chloride of sodium) contained microscopical crystals which, to the unpractised eye, might give rise to mistake. Their irregular form, at one time needleshaped at another quadratic, their obscure outline, their colour, were sufficient to prevent any confusion. The "red ink," treated with chloride of zinc and alum, gave rhombic-shaped crystals, but they were colourless, and only here and there had a pale rose-red colour, which even the addition of water dispelled. The murexid, however, presented greater difficulty, as it yielded crystals, with or without the addition of acetic acid, which in form and colour were very like hæmin crystals. The difference was, however, established by the fact that the murexid fluid evaporated with acetic acid is of a bright brick-red colour, whereas the fluid of blood so treated is of a dingy brown-red colour. On the addition of water, the murexid evaporated with acetic acid passes into a purple-red colour; on the addition of hydrochloric acid it becomes colourless; and on addition of alkali, blue; whilst hæmin crystals are insoluble in the first fluid, and become dark-green in alkali. In a mixture of murexid and blood with acetic acid we have produced a colour less bright red than pure murexid, and brighter than blood. Water and hydrochloric acid dissolve out the murexid, leaving the hæmin crystals unchanged. PART II.-PATHOLOGICAL MICROLOGY. TUMOURS, MORBID GROWTHS, ETC. Circumscribed Connective-tissue Tumour of the Liver in a Child four weeks old. By Professor LUSCHKA.*-This tumour is totally distinct from the fibroid knots of the syphilitic liver. The child was prematurely born, and from the first had a very pale-yellow skin and a prominent vein-marked abdomen. Twelve days after birth hemorrhage from the umbilical vein came on, and returned several times; and there was vomiting of blood, with cdema of the lower part of the body. On post-mortem examination, a great want of blood was found in every organ, and the spleen and mesenteric glands were very large. The liver was of a greenish yellow colour and large, and contained the tumour at its under surface, so situated as to press on the vena cava, and almost entirely close the ductus venosus. It was round and fleshlike, and here and there contained liver substance and blood-filled vessels. On section, it was seen to be composed of two kinds of material, quite distinct from each other. The inner one, which was a kind of nucleus of the size of a walnut, was very dry and friable, and in colour very like a "corpus luteum." It was not separated from other parts by any even boundary line, but projected more or less into it. The basis of the yellow mass proved to be a molecular detritus containing carbonates, and free fat in small drops, yellow pigment molecules and rhombic hæmatin crystals, with cell groups altered liver cells, and occasional small roundish nucleated cells and spindleshaped corpuscles. The outer part of the tumour was greyish in colour, and almost of a homogeneous look. Here and there existed mesh-work, which could only be considered as transverse sections of enlarged liver vesicles. The predominant element was a fibrillated connective tissue, arranged mainly in broad stripes, containing roundish cell-nuclei placed in a linear way, and containing one or two nucleus-corpuscles, very visible by aid of acetic acid. The connective tissue was found often to contain dark contoured nuclei, with nucleus-corpuscles and an investing substance, drawn out at the extremities into a spindle shape. One or other elongated termination was divided or split into fibre-bundles. No formation of a cell-membrane surrounding the nucleus existed, but simply a surrounding of the cell nuclei by an intervening * Virchow's Archiv, Band xv. Hefte 1, 2, p. 168. of material, having the property of out-growing in various directions and splitting into the finest fibres. The tumour probably in the first instance originated in extravasation of blood into the parenchyma of the liver during fœtal life; there was no ground whatever for attributing it to syphilis. On the Combination of Enchondroma and Carcinoma.