(11) Œdema of the Feet.—If there is evidence of œdema in any part of the body, especially about the ankles, its situation and extent should be noted.
(12) Ulcers and Abscesses.—The situation and extent of any ulcer found on the body should be recorded, as also the presence and situation of any abscess.
(13) Burns.—The extent of a burn, as also the state of the parts involved, should be noted. For example, whether they are inflamed or show blisters, etc. (see Heat and Cold, Vol. I., p. 647 et seq.).
(14) Hands.—In medico-legal cases the hands of a dead person should always be examined for the presence of cuts, excoriations, or foreign substances found upon them; especially should the dorsal extremities be examined. This examination will often indicate that there has been a mortal struggle before death. The impression of a hand or of some of the fingers is often found on the skin of a dead body. The exact situation where found should be noted. This may be of importance, as when it occurs where it would have been impossible or improbable for the deceased to have caused it.
For appearances in death from lightning or electricity, see Vol. I., p. 701 et seq., and in death from hanging, strangulation, and garroting, see Vol. I., pp. 713, 746, 781, et seq.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION.
Having completed the examination of the external parts of the body, the next proceeding is to open the body and make an internal examination.
This should be done by following a regular method, so as to examine the relations of parts and not to injure one organ while removing another.
In opening the various organs an incision should be made which will expose the greatest amount of surface at one cut. Never make a number of small and always unsatisfactory incisions in an organ. In opening certain organs like the brain and heart, the incisions are so planned that the parts of the organ may be folded together, and, if necessary, their relations to one another and the whole organ studied. Such organs are opened as one would open a book to examine its pages.