ACONITE: ACONITIA OR ACONITINE.
Plants: Aconitum napellus—A. ferox. Alkaloids:
Aconitia—Pseudaconitia—other bases—Decompositions—Proportions
in the plants. Commercial aconitia—German aconitia—English
aconitia. Separation—Tests, chemical and physiological.
History—Preparations, official and non-official. Physiological
effects—Causes of death—Post mortem appearances—Treatment and
antidotes—Remarks—Phosphoric acid test—Case referred to by Dr.
Stevenson.
THE name aconite is applied to a great number of plants belonging
to the natural order Ranunculaceæ. Two species only need be noticed
here, _Aconitum napellus_ and _A. ferox_. The former is the well-known
“monkshood,” “wolfsbane,” or “blue rocket,” a very beautiful but
exceedingly poisonous plant, commonly cultivated in English gardens.
This very variable and widely diffused species is found in the
mountainous districts of the temperate regions of the northern
hemisphere: it occurs in the Alps up to an altitude of more than 6,000
feet, in the Pyrenees, and in the mountain ranges of Germany and
Austria. It is also met with in Sweden, Denmark, Siberia, and in the
mountainous districts on the Pacific coast of North America.
_Aconitum ferox_, Nepaul aconite —“Bikh”), is a native of the
subalpine Himalayas, occurring, together with A. napellus and several
other poisonous species, at an elevation of 10,000 to 14,000 feet.
The most recent researches of Dr. C. R. Alder Wright and others have
shown that Aconitum napellus chiefly owes its poisonous properties to
the base _aconitia_, or _aconitine_ (also called _aconitina_), C_{33}
H_{43} NO_{12}, a highly active crystallizable alkaloid furnishing
readily crystallizable salts. This base constitutes about one-half of
the total quantity of alkaloids present in the root, and is considered
to be in combination with _aconitic acid_, H_{3} C_{6} H_{3} O_{6}.
There is also present, but in much smaller quantity (about 10 per
cent. of the total bases present—Wright), another physiologically
active crystallizable alkaloid, _pseudaconitia_, C_{36} H_{49} NO_{12},
similar in many respects to aconitia (especially in its effects
upon the animal system), but not so readily yielding crystallizable
salts. The roots of A. napellus contain, in addition to aconitia and
pseudaconitia, a considerable quantity of a third base, comparatively
inert, apparently amorphous, yielding non-crystallizable salts, and
containing a higher percentage of carbon than either aconitia or
pseudaconitia.
Aconitum ferox contains as its active principle _pseudaconitia_, or
_nepaline_, associated with a comparatively small quantity of aconitia:
there is present in addition a non-crystallizable alkaloid containing
more carbon than either of the other bases, but apparently not
identical with the analogous body from A. napellus.
The plants have been stated to contain, besides the bases already
named, various other alkaloids, such as “napel-line,” “acolyctine,”
“lycoctonine,” &c., but there is no doubt that these substances are
merely products of the decomposition of aconitia and pseudaconitia,
formed during the process of extraction. Aconitia and pseudaconitia
are very easily decomposed; thus, when heated with water in a sealed
tube, the former is converted into benzoic acid and a fresh alkaloid,
_aconine_, C_{26} H_{39} NO_{11}, the reaction being represented by the
following equation:—
C_{33} H_{43} NO_{12}+H_{2}O=C_{7} H_{6} O_{2}+C_{26} H_{39} NO_{11}.
Aconitia. Water. Benzoic acid. Aconine.
Pseudaconitia, so treated, yields dimethyl-protocatechuic (or
“veratric”) acid and a new base, _pseudaconine_, C_{27} H_{41} NO_{9},
the equation being:—
C_{36} H_{49} NO_{12}+H_{2} O=C_{9} H_{10}O_{4} + C_{27}H_{41} NO_{9}.
Pseudaconitia. Water. Dimethyl-protocatechuic Pseudaconine.
acid.
Aconine is doubtless identical with Hübschmann’s “napel-line,”
discovered by him in commercial aconitia, and afterwards proved to
be the same as the “acolyctine” which he had previously obtained.
Pseudaconine is apparently the base “lycoctonine” of the same chemist.
Commercial aconitia is a mixture of aconitia and pseudaconitia with
variable quantities of their decomposition-products, aconine and
pseudaconine, and of the amorphous unnamed alkaloids above referred
to (Wright and others; Year-Book of Pharmacy, 1877, _et seq._).
In commercial aconitia prepared from Aconitum napellus (_German
aconitia_), _aconitia_ predominates: _English aconitia_ is chiefly if
not entirely prepared from A. ferox, and in it _pseudaconitia_ is the
prevailing active base.
All parts of the plants (A. napellus and A. ferox) are poisonous,
the active principles being contained in the seeds, roots, leaves
and flowering tops. The roots are chiefly used for the extraction of
the alkaloids, of which the proportions yielded are very variable
and depend on the time when the roots are collected. An ounce of the
fresh root of A. napellus contains, according to Woodman and Tidy,
from ¼ to ¾ of a grain of aconitia, while a pound of the dried root
furnishes from 12 to 36 grains, or 0·1 to 0·2 per cent. “The average
produce of the root, _collected after flowering_ and fresh, is 8·58
grains of aconitia in the pound; of the same dried, 35·72 grains. But
if collected before flowering, the yield is only 3·5 grains per pound
in the fresh, and 12·13 in the dried root (Herapath). These results are
the average of several experiments.... The root of A. ferox contains
about three times as much alkaloid as that of the English plant”
(Royle’s Mat. Med.). According to Wright and Rennie (Year-Book of
Pharm., 1880, 458), the percentage of total bases yielded by the root
of A. napellus, calculated on the dry substance, amounted to ·07 per
cent., equivalent to about ·05 per cent, of total alkaloids in the dry
herb. Two-fifths of the total alkaloid consisted of pure crystallized
aconitia.
Commercial aconitia or aconitine is generally met with as a white
amorphous powder, but is occasionally crystalline. It dissolves in
150 parts of cold and 50 parts of hot water, and is also soluble in
alcohol, benzole, and chloroform: it is inodorous, possesses an acrid
taste (W. and T., For. Med., p. 392), and is strongly alkaline to
test-paper. It generally fuses below 100° C. (60° C., W. and T.), and
gives an amorphous sublimate above 150° C. (_pure_ aconitia fuses
at 183°-184° C.: _pure_ pseudaconitia melts at 104°-105° C.): when
strongly heated with free access of air, it burns with a yellow, smoky
flame, leaving no residue. Crystallized samples of commercial aconitia
are the purest. Amorphous aconitia, and particularly that prepared in
Germany, is very impure, being admixed with considerable quantities
of comparatively inert bases. The use of such a preparation should be
avoided, as being liable to give rise to a false idea as to the proper
dose of the pure alkaloid (Royle’s Mat. Med., 1876, p. 773). Morson’s
“English aconitine” (_pseudaconitia_) is much more powerful than the
French and German products, which are mostly prepared from A. napellus,
and consist mainly of aconitia.[221]
Aconitia and pseudaconitia differ from one another in their
molecular weights and melting-points; they also furnish different
decomposition-products: aconitia readily furnishes well-crystallized
salts, while the salts of pseudaconitia are usually obtained amorphous;
and finally, crystallized aconitia is anhydrous, while pseudaconitia
crystallizes with one atom of water.
The two bases are similar as regards their physiological action
(pseudaconitia is perhaps somewhat more powerfully active than
aconitia), and general behaviour with reagents.
The characters and physiological action of commercial aconitia
_vary greatly_, as might be expected from the ununiformity of its
composition.
SEPARATION AND TESTS.
For the extraction and separation of aconitia from anima matters, the
modification of Stas’s general method, described on page 5 (Chap. I.),
may be employed. The alkaloids of aconite being, as has been already
shown, very liable to decomposition, great care must be taken, during
the extraction with alcohol and subsequent evaporation of the extracts,
that the temperature does not rise above 50° C.: the use of mineral
acids should also be avoided.
_Tests._—1. The residue of aconitia or pseudaconitia, obtained on
spontaneous evaporation of the anhydrous chloroform solution, will
generally be found to be more or less crystalline, when examined under
the microscope.
