THE FORMATION OF VISCERAL CASTS OR MOLDS ON SEROUS MEMBRANES.

Bamberger, nearly forty years ago mentioned the enclosure of the liver in a delicate membrane, without noteworthy alteration in structure or function of the viscus, although the condition may be complicated by the development of symptoms of interstitial hepatitis. Some twenty years later the subject was again taken up by Curschmann, who attributed the resultant ascites to compression of the liver in consequence of a chronic fibroid perihepatitis. In common with cirrhosis of the liver the morbid affection under consideration is attended with reduction in size, change in shape, and increase in density of that organ, together with ascites. The course of this peculiar disorder is far more protracted than that of cirrhosis, and its onset is sometimes acute, with symptoms of local peritonitis. Cases have been reported, further, by a number of other observers. As the disease may persist for a considerable number of years, the changes found at