414 



Dr. F. Semon. On the Position of the 



The following are my results as to the -width of the cadaveric 

 glottis : 



Here again on the whole, my results agree with those found by 

 previous observers (Luschka, Von Bruns, B. Frankel, Merkel, 

 Huschke). In 16 larynges of adult males I found a maximum width 

 of 6, a minimum of 3'5 mm., whilst the average was very nearly 5 mm. ; 

 in 9 laryn ges of adult females the maximum width was 6, the mini- 

 mum 2 mm., the average exactly 4 mm. 



It can be positively stated that no relationship exists between the 

 cadaveric widths of the glottis and the ages or statures of the bodies, 

 since the maximum width seen in the female (6 mm.) was observed 

 in a small woman, who had suffered from tuberculosis of the lungs ; 

 the minimum width seen in a man (3'5 mm.) was observed in a tall 

 lad of 19 who died from renal disease. 



At the same time I must not omit to observe that the remarkable 

 differences in the width of the cadaveric glottis as shown by the last 

 table, especially in females (from 2 to 6 mm.) make it to my mind 

 rather doubtful whether the \ expression "cadaveric position of the 

 vocal cords " is a very significant and useful one. 



In an isosceles triangle of 20 mm. length, this being the average 

 length of the glottis in females, it makes a very considerable differ- 

 ence in the position of the sides whether the glottis be 2 mm. or 

 6 mm. in length.* 



* The last-named fact appears to be of considerable importance, with regard to 