2. The Taste Test.—A minute portion of the residue, either alone or
dissolved in a small quantity of water acidulated with acetic acid,
should be rubbed with the finger on the lips and gums, or cautiously
applied to the tip of the tongue. If aconitia or pseudaconitia be
present, a peculiar tingling and numbness will be quickly experienced
in and around the parts to which the alkaloidal extract has been
applied: salivation, with a desire to expectorate, and a sense of
swelling at the back of the throat, are also frequently noticed. The
effects, or some of them, usually last from three to six hours, or even
longer. _This action is peculiar to aconite; the test, therefore, is of
the utmost value, and one which must never be omitted._
3. The Physiological Test.—Inject a small quantity of the alkaloidal
extract, dissolved in a little water acidulated with acetic acid,
into the back of a mouse or other small animal. In the event of
aconitia being present, characteristic symptoms of aconite poisoning
are manifested in a few minutes, and the death of the animal rapidly
ensues. Among the chief symptoms observed by Dr. Fleming, in some
experiments upon animals, made in 1844, were “weakness of the limbs,
staggering, a gradually increasing paralysis of the voluntary
muscles, loss or diminution of sight, slowness of pulse, difficulty of
breathing, occasional convulsive movements, in two cases opisthotonos,
contracted pupils, but often dilating two or three minutes before
death, and death by asphyxia.” (Woodman and Tidy’s For. Med., p. 394).
This test is also a very important one.
4. Chemical Tests.—Solutions of salts of aconitia and pseudaconitia
are precipitated by most of the general reagents for alkaloids, such
as Mayer’s reagent, tannic acid, potassium tri-iodide, phosphomolybdic
acid, &c. Platinic chloride, picric or carbazotic acid, and auric
chloride, however, do _not_ give precipitates, except in _concentrated_
solutions. Among the special tests for aconitia and pseudaconitia
which have been described, the following may be mentioned. (A)
With _sulphuric acid_, no change takes place in the cold, but on
warming, a pale yellow, deepening into brown, and finally changing
into violet-red, is observed. This reaction varies very greatly with
different samples of aconitia, and little or no reliance can be placed
upon it as a toxicological test. (B) With _sulphuric acid_ and a drop
of _saturated solution of sugar_, a fine rose-red colour, passing into
dingy brown, has been obtained. Experience, however, has not shown
this test to be of any especial value. (C) If cautiously heated for
ten or fifteen minutes on the water-bath with a few drops of _syrupy
phosphoric acid_, aconitia is said to yield a violet or blue colour.
This reaction is uncertain and therefore useless: it may be obtained
with impure samples, while pure aconitia and pseudaconitia fail to give
it. Mr. T. B. Groves (Year-Book of Pharmacy, 1873) says:—“The colour
reactions of these alkaloids may be dismissed in a word. There are
‘none.’ As for the phosphoric acid reaction producing a blue colour,
I have never succeeded in obtaining it. It is probably due to some
accidental impurity, and I believe Dr. Flückiger has arrived at the
same conclusion.”
Hence, as there are no reliable, characteristic, and distinctive
chemical tests for aconitia, its presence or absence must be judged
chiefly from the results of the tests of taste and physiological
action on small animals. _A substance, previously proved to be an
alkaloid by its yielding precipitates with most of the general reagents
for alkaloids, and which, when applied to the tongue and injected under
the skin of a small animal, produces the effects already described, is
absolutely certain to be aconitia._
HISTORY, PREPARATIONS, AND DOSES.
_History._—The _Ἀκόνιτον_ of the Greeks and Aconitum of the Romans
are believed to refer to the genus Aconitum, if not actually to
A. napellus. The ancients were well acquainted with the poisonous
properties of aconite, which has been widely used as an arrow-poison.
It was employed by the ancient Chinese, and is still in requisition
among the less civilised hill tribes of India.[222] Something similar
was in use among the aborigines of ancient Gaul. In a Welsh MS. of
the 13th century, aconite was pointed out as one of the plants which
every physician was to grow. The root and the herb are met with in the
German pharmaceutical tariff of the 17th century. Störck, of Vienna,
introduced aconite into regular practice about the year 1762 (Flückiger
and Hanbury; “Pharmacographia,” 1879).
_Preparations and Medicinal Doses,_—Aconite leaves (Aconiti Folia) and
root (Aconiti Radix) are officinal in the British Pharmacopœia, and the
plants from which they are obtained (A. napellus) are cultivated in
Britain (Squire’s Companion to the B. P., 1868). The chief preparations
are as follows:—
1. _Aconitia_, B. P.—Aconitine. Not for internal use, according to the
Pharmacopœia. It is, however, occasionally prescribed in very minute
doses (1/400 to 1/50 of a grain by the mouth: not more than 1/200 of a
grain, subcutaneously injected; Royle’s Materia Medica). Dr. J. Harley
has given 1/200 of a grain, once a day, in fevers.
2. _Unguentum Aconitiæ_, _B. P._—Ointment of aconitia. Prepared with
lard. Strength, 8 grains of aconitia to the ounce (= 1·66 per cent.).
For external application in painful nervous affections, neuralgia, &c.
3. _Linimentum Aconiti_, _B. P._—Useful for external application in
neuralgia or lumbago. May contain about 2 per cent. of aconitia (Blyth).
4. _Extractum Aconiti_, _B. P._—Prepared from the leaves and flowering
tops. Dose, 1 to 2 grains.
5. _Tinctura Aconiti_, _B. P._—Dose, 5 to 10 minims, twice or
thrice a day (Squire); 5 to 15 minims, and only to be gradually if
at all increased (Royle); never to exceed 5 minims (Farquharson’s
Therapeutics).[223]
6. _Fleming’s Tincture of Aconite_ is not officinal; it is nearly four
times stronger than the B. P. tincture, and must on no account be given
in the above doses (Royle).
7. _Liston’s Strong Tincture._—Not officinal.
8. _Aconiti Succus._—The expressed juice. Not officinal. Dose, 15 to
20 minims (Squire’s Comp. to the B. P.).
9. _Extractum Aconiti Rad._—Not officinal. Prepared with alcohol.
Dose, half a grain.
_Fatal Dose of Aconitia._—Smallest: in one case 1/50 of a grain
nearly proved fatal (Pereira). The tenth and even twentieth of a
grain are believed to have caused death (Headland; Herapath). The
average quantity for an adult is probably between 1/16 and 1/20 of a
grain. One drachm of the root, four grains of the alcoholic extract,
and one drachm of the tincture have proved fatal.[224] Numerous
well-authenticated cases are on record of aconite root being scraped
and eaten at table, in mistake for horseradish, with very serious and
even fatal results.[225] (See Guy and Ferrier’s For. Med., p. 617.)
_Fatal Period._—The shortest time in which death has been known to
occur is 1¼ hour: the longest, 20 hours: average, less than 4 hours
(Guy and Ferrier). A case is mentioned in Woodman and Tidy’s Forensic
Medicine, however, in which death occurred in 20 _minutes_. “The
symptoms usually make their appearance in from a few minutes to one or
two hours; whilst death usually takes place within three or four hours”
(W. and T., p. 393).
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS.
Aconite produces, locally applied, a tingling sensation, followed by
numbness, and the earliest symptom of poisoning by aconite, when any
one of its preparations has been taken by the mouth, is tingling,
followed by numbness and anæsthesia of the lips and throat, afterwards
becoming general. Vomiting occurs frequently, but not universally:
purging is not nearly so frequent (W. and T.). The intellectual
faculties are usually unaffected, but in some cases there is stupor.
Aconite paralyses both the reflex and motor activity of the spinal
cord, hence there is an almost total loss of muscular power. The
respiratory centre is eventually paralysed, so that death may result
from suffocation (Farquharson). The heart’s action becomes feeble and
irregular; its rapidity is first diminished, then increased. The face
is pale, and the body bathed in a clammy sweat: the pupils “are at
first contracted, and afterwards dilated shortly before death.” The
respiration becomes slower, then irregular, and death generally results
from its cessation (_asphyxia_).
In cases of poisoning by aconite, death may be caused by (1)
_asphyxia_, (2) _shock_, or (3) _syncope_.
The following symptoms were noted in the case of a cat, to which
one-tenth of a grain of Morson’s English aconitia (= pseudaconitia,
or nepaline) was administered:—stertorous and difficult breathing,
staggering motions, convulsions (always contracting, never stretching
like strychnia), vomiting, foaming at the mouth, moans and spasmodic
cries, violent struggles for breath; the body fell over on one
side, the limbs were stretched forward and worked spasmodically,
but never stiffened. Attacks intermittent, with peaceful intervals.
Involuntary defecation; retching (the stomach had already emptied
itself), prolonged low moans, gasps for breath, abdominal rumblings,
insensibility for two hours with occasional twitching, moans and cries.
Eyes wide open, _pupils not contracted_. Finally, after 2½ hours, a few
slight struggles, a convulsive gasp, and death. Stiffening very slow.
Tongue protruded beyond the teeth.
Twelve hours after death, the rigidity was very strong. A post-mortem
examination was then made, with the following results. Pupils dilated.
