huffy coat of the blood. 275 
suddenly killed by a blow on the occiput ; the cavity of the 
chest was instantly laid open, and the pericardium inspected. 
A small quantity of serum was found in it, which was re- 
moved with a sponge, and the incisions made were closed 
by sutures. At the end of twenty-four hours the sutures 
were divided, and the pericardium was again examined. Not 
a single drop of fluid had collected in it, in any instance, 
though in two of the trials the right auricle and ventricle 
were considerably distended with blood. 
If these results be conclusive against fluid being effused 
into the pericardium after death in dogs, the conclusion from 
them, admits of being extended by analogy to other cavities 
of the same texture, and to man ; and I am not acquainted 
with any pathological observations in opposition to it. The 
discovery of serous effusions in examinations post mortem, 
no symptoms of their occurrence or existence having been 
noticed during life, is surely no evidence of their having taken 
place after the cessation of vital action. It is too well known 
to be insisted on, that large portions of fluid may accumu- 
late in the pericardium, and even in the ventricles of the 
brain, without a single symptom to indicate the fact. 
Fort Pitt , Chatham, 
March 5 , 1822 . 
