Note 35 — PART SECOND. OF PARTICULAR SURGICAL SUBJECTS. (continued 4)

[This opinion is certainly erroneous. That the obstruction occasionally exists in the situation adverted to, cannot be doubted, but that it does so constantly, or even generally, is not true. When the lining membrane of the antrum is inflamed, it does not follow that it must be so throughout its entire extent; most commonly, indeed, there is reason to believe that the morbid action is circumscribed, and hence when matter forms it may readily, in many cases, find its way into the nose. It is only where the whole of the mucous lining is involved, or that portion of it which covers the inner wall of the antrum, that the edges of the communicating aperture will be likely to be so much thickened as to produce complete obstruction. It is difficult to conceive how Mr. Liston could have committed such an error.—ED.]