a torn cord are still more remote. The changes in the cord are as
follows: First it shrinks from the ligature towards the navel; this
change may begin early, and is rarely delayed beyond thirty hours; the
cord becomes flabby, and there is a distinct inflammatory circle round
its insertion. The next change is that of desiccation or mummification;
the cord becomes reddish-brown, then flattened and shrivelled, then
translucent and of the colour of parchment, and falls off about the
fifth day. The third stage, that of cicatrization, then ensues about the
tenth to the twelfth day. The bright red rim round the insertion of the
cord, with inflammatory thickening and slight purulent secretion, may be
considered as evidence of live birth, and the stage at which the
separation of the cord by ulcerative process has arrived will point to
the probable duration of time the child has existed after birth.

There are many fallacies in the application of any of these tests, and
the whole subject bristles with difficulties. The medical witness would
do well to exhibit a cautious reserve, for if the child dies immediately
after birth it is almost impossible to prove that it was born alive.

XXVIII.--CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE FOETUS

The death of the foetus may be due to--(1) Immaturity or intra-uterine
malnutrition, or simply from deficient vitality; (2) complications
occurring during or immediately after birth, which may either be
unavoidable or inherent in the process of parturition, or may be induced
with criminal intent.

In the latter category come such accidents as the pressure of tumours in
the pelvic passages, or disease of the bones in the mother, or pressure
on the cord from malposition of the child during labour, asphyxiation
from the funis being twisted tightly round the neck or limbs, or from
injuries due to falls on the floor in sudden labours. Where the death of
the foetus has been induced with criminal intent, it may be due to
punctured wounds of the fontanelles, orbits, heart, or spinal marrow;
dislocation of the neck; separation of the head from the body; fracture
of the bones of the head and face; strangulation; suffocation; drowning
in the closet pan or privy, or from being thrown into water.

Under the head of infanticide by _commission_, we have injuries of all
kinds; under infanticide by _omission_, neglecting to tie the cord,
allowing it to be suffocated by discharges in the bed, neglect to
provide food, cl