodes, tonsils and inflammatory infiltrations may look like spindle-cell sarcoma in the sections prepared by the rapid freezing and staining method; and the exact nature of many other pathologic conditions cannot be accurately determined from such sections. On the other hand, a certain number of pathologic conditions can always be recognized in sections obtained in this way, and this fact justifies the employment of the method when properly controlled. In all cases in which the pathologic condition is not clearly evident in sections obtained by the rapid freezing and staining method no diagnosis should be given. In such cases the tissue should be fixed and then cut upon the freezing-microtome, or imbedded in celloidin or paraffin and then cut. Even when the patient is upon the table the tissue removed can be put into a 10 per cent formol solution for a few minutes and then frozen directly in gum without washing out the formalin. The longer the time that can be used for this short preliminary fixation the better the sections will be and the less the production of artefacts by the freezing. The process of fixation can be hastened by warming the fixing-fluid. I advise this short fixation before freezing in all cases of operative diagnostic work when the diagnosis is wanted as soon as possible. For all other work with the freezing microtome, when the question of time is not so important, fixation with formol for 12-24 hours should be carried out. This combination of formol-fixation and the freezing method permits the early diagnosis of autopsy and operation material, makes possible the demonstration of fat and other substances altered or dissolved out by the imbedding methods, and is a convenient way of selecting tissues, requiring more complicated staining processes. (See also Page 239.) The further treatment of sections of fresh tissue obtained by freezing will be found in the second section of this chapter.

8. Penciling or Shaking. For the demonstration of the stroma or reticulum either fresh or fixed sections may be placed upon a slide in an abundance of fluid and gently penciled with a fine, blunt camel’s hair brush until the fluid becomes cloudy. The cloudy fluid is washed away and replaced by fresh as long as cells are given off. The same results may be obtained by shaking the sections in a test-tube until the cells are shaken out of the stroma. The removal of the cells from the section is shown by its greater[Pg 217] transparency. One of the practical applications of these methods in diagnostic work is the differentiation between alveolar round-cell sarcomata and carcinomata.

9. Digestion. For the demonstration of stroma, parasites, etc., the tissues may be digested with gastric or pancreatic ferments until the required elements are freed. A freshly prepared pepsin in 0.2 per cent HCl in the incubator for 3-5 hours will digest fibrin in fresh clots. Sections of fixed tissues may be imbedded in paraffin, cut, and digested on the slide with Grübler’s pancreatin according to the method of Flint.

10. Intravital and Supravital Staining. Various methods have been advised for the intravital staining of cell-granules. Intravenous or intraperitoneal injections of methylene blue, alum carmine, neutral red and other stains will produce intracellular granule-staining in various organs of experimental animals. In the study of low forms of animal life staining solutions may be injected, or the animal or its parts may be examined in staining fluids. Human material can be examined by this method immediately after being removed from the body by operation or within 1-2 hours after death. (For details of these methods see article on “Färbungen, intravitale,” Encyklopädie der mikroskopischen Technik.)

11. Injection. Injections for the demonstration of blood-vessels, lymphatics, ducts of glands, etc., are rarely used in pathologic work. The organs to be injected must be fresh, warm from the body, if possible. The vessels should be washed out by a freshly filtered 8 per cent sodium nitrate or sodium sulphate solution, followed by physiologic salt-solution. A cannula is introduced into a main vessel, tightly secured, and then connected with a syringe or a gravity injection-apparatus giving a constant pressure. The injection-mass is then injected under a low pressure. In the case of injections into lymphatic vessels the cannula should be introduced into the largest lymphatics at the periphery of the blood-vessels where larger lymph-vessels are more easily found. Injections are made with either cold or warm solutions; the latter are preferable but require that the organ to be injected be warmed by immersing it in water at a temperature of 40°C. The injection fluid must be of the same temperature. After the warm injection is given the organ is put into ice-cold 10 per cent formol solution until fixed and then after-hardened, imbedded and stained as desired. After the use of cold injections the tissues are fixed in 10 per cent formol, alcohol, or any other desired solution, and treated according to the end sought.[Pg 218] Nuclear and diffuse stains contrasting with the color of the injection mass should be used. The process of injection requires great care; the pressure must be carefully regulated to prevent extravasations, and the injection-fluid must be free from air-bubbles. The injection is continued until the organ appears diffusely stained. Blood-vessels are fixed in their natural blood-injection by such agents as formol and chromic acid, so that stains acting upon the red blood cells cause the veins and capillaries to appear as if they had been injected.

The following injection masses are advised:—

12. Warm Stage. For the study of vital phenomena in the living cell Ross’s electrical warmer is recommended. It can be slipped on and off the slide without changing the focus, and is managed without any difficulty. It keeps the centre of the slide at a temperature of 37°C. Reagents can be applied as desired. Deetjen’s agar may be used as a medium for the preservation of living cells. (See Methods of Blood-Examination.) Various forms of warm and moist chambers used in experimental embryological work can also be utilized in experimental pathology.

[Pg 219]

13. Tissue-cultivation. The embryologic methods of growing tissues in lymph and blood-plasma as developed by Harrison, Burrows and Carrel have been applied in pathologic work to the experimental study of repair and regeneration, grafting, transplantation and tumor-transplantation. (For methods see Harrison, Journal of Exper. Zoology, 1910; Burrows, Jour. of Amer. Med. Assoc., 1910; Carrel, Jour. of Amer. Med. Assoc., 1910.)

II. REAGENTS USED IN THE EXAMINATION OF FRESH TISSUES.

In the examination of fresh tissue it is often desirable to use certain reagents for the purpose of making chemical tests or to bring out some structures more prominently than others. To introduce these reagents beneath the cover-glass in such a way as to get the desired effect without disturbing given fields requires some practice with a very simple technical method. The preparation is first examined in salt-solution, and the cover-glass adjusted so that it has a slight rim of fluid about its edge, but not enough to make it float. The reagent to be applied is dropped with a glass-dropper at one side of the cover-glass, while at the other the salt-solution is removed slowly by a piece of absorbent paper. The changes produced in the tissue-elements during the progress of the reagent can be observed under low or high powers. Care must be taken to change the fluids so slowly that isolated cells will not be washed away.

For preserving gross objects for museum specimens alcohol or formol may be employed. The former bleaches the tissues so that ultimately they are almost destitute of color. Formol in a 5 per cent solution gives better color-effects than alcohol, as the blood-containing parts remain darker. The fluid also remains clear and the tissues are firm. When alcohol is used the fluid must be frequently changed, as it becomes turbid and yellowish, and the tissues finally become soft and lose their form. The best methods of preserving the natural color are found in the various modifications of the Kaiserling method. The organs or tissues are placed first in a formol solution until they are just hardened, the formol changing the oxyhæmoglobin into acid hæmatin. They are then transferred to alcohol to bring back the natural color, which is accomplished by the change of the acid hæmatin to an alkali hæmatin, which has a color very closely resembling that of oxyhæmoglobin, so that the natural color is approximately reproduced. The method is carried out as follows:—

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. For the examination of material that may be injured by freezing, or when very thin sections are required for complicated staining procedures, it becomes necessary to prepare the tissue by fixation and hardening, so that it can be imbedded in some medium permitting the cutting on the microtome of as thin sections as may be desired. Fixation is that process by which the appearances of the tissue are preserved as they were when it was taken for examination; hence in order to obtain pictures resembling as closely as possible those of the living tissue the material should be fixed immediately upon its removal from the living body by operation, or as soon as possible after death when obtained by autopsy. Fixing agents act by coagulating the cell albumins, in this way “setting” or “fixing” the constituents of the cell so that further change is stopped. Fixation, therefore, hardens the cell, and all fixatives are also hardening agents. A practical distinction between fixing and hardening is made, however, resting upon the fact that not all fixatives harden the tissue so completely that the proper consistence for the cutting of thin sections is attained. To achieve this the tissue must be dehydrated. Alcohol and acetone are the only reagents fixing and hardening perfectly at the same time, as they remove the water from the tissue; for all other fixing agents an after-hardening in alcohol is necessary. In the case of such reagents the division of the process into a primary fixation and a second hardening stage has been the cause of the divergence in meaning of the two terms.

The best fixing agents are those that kill the cells at once, but cause a slow coagulation with little or no shrinking. They must penetrate and diffuse through the tissues rapidly so that the deepest cells are quickly reached. Acid media, especially those containing small percentages of acetic acid, are therefore better than alkaline solutions. The tissue-elements, particularly the nuclei, must be preserved as perfectly as possible so that they will not be affected by further procedures of microscopic technique. The chemic properties of physiologic and pathologic substances must likewise be preserved. The preservation of karyokinetic figures is[Pg 226] a criterion of good fixation. In pathologic work it is also desirable that the fixing agent should preserve the red blood cells, and permit of the staining of bacteria in sections. Since fixing media are more or less selective in their action, it follows that there is no one fixative that gives equally good results in all cases. Especial fixing reagents must be used for the demonstration of certain substances (fat, etc.), or for the use of certain staining methods. Some stains cannot be used at all after certain fixing agents have been employed. For general use that fixing agent having the widest range of usefulness should be employed; and for this reason fixing media composed of several fixing agents are often employed in preference to the use of a single one.

GENERAL RULES FOR FIXING AND HARDENING.

The tissue should be put into the fixing fluid as soon as possible after its removal from the body. It must not be allowed to dry. There should be an abundance of the fixing solution, 25-50 times the volume of the object to be fixed. The tissue should never be put into a dry vessel and the fixing fluid poured upon it; the vessel should first be filled with the fixing solution and the tissue then dropped into the latter. A slight agitation of the fluid will prevent the sticking of the tissue to the bottom or sides of the vessel. The size of the pieces must be adapted to the penetrating power of the fixing reagent, but as a rule the pieces should not be more than 2-3 cms. in thickness, and for some reagents 0.5 cm. is as thick as they can safely be. The reagents used should be changed when they become cloudy or discolored. The used solution may be filtered and used again, but some reagents can be used but once. Alcohol may be saved for redistillation. In the case of some reagents (mercuric chloride, chromic acid, osmic acid, etc.), the time limits of the fixation should not be exceeded, as over-fixation will ruin the staining-power of the tissues. Alcohol is practically the only solution in which tissues may be left indefinitely, but even with it there are certain limitations. As a general rule the time required for fixation may be shortened by keeping the reagents at incubator-temperature. As the different fixing reagents vary so greatly as to their especial advantages and disadvantages these will be considered separately. Only the best and most commonly used methods are here included.

In the judgment of a section as to its fixation the following points may be of service: in alcohol fixation the red blood cells are haemolyzed, and there is much shrinking; with formol fixation the red cells stain copper-red with eosin; in mercuric chloride fixations the red cells stain rose-red with eosin, and pigment precipitates are present; in bichromate fixation the red cells preserve their natural color, and fat cells show a brownish color; osmic-acid fixation is shown by the black color of the oleates, and the failure of the tissue to stain by ordinary stains.

Bone and tissue containing deposits of lime must be decalcified before they can be sectioned on the microtome. The decalcification should be carried out after fixation and before the after-hardening in alcohol. Some reagents may combine decalcification with fixation, but this is satisfactory only when the amount of lime-salts is relatively small. Fresh tissues should not be put into any of the stronger acid decalcifying fluids, as they alter unfixed cells so that the staining-power is lost and the fine histologic details destroyed. The fixed tissue cut into small pieces is put into the decalcifying reagent, which is used in large amount and must be frequently changed. It is left in the decalcifying fluid until the calcium salts are removed, as shown by tests with needle or scalpel. The tissue must not be left in the fluid after decalcification is attained, as the staining-power is affected by all decalcifying reagents; it is therefore necessary to make frequent tests in order to judge of the progress of the decalcifying process. After decalcification the tissue should be washed in running water for 24 hours, and then after-hardened in alcohol. Alkaline solutions may be used to remove the acid before washing. Sections of decalcified tissue always stain slowly, and it is advisable to remove any acid remaining in the tissues by soaking the sections in a saturated water solution of lithium carbonate before staining. Numerous formulæ for decalcifying fluids have been recommended; a few of the best methods only are given here.

1. Combined Fixation and Decalcification. Picric acid or Müller’s fluid may be used for this purpose when the amount of lime-salts contained in the tissues is very small. The process is slow.

2. Trichloracetic Acid. Fix tissues in 10% formalin and decalcify in trichloracetic acid 90 cc., formol (40 per cent formaldehyde) 10 cc. Change frequently. Decalcification is rapid, the tissue is but little changed and the staining-power not affected.

3. Concentrated Sulphurous Acid. Fix in 10 per cent formol; decalcify in concentrated sulphurous acid for 24 hours or longer if necessary. Wash thoroughly in alkaline water. This is a very good and rapid method; the staining-power is but little affected.

[Pg 233]

4. Haug’s Solution. (Pure nitric acid 3-9 cc., absolute alcohol 70 cc., sodium chloride 0.25 grm., water 30 cc.). For tissues fixed in mercuric chloride.

5. Phloroglucin. (Phloroglucin 1 grm., pure nitric acid 10 cc., distilled water 50 cc.). The solution must be carefully dissolved over the flame in a hood. Decalcification is rapid, and the tissue is protected from the acid by the phloroglucin.

6. Ebner’s Fluid. (Hydrochloric acid 5 cc., sodium sulphate 5 grms., alcohol 500 cc., water 1,000 cc.).

7. Schaffer’s Method. Imbed the fixed and hardened tissue in celloidin, harden the celloidin preparation in 85 per cent alcohol, then place celloidin block in a 3-5 per cent water solution of pure nitric acid and agitate in Thoma’s water wheel, for 12 hours, or longer according to the size of the piece. Transfer block to a 5 per cent solution of lithium carbonate or sodium sulphate for 12-24 hours, changing solution several times, wash in running water for 48 hours, dehydrate in graded alcohols up to 85 per cent, and cut.

