The _heart_ may be removed for examination, by dividing the large vessels springing from its base. In examining the cavities, valves, &c., the right auricles should first be opened, by an incision along its base, another meeting this at right angles, thus making two angular flaps, which may be turned aside, exposing the interior. In opening the ventricle, let one incision be made parallel with, and about one-third of an inch from the groove in the anterior surface dividing the right from the left ventricle, commencing at the base and extending to the apex; and another along the posterior groove, meeting the former at the apex, thus making a triangular flap, which may be lifted, exposing the interior of the cavity, without injury to the tendonous cords. The semilunar valves of the pulmonary artery may readily be exposed, by splitting open that vessel, and turning aside its walls. The left side of the heart may be examined in the same manner. The examination of the _lungs_ may often be made _in situ_. Deep incisions may be made into their substance at various points, or portions may be removed for examination. If a more careful inspection is desired, or if we wish to examine the bronchial tubes or aorta, the whole thoracic viscera may be removed together. To accomplish this, divide the trachea and œsophagus, as they enter the chest, with also the branches arising from the arch of the aorta. Carry the hands around either lung, breaking up any adhesions which may be found, and then by grasping the trachea and arch of aorta, and dragging down upon the same, the posterior mediastinum may be divided from above downwards, the aorta and œsophagus divided as they pass the diaphragm, and the whole of the contents of the chest thus removed _en masse_. Placed upon a large tray, they may now be examined in detail. The bronchial tubes may be best inspected from behind, laying open the passages with the scissors at their posterior walls. By means of deep incisions, extending from apex to base upon the anterior surface, the condition of the interior of the organs may be carefully noted. The examination completed, all blood should be sponged from the cavity, the organs replaced, and any remaining vacancy filled with bran or sawdust. The sternum now being placed in position, the incision may be sewed up. CHAPTER II. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. Section I. OF THE TONGUE. [=Notice= in examination: size; form; surface coated or clean; furrowed or fissured; marks of bites, stains; color generally; vesicles; ulcers; sloughs; tumors, wounds, etc.] The diseases of the tongue, the appearance of which we may wish to examine after death, include _cancer_, _syphilitic ulcers or tubercle_, _tumors_, _hypertrophy_, _etc._