-Dr. Lotzbech, of Tübingen, after quoting several instances of such examples,* from Baring, Wardrop, Schaffner, and Paget, describes a case which occurred in a man, aged fifty-nine. The tumour was in connexion with the upper lip, and was of slow growth for eight years, but for the last two years had grown very rapidly. In this case, the cartilage bodies were in many cases seen to be broken up, owing apparently to continuous formation of nuclei; the nuclei became liberated, and so underwent growth and development external to the enclosing membrane. By softening of the cartilage substance these structures became free, and subsequently metamorphosed. In this way many of the mother cells of the cancerous mass seemed to have had origin, whilst others may have arisen from a simple change of pre-existing cells. The writer considers that this endogenous "proliferation" of the contents of cartilage cells of a primary enchondroma, along with liberation of the multiplying nuclei, which undergo changes in connexion with blood vessels, constituted the carcinoma. He concludes by observing the analogy between the cell elements of cartilage and those of areolar tissue, in which the above changes are so frequently observed, even in a pathological point of view; also by noticing how pathological productions (as, for example, enchondroma) may undergo further changes, such as are observed in healthy tissue. New Bone-formation in a Fibro-fatty Tumour of Enormous Weight. By Dr. BECK, of Freiburg. The entire growth was removed from the right thigh of a woman, aged forty-four, and had been forming seven years. It was found to be made up of a number of smaller ones; and on section a quantity of fluid escaped, containing a large number of fat drops; and in many places collections of blood and fibrin had formed, owing to laceration of the vessels and the tension of the tissue. The colour of a sectional surface varied from greyish red and yellow to a waxen colour; occasionally darker coloured parts existed. The various subordinate tumours were bound together by dense areolar tissue. On microscopical examination, the substance of the growth was found to be composed of broad, firm, and finely-fibred structure, in which were contained closely packed fibres, very like those formed directly out of fibrin; and between the fibres existed partly transparent cellules, and in part complete fat cells and fat drops. On addition of acetic and sulphuric acid and sulphuric ether it became evident that the cells contained fat and elaine. In the yellow or yellowish-white part the stroma was not so dense, and the fibres were more like those of areolar tissue, the fat cells of large size, and the whole was very like the structure of lipoma. In some places a kind of detritus existed, the fibres being destroyed, and only fat cells and drops visible. On making a section of the under part of the tumour a hard mass was met with, found to consist of a large osteoid growth weighing no less than five pounds and a half, and of the size of a child's head. This was surrounded by a thick layer of connective tissue, and situated beneath the aponeurosis, having no connexion with the bone, from which it was separated by the muscles. On section of the bony growth parts were found in which much spongy tissue existed, in the cavities of which were fat and albuminous matter; otherwise it consisted of compact bone tissue, having on its surface laminated deposits of new bone. Bone cells and canals were visible, aud on addition of sulphuric acid the fibrous matrix was seen which formed the stroma of the soft part of the Virchow's Archiv, Sept. 1858, p. 394. general tumour. It would appear as if the oldest part of the fibro-fatty tumour had become ossified, and the finely-fibred stroma converted into bonesubstance, and the elementary vesicles and fat cells into bone cells. The author concludes with allusion to the classification of fatty tumours which he has adopted in his work on the histology, &c. of pseudo-plasmata. GLANDULAR SYSTEM, LYMPHATIC AND SECRETING. Two Cases of Multiple Hypertrophy of Lymphatic Glands. By C. A. Wunderlich.*-The descriptions of these cases are given at great length, one being in the person of a man, aged twenty-two, the other of a woman, aged thirty-two. In the first case, the mucous membrane, where visible, was anæmic, and the various glands of the neck, arm-pits, groins, &c., were enlarged. Slight dulness existed under the clavicles, and there were cough, cedema, dyspnoea, excessive expectoration, and rapid pulse. The blood, both before and after death, was examined by the microscope, but no alteration as to the relative number of the white and red blood-corpuscles was found. On post-mortem examination, other lymphatic glands were found very enlarged, of which some had attained the size of a hen's egg, and were variously shaped by pressure, &c. These glands were very vascular, and on section presented a bacon-like consistence; they were of a yellowish-red colour, and contained but little juice, but here and there presented dryish, greyish yellowcoloured spots, ranging in size up to that of a hazel-nut. Although very large, and closely surrounding the large vessels, they did not compress them. The mediastinal glands were so enlarged that the lungs and heart were much pressed backwards and sideways by them, but the large vessels were not encroached upon. Vomice were found in the lungs. A microscopical examination of the enlarged glands showed the juice of the