Intestines and other organs normal, not congested: lungs collapsed and
congested: heart very much venously congested. Blood not more fluid
than usual. Larynx filled with frothy mucus. Brain congested.
On analysis of the stomach and other organs an alkaloidal extract was
obtained, which, when submitted to the taste test, produced all the
effects characteristic of aconitia. It is worthy of remark that the
colour-tests completely failed.
_Treatment and antidotes._—“Emetics, stimulants internal and external”
(Squire’s Comp. B. P.). No chemical antidote is known: animal charcoal
has been recommended, but its efficacy is doubtful. A mustard emetic
should be applied, followed by the stomach-pump. “In the latter
stages, depletion from a jugular vein to relieve the distension of the
right heart, accompanied by the most persevering efforts to promote the
expansion of the chest.” Gentle magneto-electric currents down the back
of the neck and around the margin of the ribs, to excite contractions
of the diaphragm, accompanied by rhythmical abductions of the upper
extremities, should be employed. If there is yet a capability of
swallowing, brandy and ammonia should be given (Royle’s Mat. Med.).
REMARKS.
Pure aconitia is perhaps the most deadly poison with which we are
at present acquainted, and all the preparations of aconite are
excessively poisonous. Unless employed with extreme caution they are
very dangerous, and should on no account be used, even for external
application, except with the advice of, or by a medical man.[226]
The urgent necessity for an alteration in the law at present relating
to the sale of poisons, and for the introduction of a clause placing
some restrictions on the sale of patent medicines containing poisons,
is strikingly shown by the fact that such preparations as “Neuraline”
are now sold without any restriction whatever. Indeed, as the law at
present stands, the most virulent poisons, if contained in, or sold
as patent medicines, can be obtained by any ordinary person with less
difficulty than the same poisons can be purchased, under their own
proper names, by a medical man. Neuraline, a patent medicine containing
a preparation of aconite, was brought rather prominently forward,
in 1872, in connection with the death of the Hon. G. C. Vernon, the
question arising as to whether the too frequent use of neuraline by the
deceased, for pains in his head, had been the cause of death.[227]
The phosphoric acid test for aconitia, referred to by Mr. Montagu
Williams during the trial of Dr. Lamson, is described in Professor
Flückiger’s work (“Pharmaceutische Chemie”; Berlin, 1879); but it is
at the same time mentioned that crystallized aconitia gives only an
extremely faint reaction, and crystallized nitrate of aconitia none at
all.
It has been already pointed out (p. 573) that this test is one which
cannot be relied on, and that the violet colour is believed to be due
to impurities present rather than to aconitia itself.
The internal administration of aconitia in very small doses is
recommended, in cases of dysentery and typhoid fever, by a writer in
the _Journal of Medicine and Dosimetric Therapeutics, according to
the method of Dr. Ad. Burggraeve_, a publication edited by Dr. T. L.
Phipson. Dr. Burggraeve’s method (or “dosimetry,” as it is called) is
in several respects similar to homœopathy, and the journal in question
cannot be regarded as a generally accepted authority.
In his speech for the defence, Mr. Montagu Williams referred to
the supposed existence of cadaveric alkaloids or ptomaines, and to
the absence of special chemical tests for aconitia. With reference
to the ptomaines, see Chap. 1, p. 12. The objection, that there is
no characteristic chemical test for aconitia, is to a great extent
deprived of its force when one remembers that aconitia can be proved to
be an alkaloid by its deportment with the general alkaloidal re-agents;
that the taste test alone will distinguish it from all other alkaloids;
and that it exerts a powerful and distinctive action on small animals,
and ultimately destroys them.
It must not be forgotten that the remark of Lord Coleridge’s, quoted by
Mr. Montagu Williams, is nothing more than an expression of personal
opinion, by an eminent _lawyer_ on a _purely scientific_ subject;
valuable, no doubt, but not necessarily infallible.
The statement of Messrs. Allen & Hanbury’s assistant, that aconitia is
yellowish-white (p. 544), does not hold good of all samples: the colour
of the alkaloids varies with their degree of purity, and pure aconitia
is not less white than pure atropia.
Full details of the case of poisoning by aconitia, referred to by Dr.
Stevenson (p. 534), are to be found in _Schmidt’s Jahrbücher der In-und
Ausländischen gesammten Medicin_, edited by Dr. Adolf Winter, vol. 189,
p. 122: the case was originally communicated by T. Haakma Tresling to
a Dutch journal (_Weekbl. van het Nederl. Tijdschr. voor Geneesk_, 16,
1880). The following is a short account of this case.
A patient, for whom medicine containing aconitia nitrate (to be taken
in small and repeated doses) had been prescribed by a physician,
Dr. M., experienced soon after the first and second doses a burning
sensation in the throat, followed by vomiting and, later on, by
difficulty of respiration: the skin was icy cold to the touch,
although internally there was a sensation of burning throughout
the body. With the object of proving that these effects were not
attributable to the medicine, Dr. M., at four p.m. on March 16th,
1880, took a dose of the mixture, containing rather more than 1/16
grain of aconitia nitrate. The first symptoms of poisoning appeared
in about an hour and a half; and, about four hours after he had
taken the poison, Dr. M. was found to be pallid, with a cold skin,
contracted pupils, small and irregular but not accelerated pulse,
swollen tongue, headache, shivering fits, and a sensation of burning
in the mouth: there was also pain extending from the throat to the
lower part of the stomach. Suddenly the power of vision became extinct,
simultaneously with a great dilation of the pupils: sight shortly
afterwards returned, the pupils at the same time again contracting.
Vomiting was induced by tickling the throat; the ejected matter was
thick, red-coloured, and contained the remains of food previously
consumed: vomiting subsequently recurred spontaneously. The first
convulsions occurred eight hours and forty minutes after the dose had
been taken; respiration became more difficult, and Dr. M. complained
of humming in the ears, and deafness, first in one ear and then in
the other. Ether was now subcutaneously injected: dilation of pupils,
with loss of vision, again followed, being succeeded by vomiting, and
violent and long-continued convulsions. In eight hours and fifty-three
minutes extraordinarily violent vomiting set in, and was followed by a
succession of violent convulsions. Dr. M. could not again be restored
to consciousness, the pupils were dilated and remained unaffected by
the light, and respiration was slow and laborious. Notwithstanding the
employment of electricity, breathing became slower, the beating of the
heart ceased to be audible, and death occurred in nine hours from the
time at which the poison was taken.
On a _post-mortem_ examination being made, it was found that the
surface-tissues of the body were very pale and contained little
blood, while the internal organs were much congested. The intestinal
congestion increased towards the stomach, and diminished towards the
large intestine. The colon, rectum, and bladder were very pale and
bloodless. The latter contained about 70 grammes (= 2¼ fl. oz.) of
urine. The liver and spleen were enlarged, the kidneys small; all much
congested. Defecation had not taken place, though some urine had been
passed. The lungs did not fill the cavity of the chest; they contained
fresh infiltrations and some small cavities: adhesion, congestion, and,
in the lower portions, numerous emphysematous patches. Much fat was
deposited on the right side of the heart, which contained thin blood.
Brain congested.
INDEX.
