(a) Respiration. (b) Inflation.
The fact of the matter is simply this, that the so-called emphysema pulmonum neonatorum, or emphysema of new-born children, is nothing more or less than incipient putrefaction, induced by certain unascertained conditions.
Casper sums up his conclusions on this subject in the following words:
“That not one single well-observed and incontestable case of emphysema, developing itself spontaneously within the lungs of a fœtus born without artificial assistance, is known; and it is not, therefore, permissible in forensic practice to ascribe the buoyancy of the lungs of new-born children, brought forth in secrecy and without artificial assistance, to this cause.”
4. Putrefaction.—It must be admitted as proved that the lungs of new-born children in a state of decomposition will float in water. But this admission does not render the test valueless, for it must be remembered:
(a) That air generated by putrefaction is found in bubbles under the pleuræ, or in the fissures between the lobuli of the lungs, and not in the air cells of the lungs.
(b) That gas as a result of putrefaction can easily be removed by compressing the lungs, or portions of them.
(c) That crepitation in putrefied lungs is absent, owing to the fact stated under (a).
(d) That the lungs are among those organs which putrefy late.
(e) That negative evidence may be obtained, if the lungs, in a highly putrescent body, sink in water. The tendency of putrefaction, as above stated, is to cause them to float.