£ 608 ] 
XXXI. A Jhort Account of Dr. Maty’s Illnefs , and of the 
appearances in the dead Body , which was examined on 
the $d of July, 1776, the Day after his Deceafe. By 
Dr. Hunter and Mr. Henry Watfon, FF. R. S. 
Read May I, A BOUT two weeks before he died, he 
was taken with a fit of violent oppref- 
five pain, juft above the pit of the ftomach, which made 
him feel as if he was very near dying. He was bled, 
and gradually recovered; yet fo imperfedtly, that any 
motion of his body, or any preflure upon that part with 
the point of a finger, inftantly brought on fuch oppref- 
five pain, that he was convinced the leaft addition to what 
he had feveral times felt, muft have put an end to his 
life. He had an idea that there might be a collection of 
matter behind the fternum, which might be difcharged 
by fome chirurgical operation. 
Upon examining the part, which with the whole 
body was very much emaciated, there was no protrufion 
or difcolouration. All thoughts of making any perfora- 
tion were laid afide ; and it was thought probable, that 
there was fome inflammation or adhefion of the pericar- 
dium 
