The pathologist's handbook : a manual for the post-mortem room / by T.N. Kelynack.

  • Kelynack, T. N. (Theophilus Nicholas), 1866-1944.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The pathologist's handbook : a manual for the post-mortem room / by T.N. Kelynack. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    63/238 (page 47)
    In some instances it may be well to make cover-glass preparations of doubtful dis- charges. Sometimes it is most convenient to spread the same on microscopic slides. Blood, serum, and fluids should generally be collected and preserved for a time in sterilized pipettes. In the investigation of microbial diseases tubes containing suitable culture media should be at hand. Post-mortem Conditions. — Post-mortem con- ditions must always be clearly distinguished from ante-mortem lesions. In medico-legal in- vestigations this is of supreme importance. In every case the ordinary evidences of death should be looked for—cessation of the animal functions, alteration in the cornea, flaccidity of the sclerotic, lowered temperature, pallor of skin, and the like. The question of post-mortem rigidity may sometimes afford valuable evidence as to the time of death, and should always be carefully recorded. It is well to make sure that the rigidity has not been broken down by the at- tendants in moving the body or removing the clothing. Much caution is necessary in expressing any opinion as to the time that has elapsed since death. Consider well the conditions which hasten and delay the occurrence of rigor mortis, post-mortem lividity, and putrefaction.