[Read before the Texas Academy of Science , fune 16, 1897. \ 
AN UNUSUAL CASE OF EMPHYSEMA. 
By H. W. Harper and W. W. Norman. 
I. 
During the month of March, 1897, Mr. Felix, of St. Elmo, near Aus- 
tin, Texas, brought to the Biological Laboratory of the University a 
rodent (field rat), the peculiar appearance of which led a number of 
observers to suspect the discovery of a new species. 
The specimen was alive when discovered by the son of Mr. Felix, but 
its life was soon terminated by a dog which accompanied the boy. The 
scene was in a field near St. Elmo. 
The accompanying photographs were taken at the University of Texas, 
and accurately represent the appearance of the animal (exterior views) 
when it came into the hands of the authors. The son of Mr. Felix stated 
that the puffed appearance of the rodent was present prior to the at- 
tack of the dog, and in thaJt respect no change had occurred. 
So unusual a case of Emphysema was of sufficient interest to justify a 
very thorough examination into its cause. This was at once begun. 
II. 
A careful inspection failed to elicit evidence of external injury to the 
integument. Its continuity was normal; but its relation to subcutaneous 
tissues presented a marked departure from usual conditions. The skin 
was bilaterally raised from its moorings by an infiltration of gases, the 
condition extending over the entire body, with the following exceptions: 
(a) The ventral median line, 
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