FR^GlLITAS OSSIUM. 
385 
then scarcely one and a half inches. Below the point where the 
second operation was performed existed an abscess, posterior to 
the muscular coat of the trachea, between it and the cartilaginous 
rings, pushing the mucous membrane towards the center of the 
calibre of the organ. It contained about four ounces of bloody 
suppuration, and filled about five inches of the trachea from the 
point where it was felt down towards the chest. 
The interesting points presented by this rather unusual case, 
beyond the presence of the abscess, are the lesions of the trachea, 
which resulted from the first operation, performed in May, and 
which are evident proofs of the impropriety of performing 
tracheotomy, except secundum artem , by amputation of the half 
of two rings. 
The operation is very simple, unless danger of suffocation is 
evident; and from the result obtained in this case, it may become 
a matter of serious consideration whether it would not be better 
to have the patient well secured, even overlooking temporarily 
tli£ danger of suffocation, to perform the operation as it ought 
to be and according to established rules; and if breathing should 
stop, to have resource to artificial respiration, as it has proved 
successful in this case. Recovery could not be then threatened 
by complications similar to those above recorded. 
FRAGILITAS OSSIUM. 
COMMINUTIYE FRACTURE OF THE PELVIS AND FEMUR. 
By W. J. Coates, D.V.S. 
A bay mare, ten years old, the property of a grocer of 
New York City, was brought to the College for treatment. 
Some two weeks before she had made a slip backwards on the 
greasy pavement of one of the avenues and had been lame 
since. She had had a few days of rest, some liniment applied 
on the fetlock and at intervals light work. Seeing no im- 