The most perfect methods of fixation and hardening do not permit the cutting of fine sections on a microtome without the freezing of the tissue, or its infiltration and imbedding in some substance which surrounds it with a protective coating, and preserves and holds together its structural elements in their relative positions. For the cutting of very thin sections, or for the preparation of serial sections, it is absolutely necessary to employ the process of imbedding. At the present time paraffin and celloidin are the two substances in general use for this purpose. While each one of these possesses certain advantages over the other, and we find consequently one laboratory worker preferring celloidin and another paraffin for general work, a long and varied experience makes me believe that for a teaching laboratory and for diagnostic work when much material is examined, the paraffin method answers all purposes much better than the celloidin, and that the latter need be employed only in very exceptional cases. Since paraffin sections can be transferred into celloidin by the molasses- or dextrin-fixative method, thus enabling the use of staining-methods that require celloidin sections, very few advantages are left in the favor of celloidin as an imbedding agent. The paraffin method requires a more expensive outfit to start with in the form of a paraffin oven and thermo-regulator, but otherwise the two methods cost about the same. The paraffin method requires more careful attention than the celloidin. As a rule thinner sections can be obtained in paraffin than in celloidin, and for the preparation of serial sections the paraffin method is the only method. Paraffin blocks can be labeled and filed away, and kept indefinitely without any loss of staining-power. With careful attention paid to the different steps of the imbedding process practically everything that can be cut in celloidin can be cut in paraffin. For very large pieces a slow imbedding in celloidin is, however, preferred by most workers. Hard and brittle tissues are as a rule more easily cut in celloidin. For the staining of bacteria in sections paraffin imbedding is necessary. Both methods should be learned and practiced with equal facility; a working knowledge of both is essential in pathologic investigation and diagnosis.

[Pg 235]

1. CELLOIDIN IMBEDDING. The granular form of Schering’s celloidin is the best preparation to use, although good results can be obtained by using a cheaper well-washed gun-cotton. In purchasing the latter care should be taken to secure a sample that dissolves easily in alcohol and ether, and does not give off yellow fumes when exposed to the light. Schering’s granular celloidin keeps well, and forms on solution a firm, tough, transparent imbedding mass, so that thin sections are obtainable without difficulty. When kept long in stock celloidin becomes hard and dissolves more slowly. For use three solutions are made, thick (10 per cent), thin (2 per cent), and medium (5 per cent). The celloidin granules or shavings are put into a wide-mouthed bottle having a tight stopper, and are covered with absolute alcohol and well shaken, and left for 24 hours. An equal quantity of pure ether is then added, the mixture is well stirred and allowed to stand for another 24 hours, when it is again stirred and evenly mixed, and is then ready for use. When gun-cotton is used it is torn into fine shreds and added to a mixture of equal parts of absolute alcohol and pure ether and shaken until sufficient has been added to give the solution the desired strength.

Slow Celloidin Method.

The tissue is blocked by removing it from the thick celloidin on a section-lifter and placing it on a block of vulcanized fiber or wood with enough of the thick celloidin about it to form a good matrix. The preparation is then allowed to evaporate in the air until the surface of the celloidin becomes firm (does not stick to the finger). The block is then placed in 80 per cent alcohol or pure chloroform until hard enough for cutting (1-24 hours). Cork should not be used for blocking, nor should wood unless the tannin has been removed by long treatment with alcohol-ether. The celloidin will adhere more firmly to the fiber block if the latter is dry, and if there is a sufficient layer of celloidin between the tissue and the block. The imbedded tissues may be preserved in 80 per cent alcohol for a long time, but gradually lose their staining power. They may also be kept dry by coating them with melted paraffin. The blocks when preserved in alcohol may be marked with an indelible pencil.

For imbedding large pieces of tissue in celloidin a glass dish may be filled with thick celloidin and the infiltrated tissue placed in it with cutting surface down. The celloidin is then allowed to evaporate slowly under a glass cover, and fresh celloidin may be added as shrinkage occurs. When well-hardened the celloidin is cut out of the dish and the block trimmed to the proper proportions, and attached directly to the object-holder of the microtome or to a block of wood by a few drops of thick celloidin, allowing it to dry for a minute or so and then immersing in 80 per cent alcohol. The block may be cut on the freezing microtome by soaking the hardened celloidin in water to remove the alcohol (when block sinks), then coating it with saturated gum arabic solution, and freezing.

[Pg 236]

Rapid Celloidin Method.

I have used the following method in my laboratory for a number of years as a regular procedure in practical diagnostic work, and the results have been uniformly good.

The quick celloidin methods recommended in the literature (Kaufmann, Stepanow, Scholz and others) require more time, and do not give better results. Material received from operative clinics late in the afternoon can be sectioned and stained usually by ten o’clock the next morning.

2. PARAFFIN IMBEDDING. A paraffin of a melting-point sufficiently high enough to withstand summer heat is advisable; a 52°C. paraffin answers for this latitude. The use of softer paraffins is not necessary. The paraffin-oven should be regulated at a constant temperature of 54-55°C. Over-heating of the tissue while in the oven must be carefully safeguarded, so that in the management of a paraffin-oven the care of the thermo-regulator is the most important thing.

Slow Paraffin Method.

The use of xylol-paraffin is not necessary. For blocking staining dishes, watch-glasses, glass salt-cellars, paper-boxes, metal frames., etc., may be used. A thin smear of tincture of green soap or glycerin is rubbed over the inside of the imbedding box, and it is nearly filled with fresh melted paraffin. With warm forceps the tissue is taken out of the bottle of second paraffin in the oven, and arranged in the melted paraffin in the imbedding dish in the proper position for cutting. Care must be taken that the melted paraffin is not hot enough to “burn” the tissue, else its staining-power may be affected. The surface of the paraffin is then cooled by blowing upon it, and as soon as a film appears upon the surface, the dish is carefully immersed in cold water, so that the paraffin may set quickly. When cool the paraffin-block should slip out of the dish and float to the surface. It is then trimmed to the desired shape, leaving a good matrix of paraffin around the tissue. The paraffin-block is then fastened to a wooden block or to the object-holder of the microtome by means of melted paraffin (a hot knife is drawn along the under-surface of the block and the latter immediately pressed upon the wooden block or object-holder). Chloroform, cedar oil, benzene, carbon bisulphide, etc., may be used instead of xylol, and each one possesses certain advantages for certain purposes. Benzene is advisable for osmic-acid preparations.

[Pg 237]

Rapid Paraffin Method.

The above method can be greatly shortened for uterine curettings, thin bits of tissue, etc., if the various steps are closely watched, and if the entire process is carried on in the oven. The whole process may be carried out in 1-3 hours, a very great advantage over the quick celloidin method. A simpler and cheaper method is that recommended by Heller, Henke and Brunk, as follows:—

Acetone Method.

By this method the entire process of fixing, hardening, imbedding, cutting and staining can be carried out in half an hour, and by it the freezing-microtome can be dispensed with in a large part of quick diagnostic work.

Pyridin Method.

This method requires a longer time than the acetone method, and is not so good.

Combinations of celloidin and paraffin may be employed by imbedding first in celloidin, transferring block to origanum oil, then xylol and finally paraffin. Formol-agar has been recommended by Bolton and Harris for simultaneous fixation and imbedding. It offers no especial advantages. Wright uses formol-gelatin for imbedding tissues for sectioning on the freezing microtome. The bits of tissue are placed in warm 20 per cent pure gelatin; this is allowed to set, and the block placed in 10 per cent formol for 24 hours; it is then frozen and cut. Soap-gelatin, glycerin-gelatin, gum-glycerin, etc., are now rarely used for imbedding.

Note:—When a number of pieces of tissue are blocked at the same time, either in celloidin or paraffin, they may be tagged with paper labels fastened to the tissue with a drop of gum tragacanth or gum arabic. As the gum is not soluble in any of the infiltrating and imbedding media the labels remain attached until the block is ready for cutting.

Fixed and hardened tissues may be sectioned on a microtome without freezing or imbedding, or they may be cut on a freezing-microtome; or, having been imbedded in either celloidin or paraffin, they may be sectioned on any form of microtome suited to the purpose desired. The choice of the microtome depends, therefore, upon the character of the work. For ordinary purposes the small sliding microtomes furnished with a crank are preferable, as they are more easily kept in order and can be used for rapid cutting. For serial paraffin sections the Minot automatic rotary microtome is advised. Especial types of microtomes can be obtained for the cutting of large sections, particularly for brain-sections. The Bardeen freezing-microtome I have already recommended as the most practical instrument for freezing work. In all cases it is absolutely necessary that the instruments be in good order and that they work with precision. The microtome knife must be carefully honed and stropped. A heavy, rigid, biconcave knife-blade should be used, and a good hone and strop are absolute necessities. In honing, the knife is drawn from heel to toe with cutting edge forward; while, in stropping, the motion is reversed, the back of the knife being forward, and the motion from toe to heel. The knife during the honing should be fitted in a knife-holder, and the back of the blade protected from the hone by a knife-back. The knife-blade must be kept free from grease and dirt, and nothing must be permitted to touch its edge. When many sections are cut at one sitting frequent stropping is necessary. When the cutting is finished the knife should be removed from the microtome, carefully cleaned and dried, and placed in its box. The slide and other bearings of the microtome should be well-oiled with the best microtome oil, and kept free from dust.

1. Cutting of Fixed Tissues Without Imbedding or Freezing. It occasionally becomes necessary in pathologic work to cut tissues directly upon the microtome without freezing or imbedding. This can be done satisfactorily in the case of very firm substances, such as amyloid liver and spleen, etc. The sectioning is done in the wet, using 80 per cent alcohol, as in celloidin cutting. A large celloidin[Pg 239] knife should be used, and the blade should be flooded in alcohol. A large piece of the tissue, or, better, several pieces, are clamped in the object holder with only a small layer of tissue above the holder. The knife-blade is placed at the least possible angle to the pieces of tissue. To obtain sections of 15-20 microns in thickness the object-holder is raised each time about 25-30 microns. The sections will vary in thickness, some thin, others very thick.

2. Sectioning of Frozen Fixed Tissues. Tissues fixed in formol, Müller’s fluid or Orth’s fluid may be frozen directly on the freezing-microtome without previous washing. For other fixations previous washing is necessary. Tissues in alcohol must have the alcohol thoroughly washed out before freezing. Celloidin blocks may also be cut by freezing after the removal of alcohol. The fixed tissues cut to the proper size are placed on the object-holder of the freezing-microtome in a drop of saturated gum-arabic and the freezing carried out as directed above. (See Page 214.) As the freezing causes little or no damage to fixed tissue, the frozen sections may be transferred directly to alcohol, or floated out on the dilute molasses or sugar-dextrin solution, and stained separately or in sheets, according to the directions given in the next chapter.

3. Sectioning of Celloidin Blocks. The celloidin blocks are fastened in the object-holder of the microtome, and the knife-blade (a longer and broader one than for paraffin-sectioning is advisable) set nearly parallel with the longitudinal axis of the microtome, so that the cutting-edge, striking the block at a very slight angle, will be utilized for the greater part of its length in cutting entirely across the surface of the block. Both object and knife-blade must be kept constantly wet with 80 per cent alcohol; a broad camel’s-hair brush or a drip-bottle can be used for this purpose. The sections, as they are cut, are transferred from the knife to 80 per cent alcohol by sweeping the finger or brush from above toward the edge of the blade. Care must be taken not to strike the brush against the edge of the blade, and this can be avoided by using the brush always with a downward stroke. As the sections are cut they are guided onto the knife-blade by means of a fine-pointed camel’s-hair brush, if the sections show any tendency to curl. They should be smoothed out at once on the knife, and then transferred to the dish of 80 per cent alcohol. Sections 7-10µ thick are easily cut in celloidin, if the process of imbedding has been carefully carried out.

[Pg 240]

To prepare serial-sections from celloidin blocks the sections as they are cut must be arranged in their order on the knife-blade and thence transferred in this order to a slide or glass-plate, to which they are either fastened so that they cannot become loose during the staining process, or they are fastened together by a film of celloidin and stained in one piece. To fasten the celloidin sections to the slide Mallory and Wright suggest the cutting of the block in 95 per cent alcohol, and the arrangement of the sections in their order on the knife, whence they are drawn on to a dry, clean and numbered slide. Ether vapor from a half-full bottle of ether is then poured over the slide, slowly, to flatten out the sections and fasten down the frilled edges. The slides are then transferred to 80 per cent alcohol to harden the celloidin, and they are kept in this solution until ready for staining. Celloidin sections may also be fastened to the slide by albumin glycerin (equal parts white of egg and glycerin with a crystal of phenol or thymol). The celloidin sections, as they are cut, may be transferred to a dry gelatinized slide or plate (16 grms. gelatin in 300 cc. warm water), and are then covered with a thin celloidin; the slide is then placed in water at 50°C., the gelatin dissolves and the celloidin film floats off; the latter is then stained as one section. Serial sections of celloidin-blocks may also be arranged upon slides or plates covered with a coating of the Schmorl-Obregia sugar-dextrin solution or diluted New Orleans black molasses; the slide or plate is flooded with absolute alcohol; drained; a thin celloidin is then poured over it; it is immersed in warm water and the celloidin-sheet containing the sections is liberated, and is then stained as a whole or cut into strips as desired. The molasses method is the cheapest and simplest method, and much to be preferred to the Weigert closet-paper method, by which the sections are arranged upon a strip of moist closet-paper which is either held upon the slide or kept upon a piece of blotting-paper wet with 80 per cent alcohol. A slide or glass-plate is covered with a thin layer of celloidin and the strip of paper containing the sections is laid upon the celloidin surface, the sections down, so that these stick to the slide as the paper is carefully peeled off. The preparation is dried with filter-paper and a thin layer of celloidin poured over the slide and sections. The celloidin is then hardened in 80 per cent alcohol and the sections stained on the slide; or the celloidin film is removed by immersion in warm water, and then treated as one section. Celloidin films may be marked with a brush dipped in a water solution of methylene-blue. This should be done as soon as they are made. Langhans’ method[Pg 241] is advised for the remounting of serial sections from tissues stained in bulk and imbedded in celloidin. The sections are cut in origanum-alcohol (1 part absolute alcohol to 3 parts origanum oil) and placed on a slide in a layer of origanum oil, blotted and mounted in balsam. Should sections become milky in the oil, renew the latter until they are cleared.

