In hospital cases, where parts are to be exhibited to a class, and especially if several organs are involved in the disease, the whole thoracic and abdominal viscera may be removed together and brought before the class on a large tray. This may be effected in the following manner:—A single incision may be carried from the upper end of the sternum to the pubes, and the sternum removed in the usual manner. The trachea and œsophagus, with the large vessels of the arch of the aorta, may now be divided at the root of the neck. Grasping the arch of the aorta and the trachea, the whole thoracic contents may be stripped from the spinal column. The diaphragm being now separated from its attachment to the ribs on either side and the spinal column, the whole abdominal contents may, in the same manner, be dragged from above downwards, the rectum tied and divided, and the contents of the two great cavities removed entire and with little disturbance of the relation of parts. In closing up the cavity after the examination is completed, the viscera having been replaced, a sufficient quantity of wheaten bran or clean sawdust should be thrown in to absorb any remaining fluids, thus preventing their escape after the sewing up of the incisions. CHAPTER II. PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. Section I. OF THE PERITONEUM. [=Notice= in examination:—1. _Contents of cavity_—serum; amount, color, coagulable or not; _pus_—amount, consistence, odor, source; _blood_—amount, source; foreign bodies; gall-stones; worms. 2. _Condition of membrane_—color, transparency, rough or smooth, moist or dry, thickness; _adhesions_—position and strength of. Vascularity; ulcers; perforations; tubercles; tumors; wounds, etc.] This membrane we find liable to _congestion_, _inflammation_, _gangrene_, _effusions_, and _morbid growths_. =Congestion= of the peritoneum, may result from obstructed circulation through the liver, or ascending vena cava, or from inflammatory action; and may terminate in serous effusions into the abdominal cavity, or thickening of the membrane. The redness of congestion, may be distinguished from that of inflammation, by the larger vessels appearing more involved, and by the absence of any plastic effusions. =Inflammation= of this membrane, (_Peritonitis_,) may be either acute or chronic. _Acute peritonitis_, in most instances, commences at some one or more points, and from this gradually diffuses itself over the membrane until it becomes general. Such point of inflammation may commence immediately over some inflamed, or ulcerated, or perforated spot in the intestines, or in the peritoneal covering of an inflamed uterus, liver, etc., or as the result of external injury.