590 HYDROTHORAX. 



in all of them the water was confined to one, and that the 

 right side ; the quantity in the left was too inconsiderable to 

 notice. This, then as appears in theory so imperative 

 constitutes a favourable indication. We find again with 

 the exception of Mayot's case, in which the quantity of water 

 was inconsiderable, and which, after all, looks like a relapse 

 that two of them were tapped in the second, the other in 

 the fourth week after the attack; none, therefore, could be 

 called old or chronic cases. The secreting membrane could 

 in neither case be said to have acquired any habit of secre- 

 tion or any materially altered organism. Age may have 

 some influence. Mr SewelTs patient was five years old, Mr 

 Trapp's eight. Stamina, healthiness of constitution, and in 

 other respects, must have great influence. All these circum- 

 stances, and there are others, ought, I repeat, to be taken into 

 consideration in dealing with a case of hydrothorax." 



Tapping the chest paracentesis thoracis is a simple 

 operation. It is performed at a dependent point in the 8th 

 or 9th intercostal space. The anterior margin of a rib is 

 felt, and a slight incision into the skin and subcutaneous tis- 

 sues made with a lancet or bistouri. A small trochar is then 

 pressed inwards with great ease, pushing the canula over 

 the stilet the instant it has penetrated. On removing the 

 stilet, the fluid escapes freely. A probe must be at hand 

 to remove any object which may plug the canula, and ensure 

 the free flow. 



After being tapped, animals must be supported by stimu- 

 lants, tonics, and judicious diet. 



SPORADIC PLEURO- PNEUMONIA. 



The serous covering of the lung, and the substance of this 

 organ, may be simultaneously inflamed, and the combined 

 symptoms of pleurisy and pneumonia are observed, as the 