ACONITE,
varieties (napellus, ferox), 568
alkaloids, aconitine or aconitia, 569
pseudaconitia, 569
aconine and pseudaconine, 570
extraction and tests—
taste, 572
physiological, 572
chemical, 573
extraction and texts—
taste, 572
physiological, 572
chemical, 573
history and preparations, 574
doses, fatal, 575
fatal period, 576
cause of death, 577
post-mortem appearances, 577, 581
treatment and antidotes, 577
remarks. Phosphoric acid test, 579
Use in dysentery, 579
Colour of aconitia, 580
Case referred to by Dr. Stevenson, 580
ALKALOIDS,
derivation, 3, 4
chemically and physiologically considered, 4
general process for extracting, 5-8
morphia, curarine, solanine, 8
Guy’s subliming cell, 9
general reagents, 10-12
ptomaines or cadaveric, 13, 14
ALLOYS OF ANTIMONY, 491
ALLOYS OF ARSENIC, 374, 381
ALMONDS, BITTER, 59, 60, 78
ANALYSIS,
quantitative, indispensable in cases of poisoning by antimony,
mercury, and lead, 3
ANGINA PECTORIS,
Dr. Richardson (_Palmer’s trial_), 175, 289
ANILINE DYES,
arsenic in, 379
ANIMAL CHARCOAL,
reagent for alkaloids, 11
antidote, 12, 577
ANTIMONY,
symptom of poisoning by, 2
properties. Chap. IX., 490
alloy of, in different metals, 491
compounds of, chlorides, sulphides, 491
oxides, hydride, 492
tartar emetic, solubility, 493
composition, uses and occurrences, 494
doses and preparations, 495
fatal dose and fatal period, 496
physiological effects, 497
antidotes, 497
separation and tests. Reinsch’s, 498
Marsh, 500
preparation used, 502
quantity, 503
remarks (_Pritchard’s case_), 505
(_Smethurst’s_), 507
Addenda—bismuth, 510
grey powder, 513
ANTISEPTIC,
arsenic as an, 376
APPLE PIPS,
amount of prussic acid in, 59, 60
ARSENIC,
element. Chap. VII., 373
solubility of, 321, 375
taste of (_Christison_), 321-3
trioxide of, 374
uses and occurrences of, 376-381
steeping wheat—soap—antiseptic, 376
glass—for fur in boilers—candles, 376
wood preserving—sheep washing—paints, 377
wall papers—medicines, 378
horses—teeth stopping—aniline dyes, 379
rat and fly poisons—metal cleaning, 380
arsenic eaters—cosmetic—bronzing, 380
glucose beer—paper collars, 381
speculum metal—inhaling, 381
sulphides of, 381
orpiment (Burdock’s case), 382, and note
acid, 382
arsenates, 383
trichloride, Arseniuretted hydrogen, 383
extraction and tests, distribution, occurrence in soils, 384
modification of old process, 385-7
Marsh’s, 388
Reinsch’s, 390
doses, medicinal, poisonous, 391
physiological effects of, 392
treatment and antidotes, 393
presence in common articles, 394
attempted poisoning by forged prescription, 394
remarks on evidence of Dr. Letheby (_Merritt’s case_), 395
on Madeline Smith’s case, 395, note 396
supposed presence in sulphuretted hydrogen, 396
_See_ trials of Madeline Smith, Pritchard, and Ann Merritt,
Chap. VI.
ASHLEY, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 19
AYRTON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Winslow’s trial_), 487
BABBINGTON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 460
BALL, GEORGE,
trial of, at Lewes, 49-52
BAMFORD, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 99-100
BANKES, ISABELLA,
case of, 448
BARLOW, SILAS,
trial of, 268-75
history of the case, 268
symptoms of poisoning, 269
medical evidence, 271
analytical evidence, Dr. Lees, 272
Dr. Bernays, 274
defence and verdict, 275
BARNES, LAVINIA,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 98-9
BARRETT, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 20
BARWELL, Surgeon,
evidence of, _post-mortem_ (_Smethurst’s trial_), 456
BATEMAN, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 41
BEDBROOK,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 541
BELLADONNA,
insensibility, symptom of poisoning by, 2
dilates the pupil of the eye, 2
BERNAYS, Dr. A. J.,
evidence of (_Barlow’s trial_), 274
BERRY, Dr.,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 520
BIRD, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 455
BISMUTH,
potassio-iodide of, reagent for alkaloids, 10
subnitrate, arsenic in, 510
BLANC MANGE,
arsenic used for colouring, 377
BOILERS, FUR IN,
arsenic used for removing, 376
BOWERBANK, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 460
BRAMWELL, Baron,
charge of (_Dove’s trial_), 260-2
BRAND, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 524
BRODIE, Sir B.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 117
opinion of (_Smethurst’s case_), 478
BROOKS, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 92
BRUCIA,
convulsions, symptoms of poisoning by, 3
whence obtained, 284
tests for, 285
BURDOCK, M.A.,
trial for poisoning by orpiment, 382, note.
CADAVERIC ALKALOIDS,
properties, 12-14
resembling strychnia, 291
in Lamson’s case, 550, 580, 537-8
CALVERT, F. C., Chemist,
indestructibility of strychnia, 149, note
CAMERON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Winslow’s trial_), 482
CAMPBELL, Lord Chief Justice (_Palmer’s trial_),
omission of Keeling’s evidence, 104, note
charge of, 220-31
CANDLES,
arsenic used in, 376
CANTHARIDES,
vomiting symptom of poisoning by, 2
CARBONIC ACID AND OXIDE,
sudden death in poisoning by, 1, 2
CASSAVA,
amount of prussic acid in, 59
CAUDLE, Chemist,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 456
CHAMPNEYS, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 23-7
CHERRY KERNELS,
amount of prussic acid in, 59
CHESHIRE, Postmaster,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 188-9
CHLORAL AND CROTON CHLORAL,
insensibility, symptom of poisoning by, 2
CHLORINE,
process for obtaining pure, xvi.
CHLOROFORM,
solvent for alkaloids, 4, 5
antidote to strychnia, 290
CHRISTISON, Professor,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 147-8
(_Dove’s trial_), 248
(_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 315, 358
CHRONIC POISONING,
symptoms of by antimony, mercury, lead, 3, 497
CLARK, RUTHERFORD,
defence of Pritchard, 435
CLUTTERBUCK, Mr.,
details of case of (_Palmer’s trial_), 123
COCCULUS INDICUS,
symptom of poisoning by, 2
COCKBURN, Attorney-General,
statement and reply (_Palmer’s trial_), 84-94, 209-19
COOK,
murder of. _See_ PALMER.
COOPER, Analytical Chemist,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 28-33
cross-examination, 33-9
discovery of prussic acid in apple pips, 32, 60, 64
COPLAND, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 460
COPPER,
preparation of pure, 498
CORBETT, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 323
COSMETIC,
use of arsenic as a, 380
bismuth, 510
COWARD, Inspector,
conduct of (_Merritt’s trial_), 369
CURARINE,
process for extracting, 8
properties, 277, 281
CURLING, J. B., Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 111
CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM,
symptoms and _post-mortem_ appearances, &c., 80
DANIELL, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 119
DEATH, SUDDEN,
evidence of poisoning by sulphuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acids,
poisonous gases, carbonic oxide, arseniuretted and
antimoniuretted hydrogen, kakodyl, strychnia, oxalic and prussic
acid, 1, 2
chloroform, sometimes, 2
DE MEAU, French Consul,
evidence of (_M. Smith’s trial_), 338
DEVONSHIRE, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 109, note—134, note
DIGITALIS,
insensibility evidence of poisoning by, 2
dilates the pupils of the eyes, 2
DODD, Chemist,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 544
DOVE, Mrs.,
evidence as to her case (_Palmer’s trial_), 124
DOVE, WILLIAM,
trial for murder of wife—early life, 233-5
history of the case, 235-9
symptoms—Ann Fisher, 239
Mrs. Witham, 240
Mrs. Wood, 241
Mr. Scarth, 242
medical and analytical evidence (Mr. Morley), 242-8
(Mr. Nunneley), 248
(Professor Christison), 248
(Mr. Hobson and Mr. Teale), 249
(Mr. Richard and Mr. William Hey), 250
prisoner’s actions and statements (Ann Fisher), 250
(Gray, Hicks), 251
(Harrison, Jenkins, Scarth), 252
defence—letter to the Devil, 253
evidence of insanity (Dr. Williams), 254-7
(Dr. Pyeman Smith), 258
(Mr. J. Kitchen), 259
judge’s charge, and verdict, 260-3
confessions of, 263-8
DRAGENDORFF,
process for alkaloids, 4
DROPS AND MINIMS (_Ball’s trial_), 50-1
table of relative proportions of, 81
DUPRÉ, Dr.,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 538
EDWARDS, Dr.,
evidence of (_Winslow’s case_), 484
EGGLESHAM POISONING CASE (_Agnes Montgomery_), 52-3
ESSENTIAL OILS,
vomiting symptom of, 2
containing HCN, 60
EYE,
action of poisons on the—opium, morphia, calabar bean, aconite?, and
strychnia, contract the pupil; belladonna, henbane, tobacco,
stramonium, digitalis, and hemlock, dilate the pupil, 2
FIREWORKS,
arsenic in, 379
antimony, 492
FISHER, ANN,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 239, 251
FISHER, ISHMAEL,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 191-3
FLY POISONS,
arsenic in, 379
FORMIC ACID,
to be tested for in supposed cases of poisoning by hydrocyanic
acid, 82-3
difference from sulphocyanide, 70
FORSTER,
supposed case of tetanus, 177-8
FOULNER,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 431
FOWLER’S SOLUTION,
arsenite of potash, 378
dose of, 391
FRANKLIN,
trial of (arsenic in blanc mange), 377, note
FRESENIUS,
process for arsenic, 385
GAGE, MARIA,
trial of (arsenic in rat poison), 379
GAIRDNER, Dr.,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 399-403
GAY, Dr. JOHN,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 179
GILLETT, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Merritt’s trial_), 368
GIRDWOOD, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 472
GLASS MAKING,
arsenic used in, 376
GLUCOSE BEER,
arsenic used in, 381
GRANULES, GRITTY,
on spine (_Palmer’s trial_), 171, 292
GRAY, MARGARET,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 251
GRAY, R, E.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 177-8
GUY, Dr.,
process for subliming alkaloids, 9
HADLER, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 41
HAGGART, C.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 340
HANDYSIDE, Lord,
judgment in Madeline Smith’s trial, 361
HARLAND, Dr.,
evidence, _post-mortem_ (_Palmer’s trial_), 105-9
HARRISON (the witchman),
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 252
HART, Mrs.,
history of (_Tawell’s trial_), 41
HAWKINS, Sir H.,
remarks on Poisons Acts (_Lamson’s trial_), 544, note
charge of (_Lamson’s trial_), 555
HEHNER,
tin in canned provisions, 504
HEMLOCK,
symptoms of poisoning by, 2
antidote to tetanus, 293
HERAPATH, Chemist,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 163-6
letter to the _Times_, 165, note
and Dr. Taylor (_Smethurst’s trial_), 507
HEY, R. and W. Medical men,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 250
HICKS, MARY,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 251
HOBSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 249
HOPE, Lord Justice Clerk,
judgment on L’Angelier’s diary (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 359
charge (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 352-5
HORSES,
use of arsenic for, 379
HOSPITAL, LONDON
case of tetanus at, 178
HOSPITAL, ROYAL FREE,
case of tetanus at, 179
HOWARD, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 28
HYDRIDE OF ANTIMONY, 492
HYDRARGYRUM CUM CRETA (grey powder),
composition of, 513
HYDROCHLORIC ACID,
purification of, xvi.
