Dr. Clark. Yes, sir; I did.
Mr. Specter. What definition of "tangential" did you make at that time?
Dr. Clark. As I remember, I defined the word "tangential" as being—striking an object obliquely, not squarely or head on.
Mr. Specter. Will you describe at this time in somewhat greater detail the consequences of a tangential wound as contrasted with another type of a striking?
Dr. Clark. Let me begin by saying that the damage suffered by an organ when struck by a bullet or other missile——
Mr. Specter. May the record show that I interrupted the deposition for about 2 minutes to ascertain what our afternoon schedule would be here because the regular administration office ordinarily closes at 12 o'clock, which was just about 15 minutes ago, and then we resumed the deposition of Dr. Clark as he was discussing the concept of tangential and other types of striking.
Go ahead, Doctor.
Dr. Clark. The effects of any missile striking an organ or a function of the energy which is shed by the missile in passing through this organ when a bullet strikes the head, if it is able to pass through rapidly without shedding any energy into the brain, little damage results, other than that part of the brain which is directly penetrated by the missile. However, if it strikes the skull at an angle, it must then penetrate much more bone than normal, therefore, is likely to shed more energy, striking the brain a more powerful blow.
Secondly, in striking the bone in this manner, it may cause pieces of the bone to be blown into the brain and thus act as secondary missiles. Finally, the bullet itself may be deformed and deflected so that it would go through or penetrate parts of the brain, not in the usual direct line it was proceeding.
Mr. Specter. Now, referring back to the press conference, did you define a tangential wound at that time?