4. Sectioning of Paraffin Blocks. The paraffin block trimmed to the proper proportions, leaving a rim of paraffin about 2-3 mm. wide all about the tissue, is fastened to the wooden block by melting the under side of the paraffin by drawing a hot knife across it, and then immediately pressing the block upon the wood. The wooden block is then clamped into the object-holder. If desired the paraffin block can be fixed directly to the metal plate of the object-holder in the same manner. The block is raised until the level of the edge of the knife is reached. The knife is placed transversely or at a slight angle, and the cutting done with a relatively small portion of the edge. The paraffin block may be breathed upon to warm slightly the upper layer when a hard paraffin is used, and the knife is then drawn carefully through the block, guiding the section onto the knife-blade by means of a fine-pointed camel’s-hair brush held in the left hand. It is preferable, I think, to have a wider rim of paraffin at one corner of the block and to place the block with that corner at a slight angle to the knife, so that the edge of the blade will first engage the block at that point. The tip of the camel’s-hair brush moistened in water catches the corner of the section as the knife begins to cut, and pushes it over onto the blade, thus holding the section flat and preventing curling. When entirely cut through, the section is removed from the knife by the brush, still holding it at the corner first touched, or if necessary it is again moistened and applied to the upper side of the section, lifting the latter off the knife. The block is trimmed down to the proper level by cutting thick sections first, then sections of the desired thickness when the level of the entire block is reached. The sections are then transferred, with their shiny side down, just as they come off the knife, to a slide, sheet of paper, warm water, warm molasses or sugar-dextrin solution, or 70 per cent alcohol, and treated further according to the directions given in the next chapter. The presence of ridges on the cut surface of the block is an indication that the knife needs stropping. The knife must cut the paraffin, not scrape it. Crumbling of the paraffin is the result of imperfect infiltration during the imbedding process; water, alcohol, aniline oil or xylol may be left in the tissue, the paraffin may contain oil, or the cooling[Pg 242] process may have been delayed. Curling of the sections can be prevented by using a sharp knife and slightly warming the surface of the block by breathing upon the block, use of a warm knife or spatula, heat-focus, etc. For ordinary work paraffin sections 5-7µ thick are easily obtained; for especial work 1-2µ sections may be obtained by especial care in imbedding, using graded paraffins and finally imbedding in a 56°C. paraffin. The pieces of tissue should be small, and the sections may be cut with a knife wet with water or alcohol. Serial paraffin sections are easily obtained; in fact, paraffin imbedding is by far the best method for serial cutting. To cut ribbons of sections upon the ordinary slide microtome the block must be clamped into the object-holder so that the edge of the block facing the knife, as well as the opposite side of the block, is parallel with the knife-edge. The knife should be placed at right angles to the microtome. If the paraffin has the right consistency the edges of the sections as they are cut will adhere, and a ribbon of serial sections will be pushed up over the knife. This ribbon can be cut into pieces of the desired length and mounted according to the directions given in the next chapter. The Minot automatic rotary microtome is especially well adapted for the cutting of ribbon sections. Failure of sections to adhere to each other is usually the result of too hard consistence of the paraffin, and this can be remedied by warming slightly, according to the method given above. If the paraffin is too soft the sections fold together. The block may be cooled in ice-water, or the sections may be cut with a cooled knife. Paraffin knives so constructed that they may be cooled by a stream of ice-water are supplied by dealers in microtomes. The conditions essential for successful paraffin cutting are perfect infiltration and imbedding, sharp clean knives and a certain degree of skill in manipulation that can only be secured by practice.

Sections of fresh material, unimbedded or imbedded tissues must be treated by a series of processes before they are finally permanently mounted and ready for use. These processes in general are: preparation for staining, staining, differentiation, washing, dehydration, clearing and mounting. The general procedure will be modified to some extent by the character of the tissue, manner of preparation (fixed or unfixed, imbedded or unimbedded, unstained or stained), character of stain (affected by alcohol, xylol, etc.), and the mounting agent (glycerin, balsam, damar, colophonium). Two or more of these steps may be combined in one; the same agent may differentiate, dehydrate and clear. Several stains may be combined in one solution, or it may be necessary to use them in succession. The very greatest variation is possible in pathologic technique; in fact, practically every laboratory worker modifies methods according to the light of his individual experience. The really important thing is to be master of the method, and not allow the method to control the situation. One of the greatest attractions about laboratory work is the infinite possibility of variation and improvement of methods and the invention of new ones.

I. PREPARATION FOR STAINING.

II. STAINING AND DIFFERENTIATION.

Staining is necessary to bring out clearly the constituent elements of the tissues and their relations with each other, and for the demonstration of histologic structures or chemical substances that would otherwise be nearly or wholly invisible. The technique of staining depends upon the fact that stains or dyes possess certain affinities for the tissue-elements or for certain simple or complex substances present in the tissues (microchemic reactions). These affinities vary greatly with the dye. Some dyes have an affinity only for single constituents of the tissue (elective or specific stains); others have an especial affinity for the nucleus (nuclear stains), others stain all the tissue-constituents diffusely (diffuse or protoplasmic stains). There are but few pure elective stains for single tissue-elements; the majority of stains will stain more than one of the tissue elements, but may show an[Pg 247] especial affinity for certain ones. As a result of these variations in the affinities of dyes for the constituents of the tissues it becomes possible to manipulate the dyes or to combine them in such a way that a specific differentiation of many tissue-elements is possible through the use of different methods of staining. These methods are based in part upon the use of different mordants, the employment of several stains in combination or in succession, the mixture of stains to form a new staining compound, the phenomenon of metachromasia, the differentiation of certain tissue-elements by the removal of the stain from the structures for which it possesses a weaker affinity, and by the employment of different microchemic reactions. The two most commonly employed methods are the progressive, in which the stain is allowed to act until the affinities of certain tissue-elements have been satisfied when the staining process is interrupted; and the regressive, in which the tissue is over-stained, and the dye withdrawn from the tissue-elements for which it possesses the weakest affinities leaving the other elements stained. This latter process is usually called “differentiation,” and the chief substances used for such differentiating are dilute acid, acid alcohol, acid stains, aniline oil, aniline-xylol and alcohol. Some workers use the regressive method for such simple stains as hæmatoxylin, overstaining, and then differentiating with acid alcohol before counterstaining with eosin. The results obtained in this way are much less satisfactory than is possible with the progressive method.

Tissues may be stained in the body during life (intravital staining), or immediately after removal from the body (supravital or survival staining), either before or after sectioning. (See Page 217.) Fixed tissues may be stained in bulk or in sections.

[Pg 251]

VII. SUMMARY OF METHODS OF PREPARATION OF CELLOIDIN SECTIONS.

1. Fixation of the tissues in alcohol, formol, etc.
2. Wash 24 hours, when necessary.
3. After-harden in 80 and 95 per cent alcohols for 1 to several days.
4. Complete dehydration in absolute alcohol for 24 hours.
5. Equal parts of pure ether and absolute alcohol, 24 hours.
6. Thin celloidin, 1-3 days.
7. Thick celloidin, 1-3 days.
8. Block. Harden block in 80 per cent alcohol.
9. Cut; keep sections in 80 per cent alcohol.
10. Stain; differentiate.
11. Wash thoroughly.
12. Dehydrate in 80 and 95 per cent alcohols.
13. Final dehydration and clearing in carbol-xylol.
14. Place on slide and blot with absorbent paper.
15. Mount in xylol-balsam or xylol-colophonium.

VIII. SUMMARY OF METHODS OF PREPARATION OF PARAFFIN SECTIONS.

1. Fixation of the tissue in alcohol, formol, etc.
2. Wash 24 hours, when necessary.
3. After-harden in 80 and 95 per cent alcohol for 1 to several days.
4. Complete the dehydration in absolute alcohol for 24 hours.
5. Aniline-oil until tissue becomes transparent.
6. 1st. Xylol, ½ hour, to remove aniline oil.
7. 2nd. Xylol, 1-2 hours, until translucent.
8. 1st. Paraffin (52°C.), ½ hour in oven, to remove xylol.
9. 2nd. Paraffin (52°C.), 1-12 hours in oven, until infiltrated.
10. Imbed and block; cool quickly.
11. Cut sections; mount on slides or covers.
12. Remove paraffin in xylol.
13. Remove xylol in absolute alcohol.
14. 80 per cent alcohol, for a few minutes.
15. Stain; differentiate; wash.
16. Dehydrate in 80 and 95 per cent alcohols.
17. Clear in carbol-xylol.
18. Mount in Canada-balsam or colophonium.

IX. ARTEFACTS IN MOUNTED SECTIONS.

A mounted section, after passing through the various stages indicated above, must of necessity present some appearances that are the result of the technical methods employed. The number and degree of such artefacts will depend upon the character of the methods employed and the care exercised in their performance. The trained observer ignores the presence of artefacts as having nothing at all to do with the significance of the section itself; but to the beginner in microscopic work they often appear to be the[Pg 252] most important thing in the preparation, and are given a pathologic interpretation. How frequently do we see students, undergraduates and postgraduates, take up a section and pick out a fold, wrinkle, tear, staining-defect, precipitate, dirt, etc., as pathologic features! It is necessary, therefore, for the student to acquaint himself with the nature of artefacts so that he may ignore them and not give them an incorrect interpretation. The most important artefacts are as follows:—

THEORIES OF STAINING. The exact nature of the process of staining has not yet been determined. Various theories have been advanced, explaining the affinity of the tissues for certain dyes, on the ground of a chemical, mechanical or chemicophysical action. The chemical theory assumes the formation of an insoluble compound through the chemical combination of tissue and stain; the physical theory is based upon the assumption that the process is purely physical or mechanical, while the chemicophysical theory holds that it is neither purely physical nor purely chemical. The process is not controlled by the molecular weights alone of the substances concerned, but does depend upon the conditions controlling the formation of solutions in general. Therefore, the theory most widely accepted at the present time is the solution-theory, which assumes that the staining-process is a solution of the dye in the tissue, and that the stained tissue-element is a fixed solution of the stain in its substance. This solution of the dye in the tissues may be a direct action between the two (direct or substantive stains); or it may be brought about only by the interaction of a third substance (indirect or adjective stains). The third substance is called a mordant, and the combination of the dye with the mordant is known as a lake. The mordant may be added to the stain or to the tissue, either before or at the time of staining. Many of the fixing-fluids are mordants, particularly those containing chromic acid or its salts. Alum, iron, and many of the metals are the most commonly used mordants. In a general way acid mordants are used for basic colors, and basic mordants with acid colors.

I. NUCLEAR STAINS.

1. Haematoxylin (C₁₆H₁₄O₆) is an ether extract of the wood of Hæmatoxylon campechianum, a tree found in the West Indies and Central America. In itself not a dye, it becomes one of the most valuable when oxidized to hæmatein (C₁₆H₁₂O₆), and combined with alum, iron or other mordants to form a lake. It then stains nuclei a deep violet-blue or black color that is practically permanent. Mucin, lime-salts, bacteria, and colonies of actinomyces are also stained varying shades of blue. If the staining process is prolonged the entire tissue, as well as celloidin, becomes more or less heavily stained blue. A pure nuclear stain is obtained by interrupting the stain at the right time (examine in water); or if the sections are over-stained they may be differentiated in acid alcohol (1 per cent hydrochloric acid in 70 per cent alcohol). Hæmatoxylin stains well after all fixing-solutions except osmic acid; some of its staining-formulæ stain slowly after fixation in Zenker’s fluid. On the whole, it is by far the best general nuclear stain for laboratory and diagnostic work. It is employed in numerous staining formulæ, the most useful of which are given here. These formulæ differ chiefly in the time of staining, “ripening” of the stain (oxidation of hæmatein), intensity of stain, necessity of differentiation, etc.

2. Carmine. Carmine is the coloring matter of cochineal, the dried bodies of the female coccus cacti, and is obtained chiefly from Honduras. The coloring principle is carminic acid (C₂H₂₂O₁₂). When combined with alum, borax, lithium, etc., carmine gives a good, permanent nuclear stain, varying from reddish violet to deep scarlet. It is used chiefly in pathology to give a contrasting nuclear stain to the various pigments, and when specific blue stains have been used for fibrin, mucin, bacteria, elastic tissue, etc., or when a blue injection-mass has been used. Alum-carmine is the most precise nuclear stain. Differentiation with acid-alcohol is necessary after staining with borax- or lithium-carmine. Lithium-carmine is on the whole the best of the three for use as a contrast-color to the various pigments.

