TEXT-BOOK

OF

JURISPRUDENCE

MEDICAL

AND

TOXICOLOGY.

By
OF

PROFESSOR

J. REESE,

JOHN

MEDICAL

PHILADELPHIA;
OF

AND

JURISPRUDENCE
VICE-PRESIDENT

PENNSYLVANIA;

THE

TO

PHYSICIAN
COLLEGE

OF

CORRESPONDING
YORK

TOXICOLOGY

THE

OF

M.D.,

MEDICAL
ST.

JOSEPH'S

PHYSICIANS
MEMEER

MEDICO-LEGAL

IN

OF
OF

BLAKISTON,
IOI2

HOSPITAL;

1884.

317

SOCIETY
MEMBER

THE

NEW

SOCIETY.

SON

WALNUT

UNIVERSITY

PHILADELPHIA;

PHILADELPHIA

P.

THE

JURISPRUDENCE

STREET,

"

CO.:

OF
OF

Entered,

according

P.

in

the

Office

of

the

to

Act

of

Congress,

SOX

BLAKISTOX,

Librarian

of

"lJ7

Congress,

the

in

"

year

1SS4.

by

CO..

at

Washington,

D.

C.

loo

PREFACE

is

that

aware

the

field has

popular treatises

and
to

the

of

over

confronted

that

the

by
to

three, and

known

of this branch

from

ponderous

able

experience

an

students

often deterred

too

masters, extending

law ; but

in

acquire a knowledge

to

author

occupied by

publicteacher

The

well
jurisprudence,
and

him

desire

are
jurisprudence,

being

as

convinced

who
professions,

alreadybeen

medicine

twenty years,

to
particularly

more

Medicine.

Legal

medical

on

of
professions

science, has

written

of

of students

the wants

meet

been

has

Text-book

This

both

these

of medical

their purpose

works

of

six

even

of

by

recognized

large

octavo

volumes.
To

avoid

work

the

has

endeavored

essentials of

topicsin

of

course,

considerable
attention
such

as

The

volume

to

the

condense

to

familiar

those

being bestowed

has

to

of the

been

upon

would

Insanity

and
justify,

handy

present

present

volume
the

all

various

portance
greatest practical im-

occupies,as

the most

is
will
iii

was

proper,

carefully
prepared; special

Arsenic, Strychnine,Opium,

chapter on

of the

style,
giving greater prominence,

Toxicology

space, and

author
in

science,and

simple and

subjectof

The

the
objection,

the above

as

be

importantpoisons
"

Prussic
full

as

found,

Acid,
the

etc.

size

it is

of the

hoped, to

iv

PREFACE.

contain

this

essential

the

all

medico-legal

points

pertaining

to

subject.

materials

the

classic

works

Tidy,

Guy,

due

credit

the

time

so

of

desirous

to

both

much

the

to

and

abundantly

authority

hope

size

and

Philadelphia,

presented

in

that

style,

and

for

that

most

Forensic

may

September,

and

usually

aid

in

iSSj..

so

Stille,

at

so

opportunity
is

the

in

and

in

to

sincerely
students

but

important,

doing.

give

to

doing

He

treatise,

present

and

desiring

Medicine;

"

the

Wharton

interest

increasing

law

elaborate

this

of

freely

the

authorities.

these

to

himself

always

embrace

an

subject

Beck,

quoted,

would

he

and

the

avail

others

and

encourage

medicine

to

Taylor,

Casper,

obligations

neglected,

indulge

hesitated

not

Tardieu,

his

express

of

has

author

The

he

its

too-

would

tentious
unpre-

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER

I.

Introduction.
PAGE

Definition.

Importance

"

in

Proceeding
Criminal

of

Medical

"

Medicine

Case.

Medico-legal

Court.

Students

to

and

The

"

Evidence.

Law.

Coroner's

"

of
The

Inquest.

"

Medical

"

Order

Experts.

Dying

"

Declarations.

............

CHAPTER
and

Phenomena
I.

Section
Death

Molecular

"

of

Evidences

Section

II.

in

these.

Circulation.

and

and

found

be

to

"

of

Caloricity.
Section

III.

Internal

of

Signs

"

Signs.
"

Heart,
of

"Signs
the

Death

Rigor

"

Death.

the

in

Changes

Signs

"

either

Eyes.

Mortis.

Lungs

continued.

Adipocere.

of

of

"

Respiration

Body.

Animal

Putrefaction.

"

How

of

Post-mortem

"

-25

Heat.

Lividity,

Mummification.

"

the

of

Post-mortem

"

Brain.

Cause

Cessation

"

Loss

"

Immediate
or

Pallor

"

Death.

The

"

Death."

continued.

Death

of

Signs

Somatic

The

"

II.

mortem
Post-

"

Suggillation

or

External

"

long

32

and

since

the

Death?

41
CHAPTER

Medico-legal

Responsibility
of

the

involved.

"

Details

Investigations.
"

surroundings.

"

of

III.

and

Accuracy
External
the

The

"

Method

examination

Examination.

"

Post-mortem.
necessary.

of

the

Examination

"

Body.

Measurements

"

Internal

and

amination.
ex-

Weights."

Notes

56
CHAPTER
of

Presumption
Cases
of

involving Presumption
Survivorship.
"

of

Probabilities

Death

Death

IV.
and

of

and

afforded

Section

Living.
Cases

I.
"

"

Important

Personal

"

Survivorship.
and

"

French

Law

of

Death.

Mode

65

V.

Identity.

Medico-legal

Appearance.

Survivorship.

by Age, Sex,

CHAPTER
Personal

of

bearings.

Peculiar

"

I.

bodily

Identification
marks.

"

of

the

Remarkable

69

OF

TABLE

VI

CONTEXTS.
PAGE

II.

Section

by

of the

Identification

II.

"

of

means

Skeleton,

the

Dead.

Proportion. Fractures, Deformities,

of Hairs

amination

Callus.

and

"

Death

I.

"

Classification.
II.

of

Ball.

the

"

Head,

Homicidal,

"

death.

Suicidal

and

of

from

The

2.

"

and

violence.

Ecchymoses.

"

"

"

wounds.

Deflection

"

Powder.

and

.92

of

Wounds

"

107
VII.

of

Stains.

Blood

Three

"

"

Abdomen

of

methods
Test.

Microscopic

"

The

identifying. 1.
"

SpectroscopicTest.

3. The

Crystals

121

CHAPTER

VIII.

Definition.

Classification.

"

appearances.

Burns

"

Homicidal

Symptoms.

"

made

Burns.

before

after death.

Section

I.

Suffocation.
II.

Section

signs.
"

Mark

Cord

"

Section

Signs

IV.
of

by

of the

"

"

Strangulation. External

of

Suicidal

"

Homicidal

and

lation.
Strangu146

of Death.

Cause

"

Generally suicidal,

Death

Mode

by

of Death.

Death.

"

Time

Accidental, Suicidal

"

Post-mortem

"

of

Mode

"

internal.

and
.

"

Homicidal
143

ances.
appear.

151

required.
"

and
.

cidal
Homi.

.156

X.

CHAPTER

Medico-legalrelations.

and

.........

by Drowning.

134

Asphyxia.

Accidental, Suicidal

"

"

Death, external

Drowning,

of

Forms

Accidental,

"

by Hanging.

marks.

IX.

Strangulation. Modes

Cord,

Death

signs,

lesions.

Death

"

Suffocation.

Post-mortem
Death

"

III.

Section

"

Internal

"

from

Death

"

Post-mortem

Different

from

"

Accidental, Suicidal

"

Combustion.

CHAPTER
Death

Death.

of

Cause

"

and

Spontaneous

"

Scalds.

and

Burns

and

of

Wounds.

other

by Shot, Wadding

their identification.

Tests.

"Blood

of.

Danger

"

marks

Accidental

Differ

"

made

Examination

Chemical

Wound.

Hemorrhage.

"

CHAPTER

Importance

of

external

Spine, Chest

Xeck,

of

after

Wounds.

Wounds

"

Ex

"

Death.

Violent

Definition

"

Absence

"

and

Gunshot

Section
the

Body.

before

made

Wounds

Wounds.

the

Bones.

VI.

Producing

Causes

from

of

Examination

of

of

Rules

"

76
CHAPTER

Section

Stature.

Age

"

fication
Identi-

"

Fibres

and

The

Remains.

and

Sex,

Age,

to

as

Mutilated

"

Lightning.
"

Post-mortem

signs,

166
.

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER

XI.

Vll

PAGE

Death
effects

Diverse
Effects

of

of Cold.

Heat
Post

"

from

the

upon

body.

Death

starvation.

"

170

XII.
Starvation.

by

Suicidal

Starvation.

and

Symptoms,

"

appearances.

signs,

mortem

and

Postmortem

"

CHAPTER

Accidental, Homicidal

Cold.

and

Heat

Pretended

"

of

cases

tary
volun-

signs. Medico-legal

Post-mortem

"

tions,
rela-

175
CHAPTER
Death
Section

I.

Definition

"

from
of

Circumstances
Section

II.

From

modifying
Evidences

"

of

Poison.

the

Poisons.

in
"

conclusions.

Classification,

"

Poisoning
symptoms.

common

Chemical

Potassa, Soda,

Fatal

Dose.

analysis.
Section

the

and

Mineral

4.

Acids.

for

Treatment.

"

different

the

"

Acids,

and

their

Salts.

Similarity of

"

Post-mortem

effects.

appearances.

toms.
Symp-

"

Chemical

"

215

............

II.

Potassium.

"

"

Chlorinated

the

Poisoning by
Bitartrate
Potassium

Alkaline

of

Potassium.

and

Sodium.

and

Earthy

Sulphate

"

of

Salts.

of

Nitrate

"

Potassium.

Alum.

"

"

Salts of Barium.

"

220

....

CHAPTER
Irritants
Section

I.
"

II.

Remote
"

appearances.

Phosphorus.
Section

Possessing

XVI.

Poisoning by Phosphorus.

"

Morbid

"

202

XV.

Alkalies

"

appearances.

Ammonia.

Treatment.

"

2.

"

bition
Imbi-

Medico-legal

"

"

"

"

Evidence.

analysis. Toxicologicalexamination

I.

Symptoms.

XIV.

CHAPTER

Section

.178

"

Post-mortem

Poisoning by

"

toxicological analysis.

the

by

"

Death.

.186
.

CHAPTER

Certain

of

Post-mortem

"

Circumstantial

Physiologicalexperiments. 5.

"

from

Analysis.

performing

Absorption.

Cause

"

Evidences

1.

of

of Poisons,

Antagonism

"

3. Chemical

"

Proofs

"

Elimination.

"

Poisoning.

Rules

"

Poison.

"

lesions.

Toxicology.

"

Effects.

"

their action.

of

post-mortem

Poisoning.

Subsequent dispositionof

XIII.

"

Specific Properties.

Symptoms.

Diagnosis.
"

"

Fatal

Chemical

Dose.

"

analysis.
"

ment.
Treatphous
Amor224

...........

Poisoningby Iodine, Bromine,

and

Chlorine.
.

234

Vlll

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS.
PAGE

CHAPTER

XVII.

Poisoning
Metallic

Arsenic.

Poisoning.

Fatal

"

analysis.

"

Arsenious

Acid.

Dose.

Treatment.

"

Properties. Symptoms.

"

"

Post-mortem

"

Toxicologicalexamination.

"

Arsenic.

by

Other

"

CHAPTER

Poisoning

Propertiesof

Slow

"

Poisoning.
"

"

Preparationsof Arsenic.

Fatal

"

Chemical

Dose.

analysis.
"

Post-mortem

"

pearances.
ap-

nation
Toxicologicalexami262

CHAPTER

Poisoning
Sublimate.

Corrosive
"

Fatal

Dose.

XIX.

by Mercury

(Corrosive Sublimate).

Properties. Symptoms.

"

"

Antidotes.

"

Chemical

"

Post-mortem

"

appearances.

tion.
analysis. Toxicological examina"

Salivation

"

273
CHAPTER

XX.

Poisoning
of

Frequency
"

Chronic

Poisoning.

Lead.

by

of

Acetate

"

Post-mortem

appearances.

Lead.

Symptoms.

"

Colic.

Painters'

"

Lead

"

ment.
Treat-

"

Palsy.

cological
Toxi-

"

examination.

285

..........

CHAPTER

XXI.

Poisoning
Accidental

Salts of

Poisoning.
"

appearances.

"

Chemical

by Copper.
Fatal

Copper.
"

analysis.

Section

I.

Section

II.

Poisoning by

"

on

"

Tin,

Poisoning by

"

Symptoms.

"

Fatal

Dose.

"

Poisoning by

Oxalic
"

294

Iron

and

Chromium.

and

Animal

Acid."

306

Irritants.

Sources

Treatment.

Carbolic

Chromium

XXIII.

and

"

II.

305

analysis. Toxicologicalexamination.
Section

Morbid

301

Poisoning by Tin, Iron

Vegetable
I.

"

Bismuth

CHAPTER

Section

Treatment.

Zinc.

Poisoning by

"

III.

"

XXII.

Bismuth,

by Zinc,

Dose.

Toxicologicalexamination.

"

CHAPTER

Poisoning

238

(Tartar Emetic).

Symptoms.

"

Chemical

signs.

XVIII.

by Antimony

Emetic.

Tartar

Chronic

"

"

"

Acid.

Morbid
Binoxalate

of the

Acid

appearances.

in Nature.
"

"

Chemical

of Potassium.
.

308
315

CONTENTS.

OF

TABLE

PAGE

III.

Section

IV.

Veratria.

"

Yellow

"

Jessamine.

Mushrooms.

Poisonous

"

Beans,
317

Hellebores.

the

Poisoning by

"

Oil

Savin

and

Colchicum
Section

Castor

Oil, Elaterium,

Croton

Poisoning by

"

320
CHAPTER

XXIV.

Animal
Cantharides.

Poisoning by
Trichinosis.

Animal

Poisonous

"

Poison.

Cheese

"

Irritants.

Poisonous

"

Food.

Fish.

Food.

Putrescent

"

Poison.

Sausage

"

"

oned
Pois-

"

Flesh

325
CHAPTER
Class

I.

Section

Narcotics.

"

Symptoms.

Section

II.

"

and

Period

Meconic

Acid.

Poisoning by

Alcohol.

"

Chemical

Vomica.

Chloral

and

Effects.

"

lesions.
Test.

"

"

Poisoning by

"

Treatment.

341

345

....

Fatal

"

Vomica.

Nux
Dose.

"

Strychnia.

Treatment.

"

analysis.

tem
Post-mor-

"

Interferences.

"

logical
Physio-

"

Toxicologicalexamination.

"

Cerebro-spinal
I.

Tissues.
.

Hydrate.

by

351

CHAPTER

Section

in the

330
"

XXVII.

Chemical

Diagnosis.

"

Symptoms.

"

Anaesthetics.

Poisoning

Strychnia.

"

"

XXVI.

CHAPTER

Nux

onous
Pois-

"

Morphia.

"

Alcoholism.

"

Poisoning by Ether, Chloroform,

"

Treatment.

"

analysis. Detection

2.

Neurotics.

Opium.

Toxicological examination.

"

Acute

"

of

Nature

"

Dose.
Tests.

"

CHAPTER

Spinal

Poisons.

Poisoning by Opium.

"

"

lesions.

Post-mortem

Neurotic

II.

Fatal

"

Properties. Tests.
"

XXV.

"

XXVIII.

Neurotics.

Belladonna."

Post-mortem

(1) Deliriants.

"

Symptoms.

appearances.

"

Atropia.

"

"

Chemical

Fatal

analysis.
"

Dose.

logical
Toxico-

examination.

373

..........

Section

II.

"

Poisoningby Stramonium, Hyoscyamus

CHAPTER
2.

Section

I.

"

Post-mortem

Poisoning by
lesions.

"

Toxicologicalexamination.

"

Solanum.
.

376

XXIX.

Depressants.

Tobacco
Nicotina.

and

and
"

Lobelia

Lobelia.

"

Properties.
"

Effects
Chemical

of

Tobacco.
reactions.

"

"

380

CONTENTS.

OF

TABLE

PAGE

Section

II.

appearances.

III.

Section
Plant.

Conia.

"

Bean.

reactions.

Post-mortem

"

appearances.

I.

"

Treatment.

"

examination.
Water.
II.

Section
Fatal

"

XXX.

of

Potassium.

"

Symptoms.

"

Oil

of

Bitter

Digitalis. Symptoms.

la Pomerais.

"

Poisoning by

Alkaloids

"-

"

.icert

"

jjead,

aninal

F":etus.

Frc

has

Fcetus

rUency

been

Means

"

of

Abortion

desf^yed.
"

Abort.^n,

"

Signs

from

or

Live

"

it born

Was
Birth

'

;d,

alive ?"

'

Lungs.

"

!";.

Natural

afforded

-permiti.u.ant.

Toxicological

Almonds.

"

"

Post-mortem

Cocculus

Cherrylesions.

The

by

Indicus.
.

XXXI.

of Putrefaction.

"

"

v.-he:

Definition.

ai

nation.
analysis. Toxicological exami-

ur"

"

Period

397

"

The

nr

Fatal

"

in

Occurrence

Tests.

"

"

CHAPTER

^es

Natural

"

appearances.

Digitaline. Chemical

"

of De

Case

Acids.

Post-mortem

"

Acid.

Hydrocyanic

Poisoning by

Dose.
"

Calabar

Xitro-Benzole.

"

"

"

Dose.

Asthenics.

Officinal

Cyanide

"

Fatal

"

390

and

Pure

Vegetables.

Aconitine.

"

...........

Poisoning by

"

Propertiesof the

"

"

(3)
Section

Bean.

analysis. Toxicologicalexamination.

Chemical

"

Eserine.

"

laurel

Post-mortem

"

Toxicological examination.

"

Calabar

CHAPTER

Dose.

Symptoms.

"

3S6
and

Aconite

Poisoning by

"

Effects.

"

Treatment.

"

Chemical

"

Conia.

"

poisonous Hemlocks.

Other

"

Hemlock

Poisoning by

"

Ptomaines.

409

TEXT-BOOK

JURISPRUDENCE

MEDICAL

AND

TOXICOLOGY.

CHAPTER

DEFINITION.

IMPORTANCE

"

ORDER

OF

PROCEEDING

INQUEST.
MEDICAL

EXPERTS.

Medical
it is

as

which

sometimes

decision,

It
of

the

medical

to

the

and

life

contribute,
cases

their

knowledge,

they

which

on

of

truth,

which

is

human

Medicine
for

legal

individual,

elucidation

proper
termed

are

ments
require-

of

and

an

science

the

presented

are

property

or

for

science

of

the

department

every
to

be
to

discovery

Medicine,

medico-legal

based

they

are

to

show

an

is

named

Jurisprudence.

should

require

knowledge
of

former

the

to

Medicine

of

made

require

cases

NER'S
CORO-

EVIDENCE."

Forensic

or

defined

be

may

certain

the

LAW."

THE

"

MEDICAL

"

Legal

or

Law,

When

affecting

AND

C\SE.

COURT.

in

the
be

MEDICINE

DECLARATIONS.

aid

of

rest.

these

Medical

To

OF

MEDICO-LEGAL

knowledge

should

the

cases,

DYING

the

purpose

knowledge

appeal

IN

named,

Law.

great

and

STUDENTS

CRIMINAL

"

applies

among

TO

Jurisprudence,

of
the

THE

"

I.

both

cannot

of
the

argument

no

this

science

professions

entirely

to

of

the

medicine

its claims,

evade
9

the

importance

student

and

and

law.

although

he

titioner
pracThe

may

10

MEDICAL

seek

do

to

the

since

so,

together with

JURISPRUDENCE.

his assumed
him

physician, renders
with

liable

suicidal,

of

abortion; of rape

other
the

similar

or

all of

cases,

had

in the

case,

evidence
that the

before

the

court

must

and

jury.

special leaning

facts of

towards

least with

at

this

science.

should

community,

constrain

practicala branch
profession of the law,

of

and

criminal

without

criminal

law

It is much

medicine.

him

not

in

The
criminal

the

in this

of

as

law

is

therefore

such

such

cases

of

the

ant
importregards

as

understand

how

with

is

legal
of

many

may

the

of medical
it is

appear,

schools, whilst
made

is not

in

tory
obliga-

virtuallydisregarded.
must

by
to

own

country, graduate in

it

neglect

entirelyabandoned

causing
practitioners,

And

that

law

our

his

interests

slightest
knowledge

some

of

for

leading

much
jurisprudence,inas-

regretted

strange

student, and

consequence

become

conducted
satisfactorily

others, although professedlytaught,it

upon

should

neglect so

to

medical

be

the

jurisprudence. Indeed,
entirely ignored

important,then,
though he may have

general

be

his

How

indissolublyconnected

to

professionwithout

subsequently give

the

can

the

tendance
professionalat-

regard, both

present generation of lawyers

their

his

knowledge.

o(

is

become

solely,upon

not

it is difficult to

kind

knowledge

some
as

of any

cause

ous
numer-

general principlesand

and

professional reputation

of

and

necessarilydepend

even

proper

of

infanticide

they

legal medicine,

the

fronted
con-

questions

of

drowning,

who

be

to

which, when

practitionerof medicine,

acquainted

death

previously given
and

accredited

an

intricate

if
elucidation, chiefly,

who

physician

the

the

; of

profession,

moment

any

must
subjects of legal investigation,

for their proper

no

at

accidental

homicidal,
criminal

his

public position as

involving

case

of

nature

very

be

many

fall into

either, that

distinguished
the

hands

of

RELATION

inferior

them

conduct
is

case

undertaken, the

truth, in such

time,

in

cases

he

of

generalmode
of

manner

The

is

the

questioning

of

department
science
order

to aid the

but

well

in

autopsy,

trained

obstetrician

necessary

information
or

acquainted

death

of

with

the
a

various

be

departments

branches

of

in
requisition,

into

decision.

For

where

circumstances
a

it ? Is

investigationas

case

involving the

which

accused,
of

who

is

the well

upon

to

obliged to bring
of his science.

thoroughly

Thus

into

the

the

suspended

instructed

act

the
dark

impart

hang

toxicology ?

of cases,
called

he

save

infanticide?

shall

may

carefully

the

Who

ample,
ex-

dead

conduct

it

medical

abortion,or

one

; and

requisitelightupon

is it

of

settled

be

criminal

mysteries

medicine, when

side.

it is to

by
pathologist,

the

the

intimate

another

to

suspicious

and

Or

upon
the

; sometimes

proper

poisoning

multitude

legalphysician,may
the

criminal

happen that,in
of

or

qualified to

of

to

numerous

only

can

suspected homicide,

shed

can

the

shown,

called

under

alleged rape,

well

so

life

of

discovered

suspicion
the

arrivingat

one

been

several

the skillful anatomist

of

case

case

been

conducted

Who

that

the

great sciences

sometimes

simultaneously
law

is the

has

body

it a

be

may

"

Who

medicine, and

to

as

either

on

two

jury

knowledge

infrequentlyhappens

not

and

court

medical

appeal to

an

just

depend

to

as
especially

surprised at
the

has

As

before

brought

cases

by

law.

and

to

trial.

impending

witnesses, both

is often

relationshipsubsisting between
and

criminal

little annoyance,

no

expert witnesses

observer
superficial

medicine

to

necessarilyobliged

his case,

developing

qualified to

compelled

the

preparing for

his medical

exclusively upon

almost

himself

finds

subjected

is

best

really important

lawyer

occasion, and

loss of

and
In

else,when

11

LAW.

the

always

not

are

or

for the

cram

who

persons,

TO

MEDICINE

OF

it may
titioner
prac-

part of the

requisitionall

12

MEDICAL

is, perhaps, as

It

he

has

him

medical

is of the most

knowledge
After

JURISPRUDENCE.

important

accomplished

by

other

by
the

remains

be

to

the

and

chief

the

the

is

unexplained
under

causes

with,

the

on

without

or

of

dragged

out

child

has

been

found

the

water;

floatingin
dead
or

in

in

person

the

bed,
in

street,

cases,

at

was

law

of violence.

bludgeon, an

whether
marks

of

his

If the
from

occasioned

dead

to

as

causes,

body
have

new-born

discovered

latter,then
a

wound

fall.

or

from

ing,
morn-

his

home;

suddenly drops
all

these, and
that

the

other

In the absence
the death

not

vestigat
in-

was

the

the

sult
re-

of this violence,

nature

otherwise),

or

blunt

gous
analo-

whether
it

(gunshot

dead

careful

ascertain
whether

or

or

occurs

it may

of

body

wisely provides

violence, then, might

"

this

cesspool, or

In

room.

hammer,
by

unknown,

violence, or

health

sound

instituted,so

axe,

Coroner's

sequestered spot,

hotel, far distant

very

e.g. whether

the

example,

some

or

imposed

stranger is discovered, in the

natural

to

For

well

tutes
consti-

public duty

river; the

some

in

or

the

due

in

apparent

shall be
death

the

of evidence;

jurist.

death, whenever

of external

his

named
special officer,

in

yet

of

manner,

of sudden

or

of microscopy,

form

investigate the

marks

been

the

to

highway

critical

results

testifybefore

to

suspiciouscircumstances.

is discovered

aid

the

medical

countries

appointed

by

fore
be-

case

research, there

proper

first

"

the

or

the

giving

jury,in

Inquest. The

In all civilized

coroner,

of

of the

legalphysician is

Inquest.

perhaps

this in the

do

to

acquirement

Coroner

upon

court

to

autopsy,

of scientific

duty

prepared

the

The

methods

service

medico-legal
the physician.

of
investigation

with

all-essential

investigationsto
and

the

carefullyconducted

toxicologicalexamination,
and

witness, that

weapon;

or

of all external
have

been

pro-

CORONER'S

THE

duced

question

solved

be

must

each

In

by poison ?

of these

one

the

cases,

the death

was

"

13

INQUEST.

farther

homicidal, suicidal,

accidental ?

or

number

is not
selected

mostly

from

the

duty

consists

Their

is held.

is

to the

and

duly subpoenaed
who

man

has

(whether he
who

other

real

the

of

cause

in

In

some

coroner

has

one

considered

view

the

body

sufficient

as

the

examining

and

the

result

It will be

does

the

to
to

has

body

report

been
the

the

dence,
evi-

verdict, which
of

the

medical

cities,where

the

it being

regarded

properly identified
autopsy

by

carefullymade,

duly reported.
that

discover
his

the

the

specialduty

real

the

some

commit

discover

sometimes

investigation,suspicion
particular individual,
him

to

prison,to

of the

coroner's

of death; usually

cause

province to

Nevertheless, it does
of

course

point
coroner

it.

the

purpose)
opinion as to

heard

in their

some

speciallyappointed physicians,it
that the jury should
personally

physician,and

fall within

not

caused

the

medical

this

his

holding the inquest ;

before

observed

is to

inquest

more

the

examination

for

gives

particularlyin

necessary

that

and

jury having

with

as

witnesses

recognized physician,or

together,bring

or

is made

purpose,

post-mortem

The

cases,

inquest

homicide) to ascertain,

this

report, and

accordance

officer.

is not

the

death.

consulted

usually

of

speciallyappointed

been

the

inquiry

examined,

are

coroner's

his detailed

and
is

the

has

makes

now

sworn

performed

be

where

are

(i)viewing the body and

(2) in holding the inquest,

death, and

possible,the

if

(the

men

in

(ina case
guiltyculprit. For

of

cause

six

country),who

petty court, wherein

of

sort

in this

neighborhood

establishingits identity,and
which

of

consists

jury usually
definitelyfixed

coroner's

The

as

await

the person

happen
may
to

so

who

that

in

strongly

warrant

further

it

the

investiga-

14

MEDICAL

The

tion.

have

to

usual

verdict

in

neither

been

murder,

JURISPRUDENCE.
of violent

cases

suicidal

(shown
of

accidental)is,that

nor

manslaughter, against

or

death

some

known

person,

or

unknown.
As
of

the

the

coroner's

in the

fit

is

careful

undertake

to

pathologist. The

inasmuch

the

death

caution

should

There

may

where

it

be

of these
other

jury

be

fail to

to

remind
due

care

and

in

stake

at

ations
alter-

the
the

the

of

utmost

autopsy.

of

murder,

post-mortem

independent

two

of

those

even

"

that

that

imputation

sible,
pos-

it is remembered

conducting

perts,
ex-

parte influence.

ex

represent the State,

should

before

in

the

him

his

testimony

that

it will

This
the

is all

surely

fact should

seriousness
of

drawing

Although
the

he

not

should

taken
confront

alone
of

the
up

cal
medi-

barn, and

or

rude, illiterate persons,

importance

accuracy.

jury the

situation.

hovel

remote

some

trial.

of the

the coroner's

undervalue

that

upon

him

When

be

examiners

officer,and

impress

light.

performed by

of

remember

approaching

distinguishcertain

be

not

composed

the proper

by daylight,if

ample

accused.

held

inquest be

autopsy

advisable

evidence

should

man

the

the

himself

deemed

medical

himself

allow

acknowledged

the

and

should

to

no

anatomist

involvingstrong suspicion

avoid

to

giving his

In

the

be

and

permit

may

be

formed
per-

never

fail

exercised

should

in order

the

the

issues

cases,

might

he

might

it will

"

should

most

be

manner;

skilled

its

it should

thorough

man

artificial

by

be

examination

and

he

serious

most

life and

One

medical

as

of color
that

and

always perform

time, and

fact, constitutes

it but

in this work

hurried

be

to

inseparablepart

an

indispensablethat

is

most

is

in

inquiry,and,

important factor,it

one

examination

post-mortem

be

down
him

by
at

sufficient

occasion, and
his report with

]";

with

associated

this

of

rules

that

suggest

witness

may

favorable
to

should

however,

supposed
him

to

be

always

for the

reason

thing
any-

say

counsel,

own

and

the witness,

clearness

equal

and

for tlve

defence, and

for the

in

witness, i. c.,

the

repliesof

with

given

The

chief.

willingto

his

by
The

counsel

the

be

to

evidence;"

examination

and

answers;

unfavorable.

both

precision,to

be

own

suggested

anything

repress

their

of
in

in the

prohibit counsel,

witnesses

the

rules

examination

the

called

the

to

putting leading questions to

questions
the

"

evidence

chief, from

that

"according

technically

is

prosecution, calls

in the

him
them

examines

and

"

JURISPRUDE

MEDICAL

prosecution.
cross-examination

The

for the

counsel

the

and

testimony.
questions

previouslywithheld,

to

his

client.

considerable
the

and

in the

latitude

latter should

attack, with

the

If,however,

tempted
witness

the

protection.
than

to

latter has

the

The

the

always

It is far

attempt

to

argue,

rc-cxamination

explain

witness,
any

or

the

cross-examination.

right

or

at

when

adopt

may

have

favorable

to

the

with

the

witness,
the

meet

he

and

is

times
some-

decorum,

the

court

latter

for

course,

counsel, since
on

the stand.

ination
cross-exam-

necessary

been

very

posure.
dignifiedcom-

disadvantage

it becomes

that

and

appeal to

to

follows

sometimes

which

of the

propriety

recriminate

always

matter

up,

of

may

is allowed

prepared

calm

with

as

appear

transcends, as

preferableto

the witness

of the

well

advocate

do, the bounds

to

has

be

strength,and

conscious

may

cross-examination

always

such

circumstances

defence

the

previous

witness

leading," and
or

by

dicting
contra-

at

witness's

plies the

which

and

for

counsel

"

facts

any

had

especiallyaimed

counsel

the

he

this is conducted

possible,the

strongly

are

strongly suggest

most

if

this end,

which

is

prisoner,and

overthrowing,
To

follows

next

to

obscured

clear

by

17

EXPERTS.

After

the

for

witnesses

When

case.

stand,

made, of
the

on

the

of the

the medical

opposite side,
Such

deeply

be

regretted, as

general; and

the

this,of

It is proper

testifies
from

only

and

to facts which

(expert
us) does
on

facts

others.

An

expert witness
which

on

usually taken

are

Such

experts, without

course,

opinion where

such

genuine expert,
all the
and
of

experts

on

were

between

is to

the

prejudice

are

or

between
former

The

learned

or

skilled witness

to be

his

gives

testified

or

there

by

to

skilled
specially

It is

just here,

the

The

so-called

of the

"experts"

medical

profession.
nately,
unfortu-

doctors,sometimes,
therefore

qualifiedto

necessarilybe

must

witness

witness

stand.

equally skilled,and
the

we

lies in medico-legal
difficulty

improvised

an

in

justice.

facts,but

testify.

ranks
are

of

act

as

previous medico-legal knowledge,

equally honest, there

opinions

certainly

to

heard,

or

himself,

supposed

of

they

any

training. Of

is

they

that

imagine

is

difference

expert"

evidence.

from

munity.
com-

sneeringly

witness.

seen,
"

by

cause

because

persons,

detriment
the

he has

he

involvingexpert

of

men

in the

greatly

expert

an

observed

believe, that the real

cases

the

to

The

opinion

matter

expert

medical

sometimes

to
necessarilytestify

not

upon

public against expert testimony

personal observation.

in the

them

it tends

course,

ordinary witness,

an

former

unfrequently,

experts," and

clearly understand

to

same

is put

profession,and

the

of

"war

and

court

the

in

as

is,not

tiltingis
professional
the

the

of

in the

as

both

the

for the defence

both

and

designated
to

here

pursued

witness

worth

and

equal standing

is

And

directlycontradicting another

expert

one

witnesses, that of the

unpleasant exhibition

most

State's

follows.

defence

of examination

line

general
the

examination

rarely

could

is
We

or

of
conflict

opposed
believe

to

the

that if

equally qualified,
occur

opposite sides,

any
since

conflict
both

are

18

MEDICAL

truth

and
No

is

to

presume
has

who

has

expert witness

The

One
responsibilities.
often

It has

opinions, which

from

pittanceof

one

witness!

Some

of the

him

yet he

counsel, and

expert

receives

and

that

he

is

half

is entitled

to

his

gives

believe, have

day

compelled

Further,

no

fact connected
to

do so, but

be forced

to

to

accept
that

witness

the

give

courts

experts, is by

the

There
this
in
no

can

be

position;
relation
means

-Tidy's Legal

to

but
the

the

in

Part

We

are

following

witness

the

his

to

can

box.

any

to

actual

trial,if required

experience,cannot
general
to

or

the

special

propriety

country, the practice

compensation

I.

we

subpoena merely

of his

In

courts,

witness

speak

in this

settled.

Medicine.

No

"

question as

no

callinghim,

the

can

the value

court

justly,

imposition,

matter.

uses

wide

very

this

the

ordinary

an

English

attend

must

case

of

the party

opinion

the expert, however

justiceof

of the

The

with

knowledge."
and

is bound

one

opinions.

state

his

give

to

of

fee for his services, for

The

evidence.

pending

questionings

to

with

arrange

an

professional

contend,

submit

to

that

in the

the pay

"

yet definitelysettled this

not

compensation.

his

the

authority *
glad to see that a recent
pointed language concerning this matter
be

his

and

compensation merely

adequate

an

which, however, he should

he

his

as

bound

not

his duties

as

value

utmost

high legalauthorities

the

is, therefore,

stand, and

piecemeal, by

dollar and

that

before

well

rights is

the

upon

be

may

extorted

case,

placed

is

expert witness

who

subject of just complaint

an

jury.

rightsas

these

of

of

special attention

and

and

court

his

made

been

truth,

position

his

devoted

not

reallyto enlightenthe

able

the

assume

consideration,

under

matter

the

testifyingto

undivided.

always

witness

the

discovering and

should

one

expert
to

of

desirous

equally

JURISPRUDENCE

the

Lond.

of

medical

great majority of
1SS2

p. 17.

REMUNERATION

States,the laiv allows

our

it is

expert; and

not

as

shall
and

he

rights? Certainly,the

without

from

exact

which

nothing

a man's
definitely

of

few

so

appeared

recognize the

to

the

us

point

criminal

the

of

interests
a

to

reluctant

the

law

reluctant

had

who

witness

his

home

forces

him

to

in

the

of

life

of

death

or

proper

look

to
*

this

As

far

subject.

can

to

regretted

legislatureshave

and

this

subject,so

that

venture

to

upon

the

court, is

the

and

labor
which

prisoner!
the

of

wages
of

years

would

two

spending,

study

may

turn

of

our

it may

to

give,

the

this

States

question

cases,

with
be

acquire,

to

all such

in

which

day-laborer,that

should

his interests

be

hundreds

subpcena,

and

In

the
their

trust

compelled

beforehand

witness

ascertained, only

either

dragged, perhaps
after

legal

important

certainlyhe

who,

the

in

cases,

that

of fees.*

matter

business, by

is to arrange

fee;

be

It is to be

and

carefully about
as

been

opinion,on

an

ordinary practice
for his

exclusively and

more

obey,

him

caused

shape

of his

would

and

paltrypittanceof
has

which

labor

witness; and

be, days in attendance

for the

merchandise,

or

rarely happens,

it

defence

from

of miles
the

skilled

his

of the

expert, in the

medical

result

especiallyin poison

prosecution or

use

they

bearings of

fact,however,

cases,

not

should

courts

true

dignity

own

practice still prevails,of affording no

old

protection to
In

American

How

then,

be

can

as

him

use

case

hands,

farm

private property

own

our

him

why,

is the

which

that

him

brain, than

with

compensation

adequate

his

to

would

court

"

manual

box,

his

of his

the work
private property
labor, or the product of

man's

that

consistentlywith

himself

conduct

proper

witness

shall the expert do in such

What

expert.

an

in the

when

to the

compensation

unfrequent practiceto subpcena

an

ordinary witness, and

an

additional

no

19

EXPERTS.

TO

the

the

expert

admonished
matter.

have

Let

legislatedon

20

MEDICAL

him

remember

the

that the district attorney, who

affair,has

the

authority

no

with

authority lie
in

case

the

make

to

when

only responsibleparties

commissioners,

and

and

regards

the

he

be

is to

witness's

endeavor

other

some

or

alone

ought

the

always previouslyto

these

to

obligationof

alone

witness

questioned only

he

can

is to

duty

to

of the

look,

his

subpoena

think

we
opinion,

is

court

then, if

obey it,and

about

arrange

obey

to

his

to

as

that, in this country, the mandate

the

these

With

arrangements,

case;

this

does

his fee.

legally,for
As

The

county

his

usuallydirects

his fee ; neither

pay

authorities.

the

undertaking

to

court.

the

are

equivalent county
expert

JURISPRUDENCE.

obligatory ;

previously,

not

(compensation,before

giving

his evidence.

We

venture

Before
"

undertaking
"

expert

retained
the

poison

report will enable

most

serious

and

he

the

case,

it.

If he

ought
and

to

determine

scientific

and
to
a

or

whether

only

If

cons.

whether

shape

decline

the

witness

of

the

the

in

the

after

of

as

to

advice

mere

He

assume,

abilityto

from

It is

study

oughly
thor-

would
should

partisan,nor

other

or

these
be

of

grasp

cannot

chemical

deductions

contradict

deliberate
his

entiously,
consci-

can

for him

of

altogether.

case

of this

report.

report that he

opinions, our

stand

results

the

portance
specialim-

to

in this

at

strict consciousness

nothing

he

undertake

arrived

it

assume

frankly to
upon

an

as

tion
examina-

and

is of

this

responsibleposition

endorse, whether

in the

act

critical examination

grounds,

conclusions

finds

experiments,

its pros

"

to

thorough

and

expert;

case.

him

on

the

oppose

case,

witness.

defence, the expert has the rightto examine

report of the State's

and

the

medical

consenting

institute

to

sure

the

to

or

case,

bearings of

the

by
in

and

any

therein, be

all the

of

of caution

word

ments
experifor him
never

offer

go

his

If,however,

far

performed, whereby
which

reached, and
of

are

the

hesitate
do

to

of

take

the

that he

in order

it is his

that

aid in

may

have

been

not

bounden

carrying

we

need

only

not

expert

but

case,

experiments

duty
the

out

ends

justice.
whole

This
the

of

results.

and

law

No

doubt,

experts

is open

present

laws,

one

medicine, but

with

it

as

this

attention
receive

particularline, who

kept aloof

this

great extent, if
of the

expert
be

from

all

not

experts

results

in the

since
without

be

bias

is
to

to

be

either

and

State

to

Such

point
ap-

officers,
ing
train-

time

and

they

shall

office,properly

an

considerations, would,
political
to

the

State.

