II.
The Inspectors have primarily to establish the actuality of death by observing and notifying all the symptoms accompanying or following the decease.
Indications of death may be noted:—
(1) If there is no indication of any pulsation noticeable, either in the region of the heart, at the neck, at the temples, or the forearm.
(2) If the eyelids when pulled asunder remain open, and the eyes themselves appear sunken into their sockets, dulled, and lustreless, also if the eyeballs feel soft and relaxed.
(3) If parts of the body are pale and cold, if chin and nose are pointed, if cheeks and temples are sunken.
(4) If the lower jaw hangs down and immediately drops again if pushed up, or if the muscles feel hard and stiff (rigidity).
(5) If the skin of the fingers held against one another, held towards light, do not appear reddish.
(6) If a feather or burning candle held against the mouth show no sign of motion, or if there is no sign of moisture upon a looking-glass held before the mouth.
(7) If on different parts of the body, particularly the neck, back, or posterior, or the undersurface of the extremities there are bluish-red spots (death spots) visible.