3. Basic Aniline Stains. The basic aniline stains are used as general stains for bacteria in sections, and at the same time stain the nuclei. Methylene blue and fuchsin are employed especially for this purpose. The metachromatic dyes (thionin, kresyl-echt-violett, etc.) are also used as nuclear stains in combination with their metachromatic reactions with mucin, amyloid, mast-cells, etc. Methylene blue is used in the study of the blood-forming organs, cell-inclusions, parasites in the tissues, etc. Safranin and fuchsin are used for staining mitotic figures. (See Staining of Mitoses.) Bismarck brown is employed sometimes in preparing sections for microphotography. Methyl green is an intense chromatin stain and is used in various combinations. Since these dyes are not very permanent, and are easily washed out in dehydrating and clearing fluids, as well as “running” in balsam mounts, they are rarely employed as pure nuclear stains in pathologic work.

II. DIFFUSE OR PLASMA STAINS.

The most commonly used diffuse stains are eosin, erythrosin, acid fuchsin, orange G, and picric acid. They are practically never used alone, but are employed as contrast-stains to the nuclear stains. Eosin, orange G, acid fuchsin and picric acid may be used as counterstains for hæmatoxylin; picric acid is used as the best contrast to the carmines, while eosin and orange G are employed as counterstains for methylene blue. The combination of hæmatoxylin and eosin is by far the best general staining method for laboratory and diagnostic work, except for tissues fixed in Zenker’s solution; for these the combination of methylene blue and eosin is preferable. Ammonia carmine is sometimes used as a diffuse stain for bone and the central nervous system. The majority of the diffuse stains wash out easily in water, alcohol and xylol, hence sections thus stained should not be allowed to remain too long in these fluids.

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III. COMBINED NUCLEAR AND DIFFUSE STAINS.

The diffuse or plasma stains may be combined with the nuclear in one staining solution, or used in succession. The latter method gives better results. The nuclei are stained first, the diffuse stain being used after the washing-out following the use of the nuclear stain, except in the methylene-blue and eosin method in which to obtain the best results it is necessary to stain with the eosin first. Nuclear hæmatoxylin may also be followed by a combination of plasma stains, as in the Van Gieson’s mixture of picric acid and acid fuchsin, Delépine’s mixture of rubin and orange, White’s erythrosin and picric acid mixture, etc. In these mixtures the different affinities of the plasma-stains give rise to differential or selective staining effects.

I. AMYLOID. The best selective staining of amyloid is obtained with relatively fresh tissues; long preservation in alcohol or formol tends to weaken the reactions. Probably the best effects are obtained by formol-fixation for 24 hours, and sectioning on the freezing-microtome. Good results may be produced, however, after any of the ordinary fixing and hardening methods by cutting the sections on the freezing-microtome, without imbedding, or imbedding in paraffin. The metachromatic reactions are not satisfactory with celloidin sections. With hæmatoxylin and eosin the amyloid substance stains a light red or bluish-pink; Van Gieson’s stains it a yellow or brownish-pink color, giving it practically the same color that it does epithelial hyalin. The different tissue-relations of the two substances serve to distinguish them. The most important specific amyloid stains are:—

II. ATROPHY. Good pictures of atrophic tissues are obtained with formol-Müller’s, mercuric chloride or Zenker’s fixation, and staining with Van Gieson’s, to bring out the stroma which is usually relatively or absolutely increased. In the case of pigment-atrophy the sections should be very thin and stained with alum- or lithium-carmine.

III. CALCIFICATION. Deposits of lime-salts appear in fresh tissue as gritty, refractive areas that are bright and shining by reflected light, and dark by transmitted. They are soluble in acids, solution of the carbonate being accompanied by the formation of bubbles of carbonic acid gas. Hæmalum and the alum-hæmatoxylins show a specific reaction with the phosphates and carbonates of lime, giving them a deep blue or reddish-violet stain. Fresh calcification usually stains diffusely blue; older deposits are deep-blue about the borders of the deposits, lighter or unstained in the center of the mass. Tissues containing much calcium must be decalcified before imbedding. If the process of decalcification is not carried too far the specific staining reaction is not lost.

IV. CELL GRANULES AND CELL INCLUSIONS. The granules and cell-inclusions here included fall within the class of special protoplasmic structures found particularly in neoplasms and inflamed tissues, and which have been supposed to be parasites. For the staining of other cell-granules see Blood and Blood-forming organs.

V. CHOLESTERIN. Cholesterin is soluble in absolute alcohol, xylol, ether and glacial acetic. It occurs in the tissues in characteristic rhombic plates often showing a square notch in one corner. In sections from which the cholesterin has been dissolved its presence may be told by the appearance of “cholesterin-clefts” in the tissue, or often in the protoplasm of large foreign-body giant-cells (“cholesterin-giant-cells”). With concentrated sulphuric acid, sections or material containing cholesterin become yellow and then rose-pink. Lugol’s gives it a brown color which turns blue-violet after the addition of sulphuric acid, and exhibits a play of colors, blue, green, to red.

VI. CLOUDY SWELLING. This is best seen in the fresh state in cells obtained by scraping or teasing, or by the examination of frozen sections. Osmic acid, sudan III, scarlet R. ether, alcohol and acetic acid may be used to differentiate from fatty degeneration. The ordinary fixing and staining methods give good pictures, except for slight degrees of the change. These are sometimes wholly lost as the result of the contraction due to the fixation.

VII. COLLOID. (See Epithelial Hyalin.)

VIII. CORNIFICATION. Horn takes the plasma stains (eosin, picric acid, etc.). Van Gieson’s makes a good differential stain. With Gram’s method horn stains deep blue, and with the Ehrlich-Biondi-Heidenhain method it stains red. After fixation in Flemming’s it may be stained with safranin or gentian-violet. Keratohyalin occurs as fine granules in the cells of the stratum granulosum. They stain by hæmatoxylin, carmine and Gram’s method, or may be demonstrated by means of special stains. Eleidin stains with carmine and the fat-stains, but not with hæmatoxylin.

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IX. FAT. When alcohol has been used in the preparation of the tissue, the fat-contents of the latter are dissolved out, and their presence can alone be told by the presence of vacuoles. When osmic acid is used as a fixing agent the oleates and oleic acid are blackened. The tissue should then be washed in running water and cut upon the freezing-microtome, or it may be imbedded in celloidin or paraffin if this is done as quickly as possible to prevent the loss of the fat. Chloroform or benzene should be used in place of xylol, as the last-named dissolves out the fat. Safranin should be used as a stain after fixation with any fluid containing osmic acid. Frozen sections are to be mounted in glycerin-gelatin; when balsam is used it should be warm melted Canada balsam without xylol. Formol fixation preserves fat, and tissues so fixed may be cut on the freezing-microtome and the sections stained with osmic acid, sudan III or scharlach R, with nuclear counterstaining when desired. For the demonstration of fat-embolism, fatty degeneration or fatty infiltration the following methods are advised:—

X. FIBRIN. Fibrin stains with the acid aniline dyes, except in areas of necrosis containing diffused chromatin, under which conditions it stains deep blue with hæmatoxylin. In Van Gieson’s mixture it stains yellow or brownish; in Mallory’s reticulum stain it stains red, and with Mallory’s chloride of iron hæmatoxylin it is grayish to dark blue. The best selective method by far is Weigert’s, and it is the only really practical method giving a good differentiation.

XI. GLYCOGEN. Glycogen is soluble in water; and fixation and hardening must be carried out with absolute alcohol to prevent the solution of the glycogen. Tissue must be fixed immediately after death, as glycogen is quickly broken up. Its reaction with iodine is similar to that of amyloid, but it does not give the iodine-sulphuric-acid reaction that the latter substance does.

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XII. HYALIN. Epithelial hyalin (colloid) stains red or violet with hæmatoxylin and eosin; it takes the other acid dyes and stains to some degree with basic aniline stains. Van Gieson’s stains it a yellow, orange or brownish-pink. Kresyl-echt-violett gives it a deep indigo-blue color or a more green robin-egg blue. Connective-tissue hyalin stains deep brilliant red with Van Gieson’s; this is the best method for differentiating connective-tissue hyalin from amyloid or epithelial hyalin. Russell’s method also stains hyalin red.

XIII. HYDROPIC DEGENERATION. Fix by heat or formol-alcohol. Imbed in celloidin; stain with hæmatoxylin and eosin.

XIV. HYPERTROPHY. Fix in Müller’s or mercuric chloride for simple staining; for study of nuclei fix in Flemming’s and stain with safranin.

XV. INFLAMMATION. The process of inflammation may be studied to advantage in the mesentery, web or tongue of the curarized living frog, by stretching these parts over a cork-ring attached to a glass plate on which the animal rests. The exposed tissues must be kept moist with physiologic salt solution. Heat, chemicals or other irritants may be employed to produce the inflammatory reaction. For the study of the inflammatory process in sections the ordinary fixations may be employed, but for the study of the nuclei, mitotic figures and cell-granulations fixation in Flemming’s, Zenker’s, etc., is advised. Safranin, methylene blue and eosin, the various stains used in the study of blood-cells, etc., may be used.

XVI. IODINE. For the demonstration of iodine in tissues the following method has been advised by Justus. The experience of other workers with it has not been satisfactory.

XVII. MITOTIC FIGURES. Various histologic methods devised for the study of mitoses can be applied to the demonstration of these in neoplasms, inflammation and regeneration. Flemming’s solution or mercuric chloride fixation gives best results, although formol, or even absolute alcohol, when used quickly and carefully gives fair results if tissue is very fresh.

XVIII. MUCIN. Mucin stains a deep blue or reddish-violet with an over-ripe hæmatoxylin. When counterstained with picric acid very beautiful preparations can be obtained. Mucin also gives a metachromatic reaction with kresyl-echt-violett, thionin, toluidin-blue and polychrome methylene-blue, staining red with these stains. Water or carbolic-acid solutions of these stains may be used; dehydrate in absolute alcohol, clear in xylol, and mount in balsam. In my opinion Morse’s Carbol-kresyl-echt-violett method as given above for amyloid is the best of these metachromatic reactions. Muchæmatein and mucicarmin give the most delicate reactions.

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XIX. MYELIN. This appears in the form of doubly refractive granules, that stain with less intensity with the fat dyes, but may be differentiated from fat in that it loses the power of reducing osmic acid after being mordanted for eight days or more in bichromate solutions, while fat does not.

XX. NECROSIS. Hæmatoxylin and eosin, and Van Gieson’s give good pictures. Use Weigert’s fibrin stain for coagulation-necrosis, and Benda’s method for the demonstration of fatty acids for the staining of fat-necrosis. Recent necrotic areas stain diffusely blue with hæmatoxylin; older areas may take the plasma stains alone. Use various methods for the demonstration of micro-organisms in the necrotic areas.

XXI. NEOPLASMS. Use hæmatoxylin and eosin, and Van Gieson’s for ordinary diagnosis. To differentiate sarcoma and carcinoma use Van Gieson’s, Mallory’s or other reticulum stains. For the study of cell-inclusions use Altmann’s, Russell’s, Plimmer’s and Pianese’s methods. Special fixation or Zenker’s is necessary. Methylene-blue and eosin after Zenker’s give excellent pictures. For the demonstration of mitoses the methods given above should be employed.

XXII. PIGMENT. Use the carmines for contrasting melanin, hæmofuscin, lipochromes, hæmatoidin, hæmosiderin, bilirubin and all yellow, brown, blue, black, etc., extrinsic pigments. In tissue fixed in mercuric chloride or formol bilirubin is green, and can thus[Pg 275] be differentiated from hæmatoidin. The lipochromes give weak fat-reactions, and this is used to distinguish them from other yellow or brown pigments. Alcohol fixation is the best for pigment study, although the other fixing solutions may be used. Formol sometimes produces pseudo-pigments by its action upon hæmoglobin. The iron-reactions are obtained best in sections cut on the freezing-microtome, although both paraffin and celloidin imbedding may be used. In testing for iron glass needles should be used and all traces of iron should be removed from staining-dishes, slides, etc., by treating with hydrochloric acid, distilled water and alcohol.

XXIII. PSEUDOMUCIN. It is not precipitated by acetic acid. It has a greater affinity for the diffuse stains than mucin, and gives weaker metachromatic reactions.

XXIV. REGENERATION AND REPAIR. For the staining of mitoses, cell granules and cell-inclusions see methods given above. See also methods for staining of epithelium, reticulum, neuroglia, etc.

XXV. URIC ACID AND PURIN BASES:—

1. Courmont and Andre’s Method.

Rapid fixation and hardening are requisites for the successful staining of micro-organisms in sections. Alcohol, Zenker’s, mercuric chloride and formol give best results; Müller’s because of its slow action is not good, although formol-Müller’s may be used because of the more rapid fixation with this fluid. In the case of formalin-fixation staining with Weigert-Gram’s method may not give good results unless the sections are oxidized in potassium permanganate solution and then reduced in oxalic acid. (See Staining of Fibrin.) Preservation of the tissue for a long time in alcohol impairs the staining power of micro-organisms contained within it. The tissue should be imbedded preferably in paraffin, as very thin sections must be obtained. The freezing-microtome may be employed and the thinnest sections selected for staining. Celloidin stains very heavily with the aniline dyes and retains the color, so that bacteria in celloidin sections do not stand out very distinctly. On the whole paraffin sections, floated on slide or cover, and fastened by albumin-fixative, give the best results, though for the micro-organisms stained in carbol-fuchsin and decolorized in nitric acid it is best to float the sections directly onto the warm stain without removing the paraffin, and mount without the use of alcohol. This method may be employed for all stains that are taken out by alcohol. The stains used for film preparations are as a rule applicable to sections. The basic aniline dyes, particularly methylene-blue, fuchsin, methyl or gentian violet, kresyl-echt-violett, thionin, and Bismarck brown, either in saturated alcoholic solutions or dilutions of such, or in combination with alkalies, aniline oil or phenol, are usually employed. The various modifications of the Romanowsky method are very useful. The time required for staining in sections is usually much longer than for films; but the staining can often be accelerated or strengthened by warming over the flame or in the incubator. Contrast staining of the nuclei with lithium-carmine or Bismarck brown is advisable after the use of staining methods in which the nuclei are decolorized. Xylol or origanum oil should be used for clearing.

