The progress of this disease had been rapid ; for not above eleven
months had elapsed since it first made its appearance. In about
four months from its being first discovered, it was necessary to draw
off the fluid, which was again so far accumulated, as to be most
inconvenient and painful within two months afterwards. After that
time, it was agaia necessary to have recourse to the operation ; then
in six weeks ; and again in a still shorter time. Nor did she long
survive this fifth operation ; but a small quantity of the fluid having
been effused into the peritoneal sac, inflammation came on, and she
died. But while inflammation appeared to be the immediate cause
of death, the rapid emaciation plainly showed that there were other
causes in operation ; and the remarkable instance this case affords
of the effect of pressure, in cutting off the supply of nutrition, and



OVARIAN TUMOURS. 115

actually preventing the lacteals from absorbing the chyle, sufficiently
explains the source of emaciation.
The urgency of the symptoms, the pain, and the white ilaky
matter which was mingled with the fluid drawn away, may all be
considered to have indicated the peculiar character of the disease.