It

the

give

to

the

to

unseemly
moral
be

court

the

be

would,

inasmuch

court-room,

presumed
the

State

for which

previous investigationsin

he

our

true

their

(whose professionalabilityand
absolutely unquestioned)would

of his

under

only

devote

completely,abolish

important trial,and

every

shall

medical

experience,and

duty, and

of real benefit

believe, be

should

and

adequate compensation.

an

and
filled,

State

shall

fessions
pro-

definite

very

is for each

us,

education

exclusively to

no

The

who

experts,

physiciansof thorough
in

to

seems

the

both

in

objections,which,
remedied.

be

cannot

long engaged

of volunteer

present system

serious

more

or

minds

our

to

system,

proper

ablest

of the

some

has

testimony

of expert

matter

attention
of

we

the

that

(so

case

result,then

the

vitallyaffect

has

blunders

serious

conclusions

erroneous

may

opinion

to

so,

most

its

other

and

chemical

highest

report

out

that

goes),but

in the

committed

been

have

made

not

the

to

of the

scrutiny

has

State

scientific evidence

the

as

careful

the

that

satisfied him

tact, for pay,

and

shrewdness
professional
bidder

21

TESTIMONY.

EXPERT

tention
con-

the

as

standing
at

present

and

case;

to

jury
and,

the

over,
more-

entirely impartial,

prosecution

or

defence,

his

22

MEDICAL

opinion

would

thus

both

and

The

be

above

There

that

are

further

be

avoided.

be

sembles,
re-

regard

he

should

This

the

on

should

also

avoid

to

personal

weights, measures,

to

as

he

in order

do

to

oughly
thor-

in which

case,

ot

observe.

himself

prepare

he

accurate

giving

expert should

justice,and

should

sides,

we

the

relatingto

points bearing

of

ends

He

censure.

is,that

evidence.

give

the

both

countries.

it is well the medical

all the

to

by

testimony

expert

practical rules

these

upon

would

expense

medical

of other

few

first of

is called

of

final

as

respects, that of Germany, which

evidence, which
The

and

system

superior to

received

generally

contention

in many
as

JURISPRUDENCE.

distances, size, relationshipof objects,etc.

He

Secondly.

should

demeanor
of temper,

of the

displayof

much

he

arrogance,

The

Thirdly.
audible

should
and

these

always

they

He

should
of

in the

should

give

be

should

former

replies,together
given

be

in

the

free from

will require explanation, which

of stubbornness,
make

to

sure

room.

his

in

answers

rather

to

the

with

his

clear

than

jury

specially interested

are

ness
rudeof any

or

are

court

the

beware

manner,

which

posed
com-

irritability

provoked by

tone, addressing himself

and

replies;

feel

may

of behavior,

witness

counsel, since the

to

exhibitingany

not

assumption

or

disadvantage

to

and
quiet,dignified

counsel.

testiness

appear

and

stand,

opposing

or

him

the

on

however

maintain

in

his

explanations,

simplestpossible language

all

otherwise

ambiguity,

is apt

rather

to

they

weaken

the

testimony.
know,"
than

if he

for

should

He

Fourthly.

does

not

witness

to

be

never

know.

attempt

afraid

Nothing
to

to

is

guess,

"I

say

dangerous

more

for

don't

fear

of

being

thought ignorant.
Fifthly.

He

should

particularly avoid

the

use

of

all

24

MEDICAL

A
take

the

down

the

of

to

person
should

sign

by
the

the

his

opinion
of

soundness

the

the

dying

himself.

declaration,

by

should
after

the

to

medical

simply

first

then,

reading

hopelessness

writing

confession

possible,
it

best

the

and

exact

of

interpretation

any
if

the

is

down

the

In

mind.

man

or

in

physician

the

man's

without

person,
He

the

as

to

person

proper

declaration,

dying

himself

the

declarations,

magistrate,

receive

is

had,

man's

giving

the

the

be

can

dying

content

of

words
them

and

case,

absence

he

he

merely

attendance
of

if

magistrate,

JURISPRUDENCE.

over

to

make
him.

him

MOLECULAR

SOMATIC

AND

II.

CHAPTER
PHENOMENA

SIGNS

AND

SECTION

MOLECULAR
IN

DEATH,

AND

SOMATIC

ALL

CASES,

BRAIN.

LUNGS,

OR

THESE

VARIETIES

EYES.

PALLOR

OF

molecular

By
the

"

active

is to be

growth

which

is

processes

of

life ;

the

case.

Somatic

functions

of the

latter

is the

takes

place

going

when

universal

determined.

is

or

the

molecular

death,

Although
varied, and

body

are

death, in

the

function

the

the

outlets

by

The

every

of the

hair

and

instance, must

of one,

heart,the

or

other

lungs, and

be

of the

are

the

brain.

nutrition

and

nails.
and

numerous

so

of the

dissolution
actual

or

referred
three

some

by post-mortem
of

the

it

accurately

continue

acts

life

The

when

time

be

life may

human

vital

body.

cannot

occurs

is

reverse

precise period

certain

growth
of

the

; and

phenomena
attending the
the immediate
equally diversified,

of

"

the

as

whole

of

waste,

of all the

is evidenced

as

the

age,

of the

thus

work

of the

cessation

death

death

caloricity(via7,
post.)and
secretion, such

the

integrati
dis-

material

excess

advanced

doubt, molecular

somatic

THE

body during

never-ending

is in

of death

idea

of

waste

generallyrecognizable.

No

after

time

death

body,

IN

incessant

the

in

the

supply
In

the

on

the

by

result.

popular
is

the

youth,

is the

TION
CESSA-

"

CHANGES

"

understood

produced being compensated

and

OF

BODY.

death

In

HEART.

DEATH."

OF

RESPIRATION.

AND

""F

EVIDENCES

"SIGNS

THE

"

of tissue

reparation.

THE

POST-MORTEM

DEATH.

THE

CAUSE

EITHER

IN

FOUND

BE

CIRCULATION

DEATH.

IMMEDIATE

THE

"

CHARACTERISTIC

"

OF

THE

OF

OF

I.

DEATH.
TO

25

DEATH.

to

cause

arrest

an

great

centres

And

so

of

of life

intimately

26

MEDICAL

of these

the functions

are

when

that

one

has

its

its

exhibits

(3)death
I. Death

Each

at the

less

the
is
heart's

blood

from

organic

disturbance.

5.

II. Death

Beginning

at

quantity

Ancemia
in

finallythe

blood,

serum

or

Embolism.

2.

Abscess, tumor,

Congestion

of the

or

vessels

of

tain
poisons, (c)cer-

arsenic.

"

Syncope.
"

causes

The

in the

qualityof

heart

(1) from

blood, its normal

defect

produced by

rupture of

lation
circu-

stimulant
the

blood,

heart-power (asthenia).

loss of
is

of

4.

distinct

of

pand;
ex-

stop.

fall.

and

two

to

pulmonary

act, and

to

medulla

ceases

of the skull.

the Heart

act, from

and (2)from
(anosmia),
from

the

pressions
im-

stertorous,

the

as

by (a)disease, (6)narcotic

the

external

"

by (a)apoplexy, (b)rupture

or

barium

deficiency in

as

blow

heart,

Symptoms.

"

chest

Effusion

fracture

poisons, as

to

to
1.

"

mineral

cease

The

cease

brought

injury or

brain, caused

may

or

lungs

cavities,caused

or

3. Concussion
other

the

each

(i)death
the

at

breathing slow,

affected.

appearances.

vessels,from

the

longer aerated;

no

pulsationsare

the brain

of

is

three

and

of

to
profound; insensibility

be

to

arrested;

Post-mortem
in

Coma.

"

irregular; respiration gradually ceases,

oblongata begins

are

post-mortem

beginning

Brain

loss of consciousness
and

these

signs ;

or

two

lungs.

the

at

of

one

classification

brain, (2) death

together,

other

characteristic

or

Bichat's

adopt

Beginning
or

of the

specialphenomena

beginning

Stupor, more

connected

act, the actions

peculiar

the

at

"

"centres

standstill.

own

We

beginning
and

to

own

appearances.

three

to

ceases

speedily brought
varieties

JURISPRUDENCE.

an

(3) sudden

aneurism

sudden
;

loss

of blood,

(2)uterine

and

(1)disease,

other

discharges, etc.; (4) violence,

rhage;
hemoras

from

of

wounds

Symptoms.
vertigo; cold
slow, weak
also

may

mortal

"

of

; dimness

sweat

of face ;

lividityof lips;

vision; ringing

brain

The

death.

Post-mortem

clot may

heart

Asthenia.

convulsions

of the

disorder

by disease,
cholera,
blows

protractedfor

several

of the

heart's

cause

of the

cessation

in the

quality of
loss

the

of

blood,

heart

Symptoms.

nose

feeble

senses

last.

of hands

and

toes,
fingers,

pulse;

power:

as

as

some

(i)
fatty

phthisis,

as
injuries,
as

digitalis,

upas.

Coldness

"

or

disorders, such

cardiac

(2) starvation; (3) certain

epigastrium ; (4) certain poisons,

on

the

empty

etc. ;

cancer,

prussicacid, and

to

and

(b) all exhausting diseases,

of blood.

found.

(a) various
etc

of

want

to

supply

contracted

been

producing

organ

as

degeneration,

defect

life has

due

are

deficient

Heart

"

be

Here, the

"

is either

action

of

appearances.

(ifearly inspected).If
hours,

symptoms

nervous

in consequence

power,

ears;

vomiting, hallucinations,delirium,

and

nausea

jactitations,
irregularbreathing, sighing, and
before

in the

flutteringpulse; gradual insensibility.There

and
be

paleness

rhage.
hemor-

fatal

large vessels, causing

and

heart

27

LUNGS.

THE

FROM

DEATH

intellect not

latter is well

This

muscular

; extreme

ears

and

feet; lividityof lips

and

affected,but preserved
in the

seen

weakness;

collapseof

Asiatic

cholera.
Post-mortem

appearances.

its cavities contain

more

"

less

or

heart

The

blood,

or

contracted

not

else

are

dilated

and

flabby.
III. Death

Respiration
to

pressure

the
on

from

the

Lungs

"

Apncea

"

{Asphyxia).
"

ment
impedi(1)by any mechanical
ingress of air (oxygen) into the lungs, as (a)
of
the thorax
of the muscles
; (b)tetanic spasm

may

be

arrested

28

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

strychniapoison; (c)paralysis

and

in tetanus

as
respiration,

(d) exhaustion
(e)foreignbodies

of the

pneumogastric, or phrenic nerves

cold
muscular
from
or
debility,
power

(/) compression of the throat,as

strangling ; (g) suffocation ; (h)drowning.

the air passages

and

of

in

in

hanging
ease,
dis-

By

2.

of the
pneumonia, phthisis,etc., spasm
glottis,
of the
glottis,pharyngeal abscess, and embolism

as

cedema

speaking,most of
pulmonary artery. (Strictly
interference
diseases cause
death, through mechanical

of the

these
with

breathing.)
Symptoms.

dyspncea, lividityof

Great

"

consciousness, vertigo,and
Post-mortem
and

the

the

blood;
of the

heart

however

are

found

were

in

death, together with

attendant
aided
of

in

will
of the
has
a

the

infant,
"

first of

signs of
of

heart

with

dark

the

right cavities

lungs

themselves

; but

there

characteristic

are
some

are

hereafter.

noticed

foregoing

of

varieties

post-mortem
will be

conclusion,

dead

as

to

somatic
ances
appear-

considerably
the real

cause

cause

solution:

I.

of the

death.

3. The

death.
was

these

death.

How

apparent

body four important

for

present themselves

elapsed since

one

will be

definite

over

The

I. The

from

2.

new-born

and

inquest

death.

blood

the

particularcase.

any

In every

the

of

arteries,is generally

each, the examiner

on

arriving at

death, in

dark

the

mind

the

The

empty.

exceptions to this,which
keeping

are

reported where

with

nearly always gorged

By

right side of
usually filled

side, together with

left

Cases

empty.

The

"

system

venous

face,loss

convulsions.

appearances.

whole

the

4.

In the

case

The

of the

tions
ques-

reality
time

that

body

of

alive?

it born

questions comprises the phenomena

can

death?

we

distinguisha
In

the

great

case

of real

majority

of

instances, of

do,

cases

of

realityof

burial

in

where

that

produce

to

Munich,

may

p.
"

states

of

hear

ever,

have

so

of

much

the

about

the

in the

wanting

not

are

in

actually occurred,
such

the

demoralize

30) informs

that he believes

as

Dr.

community.

to

many

places

degree

that Professor

us

ter,
mat-

of premature

cases

prevailed to

buried

being

caution

countries; yet instances

panic, and

Tidy {LegalMed.
of

scrupulous

most

pestilence has

horror

ceptional
ex-

in persons

doubts

some

natural

The

such

fatal

occasion

the

civilized

show

to

to

rarely,if

we

themselves

still retains

corpse

dissolution.

although

but
practicaldifficulty;

no

the

life,as

alive also suggests

is

times, present

at

where

recentlydead,
appearance

there

course,

29

DEATH.

OF

SIGNS

Nussbaum,

have

buried

been

not
reallydead,
during the war
(Franco-German) that were
but merely suffering
from an
extreme
lethargy arising from
loss of blood, exhaustion, hunger, cold
and fear"
(Jour, de

Med.

de

Bruxelles,February, 1871).

The
We
be

following

are,

be

always

I. The

of

as

the

by

wrist

and

and

respiration.In

trance,

is

close

never

both

apparent

no

Death.

Signs of

should

single sign
"

several

cessation

continuous

functions

two

no

this may

very

should
of

complete

syncope,

as

that

that

to

seem

the
death

be

going

The

of the

criterion
be

some

catalepsy,etc.;

absolute, but only apparent.

not
at

opinion

the

as

signs

"

should

present in determining the question.

these

in

regarded

exclusively,but

ciradation

death

of the

however,

relied upon

be

may

on

so

omitted

in

circulation

simply

cases

and

resembles

the

for

suspended
the

but

of the
of the

that

time,
is

of the

tion,
circula-

heart,which

The
such

of certain

pulse

be detected

feebly,as only to

respiration,in

suspension

absence

of doubt.

functions

of apparent

cases

suspension

stethoscopicexamination

be

of

condition
cases

animals

of
in

30

MEDICAL

the

of

state

in the

that

hybernation.

to

or

Townshend,

the

before

ago,

; but

action

of

these

as

It

that

life

of the

is

occurred

cases

discovery of auscultation,

certainlycontrary

continue

can

blood

; therefore

realityof death, if

the

continuous

of this

converse

that

we

of time

space

the

of

in the

which

continue

from

the

This
infant

of the

question

of the

of

remarks

same

as

breathing say
sign of death.

it is in

hours

of the

heart

"

this

In

function

realityonly

be

This

same

still

more

shark,

removal

after

hour
cases

may

reduced

"

of

and
may

to

continuous
be

be

cussed
dis-

death,

the

tion
func-

cessation

regarded

apparent

to

still-born

will
life,

regard

apparentlybe
down

in

Birth.

with

made

absolute

one

of

sign

title of Live

the

The

for

valid

may

respiration.

remarked,

many

brief

tation,
decapi-

also of the

turtle,and

beating

hereafter,under
of

hour.

body.

being regarded

The

true

having

after

is witnessed

pulsate

to

mentions

an

The

for

continue

may

pulsating for

heart

of the

always

is not

to

as

hour.

one

Duval

known,

reasoning

positivelycertain

fifteen minutes

beat

is well

as

heart
death.

criminal

remarkably
will

actual

left auricle

phenomenon,

the

escaped

hesitation

for

but

circulation

the

no

proposition,however,

after

the heart

seen

without

function, say

is,the pulsation of

have

to

as

think,

is,we

absolute,

not

have
be

can

of this

arrest

need

we

it

of

years

many

all scientific

to

minutes

many

Colonel

voluntary suspension

highly probable that the suspension was

down
fine a point
to
so
only reduced
notice.

period of
of

(likethat

recorded

are

of

reduced

are

the

pulsationsduring

us

its state

during

minute, they

Cheyne)

Dr.

informs

Bouchut

heart-beats

90

or

Instances

by

heart's

the

feeble

9 very

hybernation.
the

80

to

M.

Thus,

while

marmot,

activity amount
down

JURISPRUDENCE.

as

tive
posi-

already
suspended ; but

its minimum

as

of action.

32

MEDICAL

before

the
has

and

the

But

has

body

JURISPRUDENCE.

become

(3) The cornea

eyeball its elasticity,
very
ceased.

these

conditions

the

effects of disease.

its

translucency ;

color

; and

the

and

veins

of

papilla of

the

loses

papilla of

fundus

of the eye

sometimes

after

poisoning by prussic acid

III.

The

Ashy

though
of persons
instances

the

the

death,

fact of death
in

the

moreover,

disappear

that

after

death-like

sometimes

in the

and

death.

pallor
cold

It

is

OF

DEATH

OR

IV.

RIGOR

"

for

not

of

cases

and

some

in

to

It is also

and

jaundice

MORTIS.

OF

or

bruises, do
be

forgotten

swooning,

and

collapse.

"

ANIMAL

Loss

of Animal
the

Heat.

wonderful

temperature

"

During

HEAT.

POST-MORTEM

faculty

of

life the

ulcers, tattoo

11.

LOSS

"

color

MORTEM
POST-

"

LIVIDITY,

SLGGILLATION.

possesses
normal

also

stage of ague

CONTINUED.

CALORICITV.

around

in

SECTION
SIGNS

fever

ecchymoses

seen

exceptional

of relatives.

must

case

uncertainty as

some

zones

form,
uni-

the

in

in

pink

yellow

red, inflammatory

marks, the spots of purpura,

not

their

minds

from

that the

is very

sign

exceptions, as

in the

Tribune

dioxide.

This

"

occasion

of death

cases

carbon

and

retain

to

as

La

tral
cen-

is witnessed

as

complexions, and

cheeks

so

after death,

some

florid

very

where

actual

wanting

without

the

also be remarked

of the Body.

Pallor

not

of

after

days

its lustre

retains

arteries

death, the

of

quite pale,and

It should

eye

rose-red

the

artery of the retina disappears (M. Bouchut,

Medicate, No. 47, 1868).

as

retains
a

by

moment

becomes

optic nerve

is of

retina

the

death,

cornea

is furrowed

At

retina.

death, the

the

dissolution.

before

exist

In apparent

bility
irrita-

its transparency,

speedily after

likewise

may

the

the

all muscular

cold, and

animal

maintaining

body

its

(about 980 F.) independently

of

own

the

LOSS

This

medium.

surrounding

When

vital processes.

certain

ANIMAL

OF

decline, and

to

that

attains

lower

than

becomes
be

it continues
the

of

The

of

sense

the

actual

than

power

at

do

medium.

the

tissues

of

the

thermometer

varies

the

an

the

atmosphere.
idea

the

conducting

The

direct

is the

body

of

accurate

since

materially.
to

gets

never

of this medium

of

body,

it

while, the body will

convey

dead

of

moment

It

temperature

not

the

of

result

progressively until

temperature

of the

the

body immediately begins

then, for

does

of

cease

to

the

the

touch

coldness

these

surrounding

suddenly increased

really colder

as

so

unless
latter,

the

is effected

of the

dissolution,the temperature

3o

HEAT.

cation
applisafe

only

criterion.
time

The
be

stated

Prof.

when

be,

to

Casper

varies

the

cooling

the

on

makes

it from

body itself,according
fat bodies

bodies

of

from

longer

of

not

cools

adults; whilst

the

bodies

suffocation

The

longer

if covered
than

in

the

than

water

to

if

in the

up

wasting diseases,and

kept

death.

ones

cool

more

of those

who

heat

retain

to

the

bed

in

the

in

to

the

air,

clothes; also

small, close

also
Dr.

exposed

in

It will

room.

In death

from

cholera,the body

cools

air.

Taylor, loss

of blood

does

cooling process.

interior
than

said

are

rapidly

more

rapidlyin

hasten

of

lean

it

of the

it is

manner

than

longer

and

which

persons

rapidly. According

very

the

to

But

condition

old

large,airy apartment,
chronic

in

hours.

others.

body

more

the

to

may

hours.

twenty-four

of

lightning,or

unclothed, than
cool

heat

completed

twelve

to

medium

according

children

those

than

The

eight

the

to

retain

young

rapidly than
die

also

death, and

Thus,

fifteen to

average,

is

body

considerably,according

very

after

of the

the

of

the

body

surface,

so

retains

its

heat

that

an

autopsy

if

considerably
be

made

:;i

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

after death,

twenty-fourhours

cold, the abdominal

degrees, or

twenty

It should

forgottenthat

and

the

in the

fact that

coldness

of

the

Hence,

degree

condition

of

In

of

30

1 1

of

sists
con-

permanent.
often

be

fall.

This

of persons

life.

F. in the

of

know

We

death, and

Another

of this

the

records

of

Goodhart's
after

robust,

who

have

body

singularrise

muscular

here

to

death

the

3.5 ", in

loss

is that

the

the

the

rather
of
tractility
con-

to

continuance

point.
the

not

during

heat, per

emaciated,

nearly cold,

still

cessation

rate

of

uniform

hours, than

that

of

suppose

and
irritability

certain

earlier

show

observations

the

indicates
a

noticed

the

must

(under certain conditions)

hours

activity,up

perature
tem-

tissues, or

after

continued

to

death, there

the

vitalityin
that

rapid during

was

some

amounted

We

somatic

undoubtedly

fact to be

to

tional
excep-

post-mortem

pericardium.

for many
this

of heat

increase

death, although progressive,is

more

death.

since

exhibited

precisecause

Davy

life has

of their molecular

the

The

remnant

some

continue

the

elapsed

bodies

that,after general or

cases

somatic

hours

death

will

is sometimes

in the

Dr.

molecular

much

not

body

death, instead

instances

some

F.

in these

after

has

hysteria

is not clearlyunderstood.
{post-mortemcaloricity)

degrees

lingers

after

occurs

temperature

after

that

time

disorders.

acute

that

of the

continuous, whilst

and

sudden,

in

sign of

as

is

body

yellow fever,cholera, tetanus, smallpox, and

from

nine

is

coldness

of the

of temperature

other

of

of the

progressive,and

singular phenomenon

The

died

it is

surface.

; it is witnessed

Its value

disease

indication

good
rise

in cholera.

also

ague,

temperature

of the

that

coldness

of sickness

frequent phenomenon

exhibit

may

higher than

more,

be

not

viscera

feels perfectly

its exterior

when

or

the

cooling
;

it

later.

is

Dr.

first three

hour, amounted,

in

4.70 ; whilst, when

loss,per hour,

was,

in

the

CADAVERIC

robust, 1.260 (Tidy'sLeg. Med.,

in the

and

emaciated, 1.120

35

RIGIDITY.

49).

P-

Cadaveric

V.

the
death.

of
stiffening

It

and

cause,

any

in

In

man.

to

death.
due

to

the

death.

stated

It

comes

many

variation

is

in

muscular

cooling

death

hours,

or

approach
at

After

passed

It

the

the

lower

and
same

rigid,after

few

rigidity
position
decom-

general rule, the

the

until

rigor mortis

muscles

of the eye,

which

few

minutes

after

death

; next

then

in the

of the neck

extremities

upper

off in the

of

time

in the

rigidwithin

muscles

abdomen

As

is retarded

usually

become

in the

chiefly

off.

commences

often

after

is

off,the body regains its originalpliancy,and

commences.

as

periods,

hours

twenty

weeks.

even

as

transient

so

system

from

well

as

variable

in its

after

equally variable, lasting from

putrefaction of the body

and

to

the

animals,

very

eighteen

of the

immediately

"

at

on

to

Its duration

passes

has

universal

be

to

instances, however, it is

remarkable

to

generally observed

so

present in the lower

condition

moments,

body,

this is understood

By

"

simultaneously with

moments,

This

to

be

some

few

be

notice.

escape

from

the

usually occurs
It may

process.

Mortis.

or
Rigidity,
Rigor

the

lower

and

jaw;

; afterwards

limbs.

The

order;

thus

the

upper

portion

in

the

muscles

of

rigiditygenerally

legs frequentlyremain
of the

body

has

chest
the

passes

quite

regained

its

suppleness.
The

system.
system,
muscle

act,

seat

of the

That

it is in

is proven
may

rigor mortis

be

by

wise

no

undoubtedly
dependent upon

the fact that all the

divided, and

contracting under

immediately on

is

division

the

nerves

yet the muscle

galvanic

of the muscle.

stimulus.
Even

the
the

muscular
nervous

supplying

will continue
But

it

to

ceases

the removal

of

36

MEDICAL

the

and

brain

possessing

the

off.

has

Brown-Sequard
The

duration
As

features.

rigor mortis

rule, it does

still,in

still warm.

the

From

that

others, it appears
manifests

mortis

muscular

should
muscles

the

in

of

space

continues

this

and

other

period

muscle

it will enable
more

us

to

is

set

in

its most

important

extremely variable,
until

the

the

lower

animals, and

itself while
of

has

body

the

body

Brown-Sequard

after death

when

the

properly understand

that
of

is

and

rigor

This
to

of

condition

after

death

last for

may

noticed, though

be

hours, when

four

or

immediately

this, it

complete relaxation, giving

not

that

no

conclude

probably,

they

will

although

that

the

that

death

the

to

brief

so

usually

have

respond

positivesign
either

the

it

commences.
rigidity

relaxation, the muscles

Hence,

is
by electricity

alive, or

To

life,
so

stimuli.

blood

previous degree

as

lost their molecular

the

the

for three

During

rigor mortis,

altogether,upon

not

state

time

the

pendent
duration, is de-

remembered

are

after

its

body perfectpliancy.
a

period

exhaustion.

be

of

observations

is acid

rigid limb.

one

manifests

mortis

of arterial

current

of

high degree.

partiallytranslucent.

this

not

principle

itself,together with

if
chiefly,
of

is

some

birds, it often

in

of

The

coagulation

alkaline

is

to
contractility

of

cool

to

notably

that

already observed,

although, as
begun

shown

to

rigor

in the state

this, it

health.
the

the

paralyzed

albuminous

in

before

muscular

of

to

it becomes

While

opaque;

will restore

muscle

preventing

in sound

coagulation

litmus),but

rigidity passes
is

of

action

(reddens blue
muscle

of

property

chemical

The

those

plasma (myosin),an

muscular

of the

muscles

usually ascribed

is

of the contraction

effect in

no

the

Again,

equally rigidwith

become

cause

has

spiralmarrow

contraction.

muscular
limb

JURISPRUDENCE.

to

not

galvanic
of

contraction

of somatic
the
has

person
very

yet

life,still
is

yet

recently

The

occurred.

hardly
It

the

of
of

approach

muscular

the

over-exertion

and

itself

shows
death

muscular

rigidityis postponed

for

according

healthy criminals
the

lasted

died

and

died

in twelve

set

least
in before
to

exhaustion
a

half

the

hours

muscular

first

the

In

nineteen

of

The
The

size

One

exhausted
the

third

the

days.

took

greater, the

; and

lasted

exhaustion

the

rigidityappeared
days.

was

the

most

in

In

the

grain,
of

twenty-one
system
did

duration
the

second, where

five

half

one-fourth

took

and

grains,

two

rigor mortis

spasms,

In the

poisoned

were

muscular

lapse of eight hours,

twenty
was

by

experiment

took

second

animal, whose

rigidity

satisfactorily
proves

equal

doses.

minutes.

the

An

weather.

died, after protractedconvulsions,

grain,and

been

different

rigid until

become

to

physiologistvery
dogs

the

lished,
estab-

once

hours, and

warm

immediately.

almost

minutes.

in

even

not

twelve

to

Three

strychnia in

and

ten

named

statement.

with

of

week,

above

of the
this

lapse

over

the

observed

were

person,

longer period. Thus,

of
bodies
decapitated

much

mortis

whereas, if

hours, but when

Brown-Sequard,

to

rigor

time

vulsions,
con-

over-driven

in

previously healthy

for many

it continues

after

in

suddenly,

short

hausting
ex-

exhausted

becomes
seen

the

from

protracted

chase, the

the

lasts but

early,and

occurs

is

fatigue,as

haustion
ex-

hasten

death

in

system

in

postponed.
produces

after

phthisisor

hunted

animals

cattle,or

in

the muscles

thereby

must

rigidity. Thus,

as

when

or

is

recent

very

long as

whatever

that

of the individual,

not

was

So

system,

cadaveric

diseases,

by

that the death

understood

be

death

the

the rigor mortis

contractility,

now

can

under
contractility

only of

proof,not

three, or four hours.

within

their

retain

is

it also indicates

but
"

of all muscular

cessation

galvanicstimulus

37

RIGIDITY.

CADAVERIC

had
not
was

muscular

after two

and

third, in which

protracted,the rigor

38

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

mortis

developed

was

less than

not

been

supposed by

is

mistake,

It

by hemorrhage.
at

least,so

by

heat

far

When

the

afterwards.

This

certain

of

cases

all these

rigidityis
As

contraction.

extensors,

fact that

to

rigor mortis

to

an

error

making
be

cadaveric
have
to

it will

(if

resumed

be

death

from

the stiffness will return,

as
are

muscular

voluntary

than

affected

more

generallyfound

are

this

the

died
be

the

by

with

of

death

be

to

the

and

violent

subject

lead

might

an

on

organ
be

rigor mortis

by

previous

is exhibited

sudden

it

of

true

found
this

tion
contrac-

disease.

rigor mortis, if not

state, is

This

present

sight of, as

inexperienced,for

result

very

lost

heart, for instance, may

after

by

spasm.

be

likewise

are

pathologicalstate

true

The

connected

of

strong

limbs

not

contracted

organ,

Closely

seems

the

mistaken

of the

who

should

autopsy.

firmly

might

by rigor mortis

hysteria,accompanied

involuntary muscles

the

to

as

an

time.

force.

so

the

length of

after death.

slightlybent
The

that

in cold

rigidityis destroyed.

and

rule, the flexors

so

riot

is shortened

distinguishreal

latter cases,

opposing

temperature,

submerged

stiffened
the

proves.

loss of blood

on

considerable

to

serve

may

of the

Cadaveric

very

Bodies

tetanus,
catalepsy,

by rigidity. In
removal

previous

rigidity is incomplete,

If,however,

the

cold.

does

by lightning;this,

duration,which

the

complete),is forciblybent,

this be

rigor mortis

dependent

articulation

joint or

the

by

rigidityfor

their

killed

is,however,

prolonged by

and

retain

water

on

with

regards

as

the

experience abundantly

as

is it interfered

Neither

that

some,

of persons

bodies

in the

occur

however,

lasted

and

day.

It has

early as thirty minutes,

as

condition
in the

indeed

fication
modi-

described

bodies

as

of persons

deaths, in whom

strong will-power just prior

there
to

the

}()

MEDICAL

in the

it is noticed

Hence

such

the

portions of

under

in

gradually increase
surface

of the

"sign"

of death.

earlier

than

The

where

them
death

Fortunately, a

scalpelbe

the

; the

flow

points
effused

by

age,

of

death,

or

sex,
not

upon

the

appearances

the
is.

never

constitution

excepting

surface

of

that

place
the

which

cases

with

covered

of supposing

made

the

and

the

into

few

small

by

of

flow

whilst

of
the

tissue),
or

else

ecchymosis

surrounding skin,

spots

they

will

veins

blood,

the

If

bloody

cellular

follow

affected

not

are

all kinds

upon

by hemorrhage.
internal

organs

body, producing

are

blood

ecchymosis (where

be

caused

them.

question.

of

division

These

ner
exami-

confound

will be

level of the

in the

they

bruising,

or

no
suggillation,

strongly resembling
for

cadaveric

medical

to

settle

will

Moreover,

above

Suggillationtakes

not

infiltrated

seen.

stain

cadaveric

factory
satis-

Several

The

observed

will be

been

raised

is sometimes
the

test

through

will be

coagulum

much

very

with

been

life.

will either be followed

the incision
a

has

blood

larger

consequently attributingthe

specks, arising from the

If, however, the patch

or

skin.

the

has

during

simple

that

no

found

been

mistake

the

drawn

most

sometimes

resemblance.

has

body

very

first isolated,

ecchymosis,

cautious
particularly

be

should

it with

inflicted

violence

to

leg, and

unquestionable

an

connected

point

bruises, and

be

to

back,

assigned.

spots, and

death

these

the

cover

for this variation

; and

considerable

to

as

its appearance

confound

to

not

so

body,

of the

patches,at

lividityis

Cadaveric

important

recorded

are

coalesce,

be

can

it bears

which

to

size,and

others

most

lividityis

These

of the

back)

neck, calves

of the

It makes

at

the

on

thighs.

body.

reason

lying

be

surface

under

sides, and

dependent parts

most

it to

(supposing

as

JURISPRUDENCE.

true

without

in

as

the

congestion
doubt

well

as

former,
and

flammati
in-

frequently

41

PUTREFACTION.

mistaken

the

by

of considerable
to

be

very

The

fact that

portions of

origin, since
itself either

becomes
been

the

immediately

broken

congestion

involved

have

there

and

In the

have

would

cord

it

DEATH

form

one

of

with
not

formation

CONTINUED.

SIGNS.
DEATH

line,which
the

blood,
ifithad
would

redness

of

the

line of

"

ADIPOCERE.

intestines,

separation.

"

in the

to

occur;

spinal
In the

spinalmeningitis.

believed
of

; and

but

this

clots, called

post-mortem

III.

"

MUMMIFICATION.

EXTERNAL

"

HOW

AND

LONG

TERNAL
INSINCE

"

"

sign

spontaneous

3*

apoplexy

PUTREFACTION

"

Putrefaction. This

unequivocal
those

readily

whereas,
disjointed,

broken

no

SECTION

VII.

it may
intestines,

circumference

suggillationis

replaced by the
polypi of the heart.

THE

is

is the

portion, as

inflammation, the

be confounded

might

is

OF

its

Certainly,it

one.

under

upon

brain, hypostaticcongestion might be mistaken, by

heart, true

SIGNS

else

or

true

exhibits

the horizontal

and

been

inexperienced,for

the

their

hypostaticsettlingof

or

whole

the

dependent

inflammation, by simply lifting

up

true

marked

real

intestines.

the most

organ,

in the

bowels, when

folds of the

should

inflammation

lower

the

to

it occurs

distinguishedfrom

previouslyhad

the

and

suggestive of

or

the whole

exclusively

suggillation.When
several

in

be

congestion

equally with

confined

be

should

throughout

surface

upper

lungs,brain, kidneys

organs
real

matter

examination,

post-mortem

they invariablyoccur

these

be

These
pathologicalinferences
also termed
hypostatic
congestions;

the

chieflyin

appear

it may

his

to

as

as

conditions, the examiner

two

are
suggillations

they

not

these

cautious

internal

in

consequence,

confound

not

and

inexperienced ;

"

is

of death.
chemical

usually regarded as
By

this term

the

most

is understood

changes undergone by all dead

42

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

animal
The

period

after

itself varies

I.

others
the

of

the

of

and

the

For

decompose
3. The

the

The

; also

poisonous
also

that

coal

as

from

suffocation

from

and

have

been

much

bruised

and

other

accidents

railway
where

cases

the

influences,

when

as

vitalityof

and
but

beneath

are

well
the

as

the

conditions,
""ther

fast

process
and
causes,

as

of

it is

of

action

and

them

yet

due

rapidityof putrefaction. Casper

to

narcotic

some

and

sulphuric,and
to

us,

than

adduces

which
the

arsenic

less
doubt-

neutralize

the

actually to
all the

allowance, there

unknown

On

by alcohol,

alcohol

rather

formed,

pheric
atmos-

ruins, etc.

putrefaction. Admitting

giving
as

from

in death

acids, is probably

mineral

other

ammonia
retard

The

understood.

bodies

except those

protected

buried

tion
suffocain

must

we

antisepticpropertiesof

The

especially

by machinery,

mangled

other

poisons.

blood

rapid putrefaction

accelerated

hand, the process is retarded

phosphorus, sulphuric acid, arsenic,
the

the

and, indeed, from

remains

body

after

dying

poisons,and

is also

Putrefaction

aged.

sulphuretted hydrogen

smoke,

generally.

Casper),

to

of persons

certain

gas

children,

others, especiallythe

the

and

Age

2.

of new-born

bodies

from

after death

gases,

former.

typhus fever, undergo

in

impaired,as

been

are:

account

on

(according

exhausting disease, especiallyif

has

or

death.

of

manner

body

itself

body

doubtless

bodies

rapidlythan

more

the

undergo putrefaction

ones,

child-bed

in

dying

women

the

reason

same

lean

and

of fluids in

preponderance

the

to

flabby bodies

thin

with

body.

inherent

and

speedilythan

Sex.

an

conditions
Fat

the

to

several

upon

connected

gases.

first manifests

dependent

are

extraneous

of fetid

putrefaction

which

of

Corpulence.

more

when

death

some

Among

elimination

considerably, being

conditions,
itself,and

the

in

resulting

bodies,

are

above

doubt-

influence

instance

the

43

PUTREFACTION.

four

men,

and

all

all of about

same

graves

yet,

in

time, and

in

external

the

the

is

for

of
flesh

the

be

of

air)for

be

in

gases

do

of

acid

not

dry air,such

as

act

the

is well

body speedilylosing its

shrivels

limited

human

body
leaden

in

coffins

afterwards

enclosed

have

opened,

remains

been
have
On

clothed, and

been

the

in

this

in

of
a

mere

to

fectly
per-

of Arabia

of

and

putrefaction
;

the

an

burial

years

remarkable

of

royal

When

sonages
per-

these
these

subsequently, the
state

naked,

pine coffins, which

entire

decomposition

sarcophagi.

hand, bodies
in

agents.

reason,

effects of

process

marble

in

nitric

the

to

in

not

and

hermetically sealed, and

hundreds

found

other

buried

witnessed

are

and

by evaporation, dries,and
The

the

must

oxygen

arid deserts

fluids

retarding

gen
oxy-

putrefaction according

of mummy.

sort

of air in

exclusion
in

into

up

cans,

constituent

decomposing

For

of

agent, since

arrests
Africa,by its rapiddesiccatingproperties,

the

stood,
under-

the

nitrous

or

of

preservation

the

air is not

of the

very

influence

atmosphere,

as

it contains.

that

vary

undoubtedly

gas,

it modifies

of moisture

amount

The

destructive

in the

atmospheric
but

to

nitrogen (the other

in

carbonic

of oxygen,

supply

is the

that

of

progress

hermetically sealed

It is

and

influencing putrefaction

in

in

time.

in

as

influence

the

decomposition

it exists

as

coffins

found

was

long period. Moreover,

These

oxide.

the

length of

all buried

were

temperature.

of food

preserved

compound,

The

articles

free state,

and

atmosphere

may

bodies

familiarly witnessed

indefinite

an

They

preciselysimilar

animal

upon

other

and

meats

general physique,

objective conditions

or

atmosphere
and

riot.

several

air,moisture

are

and

age

subsequent examination,

on

decomposition in
considerably.
The

same

killed

suddenly

the

at

the

or
soon

of preservation.
but

slightly

decay,

and

44

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

in shallow

undergo

the

and

From

reason.

in such

habitat

organs
to

of the
the

Avith the
tenths
to

as

of

and

of its whole
after

putrefy
In

the

The

they

The

weight

If

also

may
be

body

the

peculiar

unless

the

case,

low

be aided

by

be

extremely
acts

as

of these

of its fluids
under

and

although

cause,

the warmth

remarked

was

persons

dungheaps

similar

completely deprived

putrefactionis arrested, as

into

eight-

tendency

drowned

temperature

widely

contains

the water

thrown

bodies

this respect

its great

of

bodies

in proportion

contrast

body

and

tissues

In

eye

fluids;hence

in

cesspools speedily putrefy,from

process

float

putrefaction

different

human

The

death.

preservative. Likewise,
the

their

contain.

infant,and

teeth.

latter

find

decomposition just

undergo rapid decomposition,

cold.

sition
decompo-

upon

in animal

agent

an

fluids

young

bones

highly probable

matter.

body undergo

of the

brain

opposite

baccilli which

or

which

air, and

moisture

amount

is

influence

bacteria

it,by favoring solution.

aid

to

the

animal

in dead

the

the

in

myriads
effect of

The

of

presence

stiff,
clayey

it,for the

retard

atmospheric

this
favor

grave

of

one

observations, it

of

cause

is the

would

of the

nature

shallow

air,whilst

of

grave

recent

real

the

that

is

deep

The

will

access,

easy

materiallyinfluence

loose, sandy soil and

it,by the ready admission

nature,

has

air

also

of the grave

depth

Thus,

process.

the

decomposition.

speedy

very

soil,and

which

to

graves,

media.

by drying,

the

preceding

head.
The

influence

is very

manifest.

process

is that

however,
below
when

as

which

of temperature
The
between

low
the

it becomes

as

temperature

yo"

500, but
body

as

and

it is

becomes

desiccated

an

agent

putrefaction

favorable

most

ioo"

in

F.

