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44 _ TRIAL OF JOHN lv. WEBSTER.
that'there was such a mark, but did not examine again to see if I could
detect it.
To the Attorney General.-I mean that there was no apparent mark
or cut of a knife on the ribs, when we saw the hole. The membrane
and muscles between the ribs were perforated, but nowhere with such
regularity as to indicate that it had been done with a knife.. I cannot
say whether the feather-edge, or periosteum, remained on the edge of
the ribs, in proximity to the opening.
George H. Gay, swcrn,-examined by Mr. Bemis. I signed the report
which has just been read, and concur in it, generally.
I think that -the separation of parts of the body, particularly the
sternum from the collar-bone and first rib, indicate anatomical knowl-
edge, on the part of the person who did it. The separation of the head
from the body, by dissection, is difficult; and the saw is often used to
got it off, when the mnere object is to get rid of it. There is also a
diffi-
culty in separating the thigh from the hip, without hacking, to one
unacquainted with anatomy. The division of the sternum from the
clavicle, is also an operation requiring some skill. I should not say,
that .the general indications of the remains, evidenced a great want of
anatomical skill on the part of the operator. (
When I arrived at the College, Saturday afternoon, November 24th,
one of the police officers was just scraping off the tan with his cane. I
noticed the aperture about that time; but whether it was there before,
or not, I cannot say. I noticed no irregularity in the periosteum. We
looked at the aperture when examining the remains, but discovered
nothing more in regard to its cause, than has been stated. I don't n-
member the name of the officer who was using the cane.
Cross-examined by Mr. Sohier.-We did not examine the perforation,
to see if it were made with a knife: merely to see its appearance,
internally and externally. I had an impression that it was done with
a stick, and didn't see anything to change that idea.
Direct.-It was between three and four, P. M., Saturday, that I saw
the officer scraping with the cane.
Woodbridge Strong, sworn,-examined by Mr. Clifford. I am a prac-
tising physician in this city, and have been such, since 1820.
I have always given a special attention to the subject of anatomy.
When I was a student, (with the late Dr. Nathan Smith,)I took every
opportunity :to practise dissection; and after commencing practice for
myself, when not much engaged, devoted a good deal of time to the
pursuit of that branch of the profession. One winter, in particular, I
occupied most of my time in dissecting, sometimes continuing at it from
right o'clock in the morning, till twelve at night. I have had a subject,
on my table, for three months together. For several years I attended
the Hospital; also other medical institutions; have taken part in num-
erous post-mortem examinations; and, in general, I may say, have had
a good deal of taste for the study of anatomy.
In the pursuit of my anatomical studies, I have had considerable
experience in burning up, or getting rid of human remains by fire.
Where I had my office, at an early day, in Cornhill, I had poor accom-
modations for dissecting, and it was frequently necessary to burn up
the remains of a subject Once, in particular, I had a pirate given me
by the United States' Marshal, for dissection; and, it being warm
weather, I wanted to get rid of the flesh, and only preserve the bones.
He wag a muscular, stout man, and I began upon it one night with a.
wood fire, in a. large, old-fashioped fire-place. I built a rousing fire,
and sat up all night, piling on, the wood and flesh, and had not got it
consumed by morning. I was afraid of a visit from the police; and by
eleven o'clock they gave me a call, to know what made such a smell in
the street. I finished it up, however, that forenoon: but I look upon it,
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