Case of twins : question of primogeniture / by J.G. Wilson.

  • Wilson, J. G. (James George)
Date:
[1861]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Case of twins : question of primogeniture / by J.G. Wilson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CASE OF TWINS. T!Y J. G. WILSON, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., FELLOW OF THE FACULTY OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS; PHYSICIAN TO THE GLASGOW LYING-IN HOSPITAL; MEMBER OF THE OBSTETRICAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON, EDINBURGH, &C. (Reprinted from the Medical Times & Gazette, August 24, 1861.0 '.■ ■ --= ' The following case appears to me not unworthy of record, on account of its rarity and its relation to obstetrico-legal Medicine :— July 12, 1861.—This morning, at four o’clock, I was hastily summoned to attend Mrs. --, who was reported to be in labour. On my arrival, my patient at once informed me that she had, twenty minutes previously, given birth to twins, when quite alone,—her hus¬ band being away in search of the nurse, there was no one present to render any assistance. On examination I found two fine healthy male children lying struggling under the bed-clothes. From their position it was impossible to determine or decide which of the two was born first. Both infants were lying on their backs, and equi¬ distant from the vulva, with their heads directed towards the foot of the bed; from which latter circumstance I inferred that the presen¬ tation was in both instances natural. I divided the cords (both of which were greatly on the stretch) and removed the placentae. No I satisfactory inference or conclusion as to the seniority of the infants I could be drawn from a careful examination of the placentae, as regards I situation or position. The patient states that the one child was ex- I polled almost immediately after the other, but is entirely ignorant as I to which of them was first born, although she presumes that the larger I of the two must necessarily, from the difference in size, be the oldest. I The mother has made an excellent recovery, and both children are in I the way of well-doing. This patient stated to me, a month prior to I her confinement, her impression that she would give birth to twins. Remarks.—In the foregoing case it will be observed, that the I patient gave birth tc twin male children when alone and by herself. I In connexion with such an occurrence, the question naturally suggests ■ itself, Which of these two children is the oldest? In this case the ■ determination of such a point, supposing it were possible, is a matter lof comparatively little moment. Such an event, however, occurring ■ under circumstances involving a title (as in the peerage, for example, lor succession to an estate, property, etc.), would assuredly lead to I great difficulty and embarrassment. I Hon*: Street, Glasgow.