It commences,

completely
frozen, and

by complete

this

to

arrested
also

320,

at
at

loss of its

21

2",

fluids,

45

PUTREFACTION.

As

through evaporation.
preservedfor

be

may
in

snow

that had

nobleman

of almost

state

the

effects

of

In this case,
the

as

of

mummies
the

however,

assists in the

summer

According
in bodies

buried

in the

exposed

air, as
earth

weeks

in two

the

rapidly than
the
far

order

the

at

exposed

rapid than

more

of

to

be

bottom

will

appears

abdomen,
the

soft and

in

(threeto

summer

greenish,
three

or

peculiar odor

or

four
of

yielding within

same

taken

more

of

out

putrefaction will

The

the

to

six

following
the

open
in

in

be

is

In

period.

of

spot

to

one

there
winter),

The

the

progress

air.

diameter,

putrefaction.
the

the

body

decompose

yellowish-green
inches

open

water.
"

days

that

in

that

when

air,the

exposed

in the

eightweeks

generally observed, externally, in

three

position
decom-

eight ;

week

one

; and

if left in the

bodies

in

unknown

an

and

remarked

signs of Putrefaction.

putrefactionof

in

two

in

water

the

than

rapidityof

one,

and

water,

the

in

forgottenwhen

of death

rapidlyin
here

may

top

when

and

water

External

with

in the

(average). It

floating near

as

Thus,

air,kept in cold water, and

earth, is in the ratio of

is,putrefactionadvances

well

as

putrefactionis

sooner

be

relative

to the

countries.

seasons.

not

date

Casper,the

to

of

much

should

nessed
wit-

preservation.

very

opinion respecting the

giving an
case.

that

hand,

the other

atmosphere

of the

decompose

found

was

years,

adjacent

process

influence

circumstance

"

will

body

winter

in the

in the

Siberia,on

preservativeare

of the

dryness

body
Russian

soil of

On

and

Egypt

effect of temperature

familiarlyshown

as

of

body

perfectpreservation.

high temperature

The

the

ninety-two

high temperature

the

in

of

animal

an

if completely frozen

period

in the frozen

period

known,

that

buried

been

after

being exhumed,
in

indefinite

an

It is recorded

ice.

or

is well

first
the

upon

accompanied

eyeball becomes
In

few

days

46

MEDICAL

this

more,

greenish

the whole

red

Dirty
the

throughout
In

ten

much

so

In
have

two

the

burst

it be

punctured,the

now

fire

take
Other

the

on

of

approach

decomposition,
loosen

now

the
the

flesh

softened

become
The

of

The

body

is

so

the

Internal

to

the

swollen.

If

will

frequently
animal

of

off from

The

of

progress

tion
putrefac-

their

discharge

contents

bones, which

the

from

now

the skeleton.

distinguishable,
except perhaps by
appears

all of which

to

be

the

last

very

is
not

are

"

of the
as

of

to

The

average

putrefactionof

influenced

by

so

the

many

yet fully understood.

in which

order

The

body undergo

time, affords

death.

general and

very

external

the

signs of Putrefaction.

organs

time

of

variable, and

very

regular

more

and

uterus, which

process

circumstances,

internal

of

ammonia.

and

further

description is only

above
since

one,

cuticle

formation

result

ultimately fall apart

be

the

yield to putrefaction.

to

organ

dissolves

to

cease

discovery

open,

and

exposed,
sexes

the

burst

cavities

of

the

the

nitrogen,
the

in

; and

nizable.
recog-

acid, sulphuretted hydrogen,

phosphoretted hydrogen,
nails

be

hydrogen).
(carburetted

formed,

carbonic

as

to

is emitted

flame

likewise

are

gases

which

gas

The

swollen;

enormously

is

body

and

is

blebs

appear;

chest

face

longer

no

maggots

that the

increases, so

gases

as

taining
con-

greatly.

out

the

cause;

weeks, the

three

open;

blood

blisters

or

in the

swell

to

same

bloated

or

the

weather),the

warm

form

to

cavities

eyeballs protrude,from
features

begin

now

these

causing

abdomen,

(in

days

loosen, forming blebs

to

Gases

fluid.

of

course

fifteen

or

epidermis begins

may

the

surface, marking

themselves

show

now

'

vessels.

spread generallyover

subsequently gradually

streaks

fc"

the

has

discoloration

first in spots, which

body,

coalesce.

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

decomposition, being

rather

first organ

better
of

the

criterion

body

as

that

48

MEDICAL

become

and

greenish
into

Next

pulpaceous

the

to

of

then

of the

case

discharge

They

; then

forming

dark

It is

red

verted
finallycon-

be

to

ceases

become

stomach

their contents,

them.

intestines

the

stomach,

black, with

and

mass,

decomposition.

the

in

gray

(veins)running through

streaks

as

JURISPRUDENCE.

recognized.

(4)follow

in the

discolored

very

burst

they

much
and

open,

which

mass

greasy

cess
pro-

finally

disappears.
spleen (5)comes

The
If not

diseased

for

two

color, then

the

of

time

It first

greenish-blue,then

be

can

of

order

death, it may

weeks.

three

or

its substance

that
the

at

the

in

next

retain

assumes

its

with

down

rity
integ-

dark

soft and

becomes

rubbed

putrefaction.
red

pulpy, so

the

handle

of

scalpel.
the

Following
the

next

organs

liver

death

for several

poisoning, the
for

for

organ

preservative influence
The

brain

sometimes
which

even

softens

progresses
been

wound,
Next

injured, as

not

later.

The

process

by

it is affected
in order

(8)does

of the

upward,

; then

of death

case

by

resist decomposition

would

begin
fourth

to
or

of the

exercise

then

show

its

signs

fifth

depressed bone,

and

the

base,

and

gradually

If the

inward.

or

by

of

week,

at

commences

bluish-green,

becomes
and

after

it.

end

and

black

time, in consequence

the

putrefactionuntil

time

it decomposes

likely to

arsenic, which

over

adults

of

be

In

nected
con-

disappear.

color, then

green

liver would

considerable

very

affinityof that

fat

considerable

disappears.
finally

softens,shrivels,and
arsenic

much

In infants

weeks.

of

It first becomes

earlier.

(6)are

mesentery

is not

for
(7)resists putrefaction

in adults

"

If there

decay.

to

and

omentum

them, they will rapidly dry up, and

with
The

spleen,the

brain
a

has

gunshot

earlier.

is the heart

(9).

This

is

one

of the

toughest

ORDER

and

carneae,

the

toward

outward

progresses

into

finally deliquesce

which

organ,

in the

softeninghere begins

The

of all the organs.

49

PUTREFACTION.

OF

columnar

walls

of

the

unrecognizable

an

mass.

and

organs,

resist

should

These

long.

putrefactionso

are

the

with

connected

nearly

so

are

lungs (10),which

the

that

It is remarkable

soft

very

outward
are

organs

air,
often

quite sound for weeks after death, provided they were

The
first evidence
healthy and uninjured at dissolution.
found

their

the

sulci,between

in the

like

is the

decomposition

surface,looking

under

rapidly,the lung
black, and finallysoftening

increase

then

first green,

turning

structure

These

of beads.

string

the

lobes, on

of air

of little bladders

formation

of

and

disappearing.
The
kidneys (ii) follow
soften; then

and

brown,

and

soften

and

urinary

arteries

putrefactionwhile
into

Last
has

months

found
after

the

retain

to

death.

importance, where

to

Then

the

fact

question

stomach,

follow

(14) the

is

of

arises

fallen

(15),which

uterus

the

resisting

has

them

around

Casper, is the
its identityat

This

the

near

tissue of the latter

else

everything

shapelessmass.
of all,according

been

Next

located

and

(12) follow the

(13) the pancreas,

order

in

decompose.

to

greenish-blackcolor,

Next

soft organ,

the

assume

oesophagus.

last

and

diaphragm

and
a

the

is among

they

reddish-

become

They

lungs.

disappear.

bladder

which, though

the

end

of

seven

great medico-legal
of

the

of
possibility

pregnancy.
The

above

external
from
and

and

descriptionof
internal,of

the

Pr.of.Casper's work

published by

the

represent the average,

the progress
human

Forensic

on

Sydenham
both

both
putrefaction,
body is taken chiefly

as

of

Medicine,

Society.
regards

translated

It is intended

appearance

and

to

time.

50

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

As

already stated,there

the

order

laid

depending

down,

or
Saponification,

the

is interfered

place

to

body,

condition

public
instead

of

its resemblance

from

who

which

to

he

the

the

the

bodies,

been

verted
con-

styled adipocere,

(adeps)and

fat

of

combination

of

one

of

number

gives

discovered,

had
ordinary putrefaction,

substance,

new

and

remarkable

from

remains

in

this process

This

by Fouroroy,

human

stances.
circum-

of
saponification

the

as

Paris, that

undergoing

into

(ccra).

wax

This

adipocere

niacal

soap

with

ammonium.

acids

of the

result

whitish, discolored

Chevreul, jt

M.

In

the

with

decomposition

interestingto inquirewhat

the

of the

By
ammo-

an

acids, united

the
putrefaction,
which

ammonia,

fatty
is the
It

nitrogenized tissues.

the

are

be

to

oleic

and

of

course

like

appearance.

found

was

of stearic

combine

body

of the

feel, somewhat

unctuous

an

compound

"

has

is of

spermaceti,and
the analysis of

is

of

removal

that

body,

adipocere.

first observed

cemeteries
of

of

production

was

the

during

condition, known

the

or

the

peculiar circumstances,

under

with

new

"

from

happens,

sometimes

It

Adipocere.

deviations

variety of

upon

putrefactionof

of the

course

be considerable

may

conditions

under

which

singularprocess of saponificationreplacesthe ordinary

of water
is essential
decomposition of the body. The presence

this

to

wet,

in

the

or

it.

It

moist

very

loose, or
grave,

time.

which

into

in bodies

occurs

soil.

It

soil.

It is

sandy

after

is converted
bodies

only

never

remain

in

the

have

happens

The
water

water,
same

for

been

the

case

that when

takes

certain

in

interred

contained

thing
a

buried

those

to

frequently the

burial, fills with

adipocere.

that

bodyplace

in

length

of

51

ADIPOCERE.

Its base

same.

the

containing

place of

the

for

any

salt of

any

had

sulphate of lime;

of

is insoluble

emitting
an

and

the

to

establish

length
the

more

less

or

this

knowledge
infants

of

under

six

to the

have

to

the

immersion

an

complete;
years
An
one,

fat.

may

when

2"

K.,
and

what
some-

in the

immersed

likelyto

into

changed

be

the

of

body

weeks.

We

after

remaining

at

see

thrown

into

the

once

it is

in the

and

vice

for

one

it is buried
the
is

adipocere

in wet

change
always
is

more

of

of

born
new-

adult

body

of

that

be

fication
saponiit could

According

versa.

before

year,

in the

wells, privies and

tolerably certain

water,

was

value

the bodies

If such

mothers.

De-

child

new-born

legalphysician,since

elapse before
the

resembles

remain

adipocere

adipocerous body
because

21

coloring matter,

Its odor

into

in water

and

about

for this conversion.

unnatural

long

It

alcohol.

in

of

distinguishedauthority, an

same

Adipocere

circumstances, with the process

such

been

of lime.

it

time

necessary

only just begun,

not

that

important medico-legal question

frequently

their

after

it is

time

that

are

cesspools,by
found

or

found

body

an

changed

five

for

water

if

period

vergie ascertained

he

cheese.

it becomes

adipocere,

experi-

adipocere in

principle.

fact that

for any

in water

ammonium

temperature

nified
sapo-

an

It contains

bitter

of musty

that
From

at

the

determined

was

lime.

or

time

partiallysoluble

smell.

greasy

odorous

water

burns

considerable

oleo-stearate

water, but

in

fire and

takes

into the

changed

been

placed

ammonia

former, whenever

This

lime.

rr.entlyby Orfila,who
solution

of either

consist

remains

substance

always preciselythe

is not

adipocere

may

latter takes

The

of

composition

The

body requires

the

conversion

is

earth, a period of three

is

completely

effected.

heavier

than

an

weighty

than

the

ordinary
original

52

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

This

Mummification.
"

which

the

with.

By

ordinary putrefactionof
mummification

drying

or

such
of the

body

to

of

things is

placed in

who

of those

bodies
The

atmosphere

and

fat

is

length

the

Egyptian
old,

Such

has

the

by

constant

of

condition

placed.

are

the

dry, that

venture

from

the

where,

"

snows

and

flesh
the
to

as

of

Some

death.
three

to

two

opinion

an

since

elapsed

are

exposure

quite impossible,from

to

mummy,

tries,
coun-

establishment, the

this

to

It is

is the

Bernard, in Switzerland.

perished in

mummies

is shown

as

of St.

up.

that

of time

the

years

of

of the

or

dry atmosphere

constantly cold

completely dry

inspection

mere

and

attached
have

so

Egypt,

cation,
desic-

body

soil of hot

sandy

pouring.

Hospice

house

complete

vault,through which

is

air

the

at

charnel

the

In

cold

dry,

found

and

constantlycold

for instance, it is
stream

arid and

an

is interfered

body
the

by

process

mummified

body.

of Arabia

those

as

in

the

understand

we

of the

up

of burial

either

result

another

constitutes

thousand
their burial

inscriptionsupon

cases.

There

certain

are

promote,

The

decomposition.

former

which

others

retard, and

agents which

comprise

the

various

antiseptics. Lime, although popularly supposed to hasten

in realityretards
by a simple
it,as is shown
putrefaction,
experiment
that

flesh

of
had

the

without

purpose
and

acids

they
The

been

the
of

aid in the

through
removal

method

of

lime

hasten

not

of

was

here

served

The

strong

putrefaction,

action, and

chemical

raw

lime.

piece that

atmospheric air.

alkalies, although they do

of

powdered

another

than

piece

with

doubt, the

No
the

buried

over

longer

lime.

secluding

period and
the

who

first covered
much

dissolution

promote
way

John Davy,

sound

It continued
buried

Dr.

in this

body.

Interment

very

rapidity of putrefaction. Thus,

ence
materially influif

decomposition

has

already

rapidlyafterwards, than

more

before

the

and

influence

in

typhus fever, etc.

will

"

subsequent rapidityof the

the

marked

very

of the

the

of the

depth

of death

cause

especiallywhen

wasting disease, more

deteriorated, as

soil exercise

far

interred

was

the

Again,

Finally,the

already pointed out.

a

which

subsequent decomposition

the

on

of the

nature

will progress

action

body

begun.

putrefactionwas

grave

in

53

DEATH

THE

before burial, this

in

set

SINCE

LONG

HOW

body,
as

from

has

been

"

blood

as

ence
materially influof the

decomposition

body.
II.

death

is the

disposed of

Having

important
death?

real
query

This

first

the

apparent ?

or

how

"

long

of death

already
the

from
drawn, first,

be

those

secondly, from
If the

an

be

more

occurred,

most

probably,from

body,

over

the

four

days.

The
the

and

the

(The

five hours.

body

or

be

to

it has
four

the

inference

eyeballs
a

quarter

can

never

importance

of

jurist,is

and
(externally)

perfectlycold
been

probably

days.

If

dead

from

twelve

rigidityis complete

over

is manifested
lividity(suggillation)

cadaveric

surface,death

medical

may

approximative.)

the

three

or

mencing
rigidityis just com-

has

to

"

"

; death

than

signs

signsexhibited beforeputrefaction.
glazed,and

or

of direct

after it.

eyes

four

the

since

putrefaction,

jaws,

rigid throughout:
the

before

the

to

second

inferences

about

Suppose
hours,

The

described.

signs occurring

the

"

different

and

hour

of

elapsed

only slightly cold,

is

body

sunken

the

to

occurring

(i ) Inferencesfrom

has

time

the

consider

may

evidence, solely by attending

phenomena

"

determined, in the absence

be

is to

we

medico-legal question

has

probably

attendingto
shown

by

the
case

from

occurred

above

one

to

phenomena, by

mentioned

by Taylor,

54

MEDICAL

which

occurred

Gardiner
The

her

to

within
the

exculpated
overruled

this

of

mass

the

upper

The

cold.

the

hours

show

of 4

that

partialrigidity might

But

if true, would

point

medical

was

wife.

8 o'clock

at

was

to

hours, which,

four

the

body

endeavored
the

and

cut,

alibi between

an

accused.

by

whole

counsel

coldness

post-mortem

developed

his

named

man

rigid throughout

the

prove

throat

her

very

and

body,
able

was

ago.

transported for killinghis

and

She

and
iff.,

A.

years

discovered, with

morning.

prisoner was
and

some

convicted
was

of

part

in London

was

woman

in the

JURISPRUDENCE.

the
have
have

properly

very

testimony

the

to

contrary.
the

(2) Inferences after putrefaction. Suppose

"

exhibits

the

greenish

peculiar odor
the

off,and

eight days,
If the
over

and

body

three

to

one

of

is cold
in

but

the

pliant:death

has

has

passed
from

occurred

three

from

and

summer,

the

abdomen,

rigor mortis

greenish-yellowdiscoloration

dark

red

lines

six

to

or

and

less

or

greenish-brown stains,
have

it must

in summer,

more

parts, along with

various

over

days,

ten

extends

surface,together with

sphincter ani muscle,

to

the

on

in winter.

whole

eight

putrefaction;

days,

the

of the

discoloration

body

from

relaxation

been

ten

to

dead

twenty

from

days,

in winter.
If

blebs

opened,

with

all over,

and

found

are

; the

chest

death

have

must

summer,

If the

or

and

nails loose

recognizable;

not

in the

maggots
the

from

chest

their contents,

and

and

the

the

over

features

to

very

from

; the

five

weeks,

have
of

two

the

body

them

is green
tended
dis-

enormously

are

much

of

some

; if the

fallingout

or

abdomen
some

muscles
abdomen

occurred
four

skin, and

color

of the

eyes

swollen, then
to

three

the

weeks,

in

in winter.

burst
bones

open
are

and
denuded

discharged
of

their

56

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE,

CHAPTER
INVESTIGATE

"-LEGAL

MEDIO

EXAMINATION.

The

MEASUREMENTS

"

who

physician
in

examination

the
he

and

his

subsequent regret.

He

with

duty
be

examiner

should

strict

expert

an

also be

close

careful

and

that

circumstances

thoroughly
should,

Not

leave

to

as

moreover,

form
per-

by prejudice,
should

only

the
he

pathologist,but
of

observer

might

to

present themselves,

and

anatomist

serious

very

fully prepared

may

favor.

or

THE

OF

post-mortem

unbiassed
impartiality,

fear

by

THE

NOTES.

should, therefore, be

his

DETAILS

assumes

case,

ROUNDINGS
SUR-

OF

"

make

to

so

untrammeled

and

undertakes

execute

for

BODY.

"

WEIGHTS.

work

should

cause

no

THE

contingencies that

various

THE

OF

EXAMINATION

AND

medico-legal

responsibility. He
meet

OF

GENERAL

"

EXAMINATION

EXTERNAL

"

POST-MORTEM.

POST-MORTEM.

"

EXAMINATION

INTERNAL

BODY."

BODY.

THE

OF

THE

THE

NECESSARY.

.METHOD

AND

ACCURACY

"NS."

MAKING

IN

INVOLVED

RESPONSIBILITY

III.

throw

all the

light

rounding
sur-

the

upon

case.

all

In

have

to

the
of

friend

dispute is likelyto arise,it

examiners,

two

; and
a

where

cases

his

conceal

important
Where

necessary,
for

as

The

to

person

selection.

own

the

should
The

as

the

ex

be

parte

ance
appear-

represented by
should

examination

which

stains

of

artificial
it

light

might

nitric

be

acid.

microscopical investigationbecomes

parts required should

early a subsequent
examination

an

of color

shades

recognize,such
or

avoid

by daylight,since

made

certain

chemical

to

as

suspected

be
always, if possible,

might

so

is advisable

be

examination

should

always

as

be

carefullyput

aside

possible.
cxliaitstive

"

leaving

nothing undone
accurately as
of
should

with

co-exist

after the first

distant

the

the

to

of

may

positionof
weapon,
have

the

of the

weapon,

the

body

been

died

at

other

position when

death

was

caused

examined,

by

found
a

by

this

any

to

his assailant
The

denoted

in the

mud

If in

road

by
; the

the

room,

articles of furniture, to
which
make

to

torn

examiner
is

The

wound.

whether

murderer

poison
a

sketch,

locality.

the
body itself,

the

infanticide.

noted, together

be

missile.
to

aflbrd

distance.

It is also advisable

of the

exact

followed

the

as

may

of struggling
\ as

in reference

taken.

rough drawing

blood-stains, or

or

have

putrefaction.

the

have

dust, or

it should
may

of

case

glasses,
cups, bottles,etc.,from

to

regards

or

possible

as

this

as

book.
note-

attention, such

should

by

in

that
of

brain.

according

But

state

dragged by

and

near

the

in

early

interval

in

may

blow,

grass,

clot

death.

the

to

been

direction;evidences
of any

presence

As

stomach

discovered,

was

has

footmarks

the condition

or

in the

as

first claim

the victim

spot, or

their

may

found

conducted

made

be

body

body

body

receiving

presence

any

be

be

in
criminal, especially

the

Sometimes

with

if the

even

where
locality
clue

may

of the

account

on

surroundingsshould

The

after

be

brain,

death

carefullyrecorded

day subsequent

be declined

elapsed,nor

should

post-mortem

covery
dis-

death)

and

lungs

or

should

moreover,

all the details

and

method,
The

ruptured aneurism,

examination,

never

of the

cause

So, also,the findingof poison

located.

to

the real

of which

the

of

cause

of the

examination

testify

to

example,

For

(a sufficient

of the heart

able

be

may

of death.

cause

precludean

not

in each

The

the

to

disease

that the examiner

so

"

57

POST-MORTEM.

THE

or

should

its

note

if

especiallyimportant
clothes

should

cut; whether

acid; if stabbed, whether

be

marked
the

fully
care-

by
cuts

MEDICAL

correspond

with

then

be

should

should

Notes

wounds

be

also

of

general development;
seminal

; blood,

of the

condition
of the
moscs

the tongue
be

of

expression of

blood,

blackened

or

the

mouth,

the

the color of the skin,and

and

if

or

All

and

vagina

should

wounds

hold

weapon

portions of

and

extent

found

be

may

direction, and

indicating whether
suppuration
present,

not

not

the

In

fail to look

and

any

females, examine
and

of

recent

In

edges,

be

foreign body
The

etc.

the

as

inflammation,

scalpel
with

wound,

care

there

If

continuity,

for internal

whether

of the

newborn

of

that

weapon

original character.
the

is

examiner

injuries.
their

luxations,notice

extent;

state

pregnane};,
In

; whether

solution

nose,

depth,

to

as

their

of

marks

enlarge

in the

the

suit

they

condition

to

with

noticed.

not;

its

surrounding parts.

degree
and

with

fractures and

the

of

be

ball,fragments of clothing

without

contusion
should

or

gangrene

interfere

to

In

recent

used, if necessary,

be

may

as

or

also

whether
the

clothing

or

stained

carefully examined,

by;

near

should
whether

"

hair

of

state

arms);
(the latter indicating fire-

should

be

ecchy-

hands

The

of foreign bodies

absence

or

rigidity

mouth;

and

nose

they

by powder

presence

anus

ties
abnormali-

marks;

firmly held (denotinga struggle);whether

are

and

putrefaction; lividityand

if

tightlygrasped;

loosely or

other

the countenance.

ascertain

inspected,to

minutely

height,weight, age

stains

from

flowing

matters

body

teeth; the temperature

degree

clothes

identified,if possible.

be

and

other

The

body.

whole

sex,

scars

eyes and

the

body;
;

and

the

now

of the

made

the

on

and

removed,

should

It

inspected.

the

JURISPRUDENCE.

condition, and

of burns

case

that
their

observe
,

merely

inflamed

vesicated,

or

adjacent parts.
the

genital organs,

in

cases

of

rape,

delivery.

children, ascertain

their

length

and

weight,

INTERNAL

of the

condition

live-birth will
The

be

should

(i)

The

wounds

in

fracture

of blood
The

half

the

under
skull

should

inch

above

an

removed, and
membrane

the

hair

following

examination
have

may

the

to

do

to

thinness

moved),
re-

made

should

then

the

skull.

expose

irregularsutures

of

; observe

extent

be

to

; it

mistake

for

incision

an

bone

as

not

unusual

follow

bone;

out

extravasation

any

scalp.
be

now

the

be

pointed scissors,and

carefullysawed
of the

opening

condition

should

"

external

directions, so

any

The

Body-.

separated by

down

its whole

to

the

be

fractures,and

Notice

investigation.

the

careful

ear,

both

for

for these.

to

ear

of

question

"

After

"

future

The

genital

scalp should

everted
look

observed

59

BODY.

cord.

of

injuries(forwhich

it from

across

any

Examination

be

the

THE

pupillarisand

umbilical

subject for

Head.

or

Now

of the

Internal

order

OF

hair, nails,membrana

condition

organs,

be

EXAMINATION

of the dura

carefullycut
the

around, about

ear,

and

calvarium

noticed.

mater

with

around

arachnoid

the

pia

mater

This

probeclosely

inspected
The

part of the brain

upper

removal

"

of blood

extravasation
latter

congestion

to

as

is often

seen

injury.) The

the

on

brain

inserting the

upon

is

can

of

its

to

fingers beneath

before

(Remember

opposite
be

examined

vessels, laceration, or

its surface.
side

now

be

now

the

to

external

carefullyremoved,
dividing the

it,and

this

by

medulla

oblongata.
The

base

of the

fractures,which
The
it

brain

skull

should

otherwise
should

now

might
be

be

carefullyinspected for

escape

examined

notice.
from

above, slicing

horizontally;regarding specially its consistence, color,

presence

of

extravasated

abscesses, disease

of

blood

blood

or

serum,

vessels, or

of

of the

tumors

membranes.

or

60

MEDICAL

In

the

opening

scissors

be

may

(2) The
whole

skull

JURISPRUDENCE.

of very

used

then

be

removed

(3) The

should

should

the

nerves,

cavity of

the

mouth
and

trachea, pharynx

and

thorax

should

of the
first be

diaphragm

opened.

to

before

escape

from

opened

(4)
the

the

Record
viscera

The

Thorax.

should
whether

"

the

larynx,

in

from

head, because
of the

side

The

the

of
dition
con-

should

asphyxia,

condition

the

blood

heart

the

to

the

examine

bodies

abdomen

of death

to

the

observe

the

case

neck

umbilicus.

except

cases

Tidy

right

; also

presence

The

be

cartilagesof
large

reflected.

adherent,

the

the

veins

if the

of

is apt
head

is

amount

of

carefullydivided,

the

the

and

of any

and

of the

and

nature

pericardium,

contained

the

of the

condition

color

amount,
the

neck, and

emphysematous.

collapsed, or

position

presence,

ribs,togetherwith

be

Notice

pleuralcavity. Open
and

the

ligaments, should
the

immediately

fluid in the
the

The

first.

avoiding wounding
lungs,

in

the

of the

root

important to

; in this

opening

sterno-clavicular

sternum

it is

Dr.

by

heart

of the

or

opened together, by

across

examined,

Moreover,

it is recommended

the

from

children, where

new-born

of

full

state.

condition

be

may

one

first

be

marks

oesophagus.

transverse

fracture,

(strangling

cord

natural

their

The

nose.

singleincision,extending
pubes,

of

carefullynoticed.

be

in

abdomen

and

should

great vessels,whether

; the

whether
and

spinous

mater,

presence

fingers(garrotting)
; by

empty;

thorax

dura

carefullyinspectedfor

be

hanging); ecchymoses

The

the

The

of the

side

its

through

opened

each

on

contusion, should

the

by

be

examined.

and

Neck

violence

saw.

cord, together with

The

dislocation, or

the

extent, by sawing through

processes.

or

of

instead

Column

Spinal

children,a pairof strong

young

fluid.

thoracic
of any
and

note

INTERNAL

The

lungs

EXAMINATION

removed

are

OF

their

bronchial

and

the

case

of

removed

Heart
its

to

of
a

at

its

its walls

fullness
be

in

of the

opened,

be

next

base, and

and

removed

likewise

(5) The

of

state

should

On

"

the

its

hernia

all

bladder

spleen,kidneys,
of pregnancy,
The

the

and,

abortion, and

Stomach

the cardiac

ovaries,the

and

vagina,uterus

; likewise

should

be

extremity, and

the
in the

uterus

appearance,
Examine

odor, and
with

and

the

reaction.

lens,for

solid

polypi.

or

signs

the

weight, condition
Sometimes

required.
the

the

and

The

aorta

aneurism.

integuments,
of

the

and
peritonitis,
twist

condition

female, the

of

of the

liver,
of the

state

for
especially,

the

evidences

delivery.
by first ligatingit

examined
then

by applying

pyloricend, and cutting between

external

of their

clots

its valves.

removing

in

removal,

vessels

swelling,extravasation, strangulation, or

intestines,and

lungs

amount

any

be

carefullynote

color

on.

for atheroma

examined,

Abdomen.

examiner
of

be

of the

coronary

to

as

microscopic investigation may

should

the

situ,before

and

it

thorax,

by cutting through

examined

tissue,and

condition

into the

farther

considered

to

(embolism);
(in
passages

air

examination

noted, together with

may

; the

ascertain

to

as

examined

also

now

blood

organ

vessels

the

size,and

contained

be

inspected as

the

escaped

them
bronchi

the

artery

in

so

sponge,

will be

should

should

cavities

has

hydrostatic

children

new-born

The

The

parts.

be

pulmonary

If blood
a

beneath

indicatingdisease

and

by

hand

should

foreign matters

drowning).
be

The

of

presence

should
of the

tubes

(jl

BODY.

cutting through

They

roots.

color,density,etc., as

of the

as

at their

vessels

the

by passing

and
(noticingany adhesions),
and

THE

then

contents,

them.

open
as

to

it

two

Note

along

ligaturesat
the

general

its lesser

ture.
curva-

quantity, character

Carefully inspect

the

at

and

liningmembrane

particlesof phosphorus, crystals,or

62

MEDICAL

patches
leaves

of

enterotome

for any

glands,and
of the

condition

evidences

any

and

and

chemical

examination, in

(at least

In

should

be

the

small

and

of
the

noting
of

cases

ing,
poison-

preserved

separate jar. The

with

ulceration

also

vermiformis.

its contents

portion of

throughout

foreign matters

appendix

stomach

the

slittingthem

for inflammation

looking

Note

of

examined, by removing them

be

next

attachments, and

their

the

poisons,fragments

ulceration.

or

Intestines should

from

mineral

seeds, or other foreignmatters.

or

The

an

other

arsenic, or

inflammation,

of

JURISPRUDENCE.

for

also

intestines

large bowel, together

rectum),and portions of the liver, kidney and

The jarscontaining
spleen,should be kept for a similar purpose.
with

the

the viscera
with

the

private seal

statingthe

In

always

to

take

it before

view

time, also, it should

written
of

then

affixed,
of death

the date

person,

delivered

be

from

sonally,
per-

whom

he

receipt.
the

body,

from

it is removed

inspectors should

the

which

coffin;at

properly identified by

be

label

the friends

or

of the deceased.

relatives
In

examiner, with

responsibleparty,

sealed

securely stoppered,and

should

They

of disinterment

case

always

of the

autopsy.

by him,
should

be

of the deceased

name

of the

and

should

of

medico-legal examination
should

described, there

inspector,or

clerk, to take

progresses.

These

presentedby

the

The

examiners

before
A

containing

the

ascertained

should

notes

notes

should

sewing

be

report should

opinion

facts,with

the

second

the autopsy

as

the

carefullyread
body, and,
be

case,

reasons

succinctlystated,but avoiding

above

as

appearances

stating only facts,but

then

of the

notes

comprise

the

up

present either
the

down

different organs,

opinions.
corrected.

be

always

body, such

all

by

over

both

if necessary,

carefullydrawn

as

deduced

from

therefor, clearly

theorizingon

no

the

up,
the
and

subject.

64

MEDICAL

The

where

the

are

the

individual

she,

was

medical

the

concerned
heard

last

of

evidence

of

This

the

to

determined

by

special character,

seven

feeble

in

was

be

to

general

on

of death

presumption

period

from.

as

fact

the

decided

than

later

or

depend

must

however, of

cases,

have

courts

sooner

death

presumption

There

jury.

be

of

presumption

evidence, being
a

JURISPRUDENCE.

health

when

he,

would

question

g.t if

as, e.

years,

to

or

involve

in
probabilitiesof life,

such

case.

Presumption of Survivorship. Questions relatingto

sumption
pre-

"

of

survivorshipare

in the

courts

There

is,however,

in

this

than

country,

those

frequently refuse
have

but

of the
are

moment,

father

the

instant

and

legatee;

survives

the

can

claim.

of

freehold

in

her

upon

son

died."

latter dies

testator, for

ever

So, again, the

property

estate,

life of the

moment

of

this

; if the

when

the

survive

son

So, in the

for

descended

of

case

very

parties

but

dower, for the lands

testator

the legacy lapses; but if he

first,
so

short

husband

time, his

of

she

has

mother,

and

which

issue

her

{tenancy by courtesy).The
which
based
are
subject,upon

life int"

born

by him,

survives

executors

possessed

woman

has
settled),
(not specially

provided

time

others,

sion
legaldeci-

upon

the

courts

perished together. Yet,

dependent
survivorship; as

of

the
the

survived

be

shall have

father

if the

all

may

and

his wife

"

the

law

that

its individual

to

testimony,

one

the

perish by

persons

of all
that

in which

case

according

more

or

assume

question
a

decided

absence

questions

momentous

dying

two

to

decided

Britain, every

being

the

calamity, in

same

frequentlydiscussed

more

pertainingto presumption of death.

the subject,either
general law upon

Great

or

When

merits.

the

no

is involved

question

much

even

old
most

during
for
Roman
of

our

PRESUMPTION

modern

perished in battle,those

have

first; but

died

both

puberty, and
have
the

husband

According

Code

I. If several
the

by

Fodere

to

in the
"

presumed

was

and

If those

"II.

the

years,
"

If

"V.

they
some

the former

exceed

one

they were

admitted

which

nature.

Of

course,

survived

the

be

According
is made

former.
with

4*

of the

to

the

the

mined
deter-

in default

under

fifteen

survivor.
of age,

the

then

survivor.
others

shall

above

sixty,

the

over

be
the

equal, or

same

the

opens

the younger

Section

between

The

the

males

are

ages

be

and

case;

which

of

age

the

presumed
difference

does

sex,

that

presumption

succession
shall be

the

in

considered

shall
of

order
to

have

elder."

it may
yet certainly,

Tidy) that

other,perish

year.

If

"VI.

perished together were

the

tained
con-

the survivors.

sixty, the

survivors, where

law, as

of each

and
fifteen,

presumed

who

under

French

sixty years

the

under

wife,

sex.

presumed

all above

were

If those

and

the

to

(Beck).

survivor

survivorshipshall

of

presumed

and

of knowing
possibility

to

as

husband

follows

as

of

age

presumed

was

of

case

deemed

the

perished together were

were

shall be

but
fifteen,

not

the

age

shall be

shall be

youngest
"IV.

who

oldest

III. If

is

circumstances

thereof,by strengthof

son

different

were

above

was

naturallyheirs

persons,

the

by

son

Beck, the

Napoleon,

the presumption
first,

died

puberty

be the

to

event, without

same

under

In the

of

persons

together,the

the parent.

survived

when

if the

died

65

SURVIVORSHIP.

that

decisions, enacted

ages
to

OF

IV

infant

an

the
and

above
a

Code,
of

man

no

tion
distinc-

sixty years

fairlybe supposed (as remarked

latter had
Prussian

Code

in

law

better

a
on

Napoleon.

this

chance

by

of life than

question

is about

Dr.

the
tical
iden-

GQ

MEDICAL

Although
of
fact

laws

our

decisive

not

are

survivorship,but
wholly

depending

still,there

determined,

with

connected

the

each

points

heads

child

father

the

be

to

favor

is

of the

be

may

considered

the

deserve

ing
the follow-

be

is considered

mother

and

the

the

the

because

dying
of

Sect.

question

be

might

same

of

is between
ance,
assist-

favor

in

one

IV

childbed, without

in

in

the
fifteen,

under

two

survivorship is

child

of

case

If the

survivor.

presumption

man,

and

survivor; but the

in the

as

fifteen

under

the

here

infant,both

fifteen and

middle-aged

one

is deemed
taken

of

ages

the

decides

sixty,the probabilitiesare

over

Between

former

the

father,

civil law

Between

probability.

former.

Between

"

Napoleon (supra). Between

Code

mother,

importance

under

Age.

Between

survivor.

exception might
oldest

of

jury, in influencingtheir

and

court

fifteen and

sixty,the

over

absence

which
itself,

puberty, the English

no

under

one

of

of

matters

it presents

afforded by

under

sixty,there
and

questions

(i) Probabilities
and

as

of presumption

incapable of being

matters

certain
as

These

decision.

the

case

of the

them

treat

as

are

consideration

questions

on

evidence, and, in the

on

evidence, regarding them

all

JURISPRUDENCE.

of

the
also

still-born,and

because, if large,its life might be endangered by delay,and

it would

be

such

strangulation by

as

discharges

exposed

more

of the

the

strength

of the
and

male, when

courage,

together by drowning,
cases,
two

persons

it is

the

of

or

have

the

suffocation

or

of

be

the

"

The

in

the

presumption

question
and

man

other

some

to

Sex.

it is

when

as

question

might

question

cord,

assistance,

mother.

(2) Presumption afforded by

is in favor

without

danger

to

of

perish

woman

casualty.

respective

considered.

physical

But

health

When,

in particular
of

the

however,

passive endurance, especiallywhere

insen-

OF

PRESUMPTION

then

sibilitysupervenes,

the

07

SURVIVORSHIP.

is in favor

presumption

of the

female.

