related by Mr. Brown, in which the accident must have been occasioned by the action of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, at the time of exertion, the stomach of the individual having, from disease, been less capable of sustaining any degree of violence. The following are the particulars of the case; "A coal-heaver, aged 50, whilst stooping in the act of lifting some coals, placed his hand suddenly on the pit of the stomach, and complained of severe pain in that situation; this was immediately succeeded by two deep sighs, when he dropped down and expired. On dissection, the parts immediately round the opening were in a higher state of vascularity than the rest, and put on a decidedly torn appearance, which was also observable in the peritoneal coat." In pursuing the track of the alimentary canal we have to observe whether any marks of peritoneal inflammation present themselves; and whether any signs of inflammation in the muscular or mucous coats are visible through the transparent parietes of the intestine; and although no appearance of this kind can be discovered on the external coat of the bowels, we are not, on that account, to conclude that they have been free from inflammation; we must persevere in our dissection, and slit open the intestines in different parts, especially at the entrance of the ilium into the colon; the valve of the latter gut should also be inspected; nor should the rectum escape our attention, for its extremity is sometimes inflamed together with the stomach, while the intermediate portions of the canal are not in the least affected; this peculiarity occurs in many cases of poisoning, as those, for instance, in which colocynth or elaterium have been exhibited. An empoisoned clyster may have been administered; or, as in the case of King Edward