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I. THE STAINING OF BACTERIA IN TISSUES.

According to their staining-reactions bacteria may be very conveniently grouped in three classes: 1, Staining with Gram-Weigert’s method; 2, Not staining with Gram-Weigert’s; 3, Staining with the tubercle-bacillus method (acid-resisting).

Various staining-methods have been recommended for the staining of the most important pathogenic bacteria in tissues. The most useful of these methods are here given:—

II. THE STAINING OF PATHOGENIC YEASTS AND MOULDS IN SECTIONS.

III. THE STAINING OF ANIMAL PARASITES.

I. BLOOD AND BLOOD-FORMING ORGANS.

The blood may be examined by means of films, stained or unstained, or by sections, celloidin or paraffin.

A. FILMS. The blood may be obtained from the pulp of the ring finger, from the skin over the knuckles, or from the posterior aspect of the lobe of the ear. The place selected should be carefully cleansed with water, soap and ¹/₁₀₀₀ mercuric chloride solution, and finally with alcohol and ether. A puncture is made with a sterilized triangular needle or knife, or a stub-pen with one point broken off. The last-named makes a most useful and inexpensive instrument for this purpose. The puncture should be made by a quick and deep stab, so that sufficient blood can be obtained from one stab-wound. Pressure should not be employed to force blood from the wound. Bleeding may be encouraged by letting the arm hang down, or by applying pressure in the furrow of the terminal joint of the finger. The first drop of blood should be wiped away with a clean towel. When the second drop reaches the size of a pin-head touch it with the under side of a perfectly clean cover-glass, held by forceps, not by the fingers; place this cover-glass immediately upon another clean cover, so that the blood will spread out between the two covers in a thin film. The covers are then separated by sliding them apart without pressing or squeezing; place covers with film side upward, and dry in the air. The films should not be touched with the hands; forceps alone should be used to handle them. If the blood does not dry as quickly as it is spread the film will be too thick. Films may be made upon slides in the same way, or the drop of blood may be caught upon the edge of a clean cover, slide or “spreader” and then drawn rapidly across a slide. The dried film may be marked by scratching with a needle-point the number and date on the film itself. Blood-films may be fixed without drying by exposure to the vapor of formol or osmic acid for several seconds and then dropping into absolute alcohol. Formol alcohol, saturated mercuric chloride solution or Flemming’s solution may also be used for the fixation of wet films, fixing for[Pg 289] 5-10 minutes, and washing thoroughly after each of the last two solutions. The dried film may be fixed by exposure to heat (110-115°C.) for 5-10 minutes for Ehrlich’s triple stain, and for 2 hours for the methylene-blue-eosin methods; 30-60 seconds at a temperature of 120°C. may suffice; the film should be brought at once into the required temperature. Heat-fixed films are improved by dipping them for a few minutes in mercuric chloride solution and then washing well before staining. Acetone-free methyl alcohol (1-2 minutes), absolute alcohol and ether in equal parts (½-12 hours), formol-alcohol (1-2 minutes), alcoholic mercuric chloride (absolute alcohol 25 cc., ether 25 cc., 5 drops of a 2 grms. mercuric chloride solution in 10 cc. of absolute alcohol) for 2-5 minutes, and formol-vapor are the chief solutions used for fixing the air-dried film. For ordinary work methyl alcohol, formol alcohol, and the absolute-alcohol and ether mixture give good results; heat fixation brings out the granules well, and mercuric chloride is a good fixative for the leukocytes. The combination of fixation and staining, as in Leishman’s or Wright’s modification of the Romanowsky method, is also recommended for general work.

For the staining of blood-films an almost endless variety of staining-methods can be found in the literature. Many of these represent slight deviations in the method of making the stain or in its application, such deviations marking stages of improvement in the development of the method. It is not necessary, therefore, to give all of these methods, but to consider only the latest modifications of value. In a general way blood-stains may be divided into five classes:—

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IX. NERVOUS SYSTEM.

It is impossible in a book on general pathologic technic to consider all of the numerous staining methods that have been devised for the study of the nervous system. I have attempted, therefore, to pick out the best selective methods for the staining of the more important nervous structures, so as to cover adequately the general held of nervous pathology. Formol has now replaced Müller’s for the preliminary fixation of nervous tissue, because of its quick action, and because after its use chromic acid may be employed to mordant the tissue, when it is desired to use certain staining methods requiring such mordanting. Celloidin imbedding is preferable, although paraffin may be used for general work. General stains, such as hæmatoxylin and eosin, and Van Gieson’s are used for general impressions.

1. BLOOD. Fresh spots should be scraped off and examined in physiologic salt solution. Older spots are scraped off when possible, or if the spots are on clothing or other fabrics, a piece of the stained portion is cut out, and the scraping or piece of material is placed on a slide in a macerating fluid (30 per cent caustic potash; glycerin 3 parts and concentrated sulphuric acid 1 part; 15 per cent tartaric acid; equal parts alcohol and ether; or Pacini’s fluid [mercuric chloride 1 grm., sodium chloride 2.0 grm., glycerin 100 cc., water 300 cc.]). Even in very old clots or stains some red cells may retain their characteristic form. The process of maceration should be observed directly under the microscope, as the macerating fluid gradually changes the cells after they become loosened. Schmorl advises the following method:—

Moisten a small piece of the fabric in water and stain with hæmatoxylin. Differentiate in acid alcohol, wash thoroughly in water, stain with ¹/₁₀₀₀ watery eosin solution, wash in water (3-6 hours), place in alcohol, and then again in water. Tease with great care into fine threads on the slide, and examine the isolated fibres in a drop of glycerin. The red corpuscles are easily recognized; and the nuclei of the white cells or of the red cells of birds and amphibia stand out distinctly. Permanent mounts may be made by passing the specimen through alcohol, xylol, and mounting in balsam. A portion of the stained fabric may be imbedded in celloidin, sections cut, and stained with hæmatoxylin and eosin.

The red cells may be measured by the ocular micrometer. Those of man are somewhat larger than those of other mammals, but the difference in size is so slight that an absolute determination of the source of the blood is not possible from the consideration of size alone. Human corpuscles measure 0.0077 mm. in diameter; the nearest in size are the corpuscles of the dog, rabbit, hog, cow, horse, cat and sheep, in the order given, those of the sheep being smaller. The measurements of a large number of corpuscles must be taken if the question of size is to be considered. When red cells cannot be found the stains must be tested for the presence of blood[Pg 306] pigment (Teichmann’s hæmin crystals). A small piece of the scraping or stained fabric is placed upon a slide in glacial acetic acid; the fluid is expressed; and a small crystal of sodium chloride or sodium iodide is added to the fluid. Cover with cover-glass and heat gently until bubbles are given off, and continue carefully until the acetic acid has evaporated. The slower the evaporation the larger the crystals will be. Examine with a ⅙ inch or No. 7 objective. The hæmin crystals are brown or claret-colored, of the shape of rhombic plates single or superimposed. They are insoluble in water, alcohol and ether; dissolve slowly in ammonia, dilute sulphuric and nitric acids, and easily in caustic potash. The form of the crystal and the color determines the diagnosis of the presence of blood, but does not distinguish between human and animal blood. Old stains should be treated with acetic acid 12-24 hours before attempting to obtain the crystals. Contamination of the fabric with fat interferes with the reaction; the fat should be removed first with ether. If the suspected stain occurs on iron, steel, sand, clay or coal, the crystals usually cannot be obtained. Decomposition may also interfere with the reaction. In such cases a solution of the stain in a saturated solution of borax should be made and submitted to spectroscopic examination. The presence of blood-pigment on any substance can be demonstrated by means of the spectroscope or microspectroscope. Within recent years the biologic test for blood and albumins has been turned to medicolegal uses, in the differential diagnosis of human and animal blood or albumins. This test rests upon the principle that in the serum of an animal treated with human blood or albumin there are developed antibodies having a strong specific hæmolytic or precipitating action upon human blood or albumin.

2. Semen. Suspected seminal stains may be tested first by the Florence sperm reaction. A portion of the material is mixed on the slide with a drop of an iodine solution (1.65 iodine, 2.54 potassium iodide, 30 water). Cover and examine with low power. The formation of characteristic long rhombic, brown or violet crystals is evidence of the presence of semen. The reaction is hindered by decomposition. The spermatozoa may also be demonstrated in seminal stains by soaking the fabric, carefully flattened out, in a watch-glass containing dilute hydrochloric acid (1 drop to 40 cc. distilled water), for 5 minutes to 5 hours, according to the age of the stain. The fabric is then removed and gently rubbed on a slide; the smear is covered with a No. 1 cover-slip, and examined with the oil immersion or the highest dry objectives. The smear may be stained by adding[Pg 307] neutral red solution to the macerating fluid, or by drying the smear in the air, fixing in the flame, and staining with hæmatoxylin and eosin, neutral carmine or fuchsin. The staining and macerating solutions may be combined in one. The piece of fabric containing the suspected seminal stain is soaked in a mixture of methyl green 1 grm., hydrochloric acid 15 drops, distilled water 350 cc., for 1-6 hours. It is then removed with the forceps and smeared on the slide, examined in the moist state, or dried, fixed and mounted. The head is stained an intense green.

3. Decidua and Foetal Tissues. Clots, curettings and discharges may be examined in the fresh state by teasing; or the material may be fixed in formol, formol-Müller’s or mercuric chloride. The characteristic structures of the decidual cells, chorionic villi and other fœtal tissues are easily recognized and the presence of any one of these determines the occurrence of pregnancy, abortion or child-birth.

4. Hair. The most important medicolegal question concerning hair is the differential diagnosis between animal and human. The following points must be considered:—

1. The cells of the outer layer (cuticle) of the hair are much larger in the majority of animals than in man, and are much more distinctly seen. The cuticle is much more dentate or serrate in the hair of animals than in that of man.

2. The cortical layer in human hair is much thicker than in animal hairs, as compared to the thickness of the medulla; in animal hair the medulla is thicker than the cortical layer.

3. The cellular structure of the medullary substance is indistinct in human hair; in animal hair it is very prominent. In human hair the medulla is often absent, especially in certain portions of the hair, while in animals it is rarely absent, and then only in sharply localized portions. The hair should always be examined throughout its entire length.

Hairs of the beard are usually thickest (0.14-0.15 mm. in diameter), then follow in order of size the pubic hairs of the female, the hairs of the eye-lids, male pubis, male head, and female head (0.06 mm. in diameter). There are, however, marked individual differences, and the hair of infants is much finer than that of older children and adults. The hairs of the new-born are pointed, as are also the hairs of adults that are protected from cutting, rubbing, maceration, etc. Cut hairs are at first blunt; later more rounded. Hairs that have been torn out usually show a bulbous end with the[Pg 308] remains of the hair-follicle; fallen hairs have a closed, smooth, atrophic root. When the question arises as to the definite individual from whom certain hairs may have come a very careful comparison of the given hairs with those of the individual concerned must be carried out, as to color, size, thickness of different layers, shape and size of the transverse section, etc. Paraffin imbedding should be employed for this purpose.

1. Preparation. Analyze the method of preparation of the specimen, noting-methods of fixation, hardening, imbedding, injection, impregnation, staining, etc. Note the reaction of nucleus, protoplasm, red blood-cells and connective-tissue to the stain. Look for special staining reactions (hyalin. amyloid, mucin, etc.) and metachromasia.

2. Histology. Look for histologic landmarks by which the organ, or part of the body, from which the specimen is taken can be recognized. If such landmarks cannot be found, analyze the section, element by element, until its histologic features are fully noted and recognized. Answer the question, “From what part of the body does the tissue come?” Carry the differential diagnosis as far as possible, with regard to sex, age, side of the body or organ (for example, in the heart decide as to auricle or ventricle, left ventricle or right, etc.).

3. Pathology. Study next the deviations from the normal. Answer these questions: “Is the tissue normal?” “If not, in what respects does it differ from the normal?” Study pathologic conditions with the low power first, then use the high power for the finer details. Consider the histologic features of the organ (capsule, stroma, parenchyma, ducts, etc.) with respect to pathologic changes.

4. Diagnosis. After the pathologic changes have been fully studied, the diagnosis should be formulated. If the pathologic changes found can be correlated as factors in some specific conditions they should not be considered separately, but the specific condition itself would constitute the diagnosis. When the pathologic conditions have no definite relation to each other they should be classified separately. If a section of kidney shows cloudy swelling, congestion, œdema, small-celled infiltration, hæmorrhage and casts, these different conditions would all be included in the diagnosis of an acute parenchymatous degenerative nephritis. If the general picture corresponds to that of tuberculosis, syphilis, neoplasm, etc., the various associated changes need not be considered alone, but the broad and comprehensive diagnosis should be expressed in as concise terms as possible.

