_Large_ |mucus almost |quite absent. | _Intestine_.|absent. | | ---------+--------------------+------------------+--------------- 1. _Changes in the Skin._--Exfoliation of the cuticle. The time at which this occurs is so variable as to be of little value in a medico-legal inquiry. 2. _Changes in the Umbilical Cord._--Mummification of the cord is not of the slightest value as a proof of extra-uterine life; but the separation of the cord which occurs between the fourth and seventh day, especially when cicatrisation has taken place, is a sure sign that the child must have lived four or five days at least. Two other appearances of some value may also be noted, namely: (_a_) In fresh bodies, the appearance of a bright red ring about a line in breadth, which surrounds the insertion of the cord, and which is formed within the uterus. (_b_) A similar red ring, about two lines broad, around the insertion of the cord, accompanied with “_thickening, inflammatory swelling of the portion of the skin affected, and slight purulent secretion from the umbilical ring itself_.” This latter condition Casper considers as affording “_irrefragable proof of the extra-uterine life of the child_.” 3. _Changes in the Circulatory System._ (_a_) Ductus Arteriosus.--Arterial duct. A contracted condition of this duct is of no value as a proof that a child has survived its birth; for the duct is liable to become contracted, and even obliterated, before the birth of the child. (_b_) Ductus Venosus.--Nothing certain is known as to the exact time when this duct closes; the condition of the vessel is, therefore, of no assistance in determining the possibility of the child having survived its birth. The duct has been found closed in a still-born child; and in one child, which lived for a quarter of an hour, both the _ductus arteriosus_ and the _foramen ovale_ were found closed. Cases are also on record in which these fœtal channels were found open after thirty days of extra-uterine life. (_c_) Foramen Ovale.--What has been said of the preceding may be said with regard to the foramen ovale. _N.B._--To sum up, therefore, in the fewest words, any attempt at forming an opinion on the _docimasia circulationis_ may result in a fatal error on the part of the medical witness, as it is impossible to determine with any accuracy by days the period of their closure. As a general statement, however, the following, according to Bernt and Orfila, is the order in which obliteration of the fœtal vessels takes place: (1) The umbilical arteries. (2) Ductus venosus. (3) Ductus arteriosus. (4) Foramen ovale. Synopsis 1. Infanticide is not regarded as a specific crime. 2. To be tried by the same rules of evidence as apply to murder. 3. The law presumes that every child is born dead, till proof to the contrary is given.