large knots to contain a small round or polygonal cell, with homogeneous or granular contents, of the size of th", with small rounded nuclei and nucleoli, and also a tolerable number of cells, with proportionately large nuclei. These were contained in a fluid, which underwent fibrillation on the addition of acetic acid. A small number also of middle-sized cells existed, with two nuclei, or with long nuclei and two nucleoli. The dry yellowish spots contained the same elements, but had undergone atrophy and degeneration. The stroma showed alveoli, varying in size up to th", round or polygonal in shape, and surrounded by homogeneous or finely-fibred connective tissue, containing but few vessels or nuclei, the smallest alveoli consisting of tissue formed of a single or double row of spindle or starshaped connective-tissue corpuscles, which in the driest parts was wavy. In the second case, along with enlargement of the lymphatic glands in every part of the body, there was an enlargement of the spleen felt during life, and great emaciation, pallor, and pain in the head, which at one time was attended with much fever. On microscopical examination, the enlarged glands were seen to contain a large number of roundish or irregular bodies, as also amorphous, at one time striped, at another flake-like masses, the latter of which became more transparent on addition of acetic acid. The spleen was more than double its ordinary size, and was strewn with a yellowish-red deposit, corresponding histologically with the substance of the swollen glands. The above cases are considered by the author as being neither carcinomatous nor scrofulous in character. The first case he looked upon as simply one of hypertrophy, but of the exact nature of the second he is more doubtful, inasmuch as the partly coagulated fibrin infiltrated through the texture of the organ points to a general constitutional taint. In both these cases it is of interest to remark that no leukhamia was observed. Archiv für Physiolog. Heilkunde, Band ii., 1858, p. 123. 48-XXIV. .16 Fatty Degeneration of the Sweat Glands. By Rudolph Virchow. This observer, considering that the excessive perspiration in certain diseases—as in phthisis, for instance-might be dependent on some change or degeneration of the sweat gland, was led to examine them, especially where seated on the fore part of the chest. The result was that a highly fatty and degenerated state of the epithelium of these glands was found, sometimes with enlargement of the entire gland and extension of the gland-pouch (investment). The fat, however, never reached any very large amount, such, for instance, as in the kidney. The excretory duct, for the most part, was free from this affection. In many instances the results of this process appeared to be a progressive atrophy of the glands, as is the case in many phthisical people. THE BLOOD. On some Modifications of Structure presented by Red Blood-globules in the Adult, in certain Morbid Conditions. By Dr. C. ROBIN.†-The author mentions six altered states which are brought about in the globules of blood which has become extravasated :— 1. When such globules exist infiltrated amongst tissues or in a clot, or suspended in the liquid of a cyst or other closed cavity, a certain number are found which have become spherical or slightly angular, having lost their central depression. Their tint and contour are generally more decided than natural. 2. Some, whether lighter or darker than in the normal condition, are remarkable for granulations contained. These are generally discoïd, and void of any central depression, but some are spherical. The granulations vary from three to five in number, and when few, are situated at the periphery of the disc. When as many as five or six, they form a more or less complete circle. They strongly refract the light, and possess a bright yellowish or red centre, dissolving in acetic and sulphuric acid along with the rest of the globules, also liquifying in potash and ammonia; and after a period of from twelve to sixteen hours, also dissolving in plain water. 3. Globules exist which are quite colourless, having lost all their hæmatosine. These retain their form, but are rather small and delicate, and generally are mixed with the varieties before mentioned, often containing here and there spherical granulations with clear and dark outline; the outline being in some cases as it were double, that is, circumscribed by two circular parallel lines, and this is specially so in the globules which have lost colour but not become granular, and which exist in a small number. These pale coloured globules are less influenced by the action of water, and are smaller than others. 