[Pg 310]

Written descriptions of microscopic appearances should be so full and clear that it is possible to make a diagnosis from the word-picture. A full and adequate analysis of the preparation set forth in concise and clear language is of more objective value than the bare diagnosis. Reproductions by means of drawings are also of great value in assisting the memory or in communicating the results of the observation to others. A technique sufficient for ordinary purposes may soon be obtained. Color work is usually easiest, since the majority of sections are stained in color. The camera lucida or Edinger’s drawing apparatus may be of great service in the enlargement and placing of the various elements of the section; with these instruments but little practice is necessary to produce rapid and accurate representations. The close inspection of the preparation during the drawing often reveals features that previously had escaped attention. Many workers object to drawings on the ground of subjectivity, but the same criticism applies even more to word-descriptions. Especial attention must, however, be paid to this danger, both in the case of drawings and word-descriptions. In the case of scientific work the written description is best backed up by photographs, rather than by drawings. Microphotography has the very great advantage of being purely objective, although dishonest photographs are possible. There are, however, certain limitations to microphotography. Differential details are lost in sections; all parts of the section cannot be fairly represented; and focal and color limitations are great disadvantages. I believe, however, that for pure scientific work word-descriptions should be accompanied by objective microphotographs instead of drawings. The microphotographic outfit of Zeiss has already been recommended as the best. It is impossible to take up the subject of microphotographic technique in this book. The reader is referred to the chapter on “Microphotography” in Aschoff and Gaylord’s Atlas, and to the works of Cresbie, Bagshaw, Kaiserling, Neuhauss, and others. (See article on “Mikrophotographic” in the Enzyklopädie der mikroscopischen Tecknik.)