Cause

(3)The

of Death,

In death

noxious

breathing

or

than

oxygen

as
asphyxia (apncea),

from

the

men,

Paris, in

year,

of

were

nineteen

there

charcoal

poisoning by

of these

females.

child, who
which

Beck

Dr.
all

were

exposed

was

the

morning,

man

found

was

of

dead,

and

sixty

of

were

wife

man,

in

sleeping

stove.

child

dying,

all
and

room

coal

the

there

survived, and

case

while

vapors

that,in

woman

the

In

the

but

the

recovered.

woman

In

drowning,

or

shipwreck,the

complicated, having

strengthand
be

likely to
apt

more

to

the

to

three

the

asphyxiated

it is stated

and

man

only

relates

of

; of this number

vapors
a

favor

hundred

three

where

instances

exposed together,and
were

occurred

less

require
in

Thus,

vivorship.
sur-

ing,
in smother-

women

probabilitiesare

things being equal.

cases

as

gases,

former, other
one

of

affordinga presumption

as

other

hand,

her

support

in

swim, and, in

the

best

the

buoyancy

the

In

males, equally exposed,

be

other

entertained

weakening

by

causes,

the

their

respective swimming

individual's

the

several

question

persons

of

case

searching
which

on

exposed

for

save

of

to

more

position
;

but,

clothes

on

might

life,under
persons,

sible
posall

survivorship can

necessarily interfere
his life.
have

survivorship,in
excessive

sex,

bodily injuries,or

capacitieswould
the

survival

more

or

would
to

better

her

save

of two

age,

shipwreck, being

woman's

presumption

exertions

be

thus

case

with

If

of

very

being stronger,

probabilitiesfor

water, and

circumstances.

only

men,

becomes

account

deck, and, therefore,in

on

have

escape,

the

be

to

the

into

opportunity. Thus,
able

to

take

to

question

cold,the

Here, also,
to

the

be

case

amount

sidered.
con-

of
of

(J8

the

clothing,
of

alcohol,

physical
all

must

The

males

of

bad

overlooked.

the

effects
old

and

suffer

death

by

of

for

the

female,

time,

even

water,
without

the

food

rather

which

would
food.

the

to

than
here

should

than

heat

general

than

survivorship

however,
to

of

amount

the
be
aid

in

will

male.

considered,
in

sustaining

be
cold

relation
the

they

to

young
able

seem

latter.
that

principle

favor

being

on

the

aged,
be

poverty,

not

while

adults,

the
and

as

In

that,

than

of

people

occurrence.

clusion.
con-

person,

should

cold,

drunken

cold

starvation,
more

presumption
also

from

old
effects

of

of

intoxication,

remarked

maybe

greater

require

young

it

more

of

familiar

too

'heat,

of

withstand
In

is

night

effects

perishing

The

winter's

the

to

of

also

at

favor

in

very

debilitating

and

nutrition,

be

or

use

arriving

here

young,

The

obnoxious

especially

would

very

females.

over

entailing

the

over

immoderate

before

considered

be

the

and

condition,

probabilities

adult

strong

to

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

the

determine
of

the

the

latter

Certain
such
life

stances,
circum-

as

for

imity
proxsome

PERSONAL

CHAPTER

V.

PERSONAL

IDENTITY.

SECTION

IMPORTANT

MEDICO-LEGAL

LIVING.
REMARKABLE

The

much

The

chain

made

that

MARKS.

THE
"

inheritance, he

steps in the

further
robbed?

he

will be

Is

required

after many

years'absence

his

rightfulproperty

to

be

to

prove

be

sustained.

unrecognized by
his

whether

in
but

nothing

in

And
cases

little

the

remains
information

of the
but

body
the

frequently

judicially,instead
his

Should

claim

he

assailant

is

courts, before
to persons

from

bare

after

the

so

skeleton

or

before
person,

home

to

changed

found
has

as

be able
can

dead

"

gone
under-

decease, where
to

"

an

taking

his claim

body

the

which

to

assaulted,

relatives ; he must

years

be

might

Or, again,

death, where
or

identity

identitybefore

but
title,

then, in relation

change,

link

have

identifyhis

his nearest

of recent

the chief

foreignclimes,returns

or

identitybefore

civil

abundant

individual

him.

successfully prosecute

can

his

first

of mistaken

present

an

to

of

of this nature.

claimant

suit.

trials,both

death

error

first establish

at

appear

persons

penalty of

other

must

in

proofs

an

subject of personal

it may

Cases

and

guilty,simply through

allegedchild, or

claim

BODILY

constitute

innocent

suffer the

to

than

it may

of evidence.

show

to

of the

OF

of the

raised

character, and

whole

adduced

he

is often

constantly occurring,

been

IDENTIFICATION

PECULIAR

"

important

more

question

criminal

in the

an

APPEARANCE.

medico-legalconsideration

sight.

are

I.

"

CASES.

identityis
and

I.

BEARINGS.

PERSONAL

"

69

IDENTITY.

glean
the

the

portant
im-

question

of

70

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

personal identity acquires

especiallyin
establish

to

trial for

the

where

murder,

identityof

intense

most

the

interest,more

it becomes

alleged victim

essential

the

as

corpus

delicti.
that the

It is true
for

invoked

neighbors, *as

medical

by

deformities, fractures,
when

these

identification
The
The

subjectwill

Identityof

I. The

the

the

known

of

find two
instances

do

is

of

at

times, to

also
their

go

to

an

evidence
to.

the

given
how
this

even

the

been

made

of the extreme
of

be

tablished
es-

have
distinct

mony
testi-

Although
rare

to

remarkable

personal

skill of the

blance
resem-

ive;
detect-

still stronger
certain

Some

individuals.

(i)

the Dead.

it is very

the

of

is the

such

marks, cicatrices,or

"

on

which

who

points,yet

where

has

impossibility

show

the

have

to

family

in all

baffle

of structure, in both
be

about

usually

acquaintances.

human

alike

to

of similar

might

sions
occa-

divisions

witnesses

appearance;

and

of the

strikingas

existence

on

may

sufficientlylong

this resemblance

and
the

evidence

occasionally occur

so

marks

Identityof

This

exactly

persons

(2)The

"

personal

myriads

be

and

verify certain

to

the two

Living.

relatives, friends

the

among

the

direct

his

of

friends

may

evidences

under

Living, and

individual

recollection

this

since

professionalopinion

other

the

be considered

the

living\

example,

and

scars,

frequently

so

dependent.

Identityof
by

which

for

constitute
be

may

the

Still,there

men.

requisite,as,

not

by
satisfactorily

as

complexity, in

become

person,

physician is

identity of

established

of unusual
may

the

proving

generally be

can

of the

aid

by

arities
peculi-

trations
strikingillus-

difficulty amounting,
"

deciding the question,which

easily witnesses
subject. Only

may

be

two

will

mistaken
be

here

in
ferred
re-

VI

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

five witnesses, among

whom

family solicitor,one

baronet,

three

major,

colonels,

one

officers and

the

of

servants
"

fish-hook

the

of the

tenants

seven

of

ankle, and

the

Tichborne

estates, and

The

down

cross-examination,

on

the

against

proven

on

the

for

him

Now,

as

"

fair inference

remarkable

sufficient

witnesses

alone.

of

especiallyof

more

minute

as

fact of the
second

means

especially in

crime, and
on

are

inherent

of criminals

the

are

very

and
at

fact that
worthy
untrust-

on

ances
appear-

habit, incapable of

unerring proof

of

of identification,

way

them

insuperable

difficultyon
their

added,

ances
appear-

of

want

also, the

the

"

part

previous

well-known

personal disguisement.

establishingthe identityof the living,

in the
criminal, is by certain peculiarities

appearance, which

impression

is the

alone

observers

adroitness

or

to

be

witnesses, may

nature

dead,

instances,

dependent

the

of

the

against

that

admit

must

the

this

taken

personal identity; and,

difficulties in

{Loud. Spectator).To
training

of

we

from

form

The

personal identity.

the

here

was

two

assume,

ordinary persons

are,

and

appreciatingform,

may

we

this

above

identity,when

to

They

the

evidences
for

reason

large proportion

be

found

since

was

from

cases,

conclusive

not

are
a

indictment

an

broke

being

not

verdict

on

which

circumstances

that

say

all of

however,

need

of

proof

bleeding

head,"
case,

men,
clergy-

seventeen

gave

of

commissioned
non-

perjury.

other

and

mark

The

many

it to

that

against him, and

also

claimant, which

Suffice

enumerated.

of

of

eye,

four

army,

claimant

peculiarscar

general,

captains, thirty-two

genuine Sir Roger possessed.

the

as

magistrates,one

two

the

on

six

the

Roger's mother,

privates of

family."

wound

Sir

were

the

of

are

noticed

which
senses,

are,
"

at

the

time

of the commission

therefore, apt
such

as

to

leave

(a)size,when

the

strong
indi-

OF

IDENTITY

vidual

tall

is very
whether

slim;
a

dress

is

discovered

the
the

corresponds with
third

in his

or

the

Peculiarityof
hear

who

those

of the
of the

rest

actly
ex-

found

garment

(such as depth

voice

makes

on

voice.

the

by

shrillness,
lisping

or

impression upon
valuable aid in personal

strong

constitutes

it,and

prisoner's

crime, which

is afforded

identification

stammering) always

or

seat

of the

"

very

house.

own

of

means

shred

or

(//)dress,

deformed;

mere

near

corpulent

very

otherwise

or

sometimes

"

his person,

short,

very

lame,

portion

when

or

73

LIVING.

THE

identification.
the

Fourthly,
natural
in

aid

marks
and

friends

of the

Some

of

during life;others

obliterated

has

there

always

be

individual,who
remain

these

gradually

that

been

any

the

while

by time,

means

fade

is

originalloss

on

the

body
In

away.

given against too

of
upon

identity, since

these

ones

are

during life,if
It

substance.

may

not

surrounding skin, unless

the

white

surrounding
strong

to

gradually

purple

permanent

of

the

red

and

black

cicatrix

distinguished from

manifested
be

the

(thered ones)are

the part be smartly rubbed, when

should

usually

can

upon

and

decline

of them

some

permanent.

more

remembered

and

tattoo-marks, Prof. Casper's experience leads

inference

the

usually well known,

are

identify them.

to

comprise moles,

marks

cicatrices,deformities, fractures, tattoo-marks,

Such

relation

either

affords material

often

person,
These

establishingidentity.

relatives

by

peculiarmarks,

certain

the

acquired, about

or

nsevi, scars,
etc.

of

presence

surface.

reliance

may,

is immediately

scar

at

upon

Caution
scars

times, be

another, preciselysimilar,both

as

to

as

covered
disform

situation.

and

Under
the

hands

this

head

(whether

may

hard

be
and

mentioned

horny,

the
or

appearance

soft and

of

pliant,or

7 1

whether
the

stained

in

of the

nature

well

the

of the

as

of the

art

words

are

abridged

The

it

this

of

in

instruments,
At

normal
a

seen

clear

so

person,

follows
At

9.35

"

"

"

"

"

29#5

"

"

4I.8

"

"

"

"

5OOO

this,that

ground

at

of

man

but

this is very

to

identifyhim.
is considered

"

94

two

three

or

different from
The

be

Dr.

miles,

of
recognition

effects of

by

"

ordinary height may

of

distance

"

13.2

age

Gueret

De

the
the

upon
to

on

be

as

"

one-half.

In

at

distinguishan
of

age

seventy

object at
he

could
at

recognition of
by

one-third

years,

words, if

other

feet,or,
seventy-five

is afforded

one-fifth ;

it is diminished

fiftyyears
;

The

"

"

one-fourth

years

"

IOOO

miles.

2.96

is

"

"

of vision

acuteness

distance

50

"

as

of

by

follows

as

"

500

from

Medicine.

Tidy's Forensic

5.91

100

say

following remarks

"

day;

The

to

proper

"

"

level

on

be

may

picture

the negative.

"

"

It follows

of the

20

"

since

healthy sight,unassisted

or

5 feet,the range

"

living,

requisitehere,

perfectlyclear atmosphere, are

height of

person

of the

representativeof

and

vision

indicating

suspected

touching up

hearing.

Woodman

from

is

subject,it

vision and

upon

limits

in the

unfaithful

an

the

identification

caution

but

photographer

bearing upon

few

in the

aids

often

as

individual.

portraitsof

other

dead;

frequently makes
As

of the

occupation

useful

sometimes

are

peculiar manner),

and

Photographs

as

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

hundred

one

not

eighty

persons

their stature,

of

man

feet

at

at

nearer

years

eighty

years,

thirty or

recognize
years,

at

sixty

at

forty could

distance, at sixty

it further

off

than

fiftyfeet.
or

gait,complexion,

greater distance,
color

of the hair

IDENTIFICATION

and

peculiaritiesof

and

eyes,

above

authority,

often

with

metres,

about

one

hundred

and

who

yards

have

beyond

of lightning
to

distinctly

see

in

trunk

the

authentic
or

only

not

color

and
of

assailant

be

of

his

was

horse

effect

whatever
is often

in

India,

and

of

enable

tion
sensa-

blow

upon

recognition

aiding

who

those

by

experienced

the

likewise

subjective
by

pistol

to

but

The

flash

"

night;

afforded

recognized,

of

her

flash

the

by

cannot

robbing

dark

very

sparks, produced

or

sensation

same

teen
six-

from

home

momentarily

to

appearance

no

on

best-

than

light

who

man

given where,

are

The

passage

vessel,

flashes of light

the

of

light was

has

her

on

features
of

cabin

an

eyeball,

since

the

sufficient

lady,

instances

gun,

the

enabled

the

off

further

feet.

to

twenty-seven

starlight,recognition

thirteen

to

strangers,

moonlight,

clearest

By

to

ten

sixty

at

almost

are

recognized

yards.

seventeen

effected

be

be

cannot

persons
or

the

By

thirty-three yards.
known

who

known

Less

daylight,

personal peculiarities,at

no

hundred

one

yards.

broad

in

people

and

nine

at

the

to

recognized

be

can

daylight,
and

recognized,

be

may

persons

broad

/ -"

According

persons

hundred

one

SOUND.

AND

appearance.

best-known

the

difficulty, in

or

SIGHT

BY

totally blind.

are

The
gun
with

wind,
other

distance
or

at

which

pistol)continue

the

to

about

13

be,
miles

it
of

condition

an

on

audible

be

depends
the

The
1 1

average,

minute,

upon

or

one

as

feet

mile

per

report

direction
to

of

of

moisture,
sound

second,

in about

of

determined

be

the

velocity
35

the

as

cannot

atmosphere

sounds.

disturbing

stated

to

since

accuracy,

(such

sounds

4J/

the
and

may
which
seconds.

be
is

76

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.
SECTION

IDENTIFICATION

II.

OF
MEANS

BY

STATURE.

RULES

"

CALLUS.

OF

DEAD.

OF

THE

BONES.

AS

TO

FRACTURES,
OF

EXAMINATION

"

REMAINS.

SKELETON,
"

of the
Identification

The

MUTILATED

"

PROPORTION.

OF

AGE

"

THE

II.

Dead.

HAIR

the

may

unmutilated,

is

has

death

the

When

and

living,
"

acquaintances

marks

deceased, certain

have

as

such

as

the

to

as

the

soft parts

skeleton
have

and

already been
the

other

by

If the
and

reliable

means

no

the

severed
and

another,
done

by

removed

of them

of identification
difficulty*

view

is,of

skilled
the

of

portion
anatomist

bod}-,so

them,

so

specimens

of

this character
well-known
Dr.

Webster,

it will

comparing

similar

are

in

kind.

given
of

case

graphs
Photo-

in the

Dr.

Boston,

after

is sometimes

always
as

the
these

Several
books.

Parkman,

much
be

can

who

Mass., about

be
to

proper

with

one

detection, the

escape
very

death,

from

distance

to

readjust them,

to

the missing parts, and

to

parts

speak, by making

to

the

admissible, although

course,

Nevertheless, if the disconnected

even

of

etc.

destroyed, as

even

with

murderer

lishing
estab-

of relatives

mutilation

subjected to

portions

some

also

of

proofs.

been

has

body

here

portraitsare

body

na^vi, moles,

as

cicatrices,tattoo-marks, fractures,deformities,
and

the

appearance

the person,

upon

covered.
dis-

mentioned

testimony

personal

only

been

general methods

same

available

of the

case

reference

recentlyoccurred,

of the

most

identityare
in the

but

AND

have

and

body recentlydead;

AND

FIBRES.

AND

(2)when
have
disappeared by putrefaction,and the
detached
bones
remains, or where
merely
(i) to

SEX

AGE,

DEFORMITIES

This

"

FICATION
IDENTI-

"

increased.

recovered,

possible for
build

up

allowance
other

was

of

for

average

these

murdered

thirty

again

strikingexamples
One

or

years

of

is the

by
ago.

IDENTIFICATION

After

the

of the

in chemicals

remains,

accurately examined

were

proved

that

and

same

the

been

they

restoring these

the

deficient

circumstance,
of

enable

verdict

of

the

It

was

to

one

had

not

hacked

and

committed

in
a

London,

discovered

The

murderer

into

the

on

had,

Dr.

the

parts

was

identified
vessel

When

the

on

Dr.

Parkof

discovery

jaws (the head

and

the

on

it had

that of
the

; and

of

"

to

when,
who

man

river

question

on

and
had

Swedish

Webster,
somewhat

his Medical

murder

ago

remains

of Waterloo
to

throw

the

bridge.

the

bundle

projection in
and

examine
after

was

shortly

and

human

mutilated

requested

was

of

Thames,

river

lodged

Dr.

Taylor, in

of years

brought together
as

the

trial of

Professor

number

remains

were

ments
measure-

proper

instance

doubt, intended

no

Taylor

mutilated

with

of the abutments

one

river, but

by

package containing

was

supplying

missing

teeth

Another

guilty.

Jurisprudence.

from

body

they

cut

the

the

the

jury, on

is recorded

nature

descent.

of the

afforded
completely destroyed by fire),
of the personal identityof the missing

evidence
to

of

the

identityabout

almost

gentleman

afterward

but

that

found

portions,it was

marks

similar

these

disjointed parts in situ,and

together

that

in

of

anatomist.

purposes,

This

sufficient

portions

; and

sex

those

been

these

male

some

in boxes

discovery

skilled

agreed closely with

certain

find

the

body

grate,

remains, belonging

for anatomical

On

to

away

the

up

to

directions,for the object,evidently,of mutilation.

in different

had

packed

On

human

; of the

body

dissected

man.

by

were

in

murder, the

after the

week

burned

were

building.

attempted

by cutting

others

and

parts of the

distant

deed

of which

fragments,some

immersed

victim, Dr. Webster

his

of

all evidences

destroy
into

death

77

REMAINS.

MUTILATED

OF

great

found

to

its

identify

difficulty,

fit,the body

recently disappeared
sailor.

identity relates

to

the

skeleton

MEDICAL

merely,

only

or

JURISPRUDENCE.

portions thereof, the

to

the

and
always satisfactory,
and

caution

The

of

submitted

some

skeleton
the

first

very

bones

and

his

to

inferior

be

discovered, there

; but

if

the

learned

reply

must

bones

of

those

the

be

single

bone

animals.

analogy

different
would
be

sure,

of

any

of
the

inasmuch
that

If the

absence

of

the

the

size of
these

But

skull

the

the

or

mouse,

is the

of

can

bone-cells

of

orders
birds

in

or

and

these

us

; but

the

fact

the

sence
pre-

determine

to

it

can

To

instances.

not,
go

bone-cell

by

further,

no

of

man

elephant.

only portion

examination, there

those

this respect there

being bone, or

an

human

But

different

In

distinguishthe

it cannot
a

that

in individual

bone-cells

of the

somewhat

only generalizations,and

enable

submitted

the

than

matter

blood-corpusclesin

are

will

microscope

as

true

in fishes.

little practicaluse

specimen
or

from

with

be

The

composition as

in size in

intermediate

orders.

be

calcareous

largest in reptiles,smallest

and

goat for

microscope

microscope.

is also

somewhat

vary

animals, being
mammals,

It

education

something

consequently present
the

are

negative. Certainly

general chemical

same

blunders

not

the

more

under

found,

medical

may

or

the

contain

and

young,

lower

But

entire

practiced anatomist

good

chemistry,

do

aged

the

corpuscles

an

of

aid

be

two

or

horse, dog, pig and

ox,

subject.

appearance

have

the

otherwise
the

those

or

uncertainty about

no

ludicrous

many

be, generally,in

the

different
bones

human

the

of

of

bones

the

by

of

bones,

the

Doubtless, if the

need

osteologist. Indeed,

of

human

easilybe made, except by

may

those

for

animals.

only

is,whether

determine

to

of much

need

positiveopinion.

inspection are

the

mistaking

is

him

thing for

recorded, of persons

of

giving

of

matter

mistake

before

reserve

juristhas

medical

be

cannot

answer

of the

usually be

no

skeleton

submitted

in
difficulty

recog-

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

will always

there
teeth

if only the

Hence,

of

evidence

Mr.

Bell,

five
from

follows

as

to

to

sixteen

months

the

four

of

the

Saunders,
their

nine

molars;
the

years,

at

twelve

at

thirteen

and

of

number

"

four
"

years

but
first,

seven

the

four

apply only
us

the

to

of

As

there

average

child

was

incisors;

years,

four

the

posterior bicuspids;
four

the

cuspids

molars

four second
teeth

at

; and

making

"

this

are

rule, the teeth of the lower

many

above

exceptions;
occur

as

description is

to

must

nor

the

order

intended

to

cases.
or

two

examples

medico-legal applicationof the foregoing

the skull

four

"

of age.

one

make

the

central
ten

Mr.

to

period to be
molars)teeth
remaining (posterior
do not
usually appear until eighteen

The

take

now

tempo-

teeth

years,

; at

four

years,

the

in

ones

the

behind

At

often
forgotten that irregularities

of their appearance.

Let

half

the

years

permanent

incisors

permanent

sapientice

twenty-one
cut

fourteen years,

to

called denies

it be

lateral

four

twenty-eight.The

are

follows:

eight years,

at

twelve

to

whole

jaw

the

which

as

seven

temporary

placed

bicuspids; at eleven, the

anterior

the

is

and

eighteen

replace. According

to

are

in

order

appearance

anterior

they

from

twenty-eight permanent

and

development,

teeth, which

ran'

cuspidati,irom fourteen to

twenty

"

incisors,

molars, from

anterior

six

Between

to

from

appear

lateral

posteriormolars

imperfectlydeveloped,and

ones

to

four

teeth
forty-eight

perfect state

at

the

three years.

to

contain

jaws

months;

average

is,according

four

four

the

months;

The

incisors

birth ; the

after

and

twenty months;

teeth

the

molars.

discovered, medical

given.

central

four

twenty-four

permanent

be
be

may

age

The

ten

seven

twelve

four

infant

an

of

rudiments

eruption (cutting)of

eight months

to

of

jaws

probable

its

of the

date

the

primary teeth, and

twenty

"

found

be

discovered,

in

the

to

illustrate the

rules.

jaws

Suppose
of which

OF

PROGRESS

twelve

were

molars,

should

we

If the

teeth

permanent
contained

jaws

the

decide

81

OSSIFICATION.

eight

"

be

to

age

incisors

incisors,four molars, eight bicuspids and

should

the

conclude

here

It is proper

on.

which

the

affect
In

syphilis.

be

the

of

the

twelfth

first teeth

; and

they

in

of

cases

before

"

peculiar notched

brittle

and

to

crumble

bones

of

easily.

away

The

affords

additional

an

early life. According

in the lower

if

Thus,

ossific

no

epiphysis,it
large as

of

foetal existence; and

line and

If the

period.

it may

more,

birth

quarter,

point

has

probably

that

cartilaginous

attained

in the

ninth

the

the

is

child

of
the

three
had

as

of

month

diameter

measures

the

to

deposit

osseous

half,it has reached

ossification

child.

new-born

not

acquired

certain

most

in this

If the

and

assumed

(average)length

is about

life.

one

of

especiallyin

the

of the

seen

fetus

if it has

to

the

full

lines

or

its

survived

little time.

some

The

be

be

the

it is

poppy-seed,

its age,

affords

femur

foetus,and

that

uterine

of

test

deposit can

is certain

eighth month

the

of the

age

different

Beclard, the degree of ossification

to

epiphysisof

of the

criterion

the

in
of ossification

progress

skeleton

sixteen
has

commenced

bones

year,

until the whole

all the

; and

lone

of the

inches.

long
of

be

and

usually

not

prematurely

to

apt

are

do

appear

they present

appearance

so

diseases

two

whereas

the

but

; and

month,

teeth

month;

cuspids, we

years

are

eight

"

teeth, viz.,rickets

congenital syphilis,the
sixth

four

remark, that there

to

growth

after

teeth

thirteen

about

ricketychild, the

until

appear

to

age

nine years.

about

twenty-four permanent

four

and

At
at

this

the
the

end

of

of the

are

is

completed;

united

to

and

their

child

new-born
first year,
of

extremities

progressively advances

process

bones

skeleton

most

from
the

fication
ossi-

of

the

year

to

epiphyses

shafts

at

full

82

MEDICAL

twenty-four
it is difficult
the

that the

the
until

In

old

the

and

bones

the

loss

color

sutures

the

the

present
teeth

this

more

are

teeth

their

have

appearance,

been

lost

country),the
lower

consistingof
the

shortening of

which

imparts

mouth

of the

(as

alveolar

jaw undergoes
the

In the

The

positivelydetermine

the

age

be

to

at

of its

least in

its

body,

neck, and

such

width,

or

expression

about

If

in its appearance,

angle at

senile

discovery of

color.

absorbed, and

change

diameter

the

remaining

case,

become

of the

widening

characteristic

aged.

the

usually the

is

also

aged,

yellowish

more

are

of the

and

well-marked

union

thinner, from

skull

and

processes

the vertical

the

become

obliterated

worn

not

pleted
usually com-

They

matter.

flat bones

less

and

lighterin weight,and

diploe.

or

do

sternum

is not

be

of age.

animal

the

; and

absorption of

of

examination

an

forty-fifth
year;

become

years.

should, however,

coccygis

os

be

to

completed,

once

of the

bones

or
fortieth,

age, the

in

It

or
sixty years
fifty-five,

brittle,from
darker

different

sacrum

is

precise age by

skeleton.

the

considered

female, twenty-two

ossification
the

the

until about

between

when

be

may

in the

determine
of

bones

remembered
unite

to

male,

and

years,

this period, or

After

of

the

in

maturity, which,

JURISPRUDENCE.

jawbone

seventy

the

to

would
or

years,

over.

The

presence

frequentlybeen
the

So

body.

their

mechanical

in the

celebrated

in which
fire in

the

the
the

of

means

also, the

has

evidence

Parkman-YVcbster

artificial

grate, where

positivelyidentified

by

in the

the head

the

of

artificial

at

times

in such
case,

teeth, discovered

the

teeth

determining

presence

appendages,

corroborative

strongest

of certain

absence

or

had

dentist, who

head

has

identityof
teeth, with

furnished

the

identification,
as
already

alluded

to,

undestroyed by
been
had

burnt

up,

the

were

manufactured

IDENTIFICATION

fitted them

and

House,

having gold appendages

importance

of the teeth

in the

of the

had

case

been

been
his

about
peculiarities

bone
jaw-

(Guy).

body

assailants,that its

his

difficult but

extremely

(Taylor,Prin.

The

is shown

Imperial,whose

Prince

teeth

the

by

of identification

means

the

among

identified

were

disfiguredby

have

would

discovered

for artificial teeth

late French

much

so

as

83

SEX.

So, likewise,the remains

Salisbury,

Hatfield

of

ruins

burnt

of

THE

before.

years

Marchioness

the

of

some

OF

tification
iden-

for certain

and

Med.

Prac.

Jurisp.,1884).
The

II.

Sex.

This

"

skeleton, if entire, without

of the

appearance
defined

well

differ

it to

say

differences

male
In

the

arch

is the

the

the

renders

greater. The

of the

female

male.
the

is

is much

pelvis,the
be

pelvis

are

of

of the

the
and

pelvis more

turned
The

pelvis
The

female.

flatter,
cious
capa-

backward

more

greatest diameter

is
male, the antero-posterior

is

triangularin

Owing

acetabula
understood
not

that

their

for the

the

observed.

are

than

wider.

ovale

oval.

more

of

two

recognized

spread out,

more

in the

foramen

It is to

female

are

broader, and

bilateral ; whereas

male, it

in

is

pubis

in the

the

ilHi

superior part

sacrum

of the

deeper

works.

points

it is in

; but

be

of the

certain

distinctions

and

ossa

the

also

are

here

not

prominence

mark

thorax

characteristic

latter,the

; the

and

narrower

need

many

all anatomical

in

which

general

presents

corresponding bones

There

the head

in

pelvisis

which

the

muscles.

most

the

described

protuberances
of

insertion

the

difference,which

are

that

skeleton

size, weight, strength,and

in

ridges and

that

they

as

difficulty.The

female

and

of

points

enumerated,
Suffice

male

much

the

from

determined

usually be

can

the

to
are

exhibited

female

greater breadth

farther

that

the

these
until

apart than

in

peculiarities
the period of

84

MEDICAL

and

puberty,

it would

determine

the

in

The

Stature.

and
lost

inch

an

giving an

none

the

skeleton,to supply

perfect accuracy
Dr.

the

be
of

curve

been

calculated

with

entire

the

as

assumes,

adding

length

soft parts.

But

spinalcolumn

served,
pre-

have

of the
here

even

attained, chiefly on

the

Dwight*

been

in situ,and

the

to

exercise

has

be

may

to

case.

bones

long

the bones

loss of the

cannot

in the

variations

of the

inches,

two

skeleton

original height

half,to

whole

ends

undertake

to

in such

bone,

jurist should

opinion

by arranging

accuracy

and

medical

If the

"

of the

by decay,

tolerable

the

and

sex;

of

fragment

hazardous

certainlybe

reserve

III.

From

subsequently.

merely,
much

JURISPRUDENCE.

of

account

different

in

result

of

numerous

observations, that the total height of the intervertebral

is
a

25.6

collateral

aid in

the

correct

the

of the

the

stature,

pubes

the

is about
in

the

men,

the

we

is

centre

regard
of

top

of

centre

As

spine.

may
the

lages
carti-

the

as

the

body

in

little below

symphysis.
attempt

height
bones

of

the

of the

such

has

writers

cannot

so-called

authoritative.

The

Boston.

1878.

rules

the

case

Gould

is

cervical

Identification

bones

regarded

In

Dr.

seventh

be

"

of

"

to

vertebra
the

there

as

these

Human

of

reliance

no

inasmuch

made

study

; but

length of

The

by

from

skeleton

stature.

down

frequently been

body

comparisons,
in the

estimating

; while

women

The

the

length of

entire

generally accepted rule, that

symphysis
average

of the

cent,

per

dividual
in-

of

skull
find

can

be

is

long

placed

skeletons

the

"

of

the

of

ground,

Skeleton, by

tion
variasame

certain

certain,

wanting,
height

upon

of the

means

any

the

from

individual

proportion

by

as

the

is considerable

in

the

estimate

to

Thomas

rule

the
and

laid

spine
add

Dwight,

or

of
to

II. D.

BY

IDENTIFICATION

top of the head."*

the

to

M.

of the

the
thus:

this

the

of

the

of

length
whole

fore-arm,

two

and

is,therefore,one-fifth

hand

the

length of

to the

added

length of

however,
and

the

that

especially
of

persons
in the

third

second

of

the

inch

figureup
the

The

even

of

of

have

in

On

fractured

for the

process

the

is

to

other

aid

Ibid.

practice,

the

the

one-thirtyof calculation,

result,for

callus

bones,
that
the

is the
and

some

death

had

good

production

substance

total absence
time

in

identification,

the

to

injuryand

very

in

variation

total

in its

of

no

hand,

materially

and

indication

hand, the

the

half inches.

this

inflammation

tally),
horizon-

out

this method

and

that

be

the

triflinga

In relation

repair,would

Double

rule to

in the

valuable

the

of the

length of

so

two

certain

in

two

equivalent to

fingeras

bone, indicating that

of

is

fractures,deformities

elapsed between

individual.

as

five

length

arm.

the

and

understood

bone

total

cluding
in-

clavicles,together with

that

after death.

humerus,

fingers,varies

body,

reparative

on

into

the

difference

divided

the

two

middle

affords

is well

the

its presence
must

of

years

callus,it

result

great

sometimes

many

of the

be

applying this

height;

whole

existence

skeleton

the

that

hand,

sternum,

In

finger,

one-fourth

stretched

would, according

as

the

height of

of

same

phalanx

an

the

forget

not

of

middle

to

The

arms

of the

body.

must

we

two

length of

diameter

transverse

whole

(orthe

arm

that

imative
approx-

of the

in

hand.

in the

an

that

may

included

point

by measuring

the

length

arm

are

one

of

one-eighth

The

carpus.

in

equal

had

be

may

phalanx

finger,or

parts, of which

the

is

phalanx

the

the

third

that

Taylor)states

stature

this

{Cosmos, October

St. Luca

de

2d, 1863, quoted by Professor

estimate

height from

is the average

inches, which

this 9.95

85

ETC.

FRACTURES,

of
been

evidence

that
time
of the
callus

given
that

86

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

the immediate

the

injurywas

the

skull,the probable cause

of this

in the

of

murder
a

of

case

thereby causing
skeleton

subsequent
with

these

identityof

attempted

callus

depositof

time
of

months

three

as

thrown

callus

must

have

alleged to

of the

the

determine
year

skeleton

1823,

actual

disappeared,under
elapsed

however,
the

proper
in

Of
was

by

course,

it became

that

remembered

sixth

toe

that

to

necessary
the

sixth

left foot.

on

the

the

fifth

fingeron

On

In

years,

instituted
then

were

deceased

by
covered
dis-

soldier.
It

remains.

singular personal
the

righthand,

examination, it was

metacarpal bone

the

suddenly

Two

bones

had

tification
iden-

possible to

of France

identifythese

deceased

was

injury.

death.

violent

of the

garden

week

event

was

circumstances.

human

Some

in the

digging

it

south

of

above-mentioned

was
investigation

any

authorities.

the

the

suspicious

deformity,in possessing a
a

of

cause

before

where

"

amount

of the

mentioned
of the

means

even

livingin

soldier

be

the
than

after the

cessfully,
unsuc-

period

more

was

state

place,which

took

might

instances

short

that

The

man

denuded

so

tured,
frac-

rib

one

Moreover,

immediately

and
peculiarities,

or

death.

death

occurred

completely

missing

and

dry

it evident

made

out

notable

Other

since

elapsed before

have

marks,

of the

months

fracture.

the

altogetherincompatiblewith

condition

dry;

around

of their

in consequence

almost

and

charge, a

three

up

with

broken,

by the prosecution,but

established

be

to

been
this

dug

was

those

with

bones

had

rib

been

clean

bones

for the

former

the

by

substantiate

had

which

flesh; the

of

denuded

his

To

on

tration
illus-

instructive

tried in India

beaten

been

if

Taylor {Med. Jurisp)

was

decease, which

the

to

had

death.

his

produced

was

who

allegation that

the

stick, with

An

Professor

Englishman

an

native, who

of death.

given by

is

of death, and

precursor

of the

righthand

and

tained
ascerwas

MEDICAL

of

skeleton

Rufus

William

The

years' burial.

after

could

skeleton

in

readily

and

were

five hundred

be

at

eighty

Heloise

and

of

lapse

coffin

stone

hundred

seven

of Abelard

bones

preserved, that

female

found

was

nearly perfect,after

Winchester,

well

JURISPRUDENCE.

distinguished

so

years

the

from

the

male.
if the

Even
has

body

whether

determine
bones
to

ash

the

animal
Other

of

fabrics,such

of

discovered

hair

fibres

of

cotton,

supposed

have

to

by

Prof.

by

accompanied
found

near

bed, led
the

where
a

on

London

squirrel hairs

identification

the

else

or

of the

would

human

and

of

had

of

discovery

which
murderess

of

detection

also

of

weapons

of the

correspond
fibres,

cotton

been

of
cut

razor,

while

murderer.
hairs

marks

declare

also,

is mentioned

edge

few

So

person

some

were

circumstance

Human

on

fibres

the

stains, affords

the

the

throat

which

silk

case

by

various

violence.

on

Thus,

microscopist to
;

analysis

fibresof

and

or

discovery

whose

knife,

the

reduced

afforded

with blood

blood-stain, upon

the

of

material, found

death,

subsequent

manner,
a

the

linen,wool

deceased.

woman

the

to

of

enabled
were

same

handle

the

Taylor,

are

strong suspicion,if these

of

clothes

the

identification

of murder,

other

caused

accused, suggest
to

of

or

been

phosphate, this
ash

along

weapon,

presumptive evidence

possibleto

chemical

the

cotton,

strung

identity,

provided

not

of the hair, and

as,
a

on

although

identical.

personal

examination

microscopic
sorts

chemically

means

have

question, since

mooted
is

bone

human,

are

calcium

the

detect

still be

may

when

its

destroying

form, and

latter case,

might
the

solve

not

remains

proper

In the

powder.

of

the

their

preserve

of

view

infanticide,it

of

cases

calcination,as

undergone

with

burned

been

especially in

have

bones

that

further

child, whose

In

the

upon
of

in

blood,

these
led
throat

hairs
to

tin:

had

IDENTIFICATION

been

with

cut

through

of

made

THE

in the

knife,which,

victorine

BY

89

HAIR.

death

had

wound,

squirrel fur,worn

passed
the

around

child's neck.
In

of rape

case

genitalswill
and

the examination

be

of the hair about

show

likelyto

the presence

of spermatozoa,

consequently

which

the female-

of seminal

clingto

spots,

them

with

great tenacity.
In

all

for spermatozoa,
then

with

after the
the

For

desirable

balsam.

for spermatozoa,

of ammonia

drop

solution, and

have

of

putrefactionfor
should

also be

water

then

200

diameters.

of about

examine

under

length o[ time,

which

alkalies

Strong

from

than

difference

animals.

of human

the

and

The
other

of

resist
fact aids

it to

dissolve

look

it;

clearer ;

individuals,varies

hairs

it is

It
medico-legal purposes.
hair is affected differently

that

causes

Hairs

different

from

considerable

scope
micro-

kinds

various

comparison.

for

remembered

alcohol

of

different parts of the

coarser

other,

or

from

as

be

first of all with

moisten

size of hairs

thus, the

lower

should

rots

well

but

turpentine,and

bleaches, and

The
as

for

indefinite

an

reagents.

it ;

roughen

in

They

specimens

their examination

different

by

water, and

warm

hairs, human

hand

at

these, properly mounted,

greatlyin

examined

liquidhas evaporated (Tidy).

identification
to

in

steeped

magnifying power

hairs

examine

Canada

in

be

to

arc

washed

be

thoroughly dried,afterwards

examined

hairs

should

they

finallymounted
To

when

except

cases,

acids

chlorine

it.

the

head

hairs
in the

shape
hair

are

are

from
size

finer than
the

arm.

of the

hairs

human

body,

considerably ;
the

eyelashes,

There

is also

of the various

and

microscopicalappearance
of the larger
figuredin some

works.
The

main

5*

medico-legal questions

connected

with

the

90

MEDICAL

of hairs

identification

part o( the

what

of

hair

the

are

murderer,

that

hair, it

disguise
elude

well

is

hair

common

brown,

it in nitric

then

It should

is

be

through
of

coloring
the

of

one

on

instances
hair

of the

membered
re-

found

undoubted

artificial

this

the
of

means

order

to

effected

which

will

time,

it will

odor

to

In

the

hair,than

washing

and

then

lighten its
render

detected

It is

tint in

it in

few

darken

to

cult
diffiThis

it.

hours; but,
impart

water,

the

at

is

remove

chlorine

it in

and
brittle,

it very

may

more

alkali,to

an

soaking

by soaking

mineral, which

the

out

first

by

matter,

greasy

easilybe

may

muth.
bis-

lead, silver,or

appropriate tests.

whiten

or

salts of

of the

the

by

red hair black

coloring lightor

for

dissolves

acid, which

bleach

usually

dyes

colored

thus

identified

be
to

same

its

peculiar

be

detected

it.

all

different

hair, the

colored
artificially
the

closely watching

by

adopted by criminals, in

composed

are

Hair

the

(3) Has

detection.

