Enlarge Descriptive Card Log Book Entry
Rodin Number: 18
E Number: 129
Donor: Osler
Date: 1877
Size (H x W cm): 18.5 x 12.5
The specimen shows a heart with attached pericardium opened anteriorly (as seen on (A)). The descriptive card states the pericardium contained a “pint of laudable pus”. Osler’s Autopsy Protocol (
Rodin 221) documents 34 ozs. Although this suggests acute pericarditis, the epicardial surface of the heart and the pericardium (P on back view (B)) are surprisingly smooth, suggesting more chronic disease.
Click on caption to enlarge image.
Comment
The descriptive card indicates the specimen came from autopsy No 337 1897; however, as Rodin points out, this should read 1877. The card also encourages the student to note a “reversed triangular area of cardiac dullness with apex superiorly, which would be produced by the effusion”. However, the metal card support mounted on the top of the jar has been placed on the back of the specimen – one wonders how many students have had trouble identifying the area of “dullness” they were supposed to observe.