uncommon Formation in the Viscera of the Human Body. 63 
more fully how far the qualities of this curiously prepared 
fluid resembled common bile. 
That the fluid secreted by the liver was not, in this case, 
deficient in quantity, appears to me sufficiently evident. If 
the gait bladder had not suffered occasional repletion, I think 
it would have been found in a state of greater contraction. 
Some bile had escaped from the divided gall ducts, and a con- 
siderable quantity of .his fluid would be required to give so 
deep a tint, as in this case was visible, to the alimentary 
matter. 
I cannot, therefore, but suppose that the empty state of 
the gall bladder was the effect of accident, and not of defi- 
cient secretion by the liver. The bulk and well nourished 
state of the body do, I think, demonstrate that there was no 
defect in the functions of the chylopoetic organs. 
But it will surely be inquired, from what cause the death of 
the child originated. It may be suspected that the mal-forma- 
tion of the liver contributed to its decease ; and particularly 
as no derangement of any vital organ could be discovered. 
Yet if it be considered how frequently children die from 
nervous irritation, or fever, the probability of this suspicion is, 
in my opinion, diminished. The circumstances of the case 
may impress others with contrary sentiments ; I shall re- 
main satisfied with having faithfully described the appear- 
ances of the body, and having offered those remarks which I 
believed deducible from them. 
The peculiarity of the next case, which I have the honour 
to lay before the Society, consists in an uncommon formation 
of the alimentary canal. The body of a boy was brought to 
me for dissection ; it measured four feet three inches in 
