The jar to the brain from a bullet of great velocity, as in this case, was alone sufficient to injure the organ irreparably.

In a similar manner I have known a deer to be killed by the impact of a heavy rifle-ball against one horn, although there was no evidence of fracture of the skull.

On the other hand, game animals often escape after such injuries not directly involving the brain, although temporarily rendered unconscious, as I have observed in several instances, the diagnosis undoubtedly being concussion of the brain.
"Slight injury to the brain, and especially if it be unilateral, then, may not produce unconsciousness.

It is not very uncommon for a missile from a heavy weapon to strike the skull, and be deflected without the production of such a state.

Near the town in which I formerly practiced, the town-marshal shot at a negro, who resisted arrest, at a distance of only a few feet, with a 44-caliber revolver, striking the culprit on the side of the head.