Note 786 — ON INJURIES OF THE HEAD.

Arantius and Porralius, in their conjoined commentary on this treatise, mention that in contusion sometimes only the outer plate of the skull is contused, but the inner is depressed upon the dura mater. This is a case of which we have examples in modern surgery; but it does not appear clearly to be alluded to in this place by our author. Mr. Guthrie, indeed, understands the ἀπήχημα of the Greek authors, and resonitus of the Latin, to apply to this variety of fracture; but he appears to me to be mistaken, for these terms unquestionable refer to the contre-coup, of which we will treat presently. Quesnay, indeed, uses the term contre-coup in this double sense, but, as I think, very injudiciously, as it tends to introduce confusion of ideas; for assuredly the case of a fracture on a different part of the head from that which received the blow, and a fracture on the inner plate of the skull from an injury on the outer, are quite different cases. See Quesnay, etc., p. 20, Syd. Soc. edit.