The
or

that

commonly

most

the

regards

its color

bleaching

sudden

known

that

the

with

unfrequently

and

from

and

human,

correspond

victim

not

persons,

As

grief.

fright or

is

hair

gray

of the

occurred

of the

it

changed
artificially

comparativelyyoung
have

or

hair

(i) Is the
(2) Does

body

naturally,or

been

JURISPRUDENCE.

color

from

the

can

will

growth, which

new

other

fraud

portions;

and

also

by

be

of

cal
chemi-

tests.

fibres of cotton,

The

differences, when

marked
The

linen,wool

cotton

thickened

fibre

in

borders, and

Linen

consists

with

jointed

somewhat

is

of

round

transverse

resembling

is

form

the

under

viewed

the

silk all present

and

of

flattened
twisted

spiral,or

firm

fibres,having

markings

unequal

those

on

the

at

India

cane,

well-

microscope.
band, with
upon

itself.

consistency,
distances,
and

taper-

IDENTIFICATION

ing

to

point.

well-defined

light

cylinders,

they
The
treated

has

free

from

all

markings,

and

fibre

is

irregular,

wavy,

Wool

thickness.

The

(linen),
exhibit

but

no

identification
of

later.

are

streaks,
of

the

fibres

coarser;

spiral

91

FIBRES.

fibre

powerfully.

unequal
flax

Silk

OF

blood

of
and
but

stains

of

appearance

hemp
when

straight,

refracting

those

resemble
boiled

swell

and

and

seminal

of

and

in

nitric

become

spots

of
acid

brittle.
will

be

92

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

rRODUCING

VIOLENT

considered

be

ma)'

I. Wounds,
II.

VI.

CAUSES

THE

These

CHAPTER

VI.

Burns.

including

the

under

III.

Strangulation.

IV.

Hanging.

followingheads

:-

Lightning.

VII.

Suffocation.

DEATH.

Heat

VIII.

Cold.

and

Starvation.

IX.

Poisoning.

Drowning.

V.

section

VIOLENT
DEFINITION
BODY.

RESULTS

"

"

HEMORRHAGE.

"

ECCHYMOSES.

identical.

The

continuity

of

the

former
the

soft

According
of the
"wound.
such

skin,

But

luxations

all
with

of

the

this

the

meaning
the

DEATH.
CIDAL
SUI-

there

is

term

or

surgical definition.

to

internal

of

mechanical
is

lence."
vioa

ture
rup-

constitute

external

continuity

wound

of

injuries,
and

lesion; hence, the

whether

of

be

must

comprehensive;

more

body,

solution

heart, fractures

external

not

are

external

by

liver,spleen,or

by

wound

is "a

term

evidently exclude

medico-legalapplication,
although
with

of

membrane,

mucous

solution

of the

the

meaning,

suddenly by external,
latter

MARKS

AFTER

parts, occasioned

wound

of

idea

the

injuriesof

without

or

to

or

of

THE

HOMICIDAL,

legal definition

unaccompanied

legaldefinition

AND

CLASSIFICATION."

"

this would

rupture

as

EXTERNAL

OF

BEFORE

OF

WOUNDS.

surgicaland

The

EXAMINATION

"

ABSENCE

"

MADE

ACCIDENTAL

AND

OF.

INJURY.

WOUNDS

WOUNDS.

FROM
DANGER

"

THE

OF

VIOLENCE.

OF

DEATH

WOUND.

OF

i.

or

the

not

braces
em-

internal,

skin, produced

violence.

The

its

proper

evidently

it may

it

accord
strictly

WOUNDS

distinction

mortal

opinion

this

considered

as

dangerous,

and

should

fracture
The

which

of the

age, constitution

of

variety

is not

An

and

and

assault,where

might
trivial)

for the
In

; and

careful

cause

death

of the

as

to

from

theorize
he

the

remarked,
which

in
locality

tion
rela-

of weapon

subject ;

the

the

cumstance
cirand

treatment,
into

Medical

account

testimony

fatal termination.

in the

occur

of

case

an

injury (whetherdangerous
of

propriety

examination

portion
be
of

accepting

bail

of the

not

body,

might

be
but

the

after

body.

confined

existed

affirmed
in that

and

that

very

the
very

Moreover,

simply

all the cavities

it might be

have

of its causing

opinion only
of

examiner

medical

manner

examination

inspected,since
death

the
his

give

should

the

wound,

to

as

should

post-mortem

wounded
should

of

never

death

of

internal

all of

be taken

case

in

prisoner.
case

should

this

in

however,

character
decide

be

unfavorable)for

this may,

the

of the

prognosis.

instance,

hemorrhage;

of

must

the

upon

of the

the kind

amount

many

wounded,

it may

nerves;

usuallyrequired,except
to

been

wounds

health

the

in

have

in

as, for

its position;
its

as

general

factors

exception

or

first

at

course,

circumstances,

considerations, all of which

important

as

his

in his

guarded

wound,

wound,

of

(favorableor
other

of

inflicted;the

was

Of

skull,in

great vessels

it

gerous
dan-

give

to

wounds

many

vessels

great

considered, such

the

to

character

danger

upon

be

that

be

uou-

not

in pronouncing
difficulty

no

the

or

viscera, etc.

depends

be
mortal

or

compound

should

and

and

is asked

fatal character.

even

can

heart

if the

dangerous

he

known

mortal

comparatively trivial,subsequently assume

there

dangerous

between

witness

But

subject.

93

DEATH.

wounds

medical

it is well

since

cases

the

OF

made

between

or

and
life,

on

answer,

by

is sometimes

wounds,
to

CAUSE

to

the

organs
natural

part which

9-J

MEDICAL

the

neglected by

was

the

been

the

for

stomach
oft

the

beaten

was

by

It may

jury.

related

father

for

afterwards, apparently from

stomach

whose

had

She

swallowed

the

In

similar

after

another

by

with

taking poison

The

of the

examination

of its situation, extent

of effused

blood, whether

of

ecchymoses
whether

wound,

; the
or

death

stabs

if

with
It
death

clothes
in these

weapon
the

has

is of

occasioned

of the

it
loss

was

There

that

person,

of

the

the

of substance

with

discovered, it

to

absence

or

the

be

of

edges
has

an

of the

the

menced
com-

ration,
suppu-

after

before, or

of the

inspection

if the

ascertain

the wounds

ence
pres-

; hernia

also be

should

or

observation

adhesion

inflicted

should

himself

by drowning,

presence

whether

deceased,

correspond

discharged.

coagulated, and

was

the

rents

body

or

; and

carefullycompared

wound.

sometimes

external
this

be

etc.

found.

was

granulation, inflammation,

; whether

there

organs,

not

in

precipice.

condition

or

of

presence

gangrene

intestinal

the

shortly

destroy

wound,

; the

direction

died

was

includes

wound

liquid or

everted

; whether

of the

and

man

or

girlwho

committing

intent,may

window

by

blows, but

happens

gunshot

from

himself

by throwing

The

suicidal

by

as

means,

who

after

soon

it sometimes

manner,

of the

of arsenic

quanity

poison

shown

as

of the

effects

father's anger.

theft,fearing her

cases

examine

to

proper

stealing,and

the

of death,

cause

by Wildberg,

considerable

be

even

often

much
prisoner,inas-

real

in all doubtful

poison

her

the

to

as

has

neglect
of the

release

doubt

instance

quoted

the

securing

of the

minds

Such

examiner.

it occasioned

as

in the

of

means

JURISPRUDENCE.

happens,

resulted
marks

to

frequent
by

from

in

them.
in

occurrence

He

severe

lesions, with

internal

indicate

violence.

of

cases

According
internal

severe

cites

case

injury,that
few
to

or

no

Casper,

lacerations

of this character.

!"";

MEDICAL

hours

If the

repair.

at

attempt

after

JURISPRUDENCE.

death, there
of

except

surrounding

infiltration.
Mr.

and

criterion

whether

to

as

little

Comparatively
after

or

arterial.
the

in

head
the

In

of

case

of the
head

(2) In
not

the

less

or

few

days

will

suppuration

and

of which

absent

are

by

the

small
and

is

vessels, and
blue"

rapid, the

discoloration

violent

of

the

effused

blood

in the

contusion, there

by

produced.

deep blue, or
may

will

always

be

survives

reaction, such

as

or

all

gangrene,

cellular
from

the

no

In

tissue

the

some

appearance

of

"black

effusion

first ; if

under

rupture

well-known

If the

red, at

violet.
be

not

are

chieflydistinguished

arises

dark

is

inflicted after death.

life are

to

distinction

person

vital

during

spot is of
is

during life,and

there

made

discoloration

clusion
con-

after death.

if the

wounds

is manifested

the

Lacerations

and

(ecchymosis). This

skin

the

of

amount

fact that

led to

granulation, sloughing

Co/ttttscd wound*

the

body,

wounds,

evidences

in such

chiefly

copious hemorrhage

by bleeding, but
be

1837,

done

wounds.

coagula present;

there

the

blood

contused

in incised

in

of blood

been

of the

and

always accompanied
more

from

absence

is

yield

the

drained

have

arteries

where

England

severed

was

made

also

then

as

wounds

reported by Casper, as

been

lacerated

obvious

so

in

good

after death.

hemorrhage

decapitation had

must

for the

account

murder

completely

was

there

living,the

firm
con-

pretty

the

no

hemorrhage

before, or

chiefly venous

Greenacre,

victim

that
that

of

case

is

no

Professor

limbs

of

affords

inflicted

was

of

amount

wound

in the

while

none,

The

edges,

character, and
amputated

upon

twelve

or

of its

version

bleeding accompanies

this

death, and

little

it

ten

experiments

Key

incised

an

made

venous

The

description.

accompanying

no

slight

Aston

above

the

be

will be

hemorrhage,

Taylor

wound

of blood

slower, the

cases

of

of

even

external

97

ECCHYMOSES.

the

over

the eye,

this

of

illustrations

with

in

that

the

of Sir R.
if the

be

contusion

body

those

resemble

the

made

very

produced by

beneath
that there

is

the

the

visible

at

all.

death,

after

bladder, resultingfrom

hours

after the
observed

estimated

by

illustrated

death,

as

injury.

until

of blood

No

the

of the
of

case

the

also,

very

appear

from

died
a

Neither

who
which

abdomen
the

can

tity
quan-

injurybe always

discoloration.

wagoner

rupture

horse, thirty-five
of the

of the

not

until

manifested

not

of

kick

by Casper, and

mentioned

diately
imme-

deep-seated,and

who

extent

; with

tissue

may

discoloration

the

amount

strongly

swelling.

of

it is
man

while

usually

is

areolar

be

his death.

after

to

contusion

in the

the

effused, nor

in the

death, and

not

of

case

of the

was

after

instances

some

in the

as

soon

effusion

that

show

go

it may

injury; or

In

experiments

body

and
usually superficial,

is

Ecchymosis

tion
indica-

dead

the

garded
re-

character

The

coagula,and

of

absence

an

shortly after

skin, and

be

may

tended
at-

of

presence

necessarilyan

ante-mortem

difference,however, that

this

The

resultingappearances

the

of

being

wounds,

is not

over

abdomen

of the ante-mortem

upon

is still warm,

blow

lid ; and

post-mortem.

was

Christison

the

Familiar

lower

scrotum.

its absence

wound

of

case

of contused

cases

pretty good evidence

injury,while

of the

of the

ecchymosis

ecchymoses, then,
as

portion of

lower

little distance

is loose.

of the

ecchymosis

an

the

over

in the

afforded

are

producing

blow

the

at

if the surrounding tissue

it,especially

from

contusion, but

of the

seat

ately
immedi-

manifested

always

it is not

ecchymosis. Again,

This

was
was

is well

crushed

to

alluded

to

above.

Another

important
color

which

indicate

the

clicDigeof
serve

to

fact

relative

accompanies

probable

date

to

ecchymoses

them,
of the

since

this

contusion.

is

the

may

In

98

MEDICAL

about

twenty-four

bruise

becomes

changes

to

of

of the

the
of

blood

be

to

the

the

to

fluid of the

the

the

shows

itself within

violet
sixth

color

the

on

color

the

the

the

appear

in

and

be

usually

may

the

internal

of

According

to

the bodies

on

from

the

may

become

for

some

the

and

(3) In punctured
between

those

skin, and

to

only

the
and

inflicted

death, is usually not

changes

depend
of

cumstance
cir-

ecchymosis

blows.

confined

together with

the

the

to

also

the

on

absence

blood.

concealed

often

are

state

of the

after the

body

has

has

former

The

their presence

by

ceeding
pro-

petechias

scurvy,

sodden

water

spot

dead, which

first

the

in

changes

when

drowned,

apparent

days,

by

Devergie, ecchymoses
owing

The

above

the
as

occasioned

of
fluidity

of the

water,

such

membranes,

mucous

swelling,and

causes,

the

and

the

old, and

distinguished by being

layers of
superficial

fifth to

day;
of

the

diagnostic mark.
mistake

that

the

its

general, it
the

tenth

the

on

to

not

natural
from

to

The

contusions

important

purpura,

in

and

contusion

day.

contusion.

another

constitutes

from

than

serum

sorbed,
finallyab-

In

from

green

eighth

the

It is

the

fourteenth

young

of the

It is also

the

to

degree

never

of

complete disappearance

twelfth
in

after
the

days;

from

yellow

rapid

more

also

three

persons,

from

occurs

hours

changes

membrane,

cells.

of

portion

These

entirely disappears.

twelve

within
the

day;

healthy

are

color

gradually

central

dilution

the

alterations

the

cellular

gradual dispersion throughout

and

these

margins.

due

of

margin

color,which

larger,but

than

darker

by

livid

or

violet

become

may

believed

are

blue

yellow. During

and

green

always

color

hours

lighter,or

color, the spot

remains

JURISPRUDENCE.

they

removed

are

skin

been

they

exposed

evaporated.

penetrating wounds, the diagnosis

before, and

difficult.

The

those

former

are

produced

after

attended

with

INCISED

more

and

hemorrhage,

less

or

reparativereaction, such

and

afterdeath

made

into the

by

wound

injurywith

medical

caused

was

naturally

be

wound

to

referred

cause

to

pointed one
this

on

by

all these.

of the heart

witness

; and

incised wound

weapon

should

subject,especially in

would

penetrating

wound

to

observed

be

in

blunt

giving

an

contused

of

case

of the

relation

the

contused

state

to

particularweapon

thus, an

cutting

caution

But

instrument.

opinion

supposed

its

of

left ventricle

desirable,if possible,to establish

it is

tion,
suppura-

hemorrhage.

no

always possiblefor

positivelythat

and

destitute

are

of vital

signs

inflammation

as

latter

is followed

It is not

but

stab

example, a

For

exhibit

often

The

gangrene.

or

99

WOUNDS.

wounds.
Incised

wounds
of

evenness

them

from

exactly

are

resemble

wound

by

usually

the

often

broken

produced by

cuts

wounds.

stabs,the

have

of the wound

stretched,the shape

correspondence.
is wrinkled

wounds,

as

in

the

incised
superficial
even

fatal

yet,

as

may
neck.

may

made

from

give

weapon,

also,that it

these
exhibit

by Casper,

this

fact

distinct
that

overlooked
to

dangerous,

is not

the direction

right to left,or

has

weapon

in parts where

be
rise

of

shape

will not

made

not

in

china

when

tissues,and

wound

It must

determine

cases,

the

or

But

suggest the idea of several

And

to

remarked

also,a

wounds

hemorrhage.

in such

i.e.,whether

So

ware,

of the

where

But

not.

the

the skin

distinguish

glass or

the character

indicate
or

In

penetrated obliquely through

this

to

serves

by glass and crockery

generally irregularand uneven.

double-edged

been

regularityand

made

incised

may

whether

This

cut.

instances,the

some

the

the
wounds

nails, which

characterized

are

the

might

always

of the

in determining
important medico-legal significance

sible,
pos-

incision,
And

reverse.

have

or

most

the ques-

100

MEDICAL

throw

might
blood

wound,

right

Lacerated

attendant

left

or

contused

and

simply inspecting them,

able

indicate

to

able

indeed, be

may,

the

upon

which

of the

in the

as

swelling,
internal

guilt of
victim

causing

the
a

him

before

liver,

of

Stille

parts is

of

will

ally
gener-

made

by

angles of
of

blunt

the

wound

rise

to

blood

is

of

as

regular

more

less

or

the

into

cut

less acute.

are

there

weapon

straightand

as

by

though,

wound,

wounds

He

produced

give

may

not
cause.

or

not

not

fatal contused

that

blow

direct
to

adjoining

irregular fracture

it makes

the

and

severe

of

of pregnant
assault.

the

is

"

of the

base
of

which
in

of

his

substance,

the

organs

frequent
skull

occur

women

the

"

result
times
some-

Wharton
to

in the

might give
such

is

head.

V, p. 660) allude

sometimes

Also, that

hard

internal

of the

contusion

women,

death

indirectly,by

or

other

or

kidneys

(Med. Jurisp.,Book
wounds

head,

the

to

as

contusion.

rupture
and

the

produced

stone,

head, it has

difference

no

the

fracture,or

Fracture

by

he

of the

wound

upon

fall upon

mentioned,

spontaneous

vagina

witness

incised

an

spleen,heart, lungs
caused

that

From

zygoma,

accused, whether

of contusions.

and

wounds.

was

times, the existence

produced

As

the

extravasation

at

case

by

which

blow

contused

judiciallydecided

been

it

same

incised

precise weapon,
that

the

hemorrhage.

the

In

and

and,

the

in

Moreover,

parts

the

latter,and

as

the
say

over

rule, the division

parts of

afford

not

medical

resembles

strongly

of

presence

certain

on

the

But

skull, or

do

weapon

to

instrument.

cutting

the

as

cuts

or

wounds

the
for identifying
facility

be

circumstances, however,

it, such

hand,

cidal
homi-

deceased.

of the

clothing

cutting the throat,was

light upon

some

the

on

in

as

The

self-inflicted.

or

the

the

whether

tion

JURISPRUDE1

the

labia

rise to

fact
and

cion
suspi-

accidents

of

EXAMINATION

kinds

different

from

It is evident

avoid

with

has

what

from

that

instrument

been

in reference

said

contused

it,that

caused

himself

committing

the

upon

the

depressed

to

come

the

ago

author

the probable
of

bone

fist

who

latter

the

was

real
of

instrument,

cause

in

produced

was

of

quarter

loaded

of his

of

end

the

the opinion of the

facts,was,

that

fist,but by

and
differently;

the

as

trial there

the

good

and

man)

was

fissures
blow

of
on

the

; and

he

he would

did, and

convicted,

and

the
sent

one

decide

by

thought
mooted

expert

as, in the

inasmuch

above

inflicted

solved

cases,

the

to

the

judge dexterously
such

bone

(as would
the
fist).

side

in

fession
con-

well-marked,

been

not

person,

private

other

against one,
so

like

fractured

author, founded
had

the

believing

the

another

two

were

majority!

innocent

as

The

physicianson

question by asserting that,

about

from

fatal blow

billy
',two

to

radiating

resulted

Although

the

the

depression was

no

The

by

deep, exactly corresponding

billy;

have

melee.

of another

death, owing

The

inch

an

hands

to

temporal

for

reason

prisoner.

years

instrument

an

good

the

in

to

us

inflicted

been

by

was

the

court.

probably

most

of

comrade

There

cially
espe-

testifyas

to

of the

during

injury had

alleged),or

was

wound,

expert,

fracture

struck

been
the

billy.

or

cane,

that the

had

some

subject. Some

an

as

upon,

depressed

whether

was,

merely (as

loaded

of

cause

man

question

called

was

In

question.

the

on

the

should

witness

skull, will enable

the

of

conclusion

correct

fracture

the

to

with

wound

instances, however, the shape of the contused

a

rhage
hemor-

profuse

pudenda.

of always connecting
difficulty

precise

K) 1

CLOTHES.

frequentlyattended

are

the

THE

OF

was

present

in favor

of

prisoner (possiblyan
to

the

penitentiary

for five years.

The

examination

of the clothes of the deceased

constitutes

102

of the

important part

an

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

throw

mode

the

light upon

legal physician'sduty,
of the

made, from

the

them.

likewise, marks

So

substances,
the

in

the

on

however,

muscles,

or

with

the

had

She

health

and

the

bone, four inches

in extent.

found

were

the

knocked

down

She

found

next

bonnet
two

and

worn

case,

by

indentations

corresponding
indentations

half, and

morning

in this

murder,

the

dead

against

woman

was

to

on

those
the

on

was

her
the

fall,and
real

cause

the

bonnet,

on

skull

moreover,
statement

of the

dura

suddenly
of her

She

at

walk
was

suspicion of
when

but
the

back

the

inquest,

part of it,

deceased.

The

contained

dust

and

of witnesses

who

had

rendering it highly probable

of the fatal

this

blood.

back

lodger;
the

in

feet,and, after

was

produced

discovered

were

the

on

supper.

There

bed.

accidentally

the
her

her

fellow

of the

to
sufficiently

eat

in bed.

dirt,thereby confirming the

seen

recovered

in

been

man

of

previous

clotted

had

upon

the

bone,

heavily on

raised

was

brandy,

some

mile

fell

in her

fracture

of

she

dress.

articles

of blood

the

ounces

death,

the

indentations

two

public road, by

head, appeared stunned,

home,

three

her

the

on

running against her.

swallowing

Beneath

nearly

the

on

clot

large

of

instructive

dead

skin, together with

before

evening

found

other

or

proved fatal.

usual
were

upon

indications

an

have

her

inspection,there

been

tearing the

morning

in

seen

had

laceration

comparing

may

may

by bludgeons

one

situation,beneath

On

wounds

found

right parietalbone,

mater,

of

importance

injurieswhich

been

On

night.

valuable

fractures,without

aged sixty,was

woman,

afford

considerable

severe

the

showing

dress

blood, dirt, grass,

may

this

observed

Taylor {Med. Jierisp)mentions

Professor
case,

wound

stabs

or

Contused

occasion

even

cuts,

of

clothing

direction.

same

may,

the

character

the

in which

as

fracture,and

that

this fall

effusion of blood.

I'M

MEDICAL

penetrating

the

hatchet.

for the

In the

for the
be

of

afterward

discovered, and

origin of

the

wounds

Wounds

Incised

the

destroy
the

suicidal

of the

incision

homicidal

of the

one

wanting

where

down

the vertebrae.

to

throat

has

rather

than

of the

victim;

have

The

wounds

the

on

dead

body,
when

victim

to

the

the
a

the
fall,

to
positively

3. Direction

contradict

real

dicating
in-

as

quently
fre-

As

their throats.

that

supposed

deeply

as

instances

as

not

are

throat

the

the

of the

cut

homicide
the

on

part

irregularitymight
or

in

indecision

part of the deceased.

wound

or

homicide.

the

opposite
in favor

be
to

injury may

Thus, if

in

would

of

ascribe

wounds

serve

numerous

of

sides

of

homicide;

the

death

might

be

of

his

such

as

us

to

his assertions.

of the Wound.

distinguishbetween

the

that

attempts

nature

the

murderers

of resistance

discovered

presumption
accused

of

to

severed

nervousness,

from

are

known

indicating

as

idea

of the

extent

bruises

or

the

from

distinguishaccident

to

and

and

nature

some

it is evident

the wound,
inflicting

but

has

suicide

by

equally

ought

persons

be

Again, irregularityin

deemed

but

such

reach

not

character;

suicide, under

resulted

commonly

does

determined

been

that

by cutting

throat

same

flicted
in-

usually regarded

art

it is

wound,

it with

fact

in relation

errors

Throat

their victims

of the

extent

of

nothing

it is well-known

suicide; but

butting

wounds

This

bodies

in

result.

might
of

and

accounting

no

of the

extent

since, if the

be

is

self-destruction.

previous histories,serious

their

to

and

remembered,

should

height;

insane, there

nature,

purpose

person

subsequently chopping

of the

case

the

variety in

and

self-destruction, by

of

instances

from

or

when

as

occur,

window,

against a wall,

head

to

of

out

remarkable

some

Exceptions

ones.

himself

throws

JURISPRUDENCE.

"

homicidal

This
and

will often
an

enable

accidental

wound,

OF

WOUNDS

rather

than

death

has

decide

to

from

the

upper

part of

and

it

attempted

that

the

wound

deceased
which
the

had

the

prisoner
of the

direction

and

discovered

man

the

neck, which,

had

been

neck

the

German

that

the

but

occurred

of

the

accidental,

deceased

the

had

within

the

weapon

manner

of

not

only

The

murderer.

since,where
the

other
murder

in the

wound

by

in

is done

as

of

again plunged

evidently made

outward,

probably suicidal,

fact that

been

of

wound

proved

nor

of the
years

from

One

that

the

Wharton

character.

circumstance

some

man

from

direction, after the

This
not

falsityof

quoted

withdrawn, and

different

the

knife

the

deeply-punctured

and

show

sloping upward,

examination, showed

on

England,

from

here
similar

occupation

hand

prove

are

was

upon
the

cutting

cases

dead, with

the

in

fixed

neck

would

wound

butchers.
death

his

in

in

indicated

was

held

partiallyturned

the

into

had

Jurisp.,of

Stille's Med.

heart,

by

upon

if

from

prisoner to

downward

drunk,

other

Two

statement.

downward

accidentally occasioned

been

while
falling,

Thus,

penetrating the

part of the

the

on

character.

stab, inflicted

thorax, and

the

105

THROAT.

its suicidal

upon

occurred

was

THE

knife

slaughtering

sheep.
In most

suicidal, wounds

cut

has

the

direction

In

left-handed

the

been

from

made
is

the

from
the

an

incised

behind, which
suicide.

should
as

inflict

the

be

In all such

directed

position

of

direction

to

the

in

the

exactly
doubtful

the

can

would,
only

throat

wounds

of

and

the

be

course,

of
that

moderate
murderer
his victim
made

by

particularattention

surrounding circumstances,

body,

the

downward.

afford

that

resemble

cases,

that

punctured

it is obvious

wound

would

in

and
rightto left,

facts,however,
since

found

throat,it is

right ;

from

persons,

presumptive evidence,

might

left to

commonly

These

reverse.

of the

weapon,

such

the presence

106

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

absence

or

of

deceased,

blood

(ina

hemorrhage
have

probably

the

If

etc.

pistol,the

death

fallen

will be

blood

homicidally, and
will

body, if

trunk

and

face

be

body

has

has

the

loss

the

back, in death

evidence

suicide.

Thus,

who

man

his

another

suicide

by

found

in

pistolwas

terminated

wards

throat

closed,two

and

bloody,

Professor

cut

the

regards

as

Casper

mentions

with

razor,

pistol-shotin

the

pocket

his

life

by

of the

the

If the

hemorrhage,

the dead

body,
afford

never

the

or

of

case

was

found,

body.

Also, of

breast, where

deceased, who

the
after-*

{Gerielit.

himself

drowning

all

in

was,

of homicide

the

the

the

sudden, the

which

from

feet distant

blood,

act

question

of

from

homicidal.
probability,
The
positionof the zucapon in relation to
strongly suggestive, can
although at times
absolute

if

hands

ground.

it,the

from

but

positionof

; if less

toward

distance

back

hands;

the

regards

the

in

made, the

been

sudden, from
on

by

suicidally,

cut

of the

other

turned

the

at

weapon

throat

been

the

caused

tightlygrasped

As

lying

upon

been

most

of

found

or

very

will be

found

the

and

be

will

account

on

the

sudden, from

weapon

hand,

of

person

very

if it has

resistance

found

will be

body

one

unstained.

death

the

on

no

be

probably

be
If the

found

and

been

the
; but

may

of the deceased.

hand

has

from

muscles

weapon

hands

suicide),the

of

case

of the

relaxation

the

upon

17).

p.

what

From
medical
as

to

juristcan
the

apart from
it.
case,

the

has

and

been

said

above, it is manifest

rarely venture

homicidal, suicidal,or
a

These

of the

consideration
circumstances

they require

part of the medical

to

give

the

utmost

examiner

of

cause

circumstances

death,

ing
accompanyin almost

experience
to

the

positiveopinion

accidental

constantly vary

that

and

recognize

and

every
tact

on

apply

GUNSHOT

them

each

in

and

the

wound

was

body
the

of the

adherence

of certain

woolen, linen, silk

furniture

; state

other

matters

the

on

be

mouth

of the

the

here, but

their

strongly insisted

too

MADE

OTHER

BY

WOUNDS.

SHOT,

wounds

fact that the

HEAD,

the

of their

occurring
when
the
a

either

there

fatal internal

much
the

in

of

be

but

hemorrhage

is

may

substance.

the

nature

to

going
the

the

that

life

the

there
are

on

body,
shock

count
ac-

death

to

the

great, except
the

of

form

bleeding,while
on.

distance

of the

ABDOMEN.

They
to

Often, from
be

IN

chieflyin

lost,and

of

DEATH

CHEST,

wounds

WOUNDS

"

OF

SPINE,

little external

according

fired,and

be

cannot

BALL.

dangerous

are

wounded.

are

may

appearance,

piece was

other

THE

hemorrhage, or from
hemorrhage is seldom

The

large vessels
wound,

NECK,

loss

They

from

riflingof

These

CAUSE

"

involving vital portions

system.

nervous

assailant

OF

part struck

slough, or

essentiallycontusions.

of blood

upon.

POWDER.

differ from

consequent

THE

vitalityof

; marks

medico-legalimportance

DEFLECTION
AND

OF

clothingor

WOUNDS.

"

WADDING

WOUNDS

"

Gunshot

is

WOUNDS.

the

II.

GUNSHOT

FROM

on

cotton,

as

upon

dress, etc.

the

holding

clothes;

such

throat

and

SECTION

DIFFER

assailant's

of blood

cuts

or

hands

weapon,

person

tearing of

enlarged upon

cannot

to

fur ; marks

or

of the

pockets,and

farther

fibres

the

the

man

deceased;

showing wounds,

fragments of

or

the

the

where

ground

footprints,of

clothing of

hands, whether

hair

portions of

the

of

presence

have

them

position of

the

of

condition

or
palms (indicatingresistance),

their

or

the

of

the

include

they

weapon;

of the

condition

to

condition

Some

instance.

inflicted ; the

the

horse;

or

individual
alluded

been

already

107

WOUNDS.

They
from

differ
which

projectiles.If

the

108

explosion
is

half

is

depressed,and
of the
of

entrance

The

that

than

the

exit

there

is

is not

to

solution

of

is

aperture

the
the

ball

the

edges

its appearance.

will

depend

and
was

and

fired.

If the

causing

very
a

ball

great

puncture,

and

the

is

to

the

conoidal,
the

wound,

the

trance
en-

possibly,this
orifices.

two

body,
and

of

caused

the

from

in the

injury.

often

of the

nature

wound

this

If

completely

is

jectile,
pro-

rifle,

linear, and
harm,

by

trance
en-

which

minie

little external

internal

tially
par-

smaller

that

distance
as

is

away,

exit

appear

character

the

as

producing

the

the

upon

former,

tween
distinguishingbe-

wound,

the

the

slough
of

not

of

is

wound

days, however,

declares

from

speed,

ragged

from

there
latter,

larger. Very

of the

well

considerable

large

In

those

portion

much

velocity,as

traveling with

resembles

makes

its

exit.

contused, while

some

wound

Again,

very

the

and

later stages of the

fat

protrudes between
changes

the

very

the

fired

wound

Casper

arise

may
the

early and
enters

latter

always

of views

discrepancy

After

entrance

Professor

former.

of

pearance
ap-

of the

mark

when

in

substance;

the

the

burned

the

everted.

while
orifice,

the

and

when

depressed
and

of the

margins

When

that

that

says

continuity.

adhere, causing
the

ball is livid and

only

ball

or

authorities, always smaller

most

of

loss

but

the

of

is lacerated

thereby enlarging
than

of exit

sometimes

orifice is

actual

contused

the

hair

more

are

the

seen,

Nelaton

entrance

an

wound

and

The

powder.

point

wound

blackened

orifice of

missile, and

aperture

merely
the

skin

of exit.

the

recent,

the

the

body,

distance, the blackened

is, according

distance

than

of entrance

aperture

of

grains

entrance

the

the

denuded,

vicinityof

larger

is fired from

piece

the

The

less scorched.

skin

consumed

in

also

with

contact

circular, the

the

by

clothes

and

in close

occurs

and

large

burned

it

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

but

rifle ball
the

spiral

BY

WOUNDS

direction

given

wounds
to

also

happen

that

It is evident
this

single ball,as

parts of the body and

the

have

piece may

balls,which

more

or

by

different

traverse

missile.

made

be

may

the

to

109

SHOT.

several

may

chance

limbs.

It may

loaded

been
for

account

may

that

the

with

two

of the

number

wounds.

of
deflection

The
after

the

entering

ball

is

body

obliquely against
that

caused

to

almost

Stille (Med.

who

was

the

not

the

on

in

duel

the

by

for
and

If the wound

lodge

the

before

charge
and

; and

there
For

will
the

be

body,

separating, it
much

ragged wound,

powder

the

as

shot

considerable

opening

be

fired

body,

at

When

the

of the

shot, each

distance

be

may

wards
after-

and

Wharton
student

the

neck

skin.

was

It is

the

around

to

as

so

thyroid cartilage. It
the

on

chest
of

back, giving the appearance

the

load

lungs, or
of

from
so

to

as

after

extended

grain

will make

as

by

than

the
ten

as

to

its

own

the

enteringthe body,
parts beneath.

experiments

that

single

single large

blackened

of the

single,the

so

it

enter

and

shown

will

discharged.

it was

produce

diverge

intestines.

shot,its appearance

which

will

greater distance
is

bone,

it often

German

around

laceration

be

to

point.

of

contused

Lachese, of Antwerp, have

not

distance

the

near

very

by

as

pistolball strikinghim

of the

in the

be caused

depend chieflyon
fired

the

ball to travel half way

striking

abdomen,

or

case

course

its

by

by simply cutting through

uncommon

direct

this way

entrance

the

having passed directlythrough

If

In

chest

passing

opposite side

removed

abdomen,

by

relate
Jio-isp)

wounded

thence

or

close

larynx obliquely,and

lodge

muscle.

even

entirelyaround

extracted

and

or
straight,

easilyproduced

ball, strikingthe

pass

be

its

resisting surface,such

any

tendon, aponeurosis, or

happens

from

to

allow

charge
twelve
the

of

Dr.

should
inches.

scattering

individual

wound.

110

It is quite possible for

when

as

it

happens

Wounds

from

the

penetrating it ;
the

wound
the

; and

thorax

away

and

one

the

of the

completely blown

skin

it entered
and

ragged

without

wadding penetrated
inches

two

in

who

had

by

away

the

from

discharged

of

of

greased

small

carried

half

upper

piece

entered

1846). Taylor
a
gallery of a

Exam.,

sittingin

man

to

blackened

experiment,

one

Med.
{Phil.

of

the

piece
inches

twelve

at

may

of the

inches, the wadding

ribs,and

rib

alone

distance

loaded,

; at

wound,

aorta.

abraded

half

tightlyrammed,
the

inch

an

Brighton, in 1SS1,

at

the

to

mortal

gunpowder

this distance, the

instance

an

theatre
hand

at

between

mentions

and

inches, causing

two

portion

half

cause

heart,or

clothes, and

at

to

thus

pistol

of half

depth
depth of

the

the

tore

the

strike

to

fatal,according

or

body.

distance

singleshot

by the wadding

made

serious

prove

to

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

his

paper,
news-

cannon

on

stage of the theatre.

Even
serious

wounds,

body.

The

The

having

question
of

mouth

wound

be

regarded

the

be

on

the

as

producing

lacerated

wound

the

by

the

on

heart, and
close

suicidal

back,

also

and

or

by

act.

side

the

if it be

If,on

of the

by

the

temple, in

blackened

of the

head

acter
char-

surrounding
or

the

the

shot.

settled

forehead

proximity

have

accidental

generallybe

must

powder.

may
small

very

the
and

appearance,

consumed
partially

coarse,

very

of

exposed part

an

caused

wounds,

over

the

Thus, if it be
or

to

of

or
homicidal,suicidal,

the
(indicating

lacerated
may

be

wounds

of the

circumstances.
the

by

been

of the

gunshot

appearance

close

burned

grains of powder
of

capable

will present

and

appearance

is

if fired

wound

be blackened
If the

alone

gunpowder

and

weapon),

it

contrary, the

(except in

the

1 12

MEDICAL

fatal

the

as

by the

such

within

the

the

as

effusion
the

on

pressure

resulting

lungs

the

the

of blood

of the

intercostal

of

skull.

arteries,
fatal

producing
of

in wounds

flow

vital

upon

fracture

chest, and

also

; and

increased

in effusion

of

the

into

asphyxia, from

in

by

wound

of blood

blood

is witnessed

produced
a

further

effused

the

by

brain, as

cranium,

is here

danger

exerted

exemplifiedin

It is also

causing

; the

external

pressure

organ,

JURISPRUDI

the

the

throat
into the

blood

windpipe.
is the

Shock

great

death, after

Shock

such

The

common

is the

machinery

of

cause

behind

leaving

any

examination.

lacerations

extensive

the

on

immediate

post-mortem

made

of

the

railway accidents,

or

burns.
of

causes

The

from

death

following may

be

This

is

wounds

numerous

are

regarded

the

as

most

"

1.

Tetanus

"

punctured wounds,
these

in

slightwound

is

Tetanus

tetanus.

mostly

is

fatal.

It does

after

the

earlier ; and

it

seventh

day

and

structures

always

generally the

may

be

receipt of

the

wound,
after

rarely supervenes

followed

very

by

fatal

complication,

usually appear

not

of

inflicted

tissues.

serious

very

result

especiallyif

fibrous

and

tendons, aponeuroses

nerves,

and

lockjaw.

or

and

lacerated
on

from

impression

without

on

follow

to

result

remote

varied.

and

injury,

apt

as

violent

discoverable

extensive

from

It often

severe

is most

body,
or

lesion

or

of

centres.

nervous

trace

result

before

though
the

the

times
some-

twentieth

day.
2.

may

Erysipelas
give

accompany
an

to

is

them
wounds

another
a

fatal issue.

of the

of wounds,

complication
scalp ;

It
and

is

particularly
apt

it sometimes

where
epidemic character, especiallyin hospitals,

occasion

great mortality among

the

which

wounded

assumes

it may

patients.

to

3.

Hospital

often

It likewise

wounds.

hospitals, and

an

tary
except in miliwith

connected

be

to

seems

of

assume

may

is,however, rarely seen,

It

epidemic type.

and
fatal,

proves

result

occasional

another

is

gangrene

113

INTERFERENCE.

SURGICAL

FROM

DEATH

faulty

hygienic arrangements.
includingthe
Surgicalinterference,

4.