HYDROCYANIC ACID,
synonyms and properties, 55
variations of strength of, 55-6
British Pharmacopœia (HCN), 57
sources of, 58-61
poisonous doses, 59, 79
the quickest poison, 2
quantity in apple pips (Cooper), 32
(Thomas), 40
(C. G. Stewart), 59-60
tests for detection of, preliminary, 61-3
odour test (_Tawell’s trial_), 24, 34
smell-blindness (Stewart), 63-7
silver test, 67-8
Prussian-blue test, 69
sulphur test, 70
guaiacum, uranium, picric acid, cupric sulphate, cobalt chloride,
potash and mercuric oxide tests, 71
peroxide of hydrogen test, 72
mercurous nitrate test, 72
apparatus for the silver, Prussian-blue, and sulphur tests, 72-3
salts of, 73-8
potassium cyanide, 73-4
mercuric cyanide, 74-5
cyanides of the heavy metals, 75
double cyanides, 75-6
sulphocyanides (Pharaoh’s serpent), 77
in the saliva, 78
oil of bitter almonds, amount in, 78
antidotes to, medicinal uses of, fatal dose, 79
symptoms of poisoning by, and _post-mortem_ appearances, 78-80
how long after death discoverable, 81-3
HYDROGEN, SULPHURETTED,
death by, 1
supposed presence of arsenic in, 396
reagent for antimony, 501
IGASURIA and IGASURIC ACID, 285
INGLIS, Dean of Faculty,
defence of Madeline Smith, 342-52
INGLIS, Lord Justice Clerk,
charge at Pritchard’s trial, 445
INHALING ARSENIC,
in asthma and bronchitis, 381
INSANITY,
plea of, evidence in support of (_Dove’s trial_), 254-60
affidavits in support of (_Lamson’s case_), 561
INSENSIBILITY,
symptom of poisoning by morphia and opium, henbane, stramonium,
nicotine, darnel, hemlock, fools’ parsley (doubtful), water
hemlock, Indian hemp, woody nightshade, berries of potato,
lobelia inflata, foxglove, cocculus indicus, some fungi,
chloroform, chloral, croton chloral, amylene, methylene
dichloride, sulphuretted hydrogen, carbonic oxide, belladonna, 2
not in strychnia, 288
IVORY, LORD,
judgment on extracts from L’Angelier’s diary, 363
JONES, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 101-4, 190
JULIUS, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 453
KEELING, MARY,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 104
omitted by Lord Chief Justice, 104, note
KERR,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 431
KILLERS, VERMIN,
composition, 283, 379
KITCHEN,
evidence of insanity (_Dove’s trial_), 259
LAMSON, G. H., Dr.,
trial for murder of brother-in-law. Chap. X., 514
history of the case, 516-20
evidence of medical attendants (Berry, Little), 520
_post-mortem_ (Little), 521-3
(Bond), 524-6
analytical evidence (Dr. Stevenson), 526
(cross-examination), 532
(Dr. Dupré), 538
previous acts of (J. L. and W. Tulloch), 539
(Bedbrook), 541
purchase of poison by (C. A. Smith), 543
(Dodd, Shilling), 544
remarks on Poisons Act by judge, 544, note
surrender of prisoner, 546
defence (Montagu Williams), 547-53
reply (Solicitor-General, Herschel), 553-5
judge’s charge (Sir H. Hawkins), 555-60
verdict and sentence, 560
affidavits in support of application for inquiry into his
sanity, 561
L’ANGELIER,
poisoning of. _See_ MADELINE SMITH.
extracts from diary, judgment on, 342-59
did he commit suicide? 395-6
LAWRIE, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 325
LEAD
process for alkaloids, 7, 279
LEE, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 117
LEES, Dr.,
evidence of (_Barlow’s trial_), 272
LETHEBY, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 166-9
(_Merritt’s trial_), 366, 395
LEWIS, Sir C.,
decision in Smethurst’s case, 479
LIQUOR,
strychniæ, 283
arsenicalis, 379
LITTLEJOHN, Dr.,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 424-5
MACDONALD, W., Dr.,
evidence and cross-examination (_Palmer’s trial_), 180-2
MACHATTIE,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 431
MACLAGAN, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 326
(_Pritchard’s trial_), 412, 422-3
MARSH’S PROCESS (arsenic), 388
(antimony), 500
MAYER’S REAGENT FOR ALKALOIDS, 10
MERCURY,
symptoms of, 3
grey powder, 513
stain on copper, 499
MERRITT, ANN,
trial for poisoning her husband, 364-72
medical and analytical evidence (Toulmin), 365
(Letheby), 366
purchase of poison by, 368
acts and statements (Gillett), 368
(Coward), 369
prisoner’s defence, 371
charge and verdict, and reprieve, 372
case referred to at Palmer’s trial, 168
METALLIC STAINS ON COPPER,
distinctions between, 499
METALS,
cleansing and bronzing of, by arsenic, 380
MILLER, Dr.,
evidence of (_Winslow’s trial_), 486
MILLS, ELIZABETH,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 94-8
MINIMS AND DROPS,
(_Ball’s trial_), 50, 51
table of relative proportions of, 81
MONCKTON, Dr.,
evidence of (_post-mortem_, _Palmer’s trial_), 109
MORLEY, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 124-7
(_Dove’s trial_), 242-7
MORPHIA,
symptom of poisoning by, 2
distinction from strychnia, xv.
process for extracting, 8, 9
was it used by Palmer? 291
MORSON’S ACONITINE, 577-9
MOTIVE,
remarks on (Inglis, defence of M. Smith), 347
(Inglis, charge, _Pritchard’s trial_), 445
(Hope, Lord Justice Clerk, _M. Smith’s trial_), 439
(Shee, Serjeant, defence of Palmer), 201
MYATT, GEORGE, Saddler,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 92, note
MYATT, JAMES, Postboy,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 193-4
NEWTON,
chemist, evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 184, and note
NEPALINE AND NAPELLINE,
aconite alkaloids, 569, 577
NEURALINE,
preparation of aconite, 579
NITRIC ACID,
test for brucia, 285
for morphia, xv., 6, 285 note
NORBLAD, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 36-7
NUNNELEY, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 152-63
(_Dove’s trial_), 184, and note
ODLING, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 464
ORPIMENT,
composition and properties, 381
as a cosmetic, 320, 382
MARY ANN BURDOCK, 382, and note
OXIDATION TEST FOR STRYCHNIA, 280
OXIDES OF ANTIMONY, 495
OXIDES OF ARSENIC, 374, 382
PAINTS,
arsenic in, 377
PALMER, WILLIAM,
trial of, for murder of J. P. Cook. Chap. II., 84
his connection with Cook, 84-94
health of Cook, 90-1, note
sickness of Cook at Shrewsbury, 91-3
Cook’s symptoms at Rugeley (Elizabeth Mills), 94-6
(Lavinia Barnes), 98
(Mary Keeling), 104
medical evidence (Bamford), 99-100
(Jones), 101-4
_post-mortem_ (Harland), 105-9
(Monckton), 109
(Devonshire), 109, note, 134, note
medical experts (J. B. Curling), 111
(Dr. Todd), 114
(Daniell, Solly, Lee), 119
(Sir Benjamin Brodie), 117
(Dr. Jackson), 119-20
late cases of strychnia (Agnes Sennett), 121
(Mrs. S. Smyth, Romsey), 122
(Mr. Clutterbuck), 123
(Mrs. Dove, _see_ MORLEY), 124-7
analytical evidence (Dr. Taylor), 128-45, 291
(Rees and Brande), 145
(Professor Christison), 146-8
medico-scientific evidence for defence, points of, 149-50, 288
(Mr. Nunneley), 152-63
(Mr. Herapath), 163-6
(Dr. Letheby), 166-9
(Professor Rogers), 170
(Dr. F. Wrightson), 170
(Mr. Partridge), 171-3
(Pemberton and Robinson), 174
(Dr. Richardson), 175, 468, 289.
