478 
Dr Duckworth, Report on the brain of a 
Report on the brain of a microcephalic idiot with bilateral 
porencephaly. By W. L. H. Duckworth, M.D., Sc.D., University 
Lecturer in Physical Anthropology. 
[Read 27 January 1908.] 
[Plate XVII.] 
Among the subjects dissected in the Anatomy School at 
Cambridge, during the Lent Term 1905, was a microcephalic 
male individual of small stature (Subject No. 11). 
The skull-cap and the encephalon were made over to me for 
examination, the results of which are given in the sequel. 
Through the courtesy of the Superintendent of the Three 
Counties Asylum, I am able to provide the accompanying 
clinical notes on the case. 
EXTRACTS FROM CASE BOOK No. 1. 
William Sharman. Admitted from St Neots Union , March 8, 1865. 
Age 18. Single. No occupation. 
He is not very well nourished, has the general appearance of an idiot. 
Eyes dark and clear. Head small and very flat behind, expression of 
countenance idiotic. He does not appear to have any disease of the lungs 
or heart. He has been an idiot from birth, has very imperfect articulation. 
His understanding is slight although he partially comprehends when spoken 
to. He does not appear dirty in his habits. He has been taken care of in 
St Neots Union House up to the time he came here, but latterly he became 
violent and destructive so they could not manage him. He is not epileptic 
and does not appear to be paralysed. 
May, 1878. 
June 5 „ 
March 23, 1882. 
December 2, 1882. 
May 6, 1885. 
October 15, 1888. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
Fairly good health, idiotic, speechless. 
Is suffering from an inflamed testicle retained in inguinal 
canal, tender and painful, poultice, bed. H. M. 
Bodily condition fairly good, very little mind, cannot 
answer the simplest question. Has bubonocele of 
right side, and right testicle occasionally gets caught 
in right inguinal canal. 
Does not speak, quite idiotic, cannot employ himself, 
feeble health, very destructive. 
Has a “ bubonocele,” mind feeble, never speaks, in feeble 
health and condition. 
Has no mind, smiles blandly at nothing, suffers at times 
from an inguinal hernia which becomes strangulated ; 
unclean and very destructive. 
Several years’ entries are intentionally omitted as nothing 
new could be stated in the patient’s condition. Hernia 
had not descended for many months. 
No change. 
No change. 