In wounds
of

dangerous

certainlydie

without

he

from

die

may

The

death

becomes

then

trial,the
the

for the

the

surgicaloperation.

originalwound

not

was

the

secondly, that

but

wound,

to

of
has

cases

death

was

owing

to

may

be

with

ligent
intel-

an

the

that

proved
character

and,

unwarrantable,

was

rule of
wise

become

now

so

be

universal

regarded

inculpating the

their

attending

considered

latter has

surgeon

the
6*

The

might happen to follow

as
offeringany extenuation

inflicted

dangerous
of the

and

or

use

for the

fatal wound

anaesthetic

istration
admin-

universal
as

in

no

consequently, the

their

only medico-legalpoint at

administration

the

employment,

fatal result that

civilized

attending their

exceptions to

as

the

throughout

fatal results

safetyaccompanying

deceased.

in such

surgicaloperations. Their employment

should

was

of

flicted
originallyin-

rather

dangerous

surgical interference

world, that the occasional

the

be

the

will apply
remarks
The
same
employed.
unskillfully
of anaesthetics
the use
(etherand chloroform)in the performance

and

be

of the

event

that the
was

it could
a

the

likelyavail

not

of

hand,

there
plausibility

Whatever

jury, unless

and

court

other

had

show

to

it would

argument,

an

the

result

in

and

prisoner,who

result of the

reallythe

patientwill

immediate

one,

will endeavor

wound,

on

the

of
legal responsibility

of the

serious

not

in such

the

as

question

counsel

paramount;

operation,and,

the

shock,

operation.

"

the question of the propriety

life,

to

surgicaloperationbecomes

of Ancesthetics.

Use

should

prisoner,if
upon

issue would
a

not

necessary

the
be

"

and

114

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

part of the

proper

and

treatment,

administered
skillfully

it

was

It will

be

to

Wounds

when

of the

fracture

be

either

the

of
the

upon

blow

head,

concussion
or

molecular

may
wound

even

faintness,

are

pulse, loss

of

of the

of the

scalp.

nausea

and

be

of

The

has

caused

been

of

cases

morning,

the

with

and

of

may

fatal

the skull,

with

complete,

sleep.

to

cussion
Con-

etc.

arrested

in

to

reasons,

Doubtless,

large cities

in the station

of concussion,
prove

the

face, feeble

intoxication.

supposed drunkards,

brain, which

in

intoxication, compression

poisoning, sunstroke,

in reality,
cases

from

of concussion

tendency

police,and left unattended

are,

feet

Such

of

fracture

symptoms

ideas,and

concussion

the

perceptiblelesion,though,

no

vomiting, pallor

confounded

direct

immediately

particularlyimportant, for medico-legal

night by
the

from

ensues

consciousness, either partialor

distinguishbetween

of

skull.

fall upon

either

without

brain, opium

It is

many

of the

brain

causing

violent

change

occur

subsequent confusion
may

it

the

upon

either

of

wound

recognizable by the microscope.

cells,not

nerve

death

Sometimes

some

fracture

to

forgotten

any

blood

result

from

or

be

not

by
as

head, without

the

may

severe

without

of

followed

so

It must

on

scalp,or
brain

when

been

exist

may

concussion, leaving behind

doubtless,

has

brain.

blow

of the

wound

buttocks.

or

give

tended
usually at-

not

are

sometimes,

fatal effusion

produced by

Concussion
blow

skull

that

also

scalp;

the
of the

concussion

produce

wounds

Scalp

"

danger, except

erysipelas,and

may

head.

the

of
with

the

the

to

specialmedico-legal importance.

them

that

consideration

which
peculiarities,

individual

present certain

these

as

brief

in different regionsof the body, inasmuch

Wounds

subject of

devote

to

proper

or

fatal,simply

house

at

till

compression
for

want

of

COMPRESSION

relief.

timely

What

who

in the

is most

to

the

best
is

of

means

usually
and

power
the

is

of the

head,
hard

other

the

the

of

in

; the

loss of

compression

is the

the

usual

the

either

result

fall upon

blood

nearly always

brain
from

fatal ; and

it may

autopsy,

or

the brain

in

tumors

the

of

the

likewise

from

of

according

to

the
Dr.

effusion

Wilks, the

breathing,a full,slow
remember

blow

may

that
be

very

the

is

for in

notice.
either

the

from

brain, with
also

from

effusion

or

without

suppuration,

of

congestion

the

cerebral

poisoning. The
apoplexy, viz.: loss

on

the

pupils

gradual, so

of

pons

are

pulse,and

effusion

or

of all.

dangerous

paralysis (usually hemiplegia),dilated

where

vessels.

narcotic

essentially those

are

such

carefullylooked

bone;

brain, from

of

depressed bone,

most

result

within

blow

direct

ruptured vessel,or

unless

the

of

head, strikinga stone,

by

may

or

upon,

depression

vessels,and

to

will

contracted,

consequence

entirelyescape

serum

fracture,or

(except

distillation.

on

sometimes

pupils are

of the base of the skull is the

of blood

temperature

900

alcohol

the

us

limpid urine, which

of

presence

The

on

Compression of

or

body.

extravasated

Fracture

It is

of

or

is pressure

fracture

by

the skull

of

the

below

in

(ifit can

case

breath, will afford

unilateral,as

full

The

results

intoxication,the

not

man

dilated.

Fracture

or

/wA)

drunken

the

the

frequently

so

which

historyof

In

are

are

brawl

sometimes

"

difficultyof

It is the

of the

generally

evidence

again

upon

F.

960

(Via1. Alcohol,
and

odor

of sensation

bladder

furnish

in

diagnosis.

below

the

conditions

two

engage

1 15

BRAIN.

greatlyto

Generally, the

and
obtained),

be

THE

individual.

same

apt

head.

broken

adds

fact that the

diagnosis is the
coincident

OF

coma.

blood

that

the

toms
sympof

sciousness,
con-

pupils

Varolii,when,

ous
stertorcontracted),

It is

important

resulting
person

from

seemingly

116

MEDICAL

his

resume

the

disease,
is

as

scalp,either

of the

of blood

In

there

with

be

however,
head,

or

body,

the

the

acquit

to

of the

from

him

autopsy
than

argument
Wounds

ecchymosis

shows
the

fact of the

of

the
that

the

as

the

of the

the

in

of

effused

deceased,

it

nature

atheroma

of the

cerebral
also

could

stone

exculpate
homicide.

would

be

are,

clearly
the

upon

other

or

be

far it

We

blow

direct

clot,or

how

of violence.

assault

might

fatal effusion

kidneys),or

the

urged by

far the

effects

allegedinjury,this

for his

be

hard

of the arteries,

preexisting disease

charge

intoxication.

by

of this

and

fall upon

not

fatal effusion

spirit-drinker,
might

with

would

the

the

on

or

pugilisticencounter,

or

how

liver

connection

organs,

first,

great excitement,

death

case

such

to

indirectly,
by
other

opinion that, if
in

mere

of

habitual

an

or

latter it
the

in

effusion

likely to

decide

diseased

is

In

causes,

attributable

either

proven,

date

the

assault

an

difficult

(which,in

connected
to

in the

and

bone,

over

cause

fatally.

natural

to

arteries

or

this

been

terminates

due

was

of the

place simply

probable

has

extremely

was

take

may

the

as

which

mater,

(contrecoup).

head

trial for homicide

where

dura

Moreover,

quarrel, especially if accompanied

defence

be

fracture

tion
extravasa-

important medico-legal point is,that

Another

substance.

immediately

of the

side

opposite

in

brain

resulting

the

brain, while

the

and

and

even

tion
distinc-

that

former

skull

the

between

frequentlya

is

there

the

in

in the

or

The

place.

to

even

hours,

some

violence, and

rule, is that

this membrane

usually

for

able

be

may

takes

from

effusion

nearly always

between

shock, and

fatal termination

the

between
from

first

ordinary occupation

days, before

is

the

from

recovers

JURISI'RUDEN'CE.

the

prisoner,nor

If,however,
serum,

of older

were

certainlybe

the

strong

acquittal.
Substance

of the

Brain

are

not

always

fatal.

WOUNDS

OF

regards the symptoms

As

this organ,

reader

portions
the

through

It is well

cerebral

the

sensible

any

the

to

writers

tions,
func-

have

of

impairment

siderable
con-

escaped

without

only

this

on

that

known

substance

skull, after fractures,not

without

life,but

of

portions of

of its various

localization

of science.

specialdepartment

different

the

referred

be

must

117

SPINE.

injury to

indicating the

as

the

of

THE

loss

the

of

mental

powers.
Wounds
involve

of the
the

orbit ;

blow

as

the

Wounds

Neck

to

of
the

the

throats,the

is not

from

its

the

almost

involvingthe
Wounds

degree

spine, death

spinal

cord

phrenic

arrested, and
the

the
death

spinal cord,

suspension

of the

marrow.

spontaneous

takes

high

function

up,

of

from

the

of

division

of

functions

of the

in

Sudden

proportion
In

the

above

that

of the

death

of the
of

the

neck.
to

the

concussion

region

If the
of the

respiration is immediately

it is understood

fracture

cation
suffo-

place instantly.

Wherever

ensues.

luxation

and

trachea

and

the

injury occurs

there

is

parts below.

of the vertebra?,the great danger arises from

spinal

In

sudden

larynx

is involved.

sometimes

be wounded

nerve,

danger,

nerves.

the

great vessels

spinal marrow

of the

and

blood.

dangerous

are

bone

danger arising from

of the

of the

section

the

ethmoid

necessarilyfatal,chieflybecause

of the Spine

that

chief

flowing back

oesophagus is

of the

section

necessarilyfatal,the

also,

much

from

great danger arises

The

with

large vessels

of the

presence

may

brain.
attended

are

they

part
So

the

injure

so

the

of this

wound

fatal result.

may

involve

profuse hemorrhage.

the

nose

subsequently to

owing
cut

penetrating

brain, with

upon

unless

usually dangerous

not

are

the

readily reach
severe

Face

has

second
odontoid

been

complete

In

pressure

produced

cervical
process,

to

fracture
on

the

by

the

ing
vertebra, aris-

through

dis-

118

MEDICAL

Sir A.

ease.

Disloc.

having

of the

the

often

wounds

of the

wounds

The

"

of

true

chest

is

terminate

happens

cause

terminate

fatallyand
death

survived

several

in the

of the

for

eleven

Rupture
the

upon

condition,

in which
if the

have

been

days

(Wharton

thorax,

has

deceased

it would

disease
similar

be

be

to

was

to

question

the

terminating

from

received

I condition
Wounds
abdomen

of the

how

credited
where

one

in

follow

resulted

pre-existingdisease

death

of the

of the Abdonien.
may

prove

"

the

violent

ment
excitediseased

medico-legal
in

brawl,

chest,

the

on

established,

be

The

how

for the

case

is very

upon

brain, and

vessels
Even

blow

vived
sur-

Jurisp. p.

violence, and

cutting

of

cause

can

has

the

person

in

blow

organ

follows

cerebral

In

the result.

of

compression

ball

intense
be

to

the

where

the

any

this

severe

far the
with

the

result

fattydegeneration, etc.

death

the

the

trated.
pene-

where

Even

happens

organ

be

Stille,Med.

be

may

nearly

necessarily

death

where

and

fatal,

Heart

recorded

instances

of

stance
foreign sub-

not

organ.

in

especially

perforated by

it may

or

is

cavities

do

; after

the

; this

the

heart

been

of the heart

in

as

where

case,

have

emotion, if this

or

of

Wounds

of the

are

months

hemorrhage

other

or

Wounds

cases

hence,

immediately

time

bullet

of the

lungs

The

rapidly,if

substance

heart

instrument, there

blow

if the

and

prove

lapseof

retained.

immediate

found

).

be

not

may

after

wounds

cavities

745

as

lies in the

internal.

nearly always

Gunshot

patient
been

to

great danger here

rapidly fatal.

prove

gunshot wounds,

always

(Frac. and

considered

justly

are

heart, great vessels

lungs, though they

frequentlyso

the

fractures

Chest.

from

hemorrhage

the

These

of this character

was

important medico-legal bearing.

an

Wounds

such

Cooper's case

463).

p.

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

where

head,
a

dis-

existed.
wound
superficial

fatal,by dividing the

of

epigastric

120

the

chief

point

of

hemorrhages

spontaneous
of

required

the

course,

before

rigid
arriving

divided.

spongiosa

genitals
from

inspection
at

is

interest

medico-legal
of

wounds

between

Here,

and

cavernosa

corpora

the

be

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

In

by

ruptured

vein

of
definite

the

discriminate

to

inflicted

another,

and

the

labia.

injured

conclusion.

females,

in

parts

will

EXAMINATION

VII.

CHAPTER
EXAMINATION

IMPORTANCE

OF

The

homicide.

murderer

his

of

resources

animals,

homicide,
The

smear,

of

different

shape, terminating
will

red

hue

; if

(2) Upon

red.

have

have

afforded

bulbous

its freshness:

stain.

has

fallen;if

the

latter is porous,

(3)Upon

tint will

substances, such

aid

trial

as

be

rather

as

metals

of distinct

spots

comet-like

in

wood,

dull, but

or

stain

have

brown-

proportion

material

or

film

mere

brownish,

soft

for

will vary

eye

color of the

darker

the

in

inferior

if recent, it will

being

past

spurted obliquely

The

will be

blood

years.

assumed

tail.

old, the color

in

be

form

feel much

now

naked

has

have

the

hard

the

covered
dis-

years

of the

it may

blood

density of

and

those

the

the

to

material

may

in

stains

few

in former

Sometimes

its thickness

the
fabrics,

red

us

from

to

the

cotton

"

for

practice

Within

done

if the

TEST.

evidence,

implements,

bird.

spots will
in

depend (1)upon

bright

of

common

legal physician

sizes; and

surface, the

upon

chain

suspicious
or

or

color.

FICATION.
IDENTI-

stitutes
infrequentlycon-

not

very

generally it presents

but

or

of blood-stains

appearance

OF

MICROSCOPIC

THE

in the

certain

he could

in size,shape and

METHODS

delivering his testimony

in

than

2.

"

blood-stains

the

confident

more

is

science

that

so

link

garments,

distinguishinghuman

THREE

blood-stains

animal

domestic

some

the

It

attribute

to

upon
of

of

STAINS.

BLOOD-CRYSTAES.

"

important

most

for

TESTS.

TEST.

identification
a

BLOOD

"

CHEMICAL

SPECTROSCOPIC

THE

trial

OF

IDENTIFICATION.

THE

I.

"

3.

THEIR

1-1

BLOOD-STAINS.

OF

on

which

or

linen

if on

to

it
or

polished

polished wood,

the

122

spots have

they

darker

have
If the

(i)

or

of

dried

drying

on

thus

may

easily

they usually

cotton,

albumen

substance, they

light; indeed, they

or

gum.

best

can

be

may

be
tirely
en-

bright daylight.

three

methods

of

identifyingblood

stains

(2) the microscopic; (3) the spectroscopic

optical. But previously to employing these

chemical;
or

it will

methods,

be

spot with

always

the

with

hue, intermixed

minute

coagula

the

examine

to

proper

good magnifier; the spot,

frequentlyexhibit

will

linen

spot

artificial

in

possess
the

upon
a

and

appearance,

centre, and

colored

upon

distinguished by
invisible

the

dried

feel,like

be

stains

We

from

When

stiffened

shining

and

crack

to

apt

are

removed.

be

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

if a blood

clots

or

pected
sus-

of

stain,

shiny

on

which

noticing these,

it will

fibres of the

material

it

is fixed.

Chemical

I. The
proper

to

remark

matter

of

blood.

coloring

Tests.

of

into

blood, when

This
if

For

behind.
for

become
and

But
some

stain

by

more

enough

or

be
if

considerable

so

as

before

the

the

blood

will

identification.

the
to

the

is insoluble

with

leave

case) the
is

with
remain

made

to

water

of

the

it
be

remove

will

have

hematin,

insoluble
upon

blood

garment

hemoglobin
the

blood, is

trace

no

in

interest.

of the

whole

attempt

Hot

the

when

but

water,

stained

soluble

less connected

that

medico-legal

article

water,

coloring

color, it is converted

brown

(as is usually

of the

cold

be

{hemoglobin or

recent

hemoglobin, which

other

washing,

suffice for future

discharged,

time

or

to

in cold

washed

probably

kept

fact of

garment,

immediately

the

is

changed

in

the

shown

has

quite

soluble

very

deoxidized

hecmatin,or

water.

will

have

to

solubilityof

research

Modern

matter

as

the

brieflyon

is
oxy-hczmoglobin),

old, so

Before

"

article

will not

remove

to

OaL
Los Annies,
CHEMICAL

of

thread, in

In

the fabric

piece of

few minutes

the

separate from
the water,

the

little older, more

which

old, there will be

If the stain

be

filtered.

surface,as

should

are

of
is

stain

effect

the

tion,
solu-

if the stain is very

for

water

spot be

the

hard

metallic

dried,
carefully

otherwise

be

it may
for

scraping soaked
filtered.

to

hours, and

some

be

little dilute

complete,a

wood*

as

out, reduced

upon

off;

afterwards

if this should

to

If the

ammonia

some

solution
be

may

fail,Dr. Tidy recommends

to

use

of citric acid to effect the solution.

trace

heat

it in

test

the clear red

tube

over

solution,the

spiritlamp.

step is

next

results

Four

thus obtained:
takes

If there

(i)the red color disappears; (2)coagulation

is formed.
place; (3)a brownish-greenprecipitate

is

sufficient

collected,dried
which

will dissolve

it.
red

solution of ammonia

color,or

green

or

it

as

with

The

by

added

merely

crimson,

quantity of

heated

and

by reflected,and
of

If the

scraped

crack

to

water.

observed

substance, such

or

knife,and

Having procured
to

cut

If the

apt

means

whatever.

in cold

water, and
be

not

added, and
a

be

with

in cold

time

and

out

cut

the bottom

to

to

knife,sword, etc., it should

it will

scraped off

hue;

porous

be

soaked

afterwards

when

upon

then

and

required

browner

solution

brick, etc., it should

powder,

descend

to

will be
a

no

will be

bright-redsolution.

time

will have

should

suspend it,by

coloring matter

account

on

containing cold, distilled

material,and

forming

water,

haemoglobin.

stained,and

test-tube

cold

the examiner

blood-spot be recent,

If the
small

the

upon

L23

BLOOD.

FOR

as
effectually

as

of the heat

of the action

stain

blood

recent

TESTS

this
a

precipitateit may

weak

solution

will appear

transmitted
to

with

solution,
dark

green
weak

light. (4) A

it,either produces

intensifies it.
it does

ammonia

It

never

no

change

changes

cochineal, and

be

red

it to

fruit

124

MEDICAL

Tincture

colors.

JURISPRUDENCE.

of galls gives
A

originalsolution.

red

precipitate to

of chlorine

solution

causes

the

change

no

in it.

The

above

other

will suffice

tests

red

solutions, such

and

the various

of

addition

blood

old

the

to

exposure

tannin,

the

on

blade

the

stain ; but
the

to

would

solution

dilute

muriatic

Test.

of

Day,

Australia, has
Prof.

test, and

depends

upon

tincture

of

has

if

blueing
with

If it be

color.
process

ozone,

the

the blueing must

fact,as
in the

is

be

of

has
positivestate),
resin

by

matter
test

no

mineral

of the

blood

is
to

has

depends, then, upon

effect

the
precipitates

and

if

oxygen

gas,

in

brought

oxidation.

it is

But

all in

Moreover,
and
no

the

the

while

the

Hence,

effect

upon

fact that while

it.

the

as

found

guaiac
is blued

the

The

able
remark-

the

resin

organic substances,

the

is in the

oxygen

changing

contact

instantlyproduced.

at

It

freshly-prepared

of

jar

hydrogen (inwhich

variety of

this

results.

by Schonbein, that antozone,

color.

Dr.

air, gradually acquires

to

rapid ;

owing

blue

to

exposed
color

discovered

peroxide

the

to

more

blue

iron.

blood.

his

into water,

dropped

resin, which, if exposed

bluish

for

fully confirmed

followingconditions

guaiacum,

solubilityin
beautiful and

test

of

or
iron),

experimented extensivelyupon

Taylor
the

constitutes

chemical

the

of

satisfactoryportion

their

by

an

ence.
differ-

the

paint (which contains

This

or

to

by subsequently testingfor
"

the

galls,or

detect

immediately

red

acid, and

Guaiacum

The

of

tincture

easily identified

is

mould,

iron

resemblance

some

of

test

So, the stain from

from

bear

air, may

by

of iron)after
(citrate

knife

wood,
log-

lemon

by

produced

all

late
coagu-

color

in

changed

stain

of

of which

juices,none
are

The

ammonia.

juice

orange

fruit

all of which

by heat, and

from

cochineal, kino, madder,

as

red

distinguishblood

to

coloring

guaiacum

blood

has

no

GUAIACUM

THE

oxidize,

to

power

resin,the

which
hydrogen (antozone),

of
the

guaiacum,

Taylor,
add

quantity
the

the

suspending

them

the

to

other,

(peroxideof hydrogen
color

is observed

add

of red

drops
will

in

of the

If the

simple

guaiac produces
oxidizing
conceals

substance

the

bring

out

will
blood, of itself,

in the

of ozonized

presence

of

first portion

second

few

color

solution

some

consists

experiment

but

guaiacum,

color

the

which

blood, and

blue

tinctly.
dis-

to

that

certain

blue

an

of alcohol

drops

be

not

ether,the

ether

turbid, from

is

blood

of the

in the fact that

of

sapphire-bluecolor

besides

force

one

matter

the

the fine blue

may

into

change

no

the

few

of the

present
The

its presence.

of

Divide

ozonized

to

to

solution

color, we

is

of

small

resin.

coloring

the

cases

addition

blue

is to

ether);

in

addition

instantlyclear it,and

red

ether, and

case

resin,the

experiment

portion. Now,

; in both

In

seen.

Prof.

portions ;

drops

dissolved

of the

drops

of

few

either

solution

be

soon

excess

will

few

into two

resin

add

to

According
the

the

by

(freshly
prepared)to

little solution

pour

oxidize

oxidized

precipitate the

will

peroxide

to

power

be

appears.

tincture

this

no

to

of showing

way

of water;

then

resin

of

presence

itself has

color

of the

drops

water

blood

blue

excellent

an

few

the

causes

the

blood, and

of

the

blue

or

125

TEST.

is

speedily

produced.
Objections
ground
blue

that

color
such

two

have

other

in the
as

to

blood

old, as

the
for

raised

substances
presence

of

saliva,bile and

former, their

blood, while

been

the

color should
latter

produce

the

effect is immediate.
fresh

beside

red
at

this

blood

guaiac and

substance
same

against

wine

test,

will

produce

peroxide
; but

as

of

requires

result ;
This

some

regards

test

blood, for concentrated,

is
or

as

case

available
diluted

the

from

hours'

whereas, in the

gen,
hydro-

distinguishthem

once

the

on

posure
ex-

of
for

blood;

\2l)

MEDICAL

for

hence,

red

occurs

in

will be

safe

old

the

where

spot first with

drops

of the

white

tissue

upon

the

such

few

of the

quantity

there

the

paper

little

repeating the
The

up

The

blood

of the

means

watch

of

will appear

the

of

number

peroxide, and

M.

that

of

Barruel, that
of pure

lower

the

if blood

be

evolved, resembling the

be

the

from

sulphuricacid,

blood

obtained, has

was

As

water

be

out

To
and

in the
red

this,the

placed on
few

the

cause

the
the

specimen

over

corpusclesto

swell

glycerine,or

with

small

ones

with

(unless

of pure

on

cold

effect the
thin

it should

portionof

by

"

glass,or

drops

up,

tion
identifica-

stain

being pressed against it,to

cover

part of

effect

with

moistened

may

sulphateof sodium.

cut

rod

then

alone

one-seventh

consists

"

glass

separation;

This

"

corpuscles especiallythe

crystal,and

water,*

or

piece

spot, by simply

one

from

its volume

microscope.

old)should

with

blood

MicroscopicTest.

of the

there

distinguish arterial

not

which

it

few-

disproved by subsequent investigations.

II.

too

from

with

upon

and

sufficient

stain.

from

the

moisten

paper.

principlewill

particular animal

press

blue

the

of

one-third

with

peculiar odorous

been

then

guaiac

will

statement

with

an

its presence

afterwards

be taken

human

nor

then

and

In

sufficient

of

is to

immediately

upon

tests

afford

to

it

peroxide,

present.

plan

of water,

of the

pressure

The

shaken

good

thus

more

blood,

animals.

very

blueing

no

the

doubt

some

characteristic

may

chemical

venous

small

be

ether, and

and

blood

no

may

filtering
paper;

impressions

adding

is

guaiac tincture,

ozonic
or

guaiac

there

drops

If

remains.

it is too

material, a

colored

"

matter

that

where

or

stain, wherever, in fact, a

of the

affirm

blood-stain,

on

coloring
presence

to

solution, or

blood

washed-out

particleof

JURISPRUDENCE.

common

be

glass,
mixed

salt,

128

MEDICAL

-1

of the hare,
that

seen

the

are

--..

monkey, dog

animals

size

animals

and

sheep

goat,

of

would

be

smaller

those

than

of

proximate
ap-

the
be

likelyto

most

the

viz.,

mouse,

closely

most

while

man,

blood,

notably

are

corpuscles

blood

human

it will be

enumeration

hare, and, perhaps,the

and

those

to

whose

with

above

blood

whose

in

confounded

the

From

the

domestic

JURISPRUDENCE.

horse,
the

pig,

caw,

human.

The

corpusclesof birds, reptilesand fishes,as already mentioned,

in

oval

are

shape,
The

mammals.
eel

common

of

the

the

considerably larger than

and

diameter

long

is

of

ttit

shark, long diameter,

proteus, long diameter,

twss

short
long diameter, irrV"j,

The

blood

the

is,whether

from

that
be

can

of

case

of

as

animals, such
is

blood-stained

of evidence,

by

the

unspeakable

that
blood

the

In

lower

of

importance

of

case

constitute

an

the

of these
to

this

at

be

able

course,

difference

shape

of the

make

it

tic
domes-

common

culty
goat, the diffi-

homicide, where

important

were

decide

link in

might

very

accidentally

animals, it becomes
to

in

size of

and

once

accused

suspicious stains
one

Of

animals.

orders, will

blood

with

distinguish human

to

fishes ; the

where

and

the

common

in connection

horse, pig and

cow,

might

garment

naturally assert
caused

the

vastly increased.

chain

possible

of these

regards
as

of the

diameter, stVt.

and
birds, reptiles

But

of

diameter, ttVs; of the duck,

of the

each

the

m;

t*t;

diameter,

diameter, s^rs; of the

it is

one

; of

diameter,

in recognizing
difficulty

no

corpuscles, in

manifest.

the

diameter, xArv; of

important medico-legal question

blood-stains

the

diameter, tiVt; of the pigeon,

fowl, long diameter, -tV?,short

long diameter, tsVt,short

short

of

diameter,

diameter, tiV?

nrrr, short

frog, long diameter, ttVt,short

the

short

short

tttt,

of

corpuscle

lizard, long diameter, aib, short

Congo

there

the

the

inch;

an

turtle, long diameter,

the

of

those

this

of

point.

IDENTIFICATION

Until within
to

it has

years

give a positiveanswer
of

Richardson,
of

merit

and

that, by employing

shown
such

3V

the

as

corpuscle
of the

and

ox

indicatinga

would

sheep,pig

be

likely

most

has

He

man.

conclusively

are

inch

an

I of

about

difference

in

inch

in

diameter,

in their

respectivesizes.

600

diameters) fails

(500 or

ordinary powers

whilst

diameter,

an

human

the

diameters,

3000

t of

obvious

very

of the

use

sheep

the

high microscopic powers,

objective,magnifying with

over

about

appears

think, justly due

very

inch

an

eye-piece

micrometer

those

of

of

that

J. G.

horse, cow,

blood

whose

with

confounded

be

The

animals

those

"

Prof.

To

question.

that of the

and

blood

impossible

of distinguishing
possibility

the

demonstrated

human

goat

this

to

considered

been

Philadelphia, is, we

having

between

to

few

129

CORPUSCLES.

HUMAN

OF

entirelyto recognize the difference.

It is certainly
to be
regretted,for medico-legalreasons,
that the size of the blood
corpusclesof the monkey, dog and
rabbit approximates so closely
to that of the human
corpuscle,
that it is not

by
possible,

the

microscope,

by

nor

them

yet discovered, to recognize the distinction between

it is

equally no

accomplished
valuable
his

testimony

off

the stained
it fall upon

crush
the

has been
to

as

the

upon
the

minute

slowly

the

homicide

give most

positiveand

human

blood-stains,

method

of

procedure

suspectedblood-clot

is to
from

point of a cataract needle, letting

is then
a clean
microscopicslide. A thin cover
the fragment,and pressed down
firmly,so as to
particleto powder, and the whole transferred to

the

towards

able to

His

particleof

article with

stage of the
at

In several

done.

identityof

microscopic researches.

scrape

laid

it has

as

Prof. Richardson

cases,

by

much

; but

to have

slighttriumph for microscopic science

as

means

any

the

microscope.

margin

Pure

of the cover,

the specimen

when

water

and

should

allowed

to

be

duced
intro-

flow

very

this is reached,

niovc-

130

MEDICAL

is

ment

observed, after which

faint

corpuscles,very
into

conies

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

solution.*
the

personal experiment,
On

deductions.

It may

be

such

of the
Prof.

to

result

correct

author
of

the

horse

ox,

of coniferous

woods.

specialmarks
be

never

which

by

verified,
by
human

these

as

they
with

confounded

sheep, were

in every

for
of

instance.

that

bodies

certain

to

microscope,

But

of

Richardson's

and

returned

was

starch-granules,the sporules

as

portion

has

Prof.

by

ation,
R., for microscopic examin-

allude

to

proper

mistaken, under

be

minute

correctness

that

submitted, unmarked,
the

cover

The

obvious

more

occasion, specimens of dried

one

blood, together with

and

of the

distinct,

yet very

rendered

arc

margin

red aniline

iodine, or

colorless,but

These

view.

introducingat

and

aggregation of compressed

an

might
corpuscles,

blood

fungi,and

the

certain

generallypossess
be

can

blood

disks

recognized,they
disks, by

need

practiced

microscopist.
Blood
can

be

obtained

to

the

due

from

dryness

on

the whole

the

sizes and

such

similar
to
as

of
consists
a

small

in

with

linen
Kunze

soaking

quantity
*

slip of

forms,

of blood

to

distilled water,

of

glass.

the

Am.

visible.

are

; those

of

the

else tetrahedral

or

the blood

from

Neumann

of cold

Vid.

thin

procure

After

time,

nearly evaporated, microscopic crystals,

muslin,
and

To

drop

drop

They

blood, being, in fact,

evaporate

crystalsfrom

or

red

blood.

haemoglobin.

glass,add

shape,or

procure

in

of

for

test

of

the

Lehmann,

rhomboidal

prismatic,or
order

has

water

of various

either

to

piece

cover

when

all kinds

crystallizationof

them, according

and

another

Crystals constitute

or

seems

to

be

portion

for

Med.

until the
Sci
,

man

are
are

hexagonal.

stains upon

dried

water,

of

inferior animals

stained

Jour.

Those

coagulum,
the

In

fabric,

the

best.

cess
proThis

hours

in

coloring matter

is

several

July, 1874.

THE

reddish

; the

dissolved

SPECTROSCOPIC

acid, until

evaporated on
they

glass

examined

are

blood

solution

red

until the

of the

those

practicalassistance

in

slowly
when

crystals form,

The

diameters.

500

permit

their

to

as

of

crystals to

to

great

one

chloride

of

blood

human

is too

cannot

glacialacetic

is then

; this

crystals

positive diagnosis

Consequently, they
much

cubic

animals

of

frequentlycrossing

groups,

similarity of

lower

of

forming

of

power

in

ness;
evaporated to dry-

excess

slide

with

the

But

an

procured

crystalsappear

sodium.

with

is

by

another, intermixed

is then

solution
boiled

the dry residue

131

TEST.

real

be

regarded

the

identification

of the

origin.

affording

as

blood

of

stains.

The

III.
of the
upon

the

power

of

of

fact

and

produces

in the

are

be

as

the

upper

matter

the

by

green

certain

lines,just as

of

its presence,

that

in

exists

as

the

the blue

by

upon
a

of

lower
end

acids

damp

deoxidized,
spectrum

in the

and

and

haemoglobin. (1) When

spectrum,
one

finallychanged

deoxidized

globin
haemo-

kept for
brown
into

haemoglobin, or

broad

as

When

duce
pro-

yellower

twice

is darkened.

alkalies,or

to

seen

in the

being

place,it acquires
is

arterial

perfectlyfresh

spectroscope, it will be

space,

; also

time, especiallyin

(2) The

spectrum, and

of the

characteristic

very

remembered

is acted

becomes

the

possess

Blood, in this respect,

spectrum.

absorptionbands

of the

depends

quantities.

this is examined

half

of blood

solutions

dark

application

effect,causing absorptionbands

decided

very

blood, the coloring

tivo

colored

latter certain

affect the

gases

in minute
It will

identification

various

which
(dark lines),
even

the

absorbing different portions

producing

vapors

that

"

to

spectroscope

The

SpectroscopicTest.

Optical or

long
color,

hcematin.
of

venous

132

MEDICAL

shows

blood,

the

with

blue

blue

after

with

(1),and

in

oxidized
visible

haematin,
the

air,shows

to

exposure

of

band

deoxidized

well-defined

two

than

stronger

of

spectrum

third

short

spectrum

bands

two

with

weakened,

prolonged
and

darkened,

the

darkened,

end

in the

absorptionband, visible
darkened.
(3) After a

it gives
{metlicemoglobiii),

air

haemoglobin much
the red.
(4) The
blood

is also

end

the

to

exposure

singlebroad

; the

green

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

in

bands

disappearance

in
of

or

blue

end

green,

but

of the band

in

red.

the

The

of

in this
of the

The

to

give

Mr.

that

other

red

The

details

of the

the

limits

the

to

It is

Sorby, nothing gives

those

by

work

for

the

scriptio
de-

other

Do

"

of blood

the

fuller

is

connection

is

above

examination

for

to

solution

described

larger treatises
this

to

edge
knowl-

our

blood

this

in

Sorby,

combination

of

spectra

by

that

as

exceed

similar

produced

ing
Accord-

preciselysimilar

spectrum

certain

oxy-haemoglobin, although

resembling
produce absorption lines somewhat
former, but easilydistinguishableby a practicedobserver.
bodies

Thus, the

by

manner

would

for

The

spectroscope.

important question

substances

two

investigation.

same

is referred

reader

the

and

tests.

spectroscope

of

Mr.

by

suggested

chiefly indebted

are

branch

in the

chemical

to

we

microscope

prepared

is that

blood

researches

whose

the

amination
apparatus best adapted for spectroscopicex-

of

form

but

absorption bands;
the

action

of

dyes, dissolved
resembling
from

sulphite.

of

coloring matter

the

the

they

ammonia.
in

petals
are

of

Cineraria

easily distinguished

Cochineal, madder,

and

alum, although affordingbands

those
latter

produced

by blood,

the

of ammonia

by

use

give

may
and

be

other
what
some-

guished
distin-

potassic

SPECTROSCOPIC

THE

We
hands

of

delicate

however,
of

to

the
the

therefore,

must,
a

test

skilled

admit

operator,

known

between

discriminate
lower

in

animals;

microscope

the

for

as

this

test.

133

TEST.

that
affords

presence
human

respect,

the

in

spectroscope,

the
of

certain

most

blood.

blood

It
and

therefore,

that
it

is

the
and

cannot,
of

any

inferior

131

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

VIII.

CHAPTER
BURNS

DEFINITION.

CLASSIFICATION.

"

AND

BEFORE

AFTER

BURNS.

is

in

the

either

A
a

scald

certain

is

scalds

injuries.The
resemble

heat

mineral

burns,

very

severe

if in

the

severe,
never

burns,
of

chars,

"

by flame,

or

they

are

burn

or

the
so

from

regarded

dependent
a

the

destruction

to

decided

as

the

the degree of
a

complete

redness

produce
flesh ; but

serious, in

molten
effects

as

containing

serum

sequence
con-

the

to

mass

scalds,more

causes

Boiling

scalds.

of the

more

of the

vesications

destroys

to

sulphuric

as

in law.

upon

heated

bodily

term

slightredness, to

Boiling ivater
with

above

alkalies,closely

internal

Metals
to

even

strong

produce
is

the

under

liquids,such

partialadhesion

attended

applied

liquid,heated

fusion, the injuryis yet

metals.

According
follows

heat

by

strictlyspeaking, wounds;

acids, and

Boiling oils produce

molten

CIDAL
HOMI-

body.

corrosive

tissues.

of the

or

MADE

AND

substance,

comprised

internallymay

state

caused

solid

not,

are

applied; it varies

skin.

the

are

and

intensityof

charring of

body,

heated

effects of

liquidstaken
The

SUICIDAL

injury produced by

an

and

other

BURNS

"

heat.

though legallythey
and

the

point,applied to

Burns

DEATH.

COMBUSTION.

of

form

OF

BETWEEN

ACCIDENTAL,

"

injuryto

an

radiant

by

or

DEATH.

CAUSE

"

DISTINCTION

"

SPONTANEOUS

"

burn

SYMPTOMS.

"

APPEARANCES.

POST-MORTEM

SCALDS.

AND

hot

solids
or

less

; but

it

tissue.

Dupuytren,

burns

may

be

classified

as

J3li

produce

blister,this does

exudation

serous

exception

an

the

to

blisters
heat.

But,

should

of

result

visible.

color

of

after

examine

the

cuticle

sary
neces-

that

only

recommended,

minutely, with
the

serum

may

based

be

cannot

Dr.

upon

there

are

serous

thick

and

rich

blisters

on

in albumen,

dead

that

is strong

while

person;

the

unglazed,

blister

contains

being

in neither
condition

burn

border

was

of

the

little
case

of the

But

any

white

if the
of the

cutis

that "where

surrounded

by

removal
the

that
blister

during

it

the

caused

was

contained

air,

cuticle,appearing dry
or

grayish ;

zvrtf,theevidence

or,

serum,

surrounding line, nor

inflicted after death."

being

serum

appearance,

thin, non-albuminous
red

dead

I, p. 482),

vol.

produced

was

color

the

skin, after the

reddened

burn

removal

dull

true

Christi-

to

to

the

blisters

it is conclusive

life of the part.

skin, after

true

the

body,

the

and

deeply injectedred line,the

of the cuticle,also presenting

during

remains

red

experiments, are

life of the

This

produced, according

own

into the

the

of his

series

of

presence

applicationof heat
Tidy's conclusions
{Legal Med.,

Taylor, by

evidence

life is the

gradually merges

skin.

surrounding

death, and

body.

burn, which

the

the

and

son

the

always

It is

not

was

quite possible

maybe

sign of burning during

line around

red

and

is not

burn

escaped.

Another

the

of vesication

the

apertures through whicn

lens, for minute

have

to

cases,

is

besides, it

results

serious

more

all doubtful

in

burn

that

proof

applicationof

absence

vesication

during life,since

be

may

of

case

hand, the
as

There

death, by the

after

other

regarded

vital.

as

only air;

jects,
dropsicalsubgood authority,that serous

stated, on

the

but

serum,

in the

rule

produced

on

be

not

inflicted

be

may

regarded

above

it is

contain

not

be

must

in whom

the

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

is

if the
there-

any

jected
in-

strong that

APPEARANXES

POST-MORTEM

The

Danger of
depth. The

their
involve

of surface

of excretion

fatal,the

is

have

of narcotic
been

if one-half
burn

have

the part

large superficial

is very

to

apt

prove

patches

than

extent.

