3. Circumstances to be learnt by the Interrogation of competent witnesses.
It is merely necessary to enumerate the facts which it is our duty to elicit by such an inquiry, in order to shew their importance and relations; we shall therefore conclude this part of our subject without any farther comments, and proceed to furnish such directions as may enable the medical witness to complete his investigation by the anatomical examination of the body, without which, our preceding researches can never be received as satisfactory and conclusive. "Inspectio ejusmodi cadaveris adeo necessaria est, ut omissa ea, nihil certi de reo statui possit."[1] 4. Circumstances to be learnt by Anatomical Dissection.
After the observations which we have already offered upon the subject of wounds, it can be scarcely necessary to urge the necessity of a speedy examination of the more superficial lesions, which are likely to be effaced, or changed in character by the progress of decomposition; "putredo mutat formam cadaveris et lesionem." The deeper wounds may at the same time be inspected, but the greatest care should be taken that they are not extended during the dissection, for unless they be preserved, as far as it is possible, in their natural condition, we shall not be able to establish a satisfactory connection between the external injury, and the internal lesions with which it may be complicated. Having complied with these injunctions, we are to proceed to lay open the cavities. The order in which these operations are to be performed is not of much moment; but let it be gene-
- ↑ Teichmeyer Inst. Med. Leg. p. 176.
