On Superfœtation

Abstract

CASES have, from time to time, occurred, which have induced many physiologists to assert the possibility of a woman again conceiving after shIe has become pregnant. The phenomenon thus produced has received the name of SUPERFETATION; and, although rare, it is worthy of consideration, both from the interest which is attached to it as a physiological occurrence, and from the possibility of its giving rise to medico-legal questions, affecting the reputation or welfare of the individuals concerned. It is not my intention, however, to enter into any discussion on the latter subject; and I will therefore merely quote the words of Capuron in illustration of its possible importance. " Quoique cette question ne se presente pas frequemment, elle peut etre d'un grand interet sous le rapport de la medecine legale. Une veuve, apres etre ac._ouchee d'un premier enfant, peut accoucher quelque temps apres d'un second, dont les collateraux contestent la legitimite, parce qu'i]s n'ont aucune idee de la superfetation. I1 peut arriver encore que cette veuve se remarie bient6t apres ses relevailles, et qu'elle accouche, peu de temps apres ce second manage, d'un second enfant a terme et tre'sviable. 11 s'agit alors de decider auquel des deux maris appartient le second enfant." L I purpose then to confine my observations to the consideration of Superfaetation as a physiological phenomenon. It will be impossible to entirely determine whether it actually took place in all the cases alleged to have occurred; but we may, from a careful examination of these cases, and an impartial consiJe1ration of the opinions of the various authors who have written on the subject, be able to draw some probable inferences, while we are at the same time enabled to see more clearly what additional data are required for the perfect comprehension of a subject so difficult of investigation. The occurrence of cases which gave rise to the theory of Superfcetation was not unnoticed by the ancients. A work 7rep KIutoc has