New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-27
PRICE -FOUR CENTS.


renee of the true disease aud cited the fact that out
of nearly two millions of people in this city and in
Brooklyn. many Of whom had been bitten by dogs.
only two genuine cases had been developed, that
of Mr. Butler and Mr.. Mccormick.
The post-mortem examination was begun by Dr.
Cross the assistant Of Dr. Hammond; but soon
afterward Coroner Kessler and DR.. Leo entered aud
took charge Of the examination. After the skull
cap had been removed the condition Of the mem
branes of the brain was apparent. The congestion
was intense. The small vessels were dstended 70
their utmost, and small points of scarlet color
were everywhere TO be seen. The sDuses OF
channels along which the blood flows between me
dura mater and the skull were full Of blood. The
entire surface was engorged. THIS appearance in
dIcated, said Or. Hammond, that whatever might
be the seat of the disease the Inflammation had ex
tended to the brain. This had produced the coma
that at times overcame the patient
The nerves and blood-vessels at the base OF tho
brain divided, and portion Of the pneumogas-
trio nerve secured for microscopic examination.
This exposed the medulla oblongata. The medulla
oblongata is the pyramida body which il the nerve
center Of the system. In this little body the forces
are generated and sent forth which control tho
greater part of the motor portion Of the system.
DR.. Hammond took knife and carefully
Ossecleu the IrOIn tue Dralu
it from the spinal cord Here he believed he should
find the lesion, the real seat of the disease. With
the naked eye he could see that the medula was
congested. Small red points appeared in the whitish
gray substance, which would not be IN health.
The parts seemed softer than normal, and it Is be-
lieved that the microscope viii reveal structural
changes that will give clear conception Of the
workings of the disease. For If positive structural
changes are found affecting the devastating ibree,
by future experiment the entire pathology OF the
disease be made out and its whole course
marked with certainty that may reveal proper
line of treatment
The pons yarolii, which connects the cerebellum
with the true brain, also showed evidence OF intense
congestion. At the point where the pneumogastro
nerve arises near the pons, the same intense con-
gestion was seen little bright red points covering
the cut surface. The brain proper and the cerebe-
lum had been affected by the general congestion,
but not markedly so. The intensity of the iniam-
nation was settled in the membranes and the
medulla oblongata.
The throat was next examined. The pharynx and
larynx we're engorged with blood. The constructor
muscles deep red, and the vessels in and about
were enlarged. This was the effect of the intense
spasmodic and cOnvulsive action which had been
almost continuous during the progress of
expected to find some marked pathological changes
within the pharynx and larynx. They said that here
might be found some exciting of the spasmodc
action. Diphthera and other malignant throat dis
eases often produce paralysis and cerebral conges-
tion and there is very intimate connection between
the throat and the nerve centers In hysteria the
action of the sympathetic system causes feeling as
though ball were passing up through the throat.
The pharynx and larynx were opened and carefully
examined Everywhere the parts were healthy,
and all were astonished at the general normal ap-
pearance.
The chest was opened and the heart, lungs, and
membranes were found 10 be healthy. The mus
cles Of the diaphragm were congested. This was
the result of the cessation of the action of
the thoracic muscles, before death. The
spleen presented a curious appearance. The cap
sule looked shriveled, and Dr. jacob thought
that this was the result of recent shrinking.
Its weight was only three normal
spleen ought TO weigh more than twice that.
Further examination with microscope is TO be
made which may reveal some cOnnectiOniwith the
disease. The functions of the spleen have not been
settled and its action in hydrophobia is known,
though it may be important. The stomach was IN
tsnsely conges.ed externally This cOnges-
ton affected the muscular coat only. lDter-
nally the appearances were perfectly nor
NAL. The corrugations were very promi-
nent, but there was no evidence of disease.
Mccormick was an unusually muscular man. and
the body was well nOuYshed. Everywhere tho
muscles bore evidences OF the terrible con-
vulsive movements that had been contlnusns for
nearly "a hours. The general opinion OF the as
sembled physicians that the seat of the disease
was in the medula oblongata. The appearances IF
other parts were results Of that central inlamma-
ton.
Coroner Kessler empaneIed the following gentle
men, the leading surgeons and physicians of the
city, as Coroners jury, TO decide upon the cause Of
Mr. McCormick's death: Drs. Frank Hamilton, Of
Bellevue Medical College Allen Mclean Hamilton,
Sanitary Inspector of the Board of Health; c. p.
Russell also Sanitary Inspector; Meredith Cly-
mer, Warren SchOonover, P ". Cremin, and E. D.
Leavtt. The pathological examination of the parts
that require the application OF a microscope and
chemistry will take two weeks OF more. The in
quest is not to be held therefore until about July Is.