Gunpowder
those

if

of death

in the

instantaneous

walls, etc., or

from

symptoms.

more

and

so

more

would
stances
circum-

age,

tution,
constiBurns

the trunk

on

of

if in separate

so

they

considered

of

are

equal

dangerous

more

various:

are

from

result

leaping out

after extensive

cally,
practi-

many
the

as

be

as

jury;
(i)bodilyin-

conflagrationsof buildings,where

may

from
is

skin

steam.

of

case

death

are

in burns

either
(2) Suffocation,
air.
(3) Shock; this

tetanus.

here,

continuous, provided

produced by

Causes
as

limbs;

burns

entire

the character of the burn.

in the young;

the

on

tained
ascer-

if severe,

body,

But

been

fatal; but

considered, such

and
affected,

than

body

of the

of the

death.

be

to

It has

mistaken.

certainly prove

cause

dangerous

more

of death

function

poisoning,for which, indeed,

two-thirds

to

will

likely to
will

The

greater

performing the

from

children,

involvingone-third

very

than

and

burns

"

sometimes

one

the

extensive

nerves,

regulation. Thus,

young

similar to those

involved, the

are

that

is

than

being stupor, somnolence, pallor of

breathing
pulse,with slow and stertorous

feeble

that

be

this

their extent

on

of sensory

prevented

heat

and

more

lo7

BURNS.

symptoms

face,and

they

of

reason

scald, especiallyin

very

depends

greater number

extent

burns

OF

of

the

window,

smoke,

probably

fall of timbers,

the

the

or

or

from

roof.

the want

frequent

most

(4) Coma,

burns.

from

of

cause

convulsions

or

(5) Bronchitis, pneumonia and other thoracic

(6) Enteritis and peritonitis.(7) Exhaustion.

(8) Gangrene, pyaemia,etc.

The
means

Post-mortem
well

7*

marked,

appearances.
the

most

"

These
constant

are

often

lesions

by
being

no
a

138

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENXE.
the

capillary injection of
canal
of the

ventricles

from

would, of
has

bronchi, and

and

brain.

be

course,

after death

charred

to

distinguishanything

opinion

to

whether

or

The

not.

burnt

Wounds

the

upon

burned.

the

criminal, with

crime,

it is

the
effects

important

view

of

of the
in

to

the

the

in their

if not

the

heat

has

may

be

found

sometimes

punctured
be

been
more

contused

identified

in

to

wounds,

always
old

less

upon

people

the

the

real
were

been

head, was

skull,under
dura

bones

cracked

having

of the

pieces.
made

on

indicative
not

was

two

excessive, the
or

as

are
elasticity,

fact of their

found

amine
ex-

ing
intact,stretch-

and

of fractures

was

crumbled

even
or

in which

to

neighborhood

seen

killed,by blows

blood

the

is

by heat,
; the

existence

coagulated

Where

not

the

by

house

be

appearance

caused

was

previously stunned,
which

This

of his

generally irregular

are

may

is mentioned

case

burned

ascertained

these

burned

death, such

vessels, by their

blood

fissure.

opening

wound.
found

the

as

fissures

being torn,

escape

across

that

These

large joints.

in

is

might possibly

before
or

mechanical

certain

body by fire,which

abdomen,

or

traces

legal physician always

made

of

murder

subsequently

destroying the

wounds

thorax

form, and,

apt

for

burning

remains

fact that

are

an

(ante,p. 88).

out

body

There

the

upon

mistaken

fissure in the

for the

for wounds.

body

produced

be

body

form

to

the

charred

the

From

"

curred
oc-

lesions

if the

us

preceded

pointed

and

frequently committed,
by

had

death

been

already

the

has

usual

enable

to

identifyingthe

of

means

have

body

the

into

death

; but

mentary
ali-

roasted, it will probably be

or

impossible
as

the

where

suffocation, the

discovered

the

effusion

serous

cases

from

injury,or

completely

been

In

of

membrane

mucous

mater.

of the
or

ceased
de-

split,and

Ordinary incised,

before

body completely charred

death, could

by fire.

SPONTANEOUS

As

the

to

question of

homicidal, it

or

frequent
at

occurs

idea

of

may

have

such

burnt

wounds,

body,

general rules
The

be

can

be

must

and

the

itself here

considerable

related

for

of apparent

it will be

such

"

that

of

per

cent,

lightedpipe

habitual

an

woman

"

known

being

or

"

as

on

is

weight

the

required by
of

the

and

are

human

close investigation,
ably
invaritook

that the

its

body

nearlyalways
favorable

for

that
the

originated.
of the human

it would

an

many

instances

combustion

highly

once

applicationof

for

of the

"

body

occasioned

of fire had

spiritdrinker, and
when

has

world

candle,

conditions

; each

cases

that,on

the

composition
water

It

source

which

No

of the human

believe

some

the

circumstances.

combustion

physiologicallyimpossible even

except
such

combustion,

the

and

as

fat

From

75

the

of

very

process

that

present, from

been

origin

found

death

in such

remarkable

alive,we

found

were

of

scientific

spontaneous

of

Furthermore,

cause

notice.

some

In all

arise whether

attending

the

in

person

for marks

body
wounds

guidance

the

dead

remove.

above.

severe

brief

although

body, originatingwhile

for

by

discussion

past, but

years

of

the

the

diseased

to

question might

given

fact that

question of Spontaneous Combustion

presents

was

The

or

examine

been

determined

instances,mostly

unable

itself where

fire had

the

or

been
to

unfortunately,

not, however, preclude the

precautions given

might present

one

important

the

fire.

is

by burning

are,

such

intoxicated

an

caught fire,and
it is

the

fire does

accident, since

cases

case

on

the

near

violence, with
a

from

death

cases

in

Death,

distance

some

that

such

; and

occurrence.

is found

body

suicidal
burning being accidental,

assumed

accidental

nearly always
of

the

be

may

139

COMBUSTION.

seem

body
be

to

to burn

up

"

nearly

chemically
dead

body,

extraordinary degree of heat,

process

of cremation.

authorityis against the

belief

Certainly,

in spontaneous

140

the

of

combustion
has

authority

wonderful

human

which

from

of

region

we

the

assign

have

time

to

or

and

it, and

in

the

position

phenomenon,

time

to

of

person

disbelief

books

and

newspapers

no

such

our

express

accounts

the

body;

witnessed

ever

therefore

must

in

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

appeared
and

romance

fiction.
It
and

of

is,
mineral

substances
the

through
exposed

to

agency
the

action

surface.

extended

thus

frequently
as

admitted

an

course,

to

fact

undergo
of

the

air,

in

incendiarism.

especially

involving

state

of

organic

combustion,

oxygen,

Conflagrations

originated,

various

spontaneous

absorbed

of

that

of

large
important

fine

when

powder

buildings
legal

or

have

tions
ques-

DEATH

VIOLENT

IX.

CHAPTER
VIOLENT

DEATH

1-11

APNiJEA.

FROM

DIFFERENT

FROM

FORMS

APNCEA

OF

(ASPHYXIA).
includes

This

and

Hanging

death

from

all of which

in

Drowning,

chiefly,if not exclusively,by

of violent

modes

the

while, at
individual

death

certain

possess

of them

time, each

same

Their

life is

render

points
is

All

these

in common,

distinguishedby

separate consideration

properties will

common

destroyed

asphyxia.

or

apncea

which
peculiarities,

desirable.

Suffocation, Strangulation,

first

be

briefly

considered.
In all

begins

of apncea,

cases

in the

the

accomplished

as

and

pressure

drift ;

the

the

flow

by

buried

croup,

simply by arresting the

Likewise, there
both

before

These

are

and
swollen

and

the

exhibited

are

lividityof

generally
appearance

the
of

of the

windpipe,

"

function

sand

certain

box

bank,

or

oedema

throat,as
of

larynx

in

up

all of which

etc.;

of

produce

respiration.

signs or

indicate

countenance

in

as

hanging

the

into

shut

ruins, or

whole

the

into

and
lips,fingers,

the

in

by

as

thorax,

getting

of the

death, which

after

throat, as

is

This

means

or

death

simply

organs.

diverse

by being

disease

some

membranous
glottis,

death

these

throat

under

about

brought

of water

in choking;

as

or

is

by foreign bodies

or
(entombed alive),
snow

the

upon

that

remembered

and

ligature around

drowning;
trachea,

this

numerous

strangling; by
in

be

(oxygen) from

air

by

throttling
; by
and

that

lungs, and

by excluding
mechanical

it will

phenomena,

death

by

other

apncea.

ties,
extremi-

face, together with

; convulsive

move-

142

MEDICAL

of the

ments

first full and

; the

rapid,

the

and

which

with

involuntary discharge

Abortive

finallythese

and

cease,

is

is

memory

only

be

lasts for

crowded

of persons
who

have

have

who

been

experimented

This

kind

to

five

in

the

case

by

apncea

before

sometimes,

the

are,

with

the

In

young

be

found

violent
blood

rapid,not

lungs,

is

will be

These

all

very

main,

empty,
efforts

usually gorged

and

made

the
to

(ecchymoses) are

than

is

respire.
in

after.
here-

to

of

varieties
These

apt

with

are

the

as

pale ;

is generally

heart, together

dark

blood;

the

deeply congested.

of the

Minute

be

to

system

of the

tubes

vessels

referred

these

three

exceptions

lungs

lungs emphysematous,
found

or

who

of those

and

venous

right side

blood

drowning,

similar.

face

drowning,the

the

mony
testi-

parts of the body,

other

of the bronchial

persons,

stage

is the

apparent

some

in the

The

this

requiring more

are

time
life-

by partialstrangulation.

likewise,in /tanging. The

membrane

mucous

hanging,

in

full of blood.

; such

the

of

events

from

earliest

senses

But

rescued

appearances

; in

pulsate.

in the

the

the

faeces.

awhile, but

to

ceases

of time

themselves

lips,fingersand

death

moment.

from

drowning.

of

post-mortem

lividityof
seen

is

been

minutes, though there

The
death

have

upon

of death

that

space

down

cut

so

into

brief

very

last

at

often

is

and

for

activity of

surprisinglyacute,
to

seem

made

early,although

remarkable

pulse,at

genitalorgans,

urine

semen,

heart

the

is lost very

Consciousness

stage there

of the

respiration are

at

attempts

the

tinged with

times, be

at

the

in

seen

turgid ;

frequently turgescence
of

as

feeble ; there

may,

; there

is

become

becomes

blood

partly voluntary, but

involuntary,

veins

soon

mouth,

first

legs,at

spasmodic

breathe

strugglesto
frothingat

and

arms

becoming

soon

JURISPRUDENCE.

will often
from

extravasations
mucous

and

serous

the
of

144

MEDICAL

oedema

as

abscess,

and

etc.

which

she

behind

p.

is

aged,

suffocation

undoubtedly

common

it is very

suffocation
at

the

breast.

and

Burke

time

the

the

Surg.,

into

her

larynx

the

trial,to

with

her

this

was

cork

was

uppermost, and

negatived by
concluded

the

also

that

and

nostrils,
their

upon

where

temperat
in-

an

-of age,

years

scalp,emphysema
The

the

face

end

was

bottle

quart

pale

slightly

tongue

of

cork

being uppermost.

considerably injected.

were

show

that

teeth, but
while

she

fact that

by

victims

seventy

sealed

windpipe,

But

thence

the

being

their

weight

the

behind

burgh
Edin-

mentioned,

closed, and

and

cork

whole

born
new-

notorious

mouth

fractured.

ribs

on

destroying

destroyed

upon

larynx,the

the

is

case

her

attempted,
out

their

examination,

trachea
epiglottis,

in

forced

The

Mare,

wound

Suffocation

cases,

On

The

was

hay

infants,

such

sixty and

eyes

found

drawn

of

in

death,

and

seven

was

It

and

leaves

bearing

with

dead

composed,

had

when

easily effected,and

between

chest, and

was

"

pharynx,

visible

helpless.

mode

Scotch

curious

protruding.

It

the

usually practiced upon

by forciblyclosing their

same

found

in the

ball of

of Med.

convulsions.

to

woman,
was

Book

otherwise

traces

murderers,

and

very

attributed

usually
by

are

characteristic

no

is

who

those

or

children
it

into

markable
re-

458).

Homicidal
the

by

just

was

widely opened [Year

was

1864,

which

larynx,and

throat

the

down

few

of which

one

caused

was

tion.
suffoca-

though

rare,

by authors, in

death

"

thrust

had

the

mouth

woman

of accidental

extremely

is

diphtheria,

glottis,croup,

examples

mentioned

are

young

the

are

suffocation
cases

of

of

spasm

all these

"

Suicidal

that

JURISPRUDENCE.

the

marks

the

cork

that
was

the

the
it

deceased
denly
sud-

was

dead

sealed

drunk.

end

of the

of the corkscrew!
had

been

forcibly

Russian

the

sentry

with

watchbox,

therefore

was

supposed

in his

the

throat, in order

Post-mortem
face

the

placid;
neck

and

mouth
be

appearances.

confessed

chest;

and

with

gorged

of young

dark

lungs

lungs

Tardieu

in

be

may

lays great

infants,who

new-born
also

are

found

of the

membranes
the

bloody,

stress

the

suffocation,as

The

blood

they

is dark

and

found

are

very

fluid.

The

of

spots

of the

heart,

liningof
is

peculiar to

in other

and

These

whom

are

may

lungs

mucous

authorities, among
extravasations

the

the presence

upon

brain, peritoneum, and

that these

about

of blood

suffocated.

been

the

especially

cases,

empty

is

on

heart

of the

pleura, liningmembrane

Other

windpipe.

Ogston, deny
of

the

on

have

face

ecchymoses

some

meat

of the

the

cases,

minute punctiform ecchymoses, especiallyon

of

had

himself.

swelling

right side

and

blood, although

children, the

emphysematous.

minute

His

years

he

that

from

and

froth,sometimes

mucous

; the

nose

Lividity

"

congested;

are

eyes

suspicion

often, in accidental

lips,though

and

divert

to

Some

placed the piece of

then

and

man,

part of

glottis.

be accidental.

to

his

in

lower

the

851),

p.

dead

the

partly in

and

upon,

tion
suffoca-

Med.,

found

in

meat

after,his superior officer,in dying,

first suffocated

Forcn.

resist,

to

homicidal

of

Tidy's
of

unable

was

guard, being

large piece

she
case

and

on

pharynx, pressing

death

while

Another

(Woodman

related

is

windpipe,

intoxication.

through
of

her

into

pushed

145

SUFFOCATION.

OF

SIGNS

POST-MORTEM

Dr.

cases

of death.

modes

kidneys

are

deeply

congested.
these

As
of

death
of

should

by

apncea,

death

by

be

of death.
or

post-mortem

similar

dead

in

be

be

substances, the

in other

found

considered

his

opinion

discovered

question

in

the
to

as

forms

istic
character-

as

Consequently,

expressing

body

also

are

cannot

suffocation.

cautious
If

they

signs

examiner
the

cause

sand, earth, ashes,

whether

it

was

placed

146

MEDICAL

there

before

examination.
and

death

after

or

JURISPRUDENCE.

If the substances
the

especiallyin

concluded

that the

be

must

be found

SECTION

DEATH

MODES

OF

ACCIDENTAL,

"

OF

THE

by

the

either

garrotte

combined

usual

bow

LESIONS.
MARK

pressure

produced

of execution

mode

tightened by
Death

string.

in

most

cases,

results,in

congestion of

the

the

jugulars,preventing
It

differs

from

cord

around

the

the
strangulation,
It

is

death

cord

former

is

the

latter is

usually to

that

strangulation?
very

neck

is wound

the

nearly always

presents
The

from

be

traced

itself here

the

"

appearances

distinctlymarked

result

suicide.
the

was

of
these

the

tween
distinguishbefrom

of

the

latter,while

in the

death

the

blood

horizontallyaround

to

is

of

return

to

hanging chiefly in

strangulationand

the

it

Turkey,

brain, due

important, medico-legally,to
from

the

by

deprivationof atmospheric air,producing

upon

the

clothing.
is

screw;

from

obliquity of

the

or

chief,
handker-

of criminals

and

brain.

various

are

strap,

sheet

pressure

throttling.The

in

the

upon

direct

by

or

apnoea,

the

neck.

is

from

striptorn

effect of the

pressure

in

or

by

used, sometimes

steel collar

"

by the

from

INTERNAL
YNGULATION."

windpipe, as

constriction

is

rope

Spain,the

the

on

the

ribbon,

is

time.

"

STR

encirclingcord,

an

hand

which

sometimes

In

of

means

by

means

bo

CORD.

by

made

SIGNS.

HOMICIDAL

AND

Strangulation is produced
neck

it may

II.

EXTERNAL

"

SUICIDAL

careful

STRANGULATION.

BY

STRANGULATION.

stomach,

alive at the

was

by

in the air passages,

and

oesophagus

person

decided

hanging, as

homicide, while
first question

The
death

caused

one

strangled

are

livid

and

are

by
ally
usu-

swollen

SIGNS

face ;

with

staring eyes,

dilated

tongue,

which

may

be

larynx

; blood

may

issue

; the

moses

be

an

the

of

urine

right heart

with

blood

liver and

rupture

of the

moses,

which
are

and

; this is also

Tardieu

in the

few

of its symptoms.

the

evident

more

are

in homicidal

of the

marks

If

the
less

of two

has

oblique, as
three

been

in

neck

deep

several
than

always

been

the
The

hanging,

found

; but

and
the

sations
extrava-

brain,whereby

of the

in

in

cord, and

force

mark

cord

the

mark

will

be

parts beneath

the

his

the

of

thumb,

so

determined.

horizontal,not
be

may

been

subcutaneous

front

be

there

of the

is generally

the
throttling,

in

even

has

of

These

accomplish

to

as

may

hanging, because

upon

; sometimes

where

also

fingersand

employed

suffocation,

it resembles

order

found

more

or

times.
in

be

used, the

hanging

parallelmarks,

is not

used,

particularhand

cord

has

fingerswill

of

considerable
in

the

upon

arising from

are

than

murderer,

of the

seldom

are

special attention.

here

of

sub-pleuralecchy-

marks

deserve

reliable

the

hand

throat,sometimes
that the

signs,the

forms

reliance

in the

none

gorged

lungs

characteristic

as

strangulation very

If the

the

The

may

Internally,

other

organs,

vesicles.

neck

and

employed by
object.

of these

there

and

congestion

apoplexy, which

external

fingerson

of the

places great

lungs,but

distinguishedfrom
the

in

even

ecchy-

sometimes

are

that

or

with

hanging.

strangulation. There

it is

the

he

regards

in

of blood

in

true

states

pulmonary
he

studded

frequent than

appearance

rare

Among

faeces,as

; flattened

mouth,

nose,

are

system

blood, but

emphysematous

the

eyes

protruding

extremities

frequentlyturgid ;

venous

kidneys.

says

and

this is less

apnoea

full of

very

and

; but

from

death

he

from

genitalorgans

escape

pupils, and

bitten ; livid

the face,neck, chest

ears;

147

STRANGULATION.

OF

wound
is

cord

two

or

around

apt

to

be

extravasation

may

show

con-

148

MEDICAL

infiltration of blood.

siderable

ossified

of the

and

The

occurred.
of
with

should

The
be
within

produced
few

but

neck

body,

death, and

other

of the

protruded tongue,

also

murderer

victim, with
there

will be
the

Was

which

had

She

drawn

the

raised

silk

of

be

upper

strap, which
The

other

necktie, knotted

down

rescued

after

minute.

He

in

against
his

the
one

neck

became

while

and
band

of death

black

which

of

Hence, although
of his

simulate

or

dead

suicide,

ruse.

homicidal

fish in

Cases
Prof.

she

in the

chest

wall.

stone

in

The

resting,and

firmly and

pressed
fatallycom-

was

that

an

of

engine, and

compressed
face,and

around

revolving shafts.

been

basket,

part of her

tightlytwisted

of the
had

the

was

case

of

to

on

countenance,

girlcarrying

dead, sittingon

the

fore,
There-

unfrequently occur.

not
a

is still

relied

evidences

detectingthe

the

around

trachea.

caught

was

case

is made

body

the neck

around

probably slipped off

the

neck,

one,

found

was

had

thus

whose

strapped

was

basket

make

strangulation
two

pipe
wind-

ably
unquestion-

six hours.

never

suicidal
accidental,
straugli/ig

records

front.

cord

to

the

tion
putrefac-

the

livid,swollen

little difficulty
in

of accidental

Taylor

view

of

staring eyeballs,etc., none

place

may

of the

may

produced by strangulation
afterdeath.

arc

over

into

while

characteristic
the

as

the

gested,
con-

is coated

attempt

should

particularsign

exclusion

is

if the

(accordingto Casper)after

one

having

as

trachea

early signs

the

dead

after

by strangulation,such

and

discoloration

around

the

on

reported

extends

for the

hyoid bone,

ante, p. 4.7).

cord

hours

not

this

internal

( Vid.

of the

mark

of the

color, and

which

mistaken

be

not

larynx

violet

or

mucus,

This

of this organ

the

red

air tubes.

smaller

of the

interior

uniform

Fractures

thyroid cartilagesare

frothy,bloody

warm,

JURISPRUDENCE.

at

blood

his
He
least

boy,
his
neckwas
one

escaped

mouth

the

from

and

Another

recovered.
of

Smith,

his

from

used

neck

by

quite dead, sitting in

sleep,the

had

weight

One

string.
He

he

day

had

Gordon

the

pended
sus-

found

was

probably

drawn

slipped, and

ultimately

Dr.

by

the

heavy weight

carry

chair.

related

is
to

after

minutes

insensible,but

was

instance

who

lad

several

For

ears.

he
ligature,

of the

removal

1 19

STRANGULATION.

SUICIDAL

to

gone

tight

cord

his neck.

around

Suicidal strangulationis comparativelyrare, except among

insane, with

the

whom

it is

of effectingtheir
facility
a

garter,

garment,
still

ribbon,

further,when
of the
the

insane

his

him.

over

at

with

gentleman,

prevent

his

with

to

power

suicidal

his life.

retiringto
; but

his

his

on

Two

attendants

them

to

their

dead

horror
He

stripfrom

tied it around
recorded
coiled

and

had
the

some

bottom
his

the

placed
remained

retire
close

On

himself

of his

that

attendants

the

found

suicides, where
several

visiting
the

been

bed,

simply by tearing off

cases

times

of

cord, and

strangulation are

the
; in

gentleman

shirt,rolled it into

Other

to

watch

had

he

approaching

surprise, they

neck.

neck

the

time.

strangled

of determined

around

by

were

afterward, the physician,on

informed

sleepingquietly for

in

closely,

to

him.

patient,was

An

him

bed, these attendants

requesting

dividual
in-

tioned
men-

placed

to watch

the

case

was

upon

the

from
A

distance, they complied, still keeping

hours

and

will illustrate this.

tendencies,

under

away

little

Two

from

senses

escape.

especialdirections

taking

On

bedside

the

as

rapidly and

very

the

over

Taylor (Med. Jurisp)

privateasylum,
to

how

steals

means

occurrences,

windpipe, thereby taking

and

simple
strip torn

such

it is remembered

will

Dr.

by

or

for

account

such

by

The

uncommon.

means

purpose

insidiouslyunconsciousness
pressure

no

handkerchief,

readily

may

by

one

cord

was

found

instance, the

150

MEDICAL

ligaturehad
like

been

for the

used

tightened by
and

tourniquet;

same

Homicidal

JURISPRUDENCE.

indicating a

the

throat, which

seen

than
the

evidences

of

It should

after

forgotten
often

is

chieflyfrom

striking contrast

with

shriveled

space
around

groove

parchment-like
to

body

almost

the

the

neck, of

to

had

together by
tissue

by

several

was

much

with

the

blackish

could
twists

be
of

an

was

inch

years,

; also

broad

color
skin
and
in

and

was

was

found

composition
mass

was

lines in diameter.

two

decayed, showing

This

no

knots, and

cult
diffi-

reduced

right clavicle, were

the

and

Paris,where

cervical

in

yellowish-

of the

mass,

cord

white,

occurred

Several

recognized.
a

obtained

There

condensed

several

buried

thirty-eight
of the

perfectlydry

perfect skeleton.

together

no

been

after

and

integuments

body.

case

even

or

Wharton

blackish-brown

was

remarkable

weeks,

by

of the

; this

its section

of homicidal

many

larynx, half

over

Another

white.

suicidal

strangulationwas

of the

rest

appearance

cut, and

of

evidence

of the

those

fingers on

in

marks

mentioned

the

the

the

that

days' interment,
neck

; it

parts of the body, and

other

discovered

be

One

burial.

the

suicide

be

frequentlybe

will

vol. II, p. 830),where,

(Med.Jurisp.,

Stille

will

struggle.

strangulationmay

where,
else-

employed.

either

these, there

It is

and

of the

found

injuriesof

be

not

in

occurs

the

is

neck

the

marks

never

are

neck

of violence

ligature on

Besides

case.
or

years,

the

of

the

upon

amount

greater

latter

contusions

other

marks

accompanied by

accidental

been

death.

of violent

form

ecchymosed

more

also be

may

or

this

the

Thus, the impression

and

had

sabre

twisted

already mentioned,

strangulation, as

usually recognized by

deeper

another,

in and

purpose.

frequent variety of

most

still

in

stick thrust

brae,
verte-

held

of which

surrounded
The

its direction

cord
was

152

MEDICAL

vertebrae, is far less

Orfila

that

states

been

hanged

only

one

There

is

are

who
are

have

been

death

especiallyfrom

because

it

And

when

of the

the

knees

the

trachea

minutes.

loss of

is

sons
Per-

suspension
apparent

an

consciousness

especialnotice,

facilitywith

the

been

simply

the

is

body
pressure

meanwhile

person

in

being

which

the

of

suspension

has

or

is

as

secondary effects,

deserves

the

toes,

or

nearly

brain.

ligatureagainst the windpipe,

resting on

the

after

from

hanging

there

is

limbs,

minutes'

even

follows

when

place,even

few

in which
in

few

very

satisfactorily
explains

takes

of the

after

often

brain

complete, but

not

down

manner

the

upon

death

in

congestion

insidious

steals

or

ness
suffering. Unconscious-

occurs

cut

the

especially if

supervenes,

death

partialrecovery,
The

in

fracture

by hanging
of

of

rarely resuscitated.

very

had

hyoides

os

with

met

movements

indications

no

and

compressed,

of the

that death

convulsive

speedily

very

who

fiftypersons

never

believe

to

reason

well-known,

of

popularly imagined.

fracture

had

he

is

vertebrae.

The

painless.

bodies

with

met

of the

luxation

the

while

case,

than

frequent

in

he

JURISPRUDENCE.

semi-recumbent

posture.
Post-mortem
those

appearances.

attending death
and

protruded

red

and

In

bloody

addition, there

natural.

genital

organs,

and
is

countenance

tongue

Sometimes
with

the

an

are

eyelids,dilated

swollen, livid,often
teeth, lower

the

between

froth

neck, shoulders, arms

the

of

protruding, tongue

compressed

or

retracted,often

the

ing
strangulation. Externally,swell-

from

lividityof face, congestion

pupils,eyes

nostrils.

main, they resemble

the

In

"

escaping

from

mouth

the

and

petechialeffusions

often
hands.

In

is

involuntary

escape

of

and

eyes

turgescence
the

on

ever,
how-

cases,

many

calm, the face pale,the

there

jaw

of

the

urine,

SIGNS

faeces and
death

to

these

but

semen;

OF

according

the

to

of

part

by

signs are

The

by hanging.

153

HANGING.

position
the

of

placed. As the latter is usually behind

If the knot
is generallyflexed forward.
head

would

hands

are

the

to

has
is

appearance

is also

and

latter

in

were

front,the

(Tardieu). The

been

it presents

deep

strain

been

made

marked

removed

upon
skin
and

has

condensed, and

according
application.

it,and

its

under

this

of
to

old

hours

some

the

; and

of

cellular

thickness,
mark

comes
be-

yellowish-brown

parchment.
after

This

death, if the

tissue

underneath
Besides

silveryappearance.

decided

single or double,
superficial,

or

aptlycompared

more

very

somewhat,

its mode

and

duplication. The
dense
and
tough,

very

has

was

nearly always stretched,owing

is

body,

maybe
the

to

roughness, or
color,and

neck

the

of

mark

according

cord

The
of the

nature

the

Thus,

knot

neck, the head

the

backward

extended

cord, varying however

of the

the

to

livid.

weight

marks

the

varies

generally closed, often tightly; the legs extended,

often

and

found

be

head

the

where

neck

peculiar

means

no

where
above, there is often a livid mark
(ecchymosis),
the
used, as in executions
great violence has been
; but
the

latter is
which

quite distinct

it has

been

frequentlymet
The

groove

of cases,

will

direction

is

the

true

confounded.

with

than

furrow

or

be

from

found

was

mark

The

of the

cord, with

livid line is much

less

formerly supposed.

in the

between

neck, in the great majority

the

chin

and

larynx ;

its

oblique (which distinguishesit from strangulation)

also be double
(arisingfrom a double fold of
; it may
the
cord),and irregularor interrupted. In general,the
the ligature,
the longer the suspension, the
and
narrower
deeper
by

its

the

furrow.

broad

borders, might produce

Internally, the
8

appearances

leather
a

double

thong, pressing only

mark.

usually accompanying

as-

154

MEDICAL

phyxia arc
right side

with, such

met

of the

The

blood.

with

but

kidneys

into,presents

cut

of

such

of

irritant

an

Dr.

the

membrane

mucous

five

of

cases

the

Among
of the

hyoid

internal

According
of death

these

death

The

of

Dyer

dogs.

dogs

and

cats

were

students, at

the

man,
on

with

instance

of
the

by hanging ?
by

divert

the cord
neck

can

This

of the

be

the

imitated

immediately

cannot

body

true

Some

years

ago

of

is

body

one

Pennsylvania,

to

settle is

always

the

zvas

"

be

torily
satisfac-

evidence, since there

signs
the

out

cases

result.

negative

characteristic

suspicion from

arteiy.

repeated by

University

medical

mere

suspension

fracture

three

it in

important medico-legal question

mere

of every

out

carotid

of

positive or

on

rupture of the

common

three

caused

of the

(Nezv York Med. Jour., 1866),a

lens is a frequentresult
crystalline

might easilysuspend
to

the

and

determined
no

and
thyroid cartilage,

discovered

author's

the

blood

mentioned

He

in every

An

be

may

by hanging.
a

The

suggest
also

in two

stomach,

lesions

coats

Dr.

experiments

of the
but

and

middle

of

to

coagulated

the

of four, one

brain

frequentlypresents

as

fractureof

transverse

the

by hanging.

bone

to

are

into
The

is true

same

found

of the

occasional

and

The

brain

rare.

stomach

is

sometimes

bloody points.

; the

has

Yellowly

death

extremely

deep congestion

poison.

intestines.

is

of blood

numerous

usually congested

are

evidences
idea

is

fluid

trachea

of the

vessels

lungs,

dark

larynx and

extravasation

its membranes

upon

when
itself,

The

froth.

generally congested,
brain, or

of the

strangulation, and

in

bloody

with

system

venous

lining membrane
as

of the

engorgement

as

heart, and

deeply congested,
coated

JURISPRUDENCE.

of
no

this

derer
mur-

victim, in order

of death.

by suspending

after death, and,

of death.

proof,since

of his

cause

kind

are

The

dead

according

mark

body by
to

Casper,

HANGING

even

to

up

HOMICIDAL

SUICIDAL,

hours

seventy-two

is less

livid

these

found, under

be

likelyto

after,especiallyif the body

The

forciblypulled downward.

be

brownish, parchment-like furrow.

mark

of the

by hanging

cord

lividityof

are

all

while

these

Dr.

occur

in

being

signs

regarded

may

the

hanging
chin, and

absent

body hung

is the

flow of

after

the question whether

determine

accidental,regard

or

of

suicide

hanging.

occurring

murder

by

evidences
or

the

Hence,

of

marks

this

of the

would

it is

is

necessary

in

not

the

neck

could

not

case

rested

in

of

of

tlie

saliva

or

about

be

more

loop

been

of

Out

in

attend

an

the

that

death.

after

the

from
of

attempt
exhibit

struggle,

of

internal

homicide.

littlelightupon

very

buttocks, or

with

368

favor

body

throat, or

consistent

found,

leather.

of

always

produce

to

hanging

is

the

the

to

resulted

will throw

the

had
that

cidal,
sui-

was

Berlin, 189

entirelysupported by
in

be

always

fullydemonstrated

body has

knees, the toes,

one

The

externally,denoting

fingers

question,since

the

chest.

must

If,however,

means.

positionof the body

instances

the

of suicide.

presumption

great violence

laceration,these
The

out

hanging

the difficulties that would

suicide; besides
at

method

frequent
particularly

cases

saliva

secretion

the

attending circumstances; remembering

a

of

cases

invariable

an

invariable,and

death, the

death,

livingact (Chevers,quoted by Husband).

homicidal

is

of

certain

that

states

and

up

in

death

tongue, etc.,

forms

straightdown

is unmistakable
a

be

of

the

turgescence

as

other

the

that

evidence

as

signs,such

F. Hutchinson

from

appearance

Hence, it follows

usual

line

circumstances, than

and
strangling,

in

R.

down

other

ecchymosed

or

face, congested eyes, swollen

very

of death

mouth,

To

the

with

met

hanging.
sign

the

; and

and

be

cannot

155

ACCIDENTAL?

OR

the

complete suspension
In

numerous

death, resting upon

semi-recumbent,
bedstead, while

and

the

15G

MEDICAL

if the hands

Even

have

suicides

previous

with

found

be

himself, the

act

Nevertheless, if
tied, and

he

of

presumption

mined
deter-

this very

perform

to

feet

obviously

inference

homicidal, since

was

themselves.
and

tied,the

found

are

known

hands

which

position

his

the
been

hanging

to

feet

and

that

warranted

is not

JURISPRUDENCE.

could

person
from

suspended

reached

have

not

certainlybe

would

homicide

act

justified.
The

of the

age

deceased
If

solving the question.

homicide

yet

country,

within

children

not

twelve

hanging

cord, which

of

loop

the

neck

DEATH

OF

IN

DEATH

EXTERNAL

AND

swinging,

entangled in
drawn

or

noose

tightlyenough

stranglethem.

to

SECTION

MODE

of

occurrence,

have, while
then

was

this

hanging

of occasional

are

in

to

of age.

years

playing,accidentallybecome

otherwise

around

fourteen

or

occurred

of suicidal

years,

children, who

especiallyamong
or

last few

ered
discov-

attributed

naturally be
have

assist in

to

were

person

instances

the

over

supposed

young

very

numerous

of accidental

Cases

hanging, it would

from

dead

be

might

IV.

BY

DROWNING.

"

INTERNAL.

"

DROWNING.

TIME

REQUIRED.

SIGNS

"

SUICIDAL

ACCIDENTAL,

OF
AND

DEATH,
CIDAL
HOMI-

DROWNING.

is that

Drowning
which

the

breathing

liquid,and
should
This
as

to

even

the

around

be
may

keep

specialform

It is not

submerged

death

by

than
effectually

more

neck.

be

is arrested

of

necessary

in order

to

cause

by suffocation,in

water,

by
that

some

or

ligaturedrawn

the

death

nose

and

mouth

under

the

whole

body

by drowning.

accomplished by merely immersing

the

other

the

liquid,as

face,so
is wit-

157

DROWNING.

in the

nessed

their

fallingwith

children

in addition

deprivation of
of the

impediment

of the

efforts

air

is

to

at the

submerged

were

windpipe plugged, so
and

taken

were

recovered
In

his

both

air

they

windpipe plugged

plug;

the

died.

other

lungs

difference

at

was

air

in

were

feel,and

of animals
if any,
little,

no

doubt

the

merged
sub-

been

chial
in their bron-

which
bloody, frothy mucus,
vesicles
and small tubes, forming a

air vesicles

and

with

sodden

pittedon
that

the

after

that

this

froth

mucous

the

froth

egress

heavy, soft
of the

pressure

recovered

of this

ingressor

water,

always proportionateto

was

windpipe,

had

being congested,exhibited

completely filled the air

mechanical
impediment to
lungs

that

those

in

the

that

ordinary condition, i.e. actually drowned,

their

lungs, besides
tubes

by plugging

of the

in those

manifest;

once

but

congested ;

were

Med.

out

simply deprived of

were

is

had

(Report on Suspended Animation,

Trans., 1862, p. 449). On inspecting the bodies
taken

being

animals, the

the

the

same

minutes

two

the

with

together; the one

once
on
removing

one

ingress of

After

not.

the

experiments, dogs with their windpipes plugged

perfectly
kept under water/#?/r minutes, and recovered

Chir.

the

but

moment,

Medico-

of

dogs

by

three

were
on

violent

the

of the

Two

air

minute

Committee

out
at

into the

prevent the

had

physical

the

is demonstrated

same

to

as

the other

water, while

"

This

breathe.

by the
experiments made
Chirurgical Society of London.

size

by asphyxia

in
lungs by aspiration,

the

ing,
drown-

In

superadded

of water

introduction

person

death

of

cause

there

"

of the

vesicles

and

tubes

usual

the

to

pools,and

themselves.

extricate

young

very

shallow

into very

faces

inabilityto

perishingfrom
the

drunkards, epilepticsand

of

case

time
is

was

In the

very

; its amount

of submersion.

produced by

to

lungs

submersion,
found

The

doughy

and

finger.

short

of air.

the

There
violent

158

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

efforts

which

breathe

to

within

made

are

minute

after

submersion.

probabilityof

the

Hence,

mainly dependent

the

upon

existing in the air tubes

of the

that

water

fatal ; if it is

Asphyxia

had

vesicles

and

in

occurs

the

case

is

to

be

may

has

Cases

longer.

of

should

be

under

that the

after

these
heart

in the
Dr.

lungs just alluded

Tavlor

gives the

circumstances
person

falls into

violent

attempts

rises

the

to

the
are

also

liquid,water
quantity
drowning

of

portion

the

person

is

breathe

of this

of

lungs.

The

is

being
It

beat

to

in

the
of

criterion

no

physical impediment

of

his

at

being

into
the

drawn

struggle

head
into

for

that

time

into

which

mouth,
to

he
the
the
A

throat.

the

is below

the

swallow.
the

the air-tubes

life may

level with

irresistibly
compelled
his

"When

received

on

the

consciousness,

each

air is

passes

of

resume

drowning:

retains

usually enters

liquid is

after

ceased; but,

breathe;

and

while

minutes

some

continue

may

of

mouth

enters

thus

portion
the

to

water

his efforts to

and

made

to

water.

respiration,

at

excellent

case

water

surface

lungs,but, owing

on

cope
syn-

to.

following

attending

four

exceptional.

are

of the

account

on

after

for

the

entering

life for

respiration has

of recover}-,

power

half

complete

present instance, the pulsationof the heart

the

certainly

resuscitation

but

water;

remembered

minutes

of

of the

of recovery.

and

attempts

prolong

to

also

hopeless,unless

moment

reported

are

fifteenminutes

some

tend

undoubtedly

is almost

been

This, by partiallysuspending the

would

lungs, and
substance

minute

considered

the

at

result

submersion

occurred

the

froth

mucous

always good hope

minute,

If the

of the

is

drowning

of this

penetrated into

small, there

submersion.

minutes,

quantity

quantity is large,the

If the

lungs.

has

after

recovery

In

water,
and

continue

cells
for

1 60

rind). This, being

body
the

cold, as

on

retraction
as

abrasion

mud

that

indicate

immersed

the

in

possiblyhave

resulted

the

white, thickened
If

the

bluish-red
2.

observed

are

the

taken

water

in

breath, which
them

smaller
the

the

not

be

not

been

once

Dr.

several

soles

have

might

very

sion,
days' immer-

of the

the

feet become

body

assumed

is removed

reddish, or

in

When
The

froth.

tubes and

air cells

in

the

in the water,

and

found

Ogston

states

latter is
the

that

air

death

cut

struggles

togetherwith

the

of the

Nevertheless,

this

never

in

of persons
risen to the

48.7

per

for

renders

cent,

in

the

condition

positive signs

most

its

froth

sodden

absence

proof against drowning,

bodies

to

into,the lungs exude

of

one

owing

vesicles,and

presence

as

by drowning.
a

the

even

doughy.

as

; this

by aspiration,during

mucous

accepted

of

evidences

distended, overlapping the

are

flabby condition

and

usual

the

lungs

lungs,is regarded

of death

first

the followingsigns
early examination),

of

abrasions

before

will

penetrates

sodden

bloody,

After
and

with

Along

"

heart,and

face

asphyxia (inan

will be

alive when

been

the

would

coloration.

