56. In supposed death by burning, the skin at the edge of the burns should be carefully examined for redness, or the appearance of vesicles containing fluids. IX. Examination in Cases of Criminal Abortion 57. In suspected criminal abortion, when the woman survives, the chief points for inquiry are: The proofs of recent delivery, the ascertaining of facts tending to show that she has been subjected to manœuvres with instruments, and the occurrence of symptoms traceable to the action of any of the drugs reputed as capable of causing abortion. When the woman has died, the points requiring special attention at the dissection are: The state of the womb, as regards its size and the condition of its lining membrane, in reference to the probable period of delivery; the condition of the intestinal canal, in reference to the action of irritant drugs; of the mucous membrane of the bladder, in reference to the action of cantharides; close inspection of the womb and vagina, in reference to mechanical injuries, especially punctured wounds; and any appearances that the death may have been caused by inflammation in the organs of the pelvis, or by bleeding from the wound. X. Examination in Cases of Infanticide 58. In cases of suspected infanticide, certain specialities must be borne in mind. The cavity of the head should be laid open with a pair of scissors. In opening the abdomen, the navel should be avoided, so that the state of the vessels of the navel-string may be examined correctly. This is done by carrying two incisions from the ensiform cartilage to each of the anterior superior spines of the ilia, and by deflecting downwards the triangular flap thus formed. 59. The inquiry in cases of infanticide should be conducted with reference to the five following distinct questions: (1) The probable degree of maturity of the child? (2) How long it has been dead? (3) Whether it died before, during, or after delivery, and how long after? (4) Whether death arose from natural causes, neglect, or violence? and (5) Whether a suspected female be the mother of the child?