cases of tetanus on part of defence, 177-82
purchase of poison by, 183-5
acts of, during illness and after death of Cook, 186-96
J. Myatt, evidence of, 193
letter to the coroner, &c., 194-5
committal of, for murder, and conduct in gaol, 196
evidence of, in forged bill case, 196, note
defence of, by Mr. Serjeant Shee, 196-208
reply of Attorney-General, 208
charge of Lord Campbell, 220
verdict and sentence, 231
remarks of Sir James Stephen, 231
suggested use of morphia by, 291
PARKE, Baron,
charge of (_Tawell’s trial_), 42-7
PARTRIDGE, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 171
PATERSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 404-26
PATTERSON, Servant,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 398
PEMBERTON, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Winslow’s trial_), 486
PENNY, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 357
(_Pritchard’s trial_), 413, 418, 420, 426
PERKINS, Constable,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 23
PHOSPHO-ANTIMONIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 12
PHOSPHO-MOLYBDIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 10
PHOSPHO-TUNGSTIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 11
PHOSPHORIC TEST FOR ACONITIA. _See_ ACONITE.
PICKERING, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 38
PICRIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 11
PIPERINE AND PYROXANTHINE,
distinctions from strychnia, 156, 281
PLATINIC CHLORIDE,
reagent for alkaloids, 12
POLLOCK, Lord Chief Baron,
censure of Inspector Coward, 369-70
charge (_Smethurst’s trial_), 473-7
report to Home Secretary, 478
PORTER,
does it disguise HCN? 37, 65
POTASSIUM TRI-IODIDE AND POTASSIO-MERCURIC-IODIDE,
reagents for alkaloids, 10
PRINCIPLES,
to be observed in testing for poisons, 14, 15
PRITCHARD, Dr.,
trial of, for murder of wife and mother-in-law, 397-448
history of the case (Patterson, McLeod), 398
symptoms (Gairdner, Paterson), 399
medical attendants, evidence of (Gairdner), 403
(Paterson), 404-26
purchase of poisons by, 412
_post-mortem_ examinations (Maclagan), 413-18
chemical analysis of medicines in Pritchard’s room, 413
of bodies (Penny), 418
of bottle of Battley’s solution, 419
experiments with Battley’s solution on animals, 420-1
causes of death (Dr. Maclagan), 422-3
(Dr. Littlejohn), 424-5
(Dr. Paterson), 426
declarations (official) of, 427
witnesses for defence (Dr. M. Taylor), 430
(Simpson, Foulner, Kerr, and McHattie), 431
speech of Solicitor-General, 431
Rutherford Clark for prisoner, 435
judge’s charge, 445
verdict, confession, 447
PRUSSIC ACID. _See_ HYDROCYANIC ACID.
PSEUDACONITIA. _See_ ACONITE.
PTOMAINES. _See_ CADAVERIC ALKALOIDS.
RAT POISONS,
arsenic in, 379
RICHARDSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 175
(_Smethurst’s trial_), 466
ROBERTS, Chemist,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 183
ROBERTSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 174
ROGERS, Professor,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 170
(_Smethurst’s_), 469
ROSS, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 180
SALTS OF HYDROCYANIC ACID,
symptoms, 79
_post-mortem_ appearances, 80
SARGEANT, J.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 91
SAVAGE, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 90, note
SCARTH, Chemist, 242
evidence of, (_Dove’s trial_), 242
SCHEIBLER’S REAGENT FOR ALKALOIDS, 11
SENNETT, AGNES,
case of tetanus (_Palmer’s trial_), 121
SHEE, Serjeant,
speech for defence (_Palmer’s trial_), 196-208
SHEEPWASH,
arsenic in, 377
SHILLING,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 544
SILICO-TUNGSTIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 12
SMETHURST,
trial of, for murder of Isabella Bankes, 448-79
history of the case (Ballantine), 449-53
evidence of medical attendants (Julius), 453-5
(Bird and Caudle), 455-6
_post-mortem_ examination (Barwell), 456-8
(Wilks), 458-9
medical experts for prosecution (Todd), 459
(Buzzard, Copland, Bowerbank, and Babbington), 460
analytical evidence (Taylor), 461-4
(Herapath’s letter on, Odling), 460
medical and analytical evidence for defence, 465-73
(Dr. Richardson), 466
(Drs. Rogers and Thudichum), 469
(Dr. Cornelius Webb), 470
(Dr. Girdwood), 472
(Dr. Tyler Smith), 473
judge’s charge (Pollock), 473-7
reference to Brodie, 478
pardon, 479
conviction for bigamy, 452
proof of Miss Bankes’ will, 452
SMITH, C. A., Chemist,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 543
SMITH, JEREMIAH,
examination and cross-examination (_Palmer’s trial_), 185, note
SMITH, MADELINE,
trial of, for murder, 295, 359
history of the parties, 295-8
declaration of the accused, 298-300
L’Angelier’s symptoms (Mrs. Jenkins), 300-3
medical attendants, evidence of (Dr. Thomson), 304
(Dr. Steven), 305
_post-mortem_ examination (Appendix A), 355
analytical evidence (Dr. Penny), 307
(Prof. Christison), 315-58
medical experts for defence (Dr. Lawrie), 325
(Dr. McLagan), 326
opportunities of administering poison—1st charge, 329
2nd charge, 330
3rd charge, 332
conduct and statements of (M. de Meau), 337-42
(C. Haggart), 340, note
proposed evidence from L’Angelier’s diary (Appendix C), 342, 359
the defence, 342
judge’s charge and verdict, 352-5
quantity of arsenic found in body of a murdered person
(Appendix B), 353
SMITH, PYEMAN, Dr.,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 258
SMITH, TYLER, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 473
SMYTH, Mrs.,
case of tetanus (_Palmer’s trial_), 122
SOLANINE,
extraction of, 8
SOLLY, Surgeon,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 117
SONNENSCHEIN’S REAGENT FOR ALKALOIDS, 10
SPECULUM METAL,
arsenic in, 381
SPINAL GRANULES (_Palmer’s trial_), 171-4
specimens at St. Thomas’ Hospital, 292-3
STEPHEN, Mr. Justice,
notes on Palmer’s trial, 169, 231-2
Dove’s trial, 268
Smethurst’s trial, 478-511
STEVEN, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 305
STEVENS,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 91, note
STEVENSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 526-32
STRYCHNIA (Chapter V.), 276
sources and properties of, 277
separation of, 278-80
STRYCHNIA TESTS,
microscope, taste, colour, 279, 280
galvanic (Letheby), 282
Marshall Hall’s, bichromate of potash, 282
picric acid, sodium nitrite, mercuric chloride, 283
preparations of (table), 283
vermin killers, 283-4
doses, medicinal, 285
fatal period for, 286
symptoms of, in man, 287
_post-mortem_ appearances, 289
treatment and antidotes, 290
value of colour tests, 291
discovery of, in the tissues, 291
did Palmer poison Cook with morphia? 292
supposed preparation of spinal gritty granules, 292-3
differences between morphia and, xv.
