Burn by Steam, Sixty Hours after injury.
POST-MORTEM AND ANTE-MORTEM BURNS.
WAS DEATH ACCIDENTAL, SUICIDAL, OR HOMICIDAL?
Nearly all deaths occurring from burning are accidental, very few homicidal, and hardly more than a few exceptional cases suicidal.
It is important in cases of legal investigation to note the position of the body when found and its relation to the apparent source of fire; the parts of the body and clothing burned, etc.; evidences of violence should be carefully observed, such as contusions, fractures of bones, wounds of the soft parts, evidences of strangling, etc. (Case 22). These should be specially sought in the site of the burned portions, as burning and cremation of the victim are sometimes a resort to conceal homicide. In considering the character of the apparent wounds, it must be remembered that extensive injuries, resembling wounds, may result from the effects of fire,[728] and these must be carefully distinguished.
Inability to detect special marks of violence need not preclude the possibility of its commission and of its being a possible cause of death (Case 19). The parts burned, the character and depth of the burns, and their relation to the apparent source of burning, with consideration of their probable simultaneous exposure, are all circumstances of weight in forming an opinion. The position of the body in relation to the fire should also be considered. In accidental burning, except in cases of intoxication, epileptic seizures, or other sources of helplessness, the victim is quite likely to be found at a distance from the fire, owing to his efforts to escape.
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CASES.
Case 1. Death from Cold. Accidental (Dr. Hilty in Caspar’s Vierteljahrschrift, II., 1865, p. 140).—Male, æt. 52; intoxicated. Severe winter weather; death from exposure. Post mortem: Blood crimson; both sides of heart full; internal organs congested.