contusions, fissures, depressions, fractures, and other accidents of the cranium, is when one or more of the blood-vessels, that are distributed in the dura mater, is broke or divided, whereby there is such a discharge of blood as greatly oppresses the brain, and disturbs its office; frequently bringing on violent pains, and other mischiefs; and at length death itself, unless the patient is timely relieved. See Surgery and Medicine.