- tance above and below the patch, and the portions of
the intestine be then removed. In many cases it will be essential to remove the stomach, as where poisoning is suspected; for which purpose double ligatures, about an inch asunder, must be placed above the cardia, and similar ones in the duodenum; the division may then be made by the scalpel in the space between them. The stomach should be examined without delay, for no one who has not been engaged in such researches, can form an idea of the rapidity with which this viscus loses its characteristic appearances by exposure to air. The stomach is to be slit open with a pair of scissars, care being taken that none of its contents are lost. If the deceased had been found in the water, the quantity of that fluid, found in this viscus, should be noted; and under such circumstances, the presence of any weed, mud, or other extraneous matter, requires particular notice. The quantity of alimentary matter will also afford an object of remark, and it will be right to observe whether, by odour or inflammability, the presence of any spirit can be detected. Having then disposed of the contents of the stomach, and referred them to the chemist for examination, we proceed to examine the viscus itself; in the first place, we should be careful in ascertaining whether any white, or shining particles adhere to its coats; if so, the substance must be preserved for future analysis; the cardia and whole interior of the stomach is to be carefully inspected, and every indication of inflammation, ulceration, gangrene, and schirrosity, is to be noted in reference to its exact situation and appearance; with a view to deduce an opinion as to the probability of its being the effect of poisonous ingesta, or of recent, or remote disease. The mucous membrane of
