CHILD SWALLOWING A TWO-BLADED KNIFE. 26Q
spectator, according to the motion of the current of air that
operates upon it, while its dimensions and colours must vary
according to the varying density of the fog or haze through
which, in different places or situations, it is seen, or according
to its actual increasing or diminishing and decaying bulk.
EXTRAORDINARY CASE
OF A CHILD HAVING SWALLOWED A TWO-BLADED KNIFE.
In March, 1802, a child of Jonathan White’s, South-
gate, Chichester, about six months old, had a small double-
bladed knife, nearly two inches and a half in length, given it
to play with in the cradle. The infant swallowed it, and, as
may be supposed, soon became uneasy in its stomach, though
otherwise healthy. On the 24th of May, the shortest blade
was discharged by the bowels; the back of it was very much
corroded, its edges ragged, uneven, and saw-like ; the rivet
was entirely dissolved. On the 16th of June, after more
than usual uneasiness, and the rejection of food, the child
vomited one side of the horn handle, very much softened,
and bent double; a small bit of iron passed a few days
after; and on the 24th of July, another bit of a wedge-like
shape, much corroded, and full of holes, and, apparently,
the large blade. The child was now much emaciated, the
faeces blackish, and the abdomen inflamed externally. On
the 11 th of August, the back of the knife, and soon after,
the other side of the horn handle, were vomited ; and the
infant, thereafter, recovered entirely. This case, fully
authenticated, has been published.
Literary Gazette, Saturday, July 11, 1818.