DISEASES OF THE HEART AND ITS MEMBRANES. 669 



membranes, difficulty in breathing, and coldness of the surface. 

 Animals so affected live but a short time. 



ECTOPIA CORDIS. 



3iisplacement of the Heart. — The most common form of cardiac 

 misplacement is that in which the heart is situated outside the 

 chest. I have specimens in my possession in which both 

 ventricles and auricles are outside the chest, and in which the 

 heart communicates with the interior of the body through large 

 foramina in the sternum. 