SULPHIDES,
of antimony, 491, 495
of arsenic, 381, 387
TANNIN OR TANNIC ACID,
reagent for alkaloids, 12
antidote to antimony, 497
TARTAR EMETIC. _See_ ANTIMONY, 494
TAWELL, JOHN,
trial of, for murder of Mrs. Hart, 16-49
previous life of, 17
symptoms of poison (Ashley, Barrett), 19, 20
conduct at Slough, 21
arrest of (Williams, Wiggins), 22
statement by (Perkins), 23
medical evidence (Champneys), 23-7
previous attempt to poison (Howard), 28
analytical evidence (Cooper), 28-36
(Norblad, Pickering), 36-8
purchase of poison by (Thomas), 39, 40
history of Mrs. Hart (Bateman, Hadler), 41
defence (Kelly), 41-2
judge’s charge (Parke), and verdict, 42-7
confession, question about publication of, 48
legal dispute about his Australian property, 48-9
TAYLOR, A. S., Dr., Analyst,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 128-45
(_Smethurst’s trial_), 461-4
and Herapath, 507
TAYLOR, MICHAEL, Dr.,
evidence of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 430
TEAL, Dr.,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 249
TEETH STOPPING,
arsenic used in, 378
THOMPSON, Dr.,
evidence of (_Madeline Smith’s trial_), 304
THUDICHUM, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 469
TODD, Dr.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 114
(_Smethurst’s trial_), 459
TOYS,
coloured with arsenic, 378
TRI-IODIDE AND TRIOXIDE OF ARSENIC. _See_ ARSENIC.
TULLOCH, J. L. and W.,
evidence of (_Lamson’s trial_), 539
petition to Home Secretary, 560
VOMITING,
a symptom of poisoning by all irritant poisons, acids, alkalies,
alkaline salts, &c., 2
WALKER, PETER,
trial of (Egglesham poisoning), 51-2
WALL PAPERS,
arsenic used in colouring, 378
WEBB, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 470
WIGGINS, Constable,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 22
WILKS, Dr.,
evidence of (_Smethurst’s trial_), 458
WILLIAMS, Inspector G. W. R.,
evidence of (_Tawell’s trial_), 22
WILLIAMS, CALEB, Dr.,
evidence of (_Dove’s trial_), 254
WILSON, CATHERINE,
case of tetanus (_Palmer’s trial_), 180
WINSLOW, THOMAS,
trial of, for murder of Mrs. James, 479-89
history of case, 479-82
medical and analytical evidence (Cameron), 482
(J. B. Edwards), 484
(Ayrton), 487
(Miller, Pemberton), 486
prisoner’s statements, 487
purchase of poison, 488
charge and verdict, 489
WITHAM, Mrs.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 124
(_Dove’s trial_), 240
WOOD, MARY,
evidence of, objection to, 233, note
(_Dove’s trial_), 241
WOOD PRESERVING,
arsenic used for, 377
WRIGHTSON, Dr. F.,
evidence of (_Palmer’s trial_), 170, 177
YOUNG, Solicitor-General,
speech of (_Pritchard’s trial_), 431
THE END.
BRADBURY, AGNEW, & CO., PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Christison on Poisons, 1829, p. 491.
[2] For instance, strychnia or strychnine, morphia or morphine,
aconitia or aconitine, are the same substances.
[3] 39 & 40 Vict. cap. 77, sec. 12.
[4] Potassio-mercuric iodide, made by dissolving 50 grammes of
potassium iodide and 13·5 grammes of mercuric chloride, in a
litre of distilled water. The reagent is added till no further
precipitate is produced, which is known by filtering a small
portion at intervals and testing with the potassio-mercuric
iodide to see if finished. The strength of the solution must
be, as nearly as possible, 1 part of the alkaloid in 200, so
that an _approximate_ idea must first be obtained by weighing
or otherwise. As the quantity is in poison cases generally
too small to weigh, the approximate idea must be gathered by
comparing the intensity of the tests with those furnished by
known amounts of the alkaloid. Each cubic centimetre of Mayer’s
solution precipitates ·02 gramme of morphia, ·0268 of aconitia,
and ·0167 of strychnia. For further details see Blyth’s
Practical Chemistry, 1879, p. 289.
[5] Rennard (Chem. Centr. 1876, 456) asserts that acetic ether
is preferable to amylic alcohol, as the latter dissolves more
colouring matter.
[6] To recover the alkaloid, dissolve the precipitate in
sufficient sulphurous acid solution, and evaporate: the
sulphate is left (Wagner).
[7] If the picrate precipitate be dissolved in dilute potash,
and the solution shaken with ether-chloroform, the latter, on
evaporation, leaves the alkaloid again in a free state.
[8] At the inquest this witness said that she rinsed out one of
the glasses on the table to give the deceased the water.
[9] Evidence of Katherine White, barmaid; W. Marton, gardener;
J. Kendal, waiter at the Jerusalem Coffee-house; H. Crapp,
clerk G. W. Railway, Slough; G. Lewis, postboy at Salthill;
R. Roberts, innkeeper, Slough; C. Wibberts, guard of G. W.
R.; Weymouth, a plumber; E. J. Howell, superintendent of
Slough station; Rev. E. T. Champneys T. Holman, constable, of
Farnham-Royal.
[10] At the inquest, this witness, speaking of the results of
the chemical analysis, said:—“It may not have been prussic
acid, but in conjunction with some salt nearly allied to it. I
do not think it was administered by itself but in some liquid.
The salts of prussic acid have not the same pungent peculiar
odour as prussic acid itself. They would produce death, but he
could not say how quickly.” Mr. Norblad, on the same occasion,
suggested that one of the salts into the composition of which
prussic acid enters, might have been given; “that cyanide of
potassium, the salt to which he referred, would cause death
in from two seconds to a quarter of an hour, according to the
amount given.” At the time of the inquest it was not known
that the prisoner had bought of Thomas, Scheele’s solution of
prussic acid. On the properties of the various kinds of these
salts, see Mr. Stewart’s remarks, pp. 73-77.
[11] Doubtful. C. G. S.
[12] On the mooted question of “odour,” see Mr. Stewart’s
experiments and remarks on smell-blindness, pp. 63-66.
[13] In giving the examination-in-chief of this witness, I
have, through the kindness of Mr. C. Platt, the clerk of
assize of the old Norfolk circuit, been able to correct the
cotemporary reports in the _Times_ and the _Bucks Herald_by the
original report of his experiments made by Mr. Cooper to the
prosecution. Mr. Cooper was unable to be at the inquest, and
the results of such of these experiments as Messrs. Champneys
and Norblad had witnessed were then alone given in evidence,
excluding those where the odour of prussic acid was smelt by
Mr. Cooper and his sons, and where the quantity in the portion
of the contents of the stomach submitted to analysation was
determined.
[14] See the table of Mr. Stewart’s experiments on bitter and
sweet apples, and other fruits, p. 59.
[15] The reporter is wrong here; see cross-examination of Mr.
Champneys, p. 24, in which he says that neither Mr. Norblad nor
Mr. Pickering smelt the odour on the first opening of the body.
[16] Sweet almonds would not affect the production of prussic
acid from the apple-pips, except as tending to produce emulsine.
[17] See note at p. 38 as to Pickering’s evidence on this point.
[18] See p. 58.
[19] Judge Therry’s Reminiscences of 30 Years’ Residence in N.
S. Wales. 2nd edition, p. 107. I have altered the conclusion
of the Judge’s remarks from information supplied to me by a
relative well acquainted with Sydney in those days.
[20] Animal matter contains the elements carbon, hydrogen,
nitrogen, and oxygen: the carbon and nitrogen unite with the
alkaline metal to form a cyanide, or a ferrocyanide if iron
also be present.
[21] Case of Sir T. Boughton, 1781.
[22] The potash and ferrous salt form potassium sulphate and
ferrous hydroxide, the latter combines with cyanogen and more
potash to form potassium ferro-cyanide, the ferric chloride
with the potash produces ferric hydroxide and potassium
chloride; when the hydrochloric acid is added, it dissolves up
the excess of ferrous and ferric hydroxides, forming ferrous
and ferric chlorides, and the ferric chloride unites with the
potassium ferrocyanide to form ferric ferrocyanide or Prussian
blue.
[23] Professor Carey Lea (American Journal of Science, 3,
ix., 121) prefers to mix a weak solution of ammonio-ferrous
sulphate with a little ammonio-ferric citrate, to acidify with
hydrochloric acid, then to place two or three drops of this
on a white plate, and to add a few drops of the suspected
solution. A blue cloudiness indicates HCN. This method, he
says, is capable of detecting 1/5000 of a grain of HCN. But I
do not think it more delicate than the old method if properly
performed, and it does not so easily admit of comparative
experiment as to quantity.
[24] Professor Toynbee met his death by incautious use in this
way.
[25] Death from suffocation.
[26] 19 Vict. c. 16.
[27] The authorities for the following report are (1) Report of
Trial of William Palmer. J. Gilbert, Lond., 1856. (2) Reprint
of _Times_ Report of the Trial. Ward and Lock, Lond., 1856; and
the Life and Career of William Palmer, by the same publishers.
