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 CASE II.

THE PATIENT IS DEAD.—THE ATTENDANTS CAN FURNISH ONLY AN IMPERFECT ACCOUNT OF HIS DISSOLUTION.

Examination of the attendants.—Circumstances to be investigated.—How soon the deceased is supposed to have died, after the alleged cause of his dissolution.—Had the deceased been under the influen of violent passion.—Was he at the time of death in state of intoxication.—Plan of the inquiry to be adopted according to the principles already explained in, in combination with those to be developed in the following still more complicated one.

CASE III.

THE BODY IS FOUND DEAD—ITS HISTORY IS UNKNOWN.

Plan to be adopted in the investigation of this case.—Four great avenues of inquiry, viz. 1. Inspection of the dead body; 2. Examination of surrounding and collateral objects; 3. Interrogation of witnesses; 4. Anatomical Dissection. 1. Inspection of the dead Body.

and attitude of the body.—General appearance of the countenance, as to colour, vascular turgescence, or congestion, and morbid physiognomy.—Appearance of the eyes, and eye-lids, lips, and gums.—Whether any, and what discharge issues from the mouth, nostrils, ears, or any other orifice.—Apparent age of the deceased.—Description of his person as to bulk, stature, obesity, muscular powers, &c.—Conformation of the neck, with respect to its shortness, fullness, and thickness.—Probable period that has elapsed since the extinction of life.—State of the body, in relation to the degree of stiffness, or flexibility of its limbs, progress of putrescence, &c.—Whether any, and what marks, or ecchymoses are visible upon the throat, or under the