204 ORGANISED FLUIDS. 



APPLICATIONS OF A MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF THE 

 SEMEN TO LEGAL MEDICINE. 



The detection of the spermatic animalcules is frequently a 

 matter of high interest and importance in a medico-legal 

 point of view. 



There are three classes of cases in which the microscope, 

 by revealing the presence of spermatozoa, is capable of for- 

 warding the ends of justice and of bringing conviction home 

 to the guilty. 



1st. In cases of suspected violation. 



2nd. In determining the nature of doubtful stains ob- 

 served on the bed-clothes, &c. 



3rd. In unnatural offences. 



With respect to those cases which come under the first 

 division, it may be observed that the medical testimony 

 on which these are usually decided is too often of such a 

 nature as to lead to the acquittal of a really guilty indi- 

 vidual ; the medical man, judging merely from external 

 appearances, being compelled to give evidence either directly 

 favourable to the prisoner, or which is at best but of a 

 doubtful character. 



In suspected violation, then, when the evidence to be 

 deduced from an outward examination is insufficient for the 

 formation of a satisfactory and decided opinion, the micro- 

 scope may frequently be employed with the greatest ad- 

 vantage. 



If the offence imputed has been committed, and if con- 

 nexion has really occurred, then by means of this instru- 

 ment, provided too long a time has not elapsed from the 

 period of the occurrence, that is to say, a period not ex- 

 ceeding from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, the sper- 

 matozoa will be detected in the mucus, properly examined, 

 and obtained from the upper part of the vagina : now the 

 detection of these in such a situation is a demonstration that 

 intercourse has taken place.* 



* Donne, in the Cours de Microscopic, states that he has detected the 

 spermatozoa in the vaginal mucus of women admitted into the hospital, 



