PERFORATION OF THE SCULL. 
193 
prevent haemorrhage — is not the convenience thus purchased at the 
risk of the vitality of the bone by injury which the pericranium 
might sustain y — as described in the former case ; and then pro- 
ceeded to cut up the bone with the square-pointed knife, holding 
it obliquely and striking it with the hammer. On turning up the 
bone, the pia mater was displayed uninjured. He then took the 
quill, and, placing it against that membrane, sounded or felt the di- 
rection of the fluctuation. This ascertained, by a free plunge of the 
sloped quill into the brain, he adroitly punctured the cyst. The 
fluid flowed in a full stream, and before withdrawing the quill he 
turned it once or twice round to entangle the cyst on the barbs, 
which he soon accomplished. It was a fine delicate membrane, 
studded with little medullary eminences. My weak nerves cer- 
tainly shook for the safety of the structure of the brain at this 
period of the process. 
The bone and skin were now laid down, and covered with a 
pitch plaster, above which was placed a covering of tar, and then 
a cloth ; and quietude, warmth, and a slop diet, strictly enjoined 
for three weeks. On calling at Hill-Top on the 17th February, I 
learned that, without any other medical treatment, the animal had 
uninterruptedly attained health and vigour. 
On the authority of highly credible persons I have it that this 
is the third time Mr. S. has performed this operation for hydro- 
cephalus in cattle in that immediate neighbourhood within a few 
years, and in each instance with perfect success. 
In answer to the query in your January number, page 50, I 
would respectfully state, that the reference is to the article on In- 
flammatory Fever. Very probably my paper was inadvertently 
sent without a title. The Editor has kindly prefixed a true and 
very appropriate one. It was decidedly a case of black-quarter — 
a tolerable type of the disease as it ordinarily occurs ; and was 
written to support the opinion that it is commonly a local gan- 
grene. I have seen instances of it assuming a more diffuse and 
general form ; but, still, in all it appears to me to possess a truly 
adynamic character. 
P.S. Enclosed is a portion of the ossified pia mater, and also a 
specimen of the puncturing quill for your inspection. 
