53± IKAXCIS' CASES OF MORBID ANATOMY. 



IV. Case of Tubercles of the Liver. 



Plate second, figure the third, exhibits that peculiar state of the liver 

 which is the frequent consequence of a too liberal and long continued 

 use of ardent and vinous spirits. The tubercles, in this case, are of small 

 size ; some not larger than the twelfth of an inch in diameter, others 

 about the size of a common garden pea, or rather larger, and occupy 

 the liver throughout its substance. These bodies, when cut into, accord- 

 ing to Dr. Baillie, are found to consist of a brownish or yellowish white 

 solid matter : in the instance before us, they were of the latter sort, 



The subject of this disease was the late George Frederick Cooke : 

 the causes which led to the formation of this condition of the hepatic 

 viscus, are equally well known as the professional eminence of this 

 celebrated tragedian. In order, however, to render the present case 

 more satisfactory, it may not be improper to insert some few particulars 

 relative to the last illness of Mr. Cooke, and the account of morbid 

 appearances as observed upon inspection after death. These I have 

 extracted from the letter of Dr. Hosack, addressed to William Dunlap, 

 Esq. the biographer of Cooke, and published in his Life, volume the 

 second, to which work reference may be made for more ample details.* 



Sept. 1812. " At that time," says Dr. H. " his abdomen had become- 

 very much enlarged, attended with great hardness in the region of the 

 liver, and a sensible fluctuation occasioned by water in the cavity of the 

 belly. His bowels, at the same time, were in a constant state of consti- 

 pation, except wjien excited by the most drastic purgatives. His lower 

 extremities were also anasarcous, and a general yellowness was diffused 



See also American Medical and Philosophical Register, vol. 4. 



