50 
OPERATION ON A PIG. 
more probable that the entire rectum was wanting, and the ex- 
tremity of the colon terminated at the promontory of the sacrum, 
to which it was bound, and the rudimentary rectum consisted of 
a fibro-ligamentous cord passing backwards to become blended 
with the pelvic fascia that forms the lateral ligaments of the 
bladder, and with the muscular tissue of the retractores ani 
muscles. 
In the majority of such malformations in the human individual, 
the termination is fatal very shortly after birth, unless relieved 
either by an operation or by an outlet existing or taking place 
into a neighbouring cavity, having a communication with the 
surface of the body. In the male, such a connexion takes place 
with the urinary bladder; in the female, with the vagina; and 
thus, for a time, the fatal event is prevented by a partial draining 
away of the contents of the bowels. When none of these outlets, 
however, are effected, the colon bursts, and its contents being 
effused into the peritoneal cavity, the severest form of peritonitis 
is induced, which rapidly ends in death. 
To the human pathologist, therefore, the case which we have 
related is one of very considerable interest, in reference to the 
great length of time (twenty-one days) that supervened between 
the period of birth and that when the relief was given ; and that, 
too, without any of the abovementioned circumstances having 
taken place: and still more that, during all this time the animal 
had fed well, and even thriven under such circumstances. 
Had not, however, speedy relief been given, it was impossible, 
from the distended state of the colon, that its coats could have 
withstood the accumulation much farther, and in a short time 
rupture would have taken place, and a fatal result would have 
ensued. 
I am, Sir, truly your’s, 
James Mercer, M.D. 
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and Lecturer on Anatomy, &c. Edinburgh. 
In the names of all our readers, we offer our cordial thanks to 
the author for the interesting account of the manner in which 
Dr. Mercer has mixed himself up with such a subject. But 
every being, according to him, claims at our hands the offices 
of mercy. Our pride is, that such an one will meddle with our 
comparatively inferior concerns. He shall find his reward in 
our greater respect for his profession — our determination to 
support the honour of our own, and our greater disposition to 
“ Cast round the world an equal eye. 
And feel for all that live.” 