4. In numerous cysts, especially those found often in the thyroïd gland, varicose veins, vesiculæ seminales of old subjects, and in most apoplectic clots, blood globules are met with in a state of accumulation, forming ovoid, angular, and elongated masses, and attaining the size of one-tenth of a millimetre. They are always without a depression, and slightly distended, being paler than usual, and of a reddish-brown colour. Sometimes all contour is lost, and they form a more or less homogeneous mass. At times the masses are surrounded by amorphous substance. 5. When blood globules have remained for a long time in the liquid of various kinds of cysts, they assume a reddish-brown or even chocolate colour. 6. Certain blood globules which have been for a long time in acid urine, or are vomited up in diseases of the stomach, lose their colour, become pale at their centre, the central depression looking very large and transparent, whilst the periphery is very decided. They are less amenable to the influence of water and other reagents than when in the natural state. Virchow's Archiv, March, 1858, p. 288. t Brown-Séquard's Journal de la Physiologie, p. 290. April, 1858. HALF-YEARLY REPORT ON FORENSIC MEDICINE, By BENJAMIN W. RICHARDSON, M.D., L.R.C.P. Physician to the Royal Infirmary for Diseases of the Chest, and Lecturer on Physiology and Hygienic Medicine at the Grosvenor-place Medical School. I. TOXICOLOGY. Poisoning by Arsenic.—In a case ("The People v. James Stephens") recently tried in New York City, for the murder of a wife by her husband, the jury, after long consultation, brought in a verdict of " guilty." The facts of this case are of great moment. The wife of the prisoner, a robust woman weighing one hundred and sixty pounds, and forty-six years of age, was in good health until about three weeks before her death, when she complained of general indisposition and of a sensation of heat in the "chest." A physician called in at that time discovered no indication of disease sufficient to make treatment necessary; he told her she would be well in two or three days. The symptoms, however, advanced, the sense of burning being located at the epigastrium, and vomiting soon setting in. The vomiting always followed the ingestion of food or liquid after a short interval, five to fifteen minutes. A second physician was now summoned, who found the patient suffering from symptoms of severe gastritis. He prescribed as a mixture, nitrate of potassa in five-grain doses, in combination with two grains of Dover's powder. He also ordered quinine in pills in one grain dose, together with three grains of oxgall. A large blister was applied over the stomach, and the blistered surface was dressed with an opiate ointment. These remedies were of little avail. The vomiting continued; the matter vomited was at first yellow, but gradually became green, and toward the close of the case became dark, bordering on brown, and containing spots of blood and a thick, ropy mucus, which could be lifted out of the vessel on a stick. Whatever was swallowed by the patient was rejected; nevertheless, she craved for drinks, and took a variety of fluids. During the last week of her life nervous symptoms manifested themselves. The extremities were cold, though the face was flushed; there was a hesitation in answering questions; partial anesthesia of the hands, slight impairment of voluntary motive power and convulsive tossings of the arms. The expression of the face was languid and anxious, with a peculiar sharpness of the eye. The legs and feet were ædematous, the lips swollen; the urine was scanty, high coloured, and irritating to the urethra. Diarrhoea did not set in until thirty hours before death; the evacuations being then dark coloured and offensive. The respiration, which had before been hurried, became laboured; stupor, interrupted but once by a wild scream, set in; and the scene closed with complete collapse. In regard to the stupor, it is to be borne in mind that opium and brandy were given on the last day by the husband. One witness stated that probably three ounces of landanum and a pint of brandy were given within a space of ten hours on the last day. Mrs. Stephens died, and was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery on the 23rd of September, 1857, no suspicion being expressed that the death was from poison. On September 24th, 1858, the body was exhumed and taken to Bellevue Hospital for official inspection. Dr. James Wood and Professor Doremus conducted the leading scientific inquiries. The body was in a remarkable state of preservation. All the viscera were well preserved except the brain, which was much decomposed; the muscles retained their redness. The mucous membrane of the stomach was hard, much harder than natural, and its veins were large, as if congested. The contents of the stomach were unusually small, and resembled coffee-grounds; the body gave out a very |