166 REPORT—1840. 
systole and diastole, described as rasping and filing, respect- 
ively (W. and T.), the natural sounds being distinct. The 
needle was introduced a second and third time; after the third 
withdrawal of the needle a loud creaking was heard with both 
sounds by two observers, but no constant abnormal sound by 
the third ; the creaking was reported (W. & T.) to continue 
some minutes, when the natural sounds returned, with only a 
slight murmur with the second sound. 
June 22nd. Animal dead, (7 a.m.) and cold. Considerable 
effusion of bloody serum in right pleura and mediastinum ; 
some ecchymoses and marks of perforation on left ventricle, 
with corresponding marks and changes on the pericardium. 
Perforation three quarters of an inch below, and behind or 
nearer to the apex than the semilunar valves. The needle had 
transfixed the left ventricle, slightly wounding the mitral, and 
penetrating the posterior wall. The anterior lamina of the 
mitral had ecchymoses, and the posterior lamina was perforated 
near the edge, with a small fibrinous excrescence on the valve. 
The wound passed through the opposite posterior wall of left 
ventricle, around which there was ecchymosis under the peri- 
cardium. 
The aortics were healthy. 
OsseErRvarTION III. 
June 23rd.—Subject, an Ass ten weeks old. Half-past 7 
A.M. Pulse 60; strong and distinct. A canula was introduced 
about an inch from the xiphoid cartilage and for about an inch 
in depth, when a sound, first as of rubbing, afterwards as of 
blowing, accompanied the latter part of the systole; about an 
ounce of strong brine was then injected, when the pulsations 
became tumultuous and irregular, and the sounds obscure, 
with loud gurgling (probably from injection of air). 
3 P.M. Sounds obscure, but more distinct towards the base, 
where a short creaking (Wms. and Tdd.) or blowing (Cg.) ac- 
companied the first sound, which was not audible in the arte- 
ries. Pulse irregular. 
June 24th, 3 p.m. Pulse 90, and regular. Sounds more di- 
stinct than yesterday; and towards the base of the heart, 
accompanied by leather or parchment sound. Respiration la- 
borious. Tender near the heart ; but eats well and is lively. 
June 25th, 7 a.m. A loud parchment rubbing murmur with 
each of the sounds, which otherwise were distinct and natural. 
Pulse 80. 
8 a.m. Jugular vein opened. Copious hemorrhage. Heart’s 
action became rapid, with slight rubbing sound ; soon however 