(3) Verbatim Report of the Trial, from shorthand notes of Mr.
Angelo Bennett. J. Allen, Lond., 1856. (4) Letter to Lord Chief
Justice Campbell by the Rev. Thomas Palmer, brother to the
prisoner, with appendix of documents, including memorial from
his solicitor to Sir G. Grey, letters and newspaper criticisms.
Taylor, Lond., 1856. I have also availed myself of Mr. Justice
Stephens’ summary of the trial and his comments on the
evidence, in the appendix to the third volume of his History of
the Criminal Law of England.
[28] “From his childhood upward,” says his brother, “no man was
gentler of heart—his charity was inexhaustible; his kindliness
to all who were in distress well known. To him the wanderer
resorted in his afflictions; by him the poor and houseless
were fed and comforted. I write in the face of the public,
with my character as a gentleman and a clergyman at stake, and
I avow only facts that cannot be denied. His liberality was a
proverb; his frank sincerity, his courage, his faithful loyalty
to his friends, his temperance, his performance of the duties
of religion, his social relations in the character of father,
husband, and son, won for him the love and confidence of all
who approached him; and though it is true that in one fatal
instance he violated the laws of his country, and subjected
himself to a severe penalty for an infringement of its
commercial code, yet, this excepted, his was in all respects
the very opposite of that cool, calculating, cowardly, crafty
temper, which is essential to the poisoner, and we know cannot
co-exist with those qualities which my brother possessed from
his earliest years down even to the day when your lordship sent
him to his death.” Letter to Lord Campbell, pp. 4, 5.
[29] The excuse put forward for this was his wish to raise
money for Bate. The prisoner’s brother complains, in his letter
to Lord Campbell, pp. 29, 30, and with justice, that though the
evidence of the negotiation for this insurance was afterwards
excluded as irrelevant, the statement was allowed to be made
by the Attorney-General without a comment, which Lord Campbell
must have known would prejudice the case against the prisoner.
This exclusion of the evidence of a statement which has been
allowed to pass unchallenged is nearly as useless as the formal
warning not to pay any attention to some evidence that has
been wrongly admitted—the prejudice has been raised, and the
mischief already done. But for the result of this trial, he
would have been tried for the murder of his wife, whose body
had been exhumed and analysed.
[30] As the probability of Cook’s state of health predisposing
him to epileptic attacks was made part of the prisoner’s case,
the evidence of his regular medical attendant is subjoined:—
_Dr. Henry Savage_, physician, of 7, Gloucester-place,
_examined by the Attorney-General_.—I knew John Parsons Cook.
He had been in the habit of consulting me professionally during
the last four years. He was a man not of robust constitution;
but his general health was good. He came to me in May,
1855, but I saw him about November of the year before, and
early in the spring of 1855. In the spring of 1855 the old
affair—indigestion—was one cause of his visiting me, and he had
some spots upon his body, about which he was uneasy. He had
also two shallow ulcers on his tongue, which corresponded with
two bad teeth. He said that he had been under a mild mercurial
course, and he imagined that those spots were very syphilitic.
I thought they were not, and I recommended the discontinuance
of mercury. I gave him quinine as a tonic, and an aperient
composed of cream of tartar, magnesia, and sulphur. I never
at any time gave him antimony. Under the treatment which I
prescribed the sores gradually disappeared, and they were quite
well by the end of May. I saw him, however, frequently in June,
as he still felt some little anxiety about the accuracy of my
opinion. If any little spot made its appearance he came to me,
and I also was anxious on the subject, as my opinion differed
from that of another medical man in London. Every time he came
to me I examined him carefully. There were no indications
of a syphilitic character about the sores, and there was no
ulceration of the throat, but one of the tonsils was slightly
enlarged and tender. I saw him last alive, and carefully
examined him, either on the 3rd or 5th of November. There was
in my judgment no venereal taint about him at the time.
_Cross-examined by Mr. Serjeant Shee._—I do not think that
the deceased was fond of taking mercury before I advised him
against it; but he was timid on the subject of his throat, and
was apt to take the advice of anyone. No; I don’t think that he
would take quack medicines. I don’t think he was so foolish as
that.
_Mr. Stevens_, his stepfather, who saw him at the Euston
Station on the 5th of November, when starting for Rugeley,
said, “he looked better than he had seen him for a long time.
‘You don’t look,’ he said to him, ‘like an invalid’; and Cook,
striking his chest, said he was quite well, and should be all
right if he was happy.” In point of appearance he was not a
robust man; his complexion was pale, and he had sore throat in
the previous winter for some months.
For the defence, _Foster_, a farmer, said he considered him of
a weak constitution, because he had bilious headaches, the last
a year and a half back, but admitted that he hunted three days
a week.
_John Sargeant_, a betting man, who met him at the races which
he attended, said:—I had an opportunity of seeing the state
of his throat before he died. I was with him at the Liverpool
meeting the week previous to the Shrewsbury races; we slept
in adjoining rooms. One morning he called me into his room
and drew my attention to his throat, which was much inflamed.
There were ulcers upon it, and the tongue was so swollen, that
I said I was surprised at the state of his mouth. He said he
had been in that state for weeks and months, “And now,” he
said, “I don’t take notice of it.” He had shown me his throat
before this at almost every meeting we attended. He took
some gingerbread and cayenne on the platform at Liverpool,
and told me afterwards it nearly killed him. (It came out
afterwards that the cayenne nut was a trick nut.) The witness
had also known Palmer supply Cook with blackwash before his
death. He had never seen Cook’s throat dressed by anybody, and
was surprised to see him eat and drink so well. He saw the
blackwash applied (externally) at the Warwick Spring Meeting in
1855. With reference to another point, this witness spoke to
Cook being unable to pay him more than £10 out of £25 at the
Liverpool meeting, and promising the balance at Shrewsbury.
[31] On the part of the prisoner, a saddler at Rugeley, of
the name of _Myalt_, whom Fisher spoke of as being in the
room with Cook and Palmer, was called to give an entirely
different account of this suspicious incident. “I saw Cook,”
said this witness, “in Palmer’s company on Wednesday, about
twelve o’clock. I had not dined with Palmer, but at my house
at Rugeley, and got back to Shrewsbury between eight and nine,
and went to Palmer’s room to see if he was in. The first person
I saw was Cook at the room door, who said, ‘What brought you
here?’ I told him, ‘to see how they were getting on.’ Palmer,
I found, had gone out, and I went into the town, and was away
about an hour. “When I returned Palmer was not there, so I
waited in his room till he returned, about a couple of hours.
He came in with Cook, who was the worse for liquor—not very
drunk—rather. They asked me to take some brandy and water; it
was produced directly afterwards—the brandy in a decanter,
the water might be on the table. I did not leave the room at
all, from the time Cook and Palmer came in till they all went
to bed. I did not see anything put into the brandy and water;
nothing could be without my seeing it. Palmer and I left
together, and slept that night in the same room. Cook said
something about its being bad. He drank part of it off, and
then gave it to some one to taste. He proposed to have some
more, but Palmer said he would not unless Cook drank his out.
Nothing more happened that night. Next morning Palmer asked me
to call Cook. I went into his room, and he told me how ill he
had been in the night, and obliged to send for a doctor. He
asked me what had been put into the brandy and water, and I
told him I did not know of anything. He asked me to send for
the doctor—Palmer. I did so. The witness did not remember Mrs.
Brooks coming, or Palmer being called out of the room. He swore
that Cook did not say ‘it burns my throat.’ Did not remember
Fisher saying that it was no good his tasting it, as there
was nothing in the glass. He told Mr. Gardner and Mr. Stevens
before the inquest what he now said, but they had not subpœnaed
him.
[32] “Lord Campbell did not even read this portion of the
witness’s evidence to the jury. Whatever its value might
be, and it had some in the prisoner’s favour, they were not
reminded of it, and can hardly be expected to have remembered
it after a twelve days’ trial.” Letter to Lord Campbell, p. 24.
[33] Some questions on this point were put to Mr. Gardner, the
solicitor for the prosecution, but were stopped as too general.
[34] Mills, in her cross-examination, said that Palmer “had on
a plaid dressing-gown, but could not say whether he had on a
cap or not.”
[35] Lord Campbell had omitted from his notes this
contradiction of the statement of Mills and others that
the body was arched, and when Mr. Serjeant Shee called his
attention to it, made no comment on it to the jury.—_Evidence
of Mary Keeling._
[36] But see the evidence of Mr. Partridge, Mr. Rogers, and
Mr. Pemberton as to the state of the exhumed corpse, and the
probable effect of the granules.—_Evidence of scientific
witnesses for the defence_, _post_, pp. 170-4.