164 REPORT—1840. 
further trials under more favourable circumstances are very 
desirable. The experiments referred to are the following :— 
Lonpon ComMITTEE.—EXPERIMENTS For 1838-39. 
OssERvATION I. 
June 14th.—Present, Doctors Roget, Todd, Williams and 
Clendinning. 
Subject, an Ass, about three months old. Pulse about 60, 
regular. At 8 o'clock a.m. a long fine needle with a silver ca- 
nula was passed into the chest, at the left margin of the ster- 
num between the ribs to the depth of two inches. The needle 
exhibited motions. corresponding to those of the heart. The 
needle was withdrawn, and aqua ammoniz diluted with four 
or five parts of water was injected through the canula. The 
pulsations of heart became immediately weak and very irre- 
gular with intermissions. 
10 o’clock. Heart’s action natural. Pulse 77. 
12 o'clock. Pulse 70, occasionally irregularly accelerated 
for a few beats. 
2p.M. Still no abnormal sounds. 
5 p.m. Pulse 78. 
June 15th, 7 a.m. Pulse about 80. 
At half-past 7, half an ounce more of solution of ammonia 
was injected as before, after which pulsations weak and irre- 
gular at first, but afterwards regular. Pulse 96, strong, with 
clear sounds. 
12 o'clock. Pulse 72. Sounds natural and regular; first 
sound somewhat prolonged, with suspicion of murmur. 
June 16th. Sounds strong. Pulse 56. Canula introduced 
at the root of the xiphoid cartilage into the pericardium. 
Some blood followed the needle. Then some strong solution of 
salt was injected; whence irregular accelerated action of the 
heart. 
4p.mM. Nomurmur present. Both sounds distinct. Inter- 
missiui every fourth or fifth beat (Ceg.). 
5p.M. Pulse irregular. First sound double; generally in 
triplets, followed by intermission. The second sound being 
absent in the weak strokes preceding the intermission but di- 
stinct and loud at other times. Pulse 56, but variable (Wms.). 
June 17th, 3 p.m. Pulse 56. Still occasionally retarded. 
Both sounds now rough; roughness most apparent about the 
base of the left side, and scarcely audible in the carotids 
(W 8 i). 
June 18th, 7 a.m. Dead; but yet warm. Much blood” 