• A.
• Abdomen:
• Inspection of, 45
• Section of, 140
• Abdominal cavity, pathology of, 102
• Abdominal organs, pathology of, 104
• Abortion, death from, 191
• Acetic acid fuchsin, 220
• Acetone, 226, 237
• Acetone-colophonium, 278
• Acetone-xylol, 278
• Acids:
• Acetic, 220
• Chromic, 228
• Fatty, 268
• Mineral, 220
• Osmic, 220, 230, 267, 299
• Picric, 231, 258
• Poisoning with, 189
• Acid fuchsin, 258
• Acid stains, 253
• Adrenals, examination of, 145, 146
• Left, 145, 155
• Right, 146, 155
• Special pathology of, 155
• African relapsing fever, 284
• Agar-formol, 237
• Age of new-born, 182
• Alcohol, 220, 227
• Alcohol poisoning, 189
• Alkalies, poisoning with, 190
• Alum carmine, 256
• Alum cochineal, 283
• Alum hæmatoxylin, 254
• Altmann’s granules, 230, 265
• Ammonium sulphide test, 275
• Amœba coli, 285
• Amyloid, staining of, 262
• Aniline dyes, 253
• Aniline-xylol, 270, 278
• Animal parasites, 285
• Anomalies, 45
• Antimony, poisoning with, 190
• Antrums, examination of, 86
• Aorta, 120, 130
• Abdominal, 158
• Apathy’s method, 300
• Aronson-Philipp stain, 292
• Arsenic, poisoning with, 190
• Artefacts, 251
• Asphyxia, death from, 191
• Atrophy, 264
• Atropine, poisoning with, 190
• Autopsy:
• General considerations, 3
• Heller’s method, 30
• Importance of, 3
• Instruments, 9
• Legal aspects of, 5
• Letulle’s method for, 30
• Medicolegal, 187
• of new-born, 177
• in animals, 196
• Order of, 24
• Permit for, 8
• Preparation for, 15
• Technique, 20
• Time of, 42
• Axis-cylinders, staining, 299
• Azur-blau, 290
• B.
• Back, inspection of, 45
• Bacteria:
• Acid fast, 280
• Actinomyces, 278, 283
• Bacillus:
• Aërogenes capsulatus, 278, 281
• of anthrax, 278, 280
• of bubonic plague, 279, 281
• of chancroid (Ducrez-Unna), 279, 281
• Coli communis, 279, 281
• Diphtheriæ, 278, 281
• Dysenteriæ, 279
• of epidemic conjunctivitis, 279, 281
• of fowl cholera, 279
• of Friedländer, 282
• of glanders, 279, 281
• of influenza, 279, 281
• of Koch-Weeks, 270, 281
• of leprosy, 278, 280, 283
• of Lustgarten, 280
• Mallei, 279, 281
• of malignant œdema, 279, 280
• of mouse septicæmia, 278
• Paratyphoid, 281
• Pestis, 279, 281
• Pneumoniæ, 279, 282
• Proteus, 279
• Pyocyaneus, 279, 281
• of rabbit septicæmia, 279
• Rhinoscleroma, 278, 282
• Smegma, 280
• of swine erysipelas, 278
• of swine plague, 279
• [Pg 312]of tetanus, 278, 281
• Tuberculosis, 278, 280, 282
• of typhoid fever, 279, 281
• Cladothrix, 283
• Diplococcus pneumoniæ, 278, 280
• Gonococcus, 279, 280
• Gram-negative, 278
• Gram-positive, 278
• Leptothrix, 283
• Meningococcus, 279, 280
• Micrococcus:
• Catarrhalis, 280
• Melitensis, 279
• Tetragenus, 278, 280
• Nocardia, 283
• Oïdium Albicans, 278, 285
• Spirilla and spirochaetes, 283
• Spirillum:
• of Asiatic cholera, 279
• Obermeieri, 284
• of recurrent fever, 283
• of Vincent’s angina, 284
• Spirochæte:
• of African relapsing fever, 284
• of fowl-spirillosis, 284
• Pallida, 279, 284
• Refringens, 284
• Staphylococcus:
• Pyogenes albus, 278, 280
• Pyogenes aureus, 278, 280
• Pyogenes citreus, 278, 280
• Streptococcus pyogenes, 278, 280
• Vibrios:
• Staining of, 283
• of cholera, 283
• Balantidium coli, 286
• Basic stains, 253
• Basic aniline dyes, 257
• Beale’s glycerin carmine, 218
• Béclard’s center, 181
• Benda’s method, 268
• Iron hæmatoxylin, 273
• Beneke’s method, 147
• Best’s glycogen methods, 270
• Bethe’s method, 300
• Biebrich scarlet, 293
• Bielschowsky’s method, 299, 300
• Bignami’s method, 286
• Bile capillaries, demonstration of, 297
• Bile passages, 151
• Birch-Hirschfeld’s method, 263
• Bismarck brown, 257
• Bladder, urinary, 161, 163, 165, 169
• Blastomycetes, 285
• Bleu Borrel, 290
• Blood:
• Biologic test for, 306
• Examination of, 288
• Fat in, 293
• Films, 288
• Fixing of, 288
• Medicolegal examination of, 305
• Parasites of, 293
• Sections, 293
• Size of red cells, 305
• Staining of, 289
• Blood-content, 39
• Blood platelets, 292
• Blood vessels, peripheral, 174, 176
• Body, heat of, 50
• Böhmer’s hæmatoxylin, 254
• Bone marrow:
• Examination of, 173
• Special pathology of, 174
• Staining of, 293
• Staining methods, 294
• Bones:
• Examination of, 173
• Special pathology of, 174
• Borax carmine, 257
• Bordeaux red, 273
• Brain:
• Basal vessels, 89
• Removal of, 69
• Section of, 70
• Section in skull, 76
• Section, Déjerine method, 77
• Section, Meynert method, 77
• Section, Pitres method, 75
• Section, Virchow method, 70
• Special pathology of, 93
• Bremer’s reaction, 292
• Broad ligament, 165, 172
• Bronchi, 118, 120, 128
• Bunge’s fluid, 275
• Burckhardt’s fluid, 231
• Burns, death from, 192
• Buzzi’s method, 267
• C.
• Cadaver:
• Age of, 42
• Build of, 44
• External examination of, 41
• Facies of, 44
• Head of, 44
• Identification of, 41, 187
• Legal status of, 5
• Nationality of, 42
• Nutrition of, 44
• Occupation of, 42
• Orifices of, 52
• Palpation of, 52
• Percussion of, 52
• Restoration of, 193
• Sex of, 41
• Status of, 42
• Calcification, 220, 264
• Canada balsam, 250
• Carotids, 134, 139
• Carbol-kresyl-echt-violett, 220, 263
• Carbol-xylol, 249
• [Pg 313]Carbon-monoxide poisoning, 190
• Carmine, 256
• Carmine, ammonia, 258
• Carmine and picric acid, 260
• Carnoy’s fluid, 231
• Cartilage:
• Béclard’s center, 181
• Costal, 99, 105
• Staining of, 295
• Cell granules, 265
• Cell inclusions, 265
• Cellodin, 234, 235, 239, 240, 243, 245, 247, 251
• Cercomonas, 286
• Cerebellum:
• Examination of, 92
• Pathology of, 92
• Section of, 74
• Cerebrum:
• Examination of, 90
• Section of, 70
• Size, 90
• Weight, 90
• Cestodes, 287
• Chancroid, bacillus of, 281
• Chisel, 12
• Brunetti, 15, 56
• Curved, 55
• Esquirol, 55
• Straight, 55
• Tomahawk, 55
• Cholera, vibrio of, 283
• Cholesterin, 266
• Chorioid plexus, 92
• Chloral hydrate, poisoning with, 190
• Chloroform, poisoning with, 190
• Chromaffinic tissues, 304
• Chromic acid, 228
• Chromogen, 300
• Chromophilic cells, 276
• Claudius’ method, 223
• Clearing, 249
• Clearing fluids, 249
• Cloudy swelling, 266
• Cocci, staining of, 278, 279, 280
• Coccidia, 286
• Cold, death from, 192
• Collagen, staining of, 296
• Colloid, 266
• Colophonium, 250, 278
• Color:
• of hair, 48
• of organs, 35
• Congo red, 293
• Connective tissue, staining of, 295
• Consistence, 36
• Copper, test for, 276
• Cord, spinal:
• Examination of, 53, 61
• Pathology of, 61, 62
• Removal of, 57, 59
• Size, 61
• Weight, 61
• Cornification, 266
• Courmont and Andre’s method, 276
• Cover-glass preparations, 244
• Cowper’s gland, 161
• Cranium:
• Examination of, 64
• Examination of base, 78, 93
• Crushing, 210
• Crystal-violet, 224
• Cut surface, 38
• D.
• Dahlia, 271
• Damar, 250
• Dark field, 205, 284
• Condenser, 284
• Death:
• Apparent, 43
• Icard’s test for, 43
• Larcher’s sign of, 43
• Magnus’ sign of, 44
• Positive signs of, 42
• Ripault’s test for, 43
• Tests for, 43
• Time of, 42
• Decalcification, methods of, 232
• Combined with fixation, 232
• Ebner’s fluid, 233
• Haug’s solution, 233
• Phloroglucin, 233
• Schaffer’s, 233
• Sulphurous acid, 232
• Trichloracetic acid, 232
• Decidua, demonstration of, 307
• Deetjen’s agar solution, 292
• Deformities, 45
• Dehydration, 249
• Déjerine method, 77
• Delafield’s hæmatoxylin, 255
• Delépine’s method, 261
• Diaphragm, 98, 104, 148, 159
• Differentiation, 246, 247
• Diffuse stains, 258
• Diffusion spots, 51
• Digestion, 210, 217, 296
• Diplococcus pneumoniæ, 278, 280
• Dissociation fluids, 219
• Donaggio’s methods, 302
• Dorsal incision, 60
• Drawing, 310
• Duodenum, 143, 150
• Dura:
• Basal, 93
• of brain, 88
• of cord, 60
• E.
• Ear, 81, 82, 83, 94
• Examination of, 81, 82, 83, 94
• Politzer method of examining, 85
• Microscopic examination of, 297
• [Pg 314]Edinger drawing apparatus, 310
• Ehrlich:
• Acid hæmatoxylin, 255
• Dahlia method, 271
• Triple stain, 261, 292
• Ehrlich-Biondi-Heidenhain stain, 273
• Ejaculatory ducts, 161
• Elastic fibres:
• Orcein stain for, 296
• Resorcin-fuchsin, 296
• Staining of, 296
• Weigert’s method, 296
• Electricity, death from, 192
• Eleidin, 266, 267
• Eosin, 258, 259, 260
• Epithelial fibres, 304
• Ergot, poisoning with, 190
• Erlitzky’s fluid, 228
• Ether, 220
• Eustachian tube, 83, 84, 85
• Eyes, 45, 94
• Microscopic examination of, 297
• Pathology of, 94
• F.
• Face, 86
• Facies, 44
• Fat, in blood, 293
• Indophenol stain for, 268
• Osmic acid stain for, 267
• Scarlet R stain for, 268
• Scharlach R stain for, 268
• Staining of, 267
• Sudan III stain for, 268
• Fat-granule cells, 303
• Fat tissue, staining of, 297
• Fatty acids, 268
• Fett Ponceau, 220
• Fibres, elastic, 296
• Epithelial, 304
• Sharpey’s, 295
• Fibrin:
• Staining of, 269
• Weigert’s method of staining, 269
• Fibroglia, 296
• Mallory’s stain for, 296
• Filaria, staining of, 287
• Films, blood, 288
• Fisher’s milk injection, 218
• Fixation, 225, 288
• Fixation and hardening, 225
• Acetone method, 226
• Alcohol, 227
• Altmann’s solution, 230
• Burckhardt’s fluid, 231
• Carnoy’s fluid, 231
• Chromic acid and salts, 228
• Combined with decalcification, 232
• Determination of method, 231
• Erlitzky’s fluid, 228
• Flemming’s solution, 230
• Flemming’s chroma-cetic solution, 231
• Formalin, 229
• Formol, 229
• Formol-acetone, 227
• Formol-alcohol, 228
• Freezing and drying, 229
• Heat, 229
• Hermann’s solution, 230
• Marchi’s solution, 230
• Mercuric chloride solution, 230
• Merkel’s fluid, 231
• Orth’s fluid, 228
• Osmic acid, 230
• Pianese’s solution, 230
• Picric acid solution, 230
• Rabl’s fluid, 231
• Rawitz’s fluid, 231
• Rules for, 226
• Sublamine, 230
• Zenker’s solution, 230
• Flemming’s solution, 230
• Flemming’s solution and safranin, 272
• Fluids:
• Burckhardt, 231
• Carnoy, 231
• Dissociation, 219
• Ebner, 233
• Erlitzky’s, 228
• Indifferent, 219
• Maceration, 219
• Merkel, 231
• Müller’s, 228
• Orth, 228
• Pacini, 305
• Physiologic, 219
• Rabl, 231
• Rawitz, 231
• Fluorchrom, 299
• Florence sperm reaction, 300
• Fœtal tissues, demonstration of, 307
• Formalin, 229
• Formol, 229
• Formol-agar, 237
• Formol-alcohol, 228
• Formol-gelatin, 237
• Fowl-spirillosis, 284
• Freezing, 211
• Freezing and drying, 229
• Freezing microtome, 211, 214, 216
• Fresh material, examination of, 208
• Staining of, 220, 243
• Treatment of, 221
• Fuchsin, 257
• G.
• Gaffky’s method, 281
• Gall bladder, 145, 155
• Ganglia:
• Cerebral, 92
• Spinal, 60
• Sympathetic, 148, 158
• [Pg 315]Ganglion cells, staining of, 298
• Gelatin preparations, 223
• Gentian violet, 263, 279
• Giemsa’s method, 291
• Stain, 284, 290, 291
• Glycerin, 219, 250
• Glycerin-gelatin, 250
• Glycogen:
• Best’s method for, 270
• in leucocytes, 293
• Staining of, 270
• Golgi’s network, 300
• Gonococcus, 279, 280
• Gram-positive bacteria, 278
• Gram-negative bacteria, 278
• Gram-Weigert stain, 269
• Granules:
• Altmann’s, 230, 265
• Basophile, 290, 291, 292
• Cell:
• Plasma, 271, 272
• Mast, 271, 272
• Eosinophile, 290, 291, 292
• Neutrophile, 290, 291, 292
• Nissl’s, 298
• Green’s method, 263
• H.
• Hæmalum, 255
• Mayer’s, 255
• Mayer’s acid, 255
• Staining with, 256
• Hæmatoxylin, 234
• Alum, 254
• and acid fuchsin, 259
• and eosin, 259
• and orange G, 259
• and picric acid, 259
• Benda’s iron, 273
• Böhmer’s, 254
• Delafield’s, 255
• Ehrlich’s acid, 255
• Hansen’s, 255
• Heidenhain’s iron, 273
• Weigert’s iron, 255
• Hæmolymphnodes, 148, 158
• Hæmosiderin, 275
• Hair, 48
• Medicolegal examination of, 307
• Hansen’s hæmatoxylin, 255
• Hardening, methods of, 225
• Harke’s method, 85
• Hasting’s stain, 290
• Haug’s solution, 233
• Head, 44
• Examination of, 63
• Inspection of, 44
• Heart:
• Left, 125
• Nauwerck’s method of opening, 114
• Orifices and valves of, 125
• Prausnitz’s method of opening, 116
• Right, 124
• Section of, 107
• Size and weight of, 123
• Special pathology of, 126
• Vessels of, 125
• Virchow’s method of opening, 113
• Heat, death from, 192
• fixation by, 229
• Heidenhain’s iron hæmatoxylin, 273
• Heller’s method, 30
• Hermann’s solution, 230
• Herxheimer’s method, 304
• Hey saw, 14, 85
• Histologic features, 39
• Huber and Snow’s plate method, 245
• Hyalin, staining of, 271
• Hydrocyanic acid, poisoning with, 190
• Hydropic degeneration, 271
• Hydroxides, potassium and sodium, 220
• Hypertrophy, 271
• Hypophysis, 80, 92
• Hypostasis, 50
• I.
• Icard’s test, 43
• Identification of cadaver, 41, 187
• Iliacs, 158
• Iliopsoas muscle, 148, 159
• Illuminating gas, poisoning with, 190
• Imbedding, methods of, 234
• Acetone, 237
• Celloidin, 234, 235
• Formol-agar, 237
• Formol-gelatin, 237
• Paraffin, 234, 236
• Pyridin, 237
• Incision, main, 96
• India ink method, 284
• Indophenol, 268
• Infanticide, 191
• Infiltration, 234
• Inflammation, 271
• Injection, methods of, 217
• Beale’s glycerin carmine, 218
• Fisher’s milk, 218
• Silbermann’s, 218
• Thiersch’s Berlin blue gelatin, 218
• Instruments, autopsy, 9
• Intestines, 141, 150
• Iodine-glycerin, 220
• Iodine, test for, 272
• Iodine green, 263
• Iodine test for amyloid, 262
• Iron:
• Ammonium sulphide test, 275
• Combined or masked, 275
• Potassium ferrocyanide test, 275
• [Pg 316]Tests for, 275
• J.
• Joints, 174, 176
• Jugulars, 133, 139
• Justus’ test, 272
• K.
• Kaiserling’s method, 222
• Keratin, 267
• Keratohyalin, 266, 267
• Kidney:
• Left, 145, 155
• Removal of, 145-147
• Right, 146, 155
• v. Kölliker’s method, 295
• v. Kossa’s silver method, 264
• Kresyl-echt-violett, 263, 273
• L.
• Laboratory, outfit, 201
• Utensils, 207
• Lævulose, 250
• Lake, 253
• Langhans’ method, 240
• Larcher’s sign, 43
• Larynx, section of, 133
• Pathology of, 136
• Lead, poisoning with, 190
• Test for, 276
• Legal aspects of autopsy, 5
• Leishman-Donovan bodies, 286
• Leishman’s stain, 290
• v. Lenhossék’s method, 298
• Leptothrix, 283
• Letulle’s method, 30
• Leukocytes, staining of, 291
• Levaditi’s method, 284
• Ligaments, broad, 165, 172
• Uterine, 172
• Lithium carmine, 257
• Liver, pathology of, 153
• Section of, 144
• Staining of, 297
• Location of organs, 34
• Luer’s rhachiotome, 14, 55
• Lugol’s solution, 220
• Lungs, section of, 116
• Pathology of, 126, 127
• Lustgarten’s bacillus, 280
• Lymphatics, 158
• Uterine, 172
• Lymphnodes:
• Bronchial, 118, 120, 129
• Cervical, 134, 138
• Mesenteric, 145, 155
• Microscopic examination, 293
• Pelvic, 165
• Portal, 145
• Regional, 174, 176
• Retroperitoneal, 148
• Lymphocytes, staining of, 292
• M.
• Maceration, 210
• Fluids, 219
• Macroscopic preparations, 222
• Magnus’ sign, 44
• Malarial organisms, 286, 291, 292
• Mallory’s method for actinomyces, 283
