One cannot help comparing together the two Ova, thus placed side by side in this Plate. In the figure which represents a larger fœtus, we have a smaller ovum altogether, and a smaller inner cavity; than in the other figure representing a larger Ovum with a larger inner cavity, from which has escaped a smaller fœtus. Yet I hold their respective ages to be the same. This apparent paradox is to be explained by a consideration of the difference of circumstances in which the two Ova were placed. In Ovum 18, the disease was of slow progress; the increase of the fœtus was retarded from the beginning; and its life became extinct after the disorganization of the Ovum had lasted some time: the appearances of the various parts of the Ovum, as pointed out in my explanation of the figure, shew these facts. In Ovum 19 there was nothing in the least analogous. Though the placenta is imperfectly formed; even in its filiform or mossy or primitive texture, it might serve and has served the purpose, of forwarding the nutrition and growth of the fœtus. The disease which destroyed the latter, being of an inflammatory nature, must have been more rapid in its effect. It put an end to _life_ before there could have been time for _growth_ to be much affected.
These facts and inductions may perchance be looked upon by some as merely curious, or at most singular, without being useful. But I think it will be found hereafter, unless I am much mistaken, that by studying such facts and such inductions, as the consideration of the human ovum in its many varieties of diseased development can afford, we may expect no inconsiderable facility in the unravelling of that mystery which yet hangs over the process of utero-gestation.
_Joseph Perry del et Lithog._ _Printed by C. Hullmandel._
D^r. Granville on Abortion and the Diseases of Menstruation ]
SPECIMENS OF MISCARRIAGE BETWEEN FOUR AND FIVE MONTHS.
(Aborted at four months and a half after menstruation.)
I do not apply to the term _tuberculosum_ the more usual meaning, but by it I wish to imply that there are in the structure of this Ovum a great many small swellings like tubercles, some of which are larger than the rest, and not a few of them granular, while others present a great variety in their configuration. All of them have very prominent blood vessels running across their surface, which, while the preparation was still very recent, exhibited a very florid tint. In this state, the specimen was submitted to Mr. Pearsall, late of the Royal Institution, who is very well skilled in the art of sketching and colouring, and still more so in science, and who undertook very kindly to draw it for me. The drawing corrected by Mr. Perry, was afterwards transferred by that gentleman on stone for the present work.