48 ON DEATH. 



On the Influence of Death of the Brain on general 

 Death. 



Q. Will you state precisely the order in which death 

 progresses, when the mechanical function of the lungs is 

 interrupted? 



t/?. First, the mechanical phenomena, then the chemical 

 fail from want of air; next the cerebral action from want of 

 red blood excitement; then animal life, sensation, locomo- 

 tion, and the voice, from the loss of cerebral action and 

 red blood ; then the general circulation ; next the capillary 

 circulation, from the want of action excited by red blood 

 in secretion, absorption, exhalation; lastly, digestion fails. 

 This is the order of death on loss of the mechanical func- 

 tion of the lungs. ' 



Q. Now give the order in which death supervenes when 

 the chemical function of the lungs ceases? 



#. 1st, Interruption of the chemical phenomena; 2d, 

 Necessary subsequent suspension of cerebral action; 3d, 

 Cessation of sensation, of voluntary locomotion, of the 

 voice, and mechanical phenomena of respiration ; 4th, An- 

 nihilation of the heart's action, and of the general circula- 

 tion; 5th, Termination of the capillary circulation, of the 

 secretions, of exhalation, absorption, and consequently of 

 digestion; 6th, Cessation of animal heat, which is the re- 

 sult of all the functions. This is the progress of death, 

 when the chemical functions of the lungs cease. 



Q. How do asphyxiae vary? 



A. The process is slow or rapid; the subject is convuls- 

 ed or calm. 



Q. What gases produce asphyxia most, speedily? 



