[=Notice=: 1. _External characters_—relation to other organs and extent uncovered by cartilages of ribs; _adhesions_—their extent, position, firmness, etc. 2. _After removal_—weight; measurements; form; color; puckerings; rough or smooth; granulations; tubercles; cysts, etc. _Capsule_—thickness, transparency; facility of removal; appearance of liver substance beneath. 3. _Internal structure_—appearance of cut and fractured surfaces; fluids expressible; appearance of lobules; abscesses; fistulæ; calcareous deposits; tubercles; growths; cysts; wounds; rupture, etc. 4. _Gall-bladder_—absent; size; shape; adhesions. _Cavity_—obliterated. _Contents_—bile; quantity, color, consistence; mucus; pus, etc. _Gall-stones_—number, size, form, color, internal character. _Walls_—thickness; deposits; adipose or calcareous; abscess; tubercle; cancer; wounds; rupture. _Ducts_—calibre; dilated or contracted; impervious; from what cause? contents; condition of walls and mucous membrane.] The liver, in its _normal state_ in the adult, will measure from ten to twelve inches in its transverse diameter, from six to seven in breadth at its widest part, and about three inches thick at the posterior border of the right lobe; its weight being from three to four pounds. The gland is much larger in infants in proportion to the size of the body. In the adult, the average weight of the liver is but one-fortieth of that of the entire body, while in infancy, it may be as much as one-thirtieth or even one-twentieth. The natural color of the liver may be described as a reddish-brown or mahogany color, yet the _shade_ may vary to a considerable degree in different cases. In studying the _morbid anatomy_ of this organ, we shall notice _first_, changes peculiar to the liver itself, and _secondly_, those connected with the gall-bladder and gall-ducts. 1. Diseases of the Liver. =Congestion.= From the large size and extensive distribution of vessels through the liver, this gland is capable of containing a large amount of blood, and in cases of retarded circulation in other parts, as in the recession of blood from the cutaneous vessels in a chill, the vessels of the liver may become greatly distended, constituting what is known as _congestion_. Although the gland is closely invested with the capsule of Glisson, yet, the elasticity of this membrane will admit of considerable distension, and hence the great enlargement attending this condition of the gland. Congestion of the liver may be partial, confined to one or more lobes; or general, involving the whole gland. It may also be _active_ or _passive_.