ON DEATH. 41 



Q. There is a great difference in the mode by which 

 asphyxia, syncope, and apoplexy induce death, what is it? 



Jj. In asphyxia death commences in the lungs, in syrt- 

 cope in the heart, in apoplexy in the brain. 



On the Influence of Death of the Lungs upon that of 

 the Heart. 



Q. In diseases, where does death usually commence? 



t/?. In the lungs. 



Q. In syncope, what is the condition of the lungs? 



#. They are empty and collapsed, because the heart 

 failing suddenly, blood is not thrown into them. 



Q. Repeat the mode in which death takes place in the 

 lungs? 



*ft. By the cessation of its mechanical and chemical 

 functions. 



Q. What causes affect the mechanical functions of the 

 lungs? 



t#. A wound which exposes the lungs in both cavities; 

 such a section of the spinal marrow as cuts off the inter- 

 costal and phrenic nerves from cerebral influence; the sud- 

 den introduction of a large quantity of fluid into the cavities 

 of the thorax, &c. 



Q. How are the chemical functions of the lungs de- 

 stroyed? 



#. By asphyxia, strangulation, submersion, or a vacuum 

 however produced. 



Q. How does an interruption to the mechanical func- 

 tions of the lungs affect the heart ? 



#. The collapse of the lungs mechanically obstructs 

 the circulation of the blood from the right side of the 



6 