• for amœba, 285
• for fibroglia, 296
• for neuroglia, 301
• for reticulum, 295
• Mallory-Wright method:
• Serial sections, 240
• Tubercle-stain, 282
• Mall’s digestion-method, 296
• Mamma, 99, 105
• Mann’s method, 287
• Marchi’s fluid, 230
• Method, 302
• Marking of plates, 246
• Mast cells, staining of, 271
• Material, examination of fresh, 208
• Treatment of, 199
• Mayer’s acid-hæmalum, 255
• Hæmalum, 255
• Mediastinum, anterior, 121
• Medicolegal examination, 305
• Medulla, 75, 92
• Megastoma entericum, 286
• Melnikow-Raswedenkow, 223
• Meninges of cord, 60, 61
• Basal, 89, 93
• Inner, 61, 89
• Vessels of, 88
• Meningococcus, 279, 280
• Mercuric chloride fixation, 230
• Mercury, test for, 276
• Merkel’s fluid, 231
• Mesenteric lymphnodes, 145, 155
• Mesentery, 145, 155
• Metachromasia, 247, 254
• Methods:
• Apathy’s, 300
• Benda’s, 268
• Best’s, 270
• Bethe’s, 300
• Bielschowsky’s, 299, 300
• Bignami’s, 286
• Birch-Hirschfeld’s, 263
• Buzzi’s, 267
• Claudius’, 223
• Courmont and Andre’s, 276
• Delépine’s, 261
• Donaggio’s, 302
• Ehrlich’s dahlia, 271
• Ehrlich’s triple stain, 261, 292
• Fick’s, 267
• Gaffky’s, 281
• Giemsa’s, 284, 291
• Golgi’s, 300
• [Pg 317]Green’s, 263
• Herxheimer’s, 304
• Huber and Snow’s, 245
• India-ink, 284
• Jenner’s, 290
• Kaiserling’s, 222
• v. Kölliker’s, 295
• v. Kossa’s, 264
• Langhans’, 240
• v. Lenhossék’s, 298
• Levaditi’s, 284
• Mallory’s, 240, 285, 295, 296, 301
• Mallory and Wright’s, 240, 282
• Mann’s, 287
• Marchi’s, 302
• Melnikow-Raswedenkow, 222
• Meynert’s, 77
• Molasses plate, 245
• Morse’s, 263
• Nikiforoff’s, 283
• Nissl’s, 298
• Noniewicz’s, 281
• Pappenheim’s, 279, 292
• Pianese’s, 265
• Pick’s, 223
• Platner’s, 303
• Politzer’s, 85
• Ramon j Cajal, 300
• Romanowsky, 272, 286, 290
• Schaffer’s, 233
• Schmorl’s, 294
• Schmorl-Giemsa, 284
• Schmorl-Obregia, 240, 245
• Silbermann’s, 218
• Smith’s, 269
• Strouse’s, 220
• Trambusi’s, 293
• Unna’s chancroid, 281
• Collagen, 296
• Fungi, 285
• Mast cell, 271
• Van Gieson’s, 260
• Warthin’s plate, 221, 245
• Weigert’s, elastic tissue, 296
• Fibrin, 269
• Gram, 269, 278
• Myelin sheath, 299
• Neuroglia, 300
• Westenhoeffer’s, 223
• White’s, 261
• Wiesel’s, 304
• Williamson-Bielschowsky, 299
• Wolkowitsch’s, 282
• Wood’s, 220
• Wright’s blood, 284, 290
• Ziehl-Neelsen, 280
• Zieler’s, 279
• Methods of staining, 246
• Methyl blue, 287
• Methylene blue, 257, 260, 289
• Methyl green, 257, 263
• Methyl green-pyronin, 279, 292
• Methyl violet, 262
• Meynert’s method, 77
• Micrococcus, catarrhalis, 280
• Melitensis, 279
• Tetragenus, 278, 280
• Micro-organisms, pathogenic, 277
• Microscope, accessories, 201-205
• Choice of, 201
• Polarization, 205
• Use of, 203
• Microspectroscope, 205, 306
• Microtome, choice of, 206
• Freezing, 206
• Knives, 206, 211
• Milk-injection, 218
• Mineral acids, 220
• Mitotic figures, 272
• Molasses method, 221, 245
• Mordant, 253
• Morse’s method, 263
• Moulds, pathogenic, 220, 285
• Mounted preparations, drawing of, 310
• Photographing of, 310
• Study of, 309
• Mounting, 243, 250, 251
• Mouth, 135
• Muchæmatin, 274
• Mucin, 273
• Mucicarmin, 274
• Mucous membranes, 49
• Müller’s fluid, 228
• Muscles, 49, 102, 148, 159, 297
• Myelin, 274
• Myelin-sheath staining, 299
• Myoglia, 297
• N.
• Nails, 49
• Natural dyes, 253
• Neck, 45
• Neck organs, pathology of, 135
• Removal of, 131
• Section in situ, 134
• Necrosis, 274
• Negri bodies, 286
• Nematodes, 287
• Neoplasms, 274
• Nerve-degeneration, 302, 303
• Nerves, cranial, 93
• Inferior laryngeal, 134, 139
• Peripheral, 174, 176, 303
• Superior laryngeal, 134, 139
• Nervous tissue, staining of, 298
• Neurofibrillar structures, 300
• Neuroglia, staining of, 300, 301
• New-born:
• Age of, 182
• Autopsy of, 177, 182
• Cause of death, 185
• Organs of, 183
• [Pg 318]Size of, 182
• Nikiforoff’s method, 283
• Nissl’s granules, 298
• Method, 298
• Nitrobenzol, poisoning with, 191
• Nocardia, 283
• Nocht’s stain, 290
• Noniewicz’s method, 281
• Nose, pathology of, 95, 136
• Section of, 85
• Nuclear stains, 246, 254
• Nucleolus, staining of, 258
• O.
• Occupation, 42
• Odor, 37
• Oedema, 50
• Oesophagus, pathology of, 130, 136
• Section of, 120, 133
• Oïdium albicans, 278, 285
• Omentum, 104
• Opium, poisoning with, 191
• Orange G, 258, 259
• Orbit, examination of, 81
• Orcein, 279, 296
• Organs, abdominal, 104
• of new-born, 183
• of special sense, 174, 176
• Thoracic, 121
• Orifices, 52
• Orr’s osmic-acid method, 299
• Orth’s fluid, 228
• Osmic acid, 220, 230, 267
• Ovary, pathology of, 172
• Section of, 165
• P.
• Pacchionian bodies, 88
• Pacini’s fluid, 305
• Palate, 133, 135
• Palpation, 52
• Pal’s solution, 302
• Pancreas, 144, 152
• Panniculus, 50, 102
• Pappenheim’s method, 279, 292
• Paraffin, imbedding in, 234, 236
• Mounting of sections, 251
• Ovens, 207
• Preparation of sections, 244, 245, 246
• Sections, 241
• Serial sections, 242
• Staining of sections, 247
• Parametrium, 165
• Parasites, animal, 285
• Parathyroids, 134, 138
• Parotid, 86, 134, 138
• Parovarium, 165
• Pathogenic, bacteria, 277
• Moulds, 220, 285
• Yeasts, 285
• Peduncles, 92
• Pelvis, examination of female, 163
• Examination of male, 160
• Penciling, 216
• Penis, 163, 166
• Percussion of cadaver, 52
• Pericardium, 106, 122
• Peripheral nerves, 174, 176, 303
• Peritoneum, 148
• Pharynx, 133, 135
• Phosphomolybdic acid, 294
• Phosphorus, poisoning with, 190
• Phosphotungstic acid, 294
• Pianese’s method, 265
• Solution, 230
• Pick’s method, 223
• Picric acid, 231, 258, 259, 260
• Picrocarmine, 260
• Pigment, 274
• Pineal gland, 92
• Pitre’s method, 75
• Plasmodium malariæ, 286, 291, 292
• Plate method, 245, 246
• Platner’s method, 303
• Plimmer’s bodies, 266
• Poisoning:
• Acids, 189
• Alcohol, 189
• Alkalies, 190
• Antimony, 190
• Arsenic, 190
• Atropine, 190
• Carbon monoxide, 190
• Chloral hydrate, 190
• Chloroform, 190
• Ergot, 190
• Formalin, 190
• Hydrocyanic acid, 190
• Illuminating gas, 190
• Lead, 190
• Mercury, 190
• Morphine, 191
• Nitrobenzol, 191
• Opium, 191
• Phosphorus, 191
• Potassium chlorate, 191
• Potassium cyanide, 190
• Ptomaine, 191
• Strychnine, 191
• Suspected, 188
• Polarization microscope, 205
• Politzer’s method, 85
• Polychrome methylene blue, 264
• Pons, 92
• Portal vein, 145, 155
• Potassium acetate, 219, 250
• Potassium ferrocyanide, 275
• Progressive staining, 247
• Prostate, 161, 163, 168
• Protocol, 33
• Pseudomucin, 276
• Purin bodies, 276
• [Pg 319]Putrefaction, 51
• Pyridin, 237
• Pyronin, 279, 292
• Pyrosoma bigeminum, 286
• R.
• Rabl’s fluid, 231
• Rawitz’s fluid, 231
• Reagents for fresh tissue, 219
• Rectum, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169
• Regeneration, 276
• Regressive staining, 247
• Repair, 276
• Resorcin-fuchsin, 296
• Reticulum, 295, 296
• Rhachiotome of Amussat, 55
• of Luer, 14, 55
• Rigor mortis, 49
• Ripault’s test, 43
• Romanowsky method, 272, 286, 290
• Ross’ electrical warmer, 218
• Russell’s bodies, 265
• S.
• Sarcosporidia, 286
• Scalp, 87
• Scalds, death from, 192
• Scars, 46
• Schmorl’s bone methods, 295
• Schmorl-Obregia method, 240, 245
• Schmorl’s method of examining blood, 305
• Scraping, 209
• Scrotum, 167
• Section cutting, 210, 238
• of celloidin blocks, 239
• of frozen tissue, 239
• of paraffin blocks, 241
• serial of celloidin, 240
• serial of paraffin, 242
• without imbedding, 238
• Sedimentation, 209
• Semen, tests for, 306
• Seminal vesicles, 161, 163, 168
• Sex, 41
• Shaking, 216
• Shape of organs, 35
• Sharpey’s fibres, 295
• Silbermann’s method, 218
• Silver, test for, 276
• Sinus, basal, 93
• Longitudinal, 88
• Size of organs, 34
• Skin, 46
• Staining of, 304
• Skull:
• Base of, 78, 93
• Pathology of, 87
• Periosteum of, 87
• Removal of cap, 63
• Smears, 209
• Soap, Venetian, 298
• Soaps, staining of, 268
• Sperm-reaction, 306
• Spermatozoa, 306
• Spinal cord, 53, 57, 59, 61
• Ganglia, 60
• Spirillum, Obermeieri, 283, 284
• of African relapsing fever, 284
• of fowls, 284
• of recurrent fever, 283
• of Vincent’s angina, 284
• Staining of, 283
• Spirochæte:
• Pallida, 284, 292
• Refringens, 284
• Staining of, 283
• Spleen, 140, 148, 293
• Stage, mechanical, 204
• Warm, 205, 218
• Staining, 246, 247, 253
• General rules for, 248
• Huber and Snow’s method, 245
• In bulk, 247
• Intravital, 217
• Methods, 246, 247, 253
• of bacteria in tissue, 277
• of blood, 288
• of celloidin sections, 243, 247
• of cover-glass preparations, 244
• of fresh tissue, 220, 243, 247
• of leukocytes, 291
• of paraffin sections, 243, 247
• of unimbedded tissue, 243, 247
• on slide, 244
• Plate method, 245
• Preparation for, 243
• Progressive, 247
• Regressive, 247
• Schmorl and Obregia method, 245
• Strouse’s method, 220
• Supravital, 217
• Theories, 253
• Warthin’s molasses method, 245
• Wood’s method, 220
• Stains:
• Acid, 253
• Acid fuchsin, 258
• Alum carmine, 256
• Alum cochineal, 283
• Ammonia carmine, 258
• Aniline, 253
• Aniline blue, 295
• Aniline-gentian-violet, 269, 282
• Aronson-Philipp, 292
• Azur Blau, 290
• Basic, 253
• Basic aniline, 257
• Benda’s, 268
• Benda’s iron hæmatoxylin, 273
• Best’s glycogen, 270
• Biebrich scarlet, 293
• Birch-Hirschfeld, 263
• [Pg 320]Bismarck brown, 257
• Bleu Borrel, 290
• Borax carmine, 257
• Bordeaux red, 273
• Carbol-fuchsin, 280
• Carbol-kresyl-echt-violett, 220
• Carbol-thionin, 220, 286
• Carmine, 256
• Carmine and picric acid, 260
• Combined, 259
• Congo red, 267, 293
• Crystal violet, 224
• Dahlia, 271
• Delépine’s, 261
• Diffuse, 246, 258
• Eosin, 258
• Eosin and methylene blue, 260
• Ehrlich-Biondi-Heidenhain, 273
• Ehrlich’s dahlia method, 271
• Ehrlich’s triple, 261, 292
• Erythrosin, 253, 259, 261
• Fett Ponceau, 220
• Fuchsin, 257
• Gentian violet, 263, 279
• Giemsa’s, 284, 290, 291
• Gram-Weigert, 269
• Green’s, 263
• Hæmatoxylin, 254
• Alum, 254
• Böhmer’s, 254
• Delafield’s, 255
• Ehrlich’s acid, 255
• Hansen’s, 255
• Weigert’s iron, 255
• Hæmatoxylin and acid fuchsin, 259
• Hæmatoxylin and eosin, 259
• Hæmatoxylin and orange G, 259
• Hæmatoxylin and picric acid, 259
• Hasting’s, 290
• Heidenhain’s iron, 273
• Indigo carmine, 295
• Indophenol, 268
• Iodine green, 220, 263, 265
• Jenner’s, 290
• Kresyl-echt-violett, 263, 271, 273
• Leishman’s, 290
• Lithium carmine, 257
• Löffler’s methylene blue, 278
• Magenta, 286
• Malachite green, 265
• Mallory’s fibroglia, 296
• Mallory’s neuroglia, 301
• Mallory’s reticulum, 295
• Martius yellow, 265
• Mayer’s acid hæmalum, 255
• Mayer’s hæmalum, 255
• Methyl blue, 287
• Methyl green, 257, 263
• Methyl green-pyronin, 279, 292
• Methyl violet, 262
• Methylene azure, 254
• Methylene blue, 257, 260, 289
• Alkaline, 257, 278
• Morse’s, 263, 273
• Muchæmatin, 274
• Mucicarmin, 274
• Natural dyes, 253
• Neutral red, 217, 266
• Nile blue, 269
• Nocht’s, 290
• Nuclear, 246, 254
• Orange G, 258, 259
• Orcein, 279, 296
• Pappenheim’s, 279, 292
• Phlosin-red, 218
• Picric acid, 258
• Picrocarmin, 260
• Polychrome methylene blue, 264, 271, 276
• Pranter’s, 279
• Protoplasmic, 246, 258
• Resorcin fuchsin, 296
• Romanowsky’s, 272, 286, 290
• Rubin, 259, 261
• Safranin, 272
• Scarlet R, 220, 264, 268
• Scharlach R, 220, 264, 268
• Schmorl’s, for bone, 294
• Schmorl-Giemsa, 284
• Selective, 246
• Smith’s, 269
• Specific, 246
• Sudan III, 220, 264, 268
• Thionin, 220, 254, 264, 273
• Thionin and phosphotungstic acid, 294
• Thionin and phosphomolybdic acid, 294
• Thionin-picric acid, 294
• Toluidin blue, 253, 264
• Unna’s mast cell, 271
• Unna’s methylene blue, 257, 271, 276
• Unna’s orcein, 296
• Van Gieson’s, 260
• Vesuvin, 253
• Water blue, 304
• Weigert’s elastic tissue, 296
• Weigert’s fibrin, 269
• Weigert’s neuroglia, 297, 300
• White’s, 261
• Wright’s, 284, 290
• Ziehl-Neelsen, 280
• Zieler’s, 279
• Staphylococcus, 278, 280
• Starvation, death from, 192
• Status of cadaver, 42
• Sternum, 105
• Stomach, 144, 151
• Streptococcus, 278, 280
• Sublamine, 230
• Sublingual gland, 134, 138
• Submaxillary gland, 134, 138
• Sulphurous acid, 232
• Supreme Court decisions, 6, 7
• [Pg 321]Surgical operation, material from, 196
• Surgical material, care of, 198
• Description of, 197
• Removal of, 196
• Surgical wounds, 46
• Sympathetic, abdominal, 148, 158
• Cervical, 134, 139
• Peripheral, 174, 176
• T.
• Teasing, 210
• Technique, autopsy, 20
• Teeth, inspection of, 49
• Microscopic examination, 295
• Teichmann’s crystals, 301
• Testicles, 161, 162, 167
• Tests, to determine death, 43
• Icard’s, 43
• Ripault’s, 43
• Tetanus bacillus, 278, 281
• Thiersch’s Berlin-blue gelatin, 218
• Thionin, 220, 254, 264, 294
• Thoracic cavity, 106, 121
• Duct, 120, 130, 134
• Great vessels of, 129
• Vertebræ, 120, 130
• Thorax, 45, 121
• Thymus, 106, 121, 184
• Thyroid, 134, 137
• Time of death, 42
• Tissue, cultivation of, 219
• Tongue, 133, 135
• Tonsils, 133, 135
• Trachea, 133, 136
• Trambusi’s method, 293
• Trauma, signs of, 46
• Trematodes, 287
• Treponema pallidum, 284
• Trichina, 287
• Trichloracetic acid, 232
• Trichomonas, 286
• Trichomycetes, 283
• Trypanosoma, 286
• Tubercle-bacillus, 278, 280, 282
• Tubes, 165, 171
• Typhoid-fever bacillus, 279, 281
• U.
• Unimbedded tissue, 243
• Unna’s alkaline methylene blue, 257
• Chancroid bacillus, 281
• Collagen stain, 296
• Glycerin-ether, 271
• Mast cell stain, 271
• Orcein stain, 296
• Polychrome methylene blue, 271, 276
• Stain for fungi, 285
• Ureters, 158, 161
• Urethra, 161, 165, 168, 169
• Uric acid, 233, 276
• Uterus, 165, 170
• Uvula, 133, 135
• V.
• Vaccine bodies, 287
• Vagina, 165, 169
• Vagus, 134, 139
• Van Gieson’s stain, 260
• Vena cava, 158
• Ventricles, 72, 91
• Venetian soap, 298
• Vermes, 287
• Vertebræ, 60, 62, 139, 148, 159
• Vessels, basal, 89
• Meningeal, 88
• Peripheral, 174, 176
• Uterine, 172
• Vesuvin, 253
• Vibrios, 283
• Vincent’s angina, 284
• Violence, death from, 192
• Virchow method, 70
• Viscera, hollow, 34, 40
• Vulva, 169
• W.
• Warthin’s molasses method, 245
• Washing, 248
• Weigert’s copper-fluorochrom, 268
• Elastic tissue stain, 296
• Fibrin stain, 269
• Gram method, 269
• Iron-hæmatoxylin, 255
• Myelin-sheath stain, 299
• Neuroglia, 297, 300
• Weight, of organs, 34
• Westenhoeffer’s method, 223
• White’s method, 261
• Wiesel’s method, 304
• Williamson-Bielschowsky method, 299
• Wright’s blood-stain, 284, 290
• X.
• Xylol, 249, 250
• Acetone, 278
• Aniline, 270, 278
• Xylol-balsam, 250
• Xylol-damar, 250
• Y.
• Yeasts, pathogenic, 285
• Z.
• Zenker’s solution, 230
• Ziehl-Neelsen method, 280
• Zieler’s method, 279