farther particulars of a case of pneumato-thor ax. 259 
the rib, and using a flaccid bladder furnished with a trochar, 
I could at any time collect this air for examination with the 
greatest ease. The first portion collected (about twenty cu- 
bic inches), was, on the 15th of July, examined by means of 
lime water and phosphorus ; it was found to consist of 
7.5 carbonic acid gas, 
2.5 oxygene, 
90.0 azote. 
The second portion collected (about thirty-five cubic in- 
ches) was on the 20th July ; it consisted of 
6.0 carbonic acid gas, 
5.5 oxygene, 
88.5 azote. 
The last portion collected was on the 29th of the same 
month ( about forty cubic inches ) ; it consisted of 
8.0 carbonic acid gas, 
4.0 oxygene, 
88.0 azote. 
For some days after the operation of paracentesis, the 
health of the patient deteriorated ; his appetite diminished ; 
and he had some fever, but unattended with rigors. At 
this time, judging from the increasing proportion of pus that 
appeared in the fluid dicharged, the pleura was probably un- 
dergoing inflammation, though the side affected was quite 
free from pain. Gradually these symptoms subsided ; and 
on the 15th July he felt better than before the operation ; he 
had less difficulty of breathing, very little cough, and he 
could lie easily on either side. This improvement was pro- 
gressive till the 23rd July, after which his health again be- 
came worse, his appetite impaired, and his spirits lo w ; he had 