Internal.

from

all of which

body rubbing against some

commenced

the

water,

of

sodden, the result of imbibition.

and

has
putrefaction

from

had

the

hands

of the

palms

marks

seen

hands, together with

hands,

person

from

Kanz-

nails,weeds, pieces of wood

after death.

substances

rough

the

although

water,

males,

and

by Casper

sometimes

are

in the

the

In

drowning.

the

under

locked

matters

to

of

It is not

water.

supposed.

considered

body, especiallyon

sand, gravel or

seem

time

that the

sign

sure

in the

one

above, there

the

on

other

at

was

positivesign

the

pretty

immersed

of the penis is

very

Besides

or

vital act, is

living when

was

dependent
ler

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

who

should
it has

since

have

surface

to

of cases,

sunk

at

breathe.
no

water

OF

SIGNS

found

was

from

its transudation
where
four

it

was

of the

in

In

case

there

of

body
was

the

in

was,

of

drowned

deceased, in the

that

many

the

that
the

into

their

sufficient

these
not

some

It

air

this

observance

Another

in the

the

act

the water
is

of

the

fact of

of the

drowned.

"

fragments

corresponding
river where
8i:

with
the

of

We

was

drowned,"

prior to
that

body

seen

to

be
or

is the

swallowed

value

with

of this

discovered

in

other articles,

existing in
The

the

non-

corresponds
The

the

not

by drowning

found.

occurred.

of the

out

its occasional

this

the like substances

It is

means,

been

of the

lungs

of the

had

of

deceased

remember

weeds, sand, mud

drowning

body

death.

found

other

of death

stomach, which

body

the

in

by

discovery

taken

enhanced, if,along with the water, there

the stomach

or

for the

if
drowning, especially

in which

the

air-passagesis

exposure

indication

hi the

to

long

bodies

important

presence of water
in

froth in the

account

by

important

after

before

of the

juriesas

their death

mucous

or
putrefaction,

may

for

of bodies

coroners'

is

suicide

determined.
sufficiently

cases

met

doubt

of the

body

account

been

yet

reportedby

of this

to

celebrated

of

fact of the

in the

the

in

ties
peculiari-

late

case

peculiarconditions

after
:

The

froth

same

murdered

girlwas

ago,

Delaware,

Ct.,created

not

was

of arsenic

immersion.

presence

it

year

river

of these

Haven,

water.

amount

realityhave

in

New

dition
peculiarflabbycon-

the

quite possible that

may

of the

of

have

water, and

also

thirty-

to

one

characteristic

absence

but

that

this

The

course,

believe

of

case, at

considerable

from

of the

out

by

pleural cavities,

the author

by

taken

tubes, and

lungs

thrown

was

the

into

lungs.

of

drowning,

.lungs

examined

absence

Jennie Cramer
minds

for its absence

accounts

quantitiesvarying

woman

an

of the

the

bronchial

minute

the

found

ounces.

he

lungs, and

the

in

161

DROWNING.

the

pond

quantity

of

162

MEDICAL

be

stomach

the

in

water

in

greater

JURISPRUDENCE.

that

animal

an

frequently,than

surface

in the

because

the

latter

absence

disproving

as

present (because not

not

The

itselfa

allowance,

with

and

does

constitute

been

ascertained

into

the

to

of

death

after

Orfila's

drowning.

into
there

the
is

The
of

air vesicles

condition

death

cavities

There
never

had
cold

the

of

are

and
full,

may

supervened,
after
hard

as

empty,

eating heartily,or
the

act

of

as

of

cates
indithe

water

in

such

act

may

death, but

not

cases,

air tubes.

the

cases

in

right

asphyxia

equally

are

of
a

the
sudden

sign.

vessels, but

apoplexy

plunges suddenly
by striking the

diving.

The

erally
gen-

full.

post-mortem

fullness

person

vanced
ad-

positive indication

no

blood, unless

when

body, in

after

majority
sides

two

general
of

that

characteristic

no

some

extravasation

against a

the

exhibits
be

affords

In the

penetrate

in

froth in the

mucous

it

it has

as

swallowed

tubes

the left ones

often

very

brain

water

of

this

its presence

prove

it

mentioned,

lungs; besides,

the heart

by drowning.

; but

The

of

accompaniment

no

with

but

of

since

putrefactionhas

been

penetrate into the larger bronchial

mersion.
im-

is not

will not

consequently,

experiments

it is

of

stomach

water

sidered
con-

either

moment

above

death, unless

pretty certainlythat it had

of

where

immersion;

that

be
as

by drowning,

restrictions

great extent;

the

at

sooner

inasmuch

cases

in the

water

by experiment

stomach

the

to

important sign, inasmuch

very

to

asphyxia.

is not

drowning,

before

the

to

was

of

stomach

occurred

swallowed

been

found

come

swallowing

swallowed) in

indication

positive

have

may

the
of

of

discovery

mere

to

early occurrence

had

apoplexy

or

syncope

of

power

case

was

kept completely submerged,

from

of water

allowed

was

one

of the

lost,in consequence
The

in

it

considerably ;

varies

blood

into
head

is

usu-

OF

SIGNS

fluid.

The

liningof

ally dark

and

bowels

usually congested,and

is

in the

water, of

suspicion

of

drowning

after

of
this is

the

The

which

at

the

until

corpulence

of the

of

it must

water,

; the

To

in fresh ; very
of

bodies

the

determine

drowning, when

examiner

tubes

the

are

and

air,and

the

indications

age,

body
of

in
set

float

than
of

men.

since

the

lean

of

act

is

water,

not

in,it is altogether

criteria

guide

to

froth

the

the

in

in the

air

lung tissue,

disappear after long

the

may

it will

the

mucous

putrefaction.Hence,

the

body

sooner

those

of water

presence

the

submerged

water,

elapsed

certain

of the

float

human

the

float
than

has

most

presence

after

salt

putrefactionhas

The

and
cells,

of which

both

been

development

is discovered

body

After

guesswork.

that

the

summer,

In

sooner

time

the

always possible.
mere

lungs;

will

water,

remain

the

fat bodies

women

drowned

As

etc.

person,

twenty-four hours.

than

sooner

tents
con-

have

must

air,the

lighter,through
putrefaction. Hence, in

rise within

the

of the
than

of the

bodies

it becomes

gases

ones

the

temperature

slightlyheavier

is

of

the
and

windpipe

the

to

cases

and

the person

long

lead

might

occurs,

and

been

Occasionally,in

that

evidence

had

body

this

in the

found

are

the stomach

time.

with

and

color;

meal, vomiting

stomach

time

varies

if the

poisoning.

full

conclusive

alive at the

sex

irritant

mucous

violet

deep

163

DROWNING.

to

exposure

importance

of

an

early inspection.
If

marks

drowned,
unless

of

of course,

these

post-mortem
and

then

the

intention

close

violence

marks

suspicion will

to

the
elude

examination

be

can

cause.

throw

found

be

body

be

murderer

of

aroused

into

the

may

the

body

destroy

river,pond,

of the
for

real

of

bodies

foul

attributed
satisfactorily

suspicion
of

the

on

or

cause

wounds,

to

his

the

play,
some

victim,

well, with
of death.
and

other

16 i

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

will

drowning,

the

with

injuries,
together

of

disposing

is

This

conclusion.

correct

the

examiner

signs

of

form

to

method

common

very

infants, in

new-born

of

bodies

the

enable

generally

known

of the

absence

of
of

cases

infanticide.
The
of

drowning,

bod\-, which

is rare,

be

cannot

It should

the

by

explained by

their

terminate

signs
alive

was

of

time

cannot

always

inferences

may,

however,

the

or

tendency thereto;

found

would
of

case

in
to

this

in

dead

instances

many

The

same

before

their bodies

Tlie restoration
artificial

the

and

blanket;

clear

forward
the

the

mouth
;

feet of

binding

other
was

the
son
per-

themselves

into the water.

depends chieflyon
should

nostrils

one

attachingheavy weights

of

place the body

resting on

suicide,

homicide, since

of

themselves

clothes

and

to

deceased

and

body quickly wiped dry

the tongue

forehead

of

of the drowned
The

other;

circumstances

the

hands

of suicides
also

each

precipice,or

proof

no

throwing

respiration.

removed,

draw

and

manner,

body

accident,especiallyin
the

is

water

of

of the

accidental

and

motive

might
the

that

the

in which

water

recorded

are

of

proximity

tying of

the

from

drawn

existence

the

show

least

suicides

presence

Suicidal

naturally suggest

child.

found

be

the

place,to

dangerous

at

ence.
influ-

cases

distinguished from

be

the

as

cases,

Such

The

of immersion.

drowning
attending

would

drowning

the

at

homicide.

the

on

themselves, and

upon

by drowning.

for

mistaken

possibly be
usual

lives

violence

determined

that

of

case

post-mortem

any

wounds

frequently inflict dangerous

then

of

the

in

except

case

legal physician.

of the

marks

remembered

be

suicide, in the

or

attention

drowning

is denoted

It

the

claim

must

Homicidal
infants.

accident, homicide

of

question

arm,

be
and

immediately
wrapped
and

mucus

with
for

exciting
in

water;

the face downward,

a

few

moment-,

RESUSCITATION

to

the

allow

fluids

cautiously
the

the

on

of

seconds

this

expiration

should

be

handling,

such

the

then
has

ment

in

for

be

some

be

put

been

soon

to

may
bed

take
and
with

head,

little

allowed

success

to

lower

chest

applied

of

spirit
sleep.

being

on

the

to

skin

able
and
This

tion
respira-

When

after

rough

rolling

signs

this

by

All
of

few

seconds.

warm

arms

for

movements

friction.

the

alternate

be

vester's
Syl-

Then

the

any

as

should

stimulating

or

rewarded

hours.

As

the

plan

vulgar

absurd,

warmth

patient

two

every

avoided.

bath,

warm

swallow,
and

the

as

carrying

of

sides

place

adopt

chest.

These

about

manifested,

are

by

each

and

by

the

the

to

effected.

is

made

should

barrel,

them

bring

action,

above

ammonia

restored,

not

raised,

expands

movement

and

arms,

is

head

upward

apply

mouth;

respiration,

artificial
and

the

the

165

DROWNED.

respiration

with

back,

outward

gently

If

THE

of

out

run

nose.

process

the

to

the

to

body

OF

to

water,
treat

persisted

1G6

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

CHAPTER
DEATH

BY

RELATIONS

MEDICO-LEGAL

caused

violence.

The

of

called

the

and

remote

of

The
of

identityof
while

the
other

has

of

forces.

earth

the

In

an

known
un-

discovered

bearing

be

may

in

in

it marks

upon

may

demonstrating

thunder-storm
is

immediately

happen

the

the

electric

nearly always positive,

beneath

intensified

to

resemble

lightning exactly

cloud

polaritiesbecome
that

the

claim

death

been

disruptive
discharge ensues

body

of homicidal

he

as

of

cause

body

effects

two

of the

these

effects

injury.

polarity of

or

that

When

for

the

accompanied by

the

powerful electric battery,thus

condition

the

solitarysituation,and

destructive

those

OF

MODE

"

subject should, therefore,

the

external

severe

often

strongly

very

determine

when

case,

is

legal physician,inasmuch

to

upon

LIGHTNING.
SIGNS.

by Lightning

resemble

attention

FROM

POST-MORTEM

"

which

results

LIGHTNING.

DEATH

OF

DEATH.

Death

X.

by

through

intervene

it is

negative*

mutual

tion,
induc-

the

air,or

the human

"

any

body,

example.

The
than

only
women

the

nature

and

are,

are

therefore,

are

exposed

to

more

much

are

those

within

in the
liable

more

fact that

by lightningis,that

employments,

that persons

trees,

the

explanation of

killed

of their

proves

The

rational

to

open
be

the

mostly
the

more

men

former, from
out

danger.

of

doors,

ence
Experi-

fields,
especiallyunder

struck

by lightningthan

doors.

fatal effects

of

lightning are

usually instantaneous,

168

MEDICAL

probably
the

be

JURISPRUDENCE.
the

explained by

clothing being wet,

being

circumstance

and

would

exhibited

be

the

by

the

escape

of

portion

the

portion dry:

good conductor, might

of

former,

disruption which

dry portion, which

is

bad

conductor.
Post-mortem

appearances.

death, the body maybe

it

recorded

there

was

this

he

and

in

was

although

occurs,

of

lacerated

and

skull

the

latter

of other

is often

observed

are

also

face

bloated

rapid.

very

contused,

"

exhibit

The

noticed.

are

and

remarkable

Occasionally, fractures

bones

also

vesications

burns,

sometimes

blood

but

the

of

blood

is dark

fluid.

and

The

brain

severely,the

and

into the
brain

its

head

of the

membranes

brain, effusion
even

substance, have

full of

found

The

also

usually

any

of blood

violence.

gestion
Con-

skull

The
the

intestines, liver

congested.

The

heart

lungs

and
the
are

air tubes

and

does

spleen,
not

hibit
ex-

special alteration.
in the

is centered
cases,

the

under

injured,and

medico-legal interest,in

The

most

first struck.

observed.

and

stomach,

much

suffer

complete disorganization of

all been

congested

mucus.

generally

being usually the part

ventricles,and

sometimes

such

of

putrefaction is usually

punctured

that

supposed

and

The

characters

are

rigidityafter death,

Coagulation

appearance.

and

usual

this

rigor-mortis

delayed.

these

arborescent

Hunter

in which

of

the

cases,

death.

error.

various

ecchymoses;

attitude

exact

instances

such

of the

instantaneous

it is

discolored;

Wounds

are

after

absence

an

in the

In

of

case

remarkable

books.

immediately

occurs

in

the

in

found

Some

struck.

was

In

"

and
A

to

close

question

distinguishthem
observation

of

cases

of

of

death

being

from

able

those

all the

from

of

to

ning,
lightidentify

homicidal

circumstances

of

BY

DEATH

the

such

case

the

"

body,

same

such

etc.

as

will
"

the

half-melted

buttons
tend

the

and

to

throw

thunder

peculiar
if

especially

burns,

and

wounds

of

occurrence

death,

the

of

time

the

as

1GD

LIGHTNING.

the

coins,
much

on

the

light

co-exist

two

of

person
upon

of

appearance

appearance

about

storm

metallic
of
it.

the

on

the
the

articles,
deceased,

170

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

CHAPTER

DEATH

DIVERSE

EFFECTS

ANCES.

effects

The

HEAT

the

is

term,

heat.

effects

where

the

in

of the

conditions

In

such

attributable

are

the

to

with

pulse,a cool,
third,
results

human

thermic

more

fever.

occasioned

by

collapse,accompanied
skin, and

true

standard.

produced
is

as

excessive

than

not

the

body

If, however,

occur

the

to

that

"

heat,

have

rapid, feeble
in the

syncope;

which

condition

is

required

in

or

heat-

artificial heat.

to

heat

mere

because

the

fever

we

of

distinct

meningitis

by

tendency

exposure

immediately developed by
of

thermic

It does

dry atmosphere,

temperature

be

Times, 1876), three

body

especiallyfrom

something

solar

engine-rooms, factories,etc.,

[Phila.Med.

moist

have

we

the

cases,

long continued,

first

exhaustion

what

directlyto

known

are

artificial heat, if too

in

are

semi-tropicalclimates,

have
acute
(which is rare),we
second,
phrenitis (coup-de-soleil)
; in the
in

system

mortality arising from

equallyserious

C. Wood

H.

human

sunstroke.

employes

SIGNS.

high temperature is habituallymaintained.

observations
to be, according to the
seem

very

would

There
Dr.

to

exposure

witnessed

tropicaland

fatal results

and

APPEAR-

POST-MORTEM

"

the

on

in the

COLD.

POST-MORTEM

"

heat

denominated

popularly

dangerous
by

in

BODY.

COLD.

of extreme

heated

But

OF

AND

THE

UPON*

EFFECTS

familiarlywitnessed
during

HEAT

FROM

OF
"

XI.

to

But

produce
and

perfectlypure

profuse perspirationwhich

its

is

rapid evaporation keeps

down

air

nearly
is

already

to

the

saturated

the

normal
with

EFFECTS

HEAT

OF

AND

moisture, this will prevent the

and

The

symptoms

with

In

paralysisof
The
In

instances, death

the

of

appearances

brain

and

its

ventricles,together with
abdominal

viscera

death

asphyxia.

from

of the

substance
vessels

with

be

to

appears

by

are

we
(trueconp-de-soleit)

cases

and

lysis.
para-

caused

by

heart.

the

post-mortem

some

headache

mere

complete insensibility,
coma,

to

many

the body,

from

dangerous height.

intensity,from

in

vary

drowsiness,

evaporation

will rise to

its temperature

171

COLD.

generally; and
other

the

fluid

dark,

with

lungs

there

of the

and

ordinary
of the

is anaemia
of the

the

but

the

in

in

distention

blood,

tion
conges-

serum

heart, as

cases,

brain, along with

decided

of the

congestion

In

find

membranes,

constant.

means

no

larger
vessels

minute

empty.
Cases

of insolation

legalphysician,yet
with

and
medical
with
The

if it be
takes

healthy,reaction
human

temperature

body
of about
It has

temperature.

warm-blooded

is reduced

There

is

no

state.

of

that

the

their

nature, together

body

are

been

are

down

authentic

said

F.

16

to

will not
20

less

by

human
fishes

been

actual

and

external

if its temperature
the

recovery

of

normal.
a

being,

after

the

other

of

the

resuscitated

The

experiment

below

degrees

is

its normal

of the

survive

of the

system

follows.

maintain

independently

account

have

to

ascertained

to

the

stimulation

the power

98.6"

immediately

duration, and

and

place
has

animal

short

frozen, although

was

animals

the

animal

animal, much

body

understand

nesses,
wit-

ordinary accompaniments.

depressing,but

that

from

remote

occur

of the

attention

termination, it is proper

effects of cold upon

healthy

the

claim

they might

as

fatal

often

not

should

examiner

the

do

from

blooded
warm-

whole

lower
frozen

172

MEDICAL

Death

from

system,

JURISPRUDENCE.

is hastened

cold

both
fatigue,

as

of proper

food

intoxication.
is

than

dangerous

more

cold

to

and

dry

the

during

The

one.

in

even

ticularly
par-

clothing)

wet

fatal effects of

posure
ex-

perate
comparatively tem-

winter, in the

of the

cases

this condition

especiallywhere

the

depression,and

(such as

cold

witnessed,

are

climates

mental

damp

exhausts

mental, loss of rest, want

bodily and

nourishment,

and

whatever

by

tute,
desti-

is associated

with

intemperance.
Cases

of

death

of the

do

which

they

may

often

not

jurist.There

medical

under

cold

from

require the

however,

are,

which

occur,

tion
atten-

certain

demand

ditions
con-

brief

consideration.
A

infrequentform

not

child

new-born

such

under

ensue

resistance
will

child, and
the

should

sides
also

the

it

its

be

if the

of the

with

to

cold

is

related

palloris
the

blood;
and

instances

upon

of the

(Ann. d'Hyg.,

In

her

place herself
the

treatment

to

in

of

get

of

as

air,the

the

body,

he
stiff,

of blood

terial
ar-

both

on

There

may

body.
of young

exposure

daughter, aged
on

ice-cold

insane, the

children

Such

recorded.

of bed

out

vessel
of the

the

rigor mortis; the

1831, p. 207),of

9,

it

of

of the

larger vessels.
the

of

case

; if frozen

extreme

intent,are

parents causing the death

and

soon

such

case,

regards

accumulation
the

in

homicidal

by compelling

As

body

of the

rigidityfrom

of violence

Occasional

the

examine

to

circumstances

this

heart

marks

will

In such

found, the temperature

was

distinguish
of the

of

exposure

Death

air.

being accidental,etc.

notice

color

is the

extremely limited.

is

consider

of
possibility
should

cold

extreme

physician'sduty

place where

he

infanticide

circumstances, since the infant's power

cold

to

the

be

the

to

of

two

inhuman

eleven

very

case

years,

cold

night,

water.

barbarous

and

im-

POST-MORTEM

COLD

of the

use

proper

shower

cold

patients to submission,
than

at

results.

Dr.

who

and

afterwards

took

would

properly

very

justlyliable

indictment

to

Post-mortem

deciding,in

was

the

the

case

here

lasts

Med.-Chir.
the

Rigor

time.

conclusion

that

the

were

signs

the

All

be

considered
be

the

mortis

Dr.

four

to

cold
of

circumstances
such

the

as

air,the place of

generallysets
to

as

cautious

exposure

of the

temperature

in

slowly,and

Ogston {Brit,and

For.
in

following appearances,

obvious

death

had

resulted

from

well

marked

in

so

legal

would

should

other

not

the

cause,

would

justifythe

cold, although
children

in

as

"

(1) An
in

of

be

cannot

to whether

death.

According

of any

character

treatment

examiner

as

Review, 1855),the

absence

adults

the

year,

etc.

long

These

"

case,

of

cause

died

manslaughter.

hence, the

given

F.,

45

; he

this

notice

"

at

emetic
of

fatal

by

lunatic, aged

require special consideration,

of the

exposure,

any

primary

season

for

treatment

shower,

Cases

such

of

appearances.

characteristic

very
in

authors

the

physician, and

cold

the

such

of

of tartar

under

come

in vogue

followed

been

subsequently.

intractable

more

that

said

the

dose

much

instance

an

subjected to

was

fifteen minutes

in

be

it has

and

records

Taylor

who
sixty-five,

formerly
hardly

extremely hazardous,

is

bath, for reducing

was

It need

present.

173

SIGNS.

hue

arterial
within

mass

the

of the

heart ;

blood, except

some

exceptions

when

viewed

are,

however,

noted.

(2) An
the

unusual

of blood

on

both

sides

of

heart.

(3) Pallor

of the

of the
some

accumulation

cases

moderate.

the

viscera

general
most

congestion

surface

of the

body,

largelysupplied with
of

the

brain

and

and

blood.

liver

was

gestion
con-

In

only

174

(4)

of

parts
As
the

the

of

exterior

does

putrefaction
of

discovery
afford

would

evidence

cold,

but

rather

body,

not

strong,
the
that

death

the

in

even

at

occur

though

body

non-dependent

freezing
in

corpse

was

limited

on

suggillations).

from

decomposing

very

that

the

them

(distinguishing

patches

dusky-red

diffused

and

Irregular

portions

to

JURISPRUDENCE.

MEDICAL

not

not

had

the
been

temperature,

the

ice

absolutely
result
frozen

of

or

snow

ive,
conclus-

exposure

after

death.

ITU

MEDICAL

JURISPRUDENCE.

tion,to perform the feat of

; and

day

that

It is stated

of

partook

nothing,
his

that

of

loss

and
under

not

about

The

the

fast,unattended

the

Chronic
of

food

death,

for

other

and

of

fluid is deficient

also

Irish

of

The

of
sense

especiallyin
the

hollowed,

covered

and

exhales

The

bowels

an
are

tion
compleis

have

disease, is

trary
con-

been

stomach

bowels,

fed

this

constituents, thereby

of

abundantly

are

It is

baby-farming.

in districts of country

in certain

the
upon

cow), where

cases

victims

and

children
or

Such

gus,
oesopha-

It is likewise

etc.

nurse

frequent

of the

stricture

young

chronic

parts of India, and

of

the

starvation

hunger

is not

where
in the

urgent

last stage, is extreme

; the

skin

is harsh

prominent bones, and,

with

offensive
either

generallywell-

are

very

pupils dilated; the

hangs loosely over

becomes

who

firmed
con-

1847.

symptoms

marked.

in

large scale

as
prevailed,

famine

The

on

of

its proper

miserable

be

which
effects,

others

was

is doubt

the

of the

nutrition.

in the

has

in

the

of

some

defective

witnessed

famine

in

there

appetiteon

marasmus,

(eitherfrom

milk

illustrated

result

death

case

time.

disorders

and

disease

unhealthy
causing

the

pancreas,

This

to

of

length of

perature
pulse,tem-

seem

bad

any

is witnessed

as

of the

disease

by

general experience

starvation,as

cancer

this would

fact of his voracious

forty days

in his

supervision,and

by

deprived of

cause

strict medical

each

water,
of

end

unimportant.

perfect genuineness;

to

the

at

plished
accom-

time, he absolutely

fluctuations

its

of the

cause

weight

he

of pure

ounces

respirationwere

very

all this

during

New

fast,in

all appearance,

to

some

save

thirty-sixpounds.

was

forty days' absolute

1880, and,

York, in August,
it!

a.

in

tion,
; emaciaeyes

are

dry, and

and
chronic

cases,

brownish, dirty-looking coating,

odor, like

very

that

or
constipated,

of

putrefaction.
the

faeces

are

177

STARVATION.

dry

scanty,

debility,

palpitation,

stomach,

with

clouded,
of

it

of

is

wasted.

The

the

it

below

usually

rarely

remembered

that
of

quantity
with

and

an

food

evil

the

body,

the

and

be

intention.

does

proved,
withheld,

pale
in

heart
and

the

more

tines
intes-

latter

usually

empty.
of

relations
of

law
be

the

the

and

pale

and

stomach

and

others

at

surface,

transparent,

cause

soft,
and

the

blood

medico-legal

to

the

shriveled,

skin

anaemic;

or

of

and

to

quality

of

muscles

on

contracted
the

is

serum

void

thin

The

The

healthy,

and

bladder

deprivation

done

is

congested,

of

lungs

regards

although
be

quickened,

emaciation

fat.

odor.

effusion
the

of

sometimes

contracted,

Great

loss

brain

contracted,

As

ency
despond-

"

disagreeable

ventricles;
less

entire

with

soft,

empty

times
some-

with

somewhat

first

at

intellect

end,

temperature

appearances.

emitting

or

the

the

to

is

pulse

slower;

almost

an

and

clear

again

the

in

pains

the

muscular

great

health.

Post-mortem
with

mouth

parched

The

mind.

afterward
that

but

is

aurium;

tinnitus

with

dry,

There

colored.

dark

and

homicidal

death,
the

require

not

but

starvation,

only

provided

the
this

it

should

absolute

necessary
has

been

178

TOXICOLOGY.

XIII.

CHAPTER
FROM

DEATH

POISONING.

(TOXICOLOGY.)

Poisoning is

the

poisons

different

of

statistics

the

for the

will account
for homicidal

close

effects,doses

symptoms,

deaths

modes

in

is to be

ascribed

to

POISONS

ACTION.

"

ANTAGONISM

Poison

is

OF

disease

or

death

health, and

not

an

ordinary

result:

person

or

by
a

both

of detection

of

Medical

on

nature,

poisons,

dence;
Jurispru-

largea proportion

so

ant
poisoning,it is importbe

properly

structed
in-

"

PROOFS
POISON.

OF
"

ABSORPTION.

"

ELIMINATION.

"

HOWTHEIR

MODIFYING

POISONS.

which, when

by

this

; and

of

one

the

CIRCUMSTANCES

"

substance

by swallowing,

body

lesions,

I.

THE

OF

DEATH?

CAUSE

of them

many

subject.

EFFECTS.

POISON."

DISPOSITION

SUBSEQUENT
DO

OF

be

can

employment,

should

SECTION

DEFINITION

they

of

treatise

of the

in this branch

which

post-mortem

treats

medico-legal student

the

that

and

since, as already remarked,

and
of violent

that

the

purposes.

and

properly included

is very

which

resemblance

Toxicology,which

of

by

facilitywith

with

ease

of violent

causes

is shown

fact of their extensive

suicidal

and

science

The

The

countries.

in their symptoms

disease

to

of all the

excepted),as

war

procured, the

be

may

administered, and
bear

of

(thecasualties

death

frequent

most

as

any
an

mechanical

other

into the

introduced

method,

occasions

ordinary result,in
action.

It

must

substance, for example, which

is
through idiosyncrasy,
injuriously,

not

state

be

as

affects

poison.

EFFECTS

the

agents

not

excite

may

"

iron, etc., may

be

cannot

of

the

are

tissue

and

poisonous

the

far

The

size

are

the

the

body

with

the

corrosion

stomach,

remote

produced
it

was

on

most

lungs,and
the

even

the
nose,

Inhalation

entrance.

the

lungs, and

neous
subcuta-

syringe, affect

direct

the

and

of

the

poison

stomach

mineral

and

acids

locally,
by

its

bowels

by

the
in

frequentlyacts
a

poison

of
the

remote

remote

poisoning
"

case.

the

this

the

part of

and

results

very

e.

g.y

immediate

twofold

from

local

contact,

Often

brain

effects
one

The

poison

inflammation

those

are

fatal.

on

into

of

ounce

remote.

comes

on

an

proves

and

causing

parts of the system

diagnosisof

half

alkalies.

and

remotely,

effects of

symptoms

which

local

stance;
sub-

non-poisonous

strychnia,or

are

distinction,

no

impressions produced

which

also

constitutes

quantity

first applied. These

the usual
in the

and

the

Poisons

Arsenic

system.
The

both

is the

course,

hypodermic
dose

grain

of the

of the
act

may

of

the

poisonous

be

Effectsof

the

of
a

acid, may

contact

channels

the

by

thus, half

effects

of

its ultimate

body,

rapidlythan by swallowing.

more

legally,between

The

of

by what

not

skin, the

the

through

vapors

mere

oxalic

matters

the

stomach,

rectum,

also

are

must

swallowed, yet these

into

access

The

introduction

system

substance

by hypodermic injection,and

vagina

even

"

glass, fragments

it
definition,

above

same.

; but

means

cellular

external

poisons.

as

the

to

when

render

substance

the

Again,

death

produce

poison gains

effects

ear,

blandest

vomiting.

regarded

According
avenue

diseases

many

mechanically : thus, powdered

act

usual

healthysystem

the
gastritis,

g., in

e.

179

POISONS.

to impressions by
extremely susceptible

system

water

be in the

it must

Again,

OF

that

of

the

nervous

manner.

which
to

are

which

constitute,in fact,

important

factor

180

TOXICOLOGY.

Mode

Action

of

should

its

produce

the

the

circulation,so

parts of

the

body;

absorbed.

other

impression
been,

various

at

the

of

detection

especiallythe
body,

that

The
the
to

been

solubilityof
which

it is

the

poison

part.

is from

the
in

as

poisons

from

of that

sound

introduction

munication,
com-

accepted

the secretions,

it is

skin

of

of

the stomach
organ

to

"

the nature

direct

poisons,

of

of

as

(1)by

the

to

the

the

most

ratio
that

reason

lungs, when
For

vapor.

surface
larity
vascu-

rapid

the
this
the

Certain

stance
subsame

blood
animal

glanders, syphilis,
smallpox,
undergo

is modified

sometimes

(since
death),but

viscera.

change, through

innocuous.

being

merely

not

after

instantaneous.

them

renders

may

in

An

etc.

deceased

injected directly into

virus

of the

viscera

materially influenced

(2)by

form

swallozued,appear

digestion,which
condition

the

the

of the

air-cells of the

effect is almost

poisons, such
etc., when

is

It is for this

also, when

vessels,the

have

nervous

different

introduced

applied,it being

inhaled

is
reason,

the

sonous
poi-

system

as

(2)in

state, in the

rapidityof absorption

absorption

The

have

possibly

of the

of

the

liver, kidneys, lungs,spleen, brain,

it,in the absorbed

detect

to

the

the circulation.

the poison in the stomach

might

first be

of

part of the duty of the toxicologistis

discover

distant

to

the present

"

blood

(3)in

; and

it should

abundantly afforded, (i)by

are

in the

poisons

transfer

such

"

it is

system,

it must

of

structure

absorptioninto

urine

the

as

essential
to

of

proofs of absorption

The

of

parts

contiguity of

is that

doctrine

modes

poison

conveyed

purpose

times, recognized

and

the

on

be

this

remote

to

that

order

that
corrosives)

to

as

for

and

Although

of

case

get into

In

"

effects

peculiar

(except in

necessary

Poisons.

of

most

by

rapid

become
witnessed

The

absorption

the full
when

the

avenue

in

the

or

empty

it is empty.
for

the

absorption

DISPOSITION

of

is much

absorption

sublimate

rapid,as

more

and

opium,

By removing the cuticle,the

surface.

that

appliedto

181

POISON.

THE

corrosive

emetic,

arsenic, tartar

when

OF

endermic

the

in

seen

(3) Fullness of the blood vessels. The rapidity of

absorption is inverselyto the quantity of the circulating
fluid ; hence, depletion by bleeding or
purging will favor
method.

absorption.
the

into

portion
is at

blood,
of the

poison

eliminated

once

is

by

After

"

absorption

different

the

through

it passes

as

Poison.

the

Subsequent dispositionof

organs,

immediately separatedby these, and

the

various

urine, saliva,pancreaticfluid and

the

secretions, as
Another

sweat.

bile,

portion

and
tissues, and
temporarily deposited in the organs
usually in the following order, as to quantity : the liver,

is

spleen,kidneys, heart, lungs,brain,

To

bones.
as

other

the

spinal

the

poison

mineral

is

portion which
it is

to

retained

mistake

common

the

only
kill.
in

deposited

in

mineral,and

that it is

as

attribute

again

have
the
of

no

be

we

of the

of

time

this
exclusively

Hence,
the

to

of the

of what
the

deceased;

was

poison
the

actual

time

reabsorbed

sary
neces-

which

is

being,
into

the

active.

positive proof

organs,

some

prove

to

one

any

death

the stomach

it is liable

quantity

it is harmless.

(absorbed)is,for

organs

and

still remaining in the

surplus,or complement
Although that portion of

the

minute

the

it may
circulation,
we

to

lead

especialaffinityfor

while

organs,

poison found in

innocuous, yet,
While

in the

that

at
capillaries

believe

and

exceptions,

prove

an

Only

reallynoxious;

retained

or

quantity of
this is

is

show

the

to

reason

to

seem

brain.

in
circulating

occasional

be

may

poisons

and

marrow

yet there is good

stomach,

there

experiments

recent

some

certain

this order

muscles

pancreas,

know

that

that
this

all
is

vegetablepoisons.

poisons
true

The

are

of the
gaseous

182

TOXICOLOGY.

poisons

appear

without

this

time

from

medicinal

after

believe

to

blood.

half

after

urine

of

being

horse

found

Taylor

proving
above

body

of

within

in

different

quantity
hours,

He

of this

amount

periods :

is 0.8

in

also

has

table

that

poison

In five to
in

hours,

in seventeen

to

arsenic

entirelyeliminated

from

poison

detected

was

day.

As

traces

of arsenic

fifteen

days.

but

in the

urine

as

rule,the analyst need

in the

body

of

been
late

person

after

after
age
aver-

taking,the

grains;
hours,

in fifteen

1.3

human

grains;
that
in

system

reported where

who

its

in this organ

the

hardly expect
a

the

hours

estimated

as

of

than

generallyadmitted
the

have

cases

much

acquires

found

1.2

twenty

It is

fifteendays ;

liver

of the

after

afforded

fifteen

in

Prof.

organ

sooner

the

in the

hours

yet been

as

fused
dif-

and

found

four

hours

days, 0.17 grains.

about

the

be

hour

an

this

will be

seven

nine

of potassium

may

been

liver

that

urine

poisons, there

animal

in fourteen
is

mineral

arsenic

by
gives

grain;

grains;

2.0

g. iodide

rarely occurs

believes

saturation

in the

arsenic

human

death

tain
Cer-

system.

after administration.

opportunity

swallowed.

being

the

Doubtless, it reaches

fact,since
of

an

hour
the

substances, and

that

It has

one

by deposition

appear

e.

removed

rapidlyseparated from

shown

period. Taylor

maximum

to

to

they are

have

arsenic

the

relation

swallowed.

although no

sooner,

at

the

swallowed.

being

In

that

Experiments
throughout

of

be

to

or

for different

being swallowed,

turpentine.

reason

poison

known

periments
ex-

dogs {Legons,^.
59).

on

conditions
are

Bernard's

by

elimination

by

different

lungs immediately,

proven

absorbed

an

substances

minutes
and

is

for

tissues,varies

or

also,probably, for
few

was

sulphuretted hydrogen

required

organs

the

by

This

the circulation,either

in the

eliminated

deposition.

with
The

be

to

the

twenty-fifth
to

has

find any
survived

184

TOXICOLOGY.

administration
the

speedy

more

in the
dose

of

case

large

smaller

poisons

dose

of oxalic
smaller

sometimes

antagonize,

neutralize

Christison, the effects

intoxication, which

The

poisons.
large

there

and

dose; thus,

immediately
the

heart

and

some

sometimes

by
vous
ner-

again,

modified

laudanum

very

taken,

was

of all the

postponement

by

irritant

where

case

to

suspend

or

other

of

true

crease,
in-

According

arrest

to

way

and

to

activity,and
decidedly

probably

remarkable

was

the

action.

are

sublimate

of corrosive

dose

their

authoritymentions

same

by

upon

their

in

also

is

The

poisons is

of arsenic

seems

This

its action.

of

diminish,

to
or

retained.

fatal later.

prove

of combination

effect

large

be

almost

will act

one

seen

prove

might

would

kills

is

thus

and

modified

acid

this

to

arsenic, where

as

one

is much

some

centres, and

to

exception

rejected by vomiting,

shock, while

The

An

action.

rule,the largerthe dose

irritants,such

whilst

innocuous,
effect of

the

some

be

may

As

require notice.

usual

symptoms.

The

whether,
the

of

question
by

human

symptoms,

the

usual

at

in

the

poison
usual

This

"

modified

their

of

one

doctrine

trial of Dr.
the

failure

by

the

Paul
the

first

Schceppe,

and

the

death

morphia,

symptoms

of

was

and

produced

time,

ascribed

the

Carlisle,
to

mixture

prussic acid poisoning, and

the

lish
estabup

the

of this

of

absence

we

bility
plausi-

at

prosecution
by

by

legal
medico-

apparent

some

upon

death

after

is,

conceal

to

considerable
for

was

that

"

action
as

discovery

country, urged with

After

their

poisons,
so

is

Poisons

of

allegationof poisoning by prussic acid, it set

that

claim

tests

celebrated

Pa., in 1869.
the

prevent

chemical

this

of

will become

and

importance.
believe,

Antagonism

combination

system

the

the

all the

failure to

ANTAGONISM

OF

detect

either it (except
by the merest

might

result from

morphia,
In

the

the

to

dogs, with

upon
A

few

of the

exhibited.

were

effects

Acid.

morphia
prussic acid, if

poisonous doses.
(2) Morphia and Atropia.
of these
the human

but

subject;

(3) Strychnia and

evince

real

no

of

symptoms

ordinary convulsions

"

(4) Strychnia

and

of the

the tetanus

by

with

these

XXVI),

substances,

(6) Atropia and

true

antagonism

justifya

resort

to

on

taken

in full

exhibited

nately
alter-

alkaloids

show

no

in full doses.

given

The

"

The

speedilyfollowed

of
investigations

dogs {Trans. Roy.

real

antagonism,

Soc.

which

Dr. Frazer

Edin.,Vol.
was

firmed
con-

experiments.

Strychnia.
"

between
the

dogs.

strychnia (takenafterwards).

Escrine.

the author's

full

in

spasms.

was
morphia (takenfirst)

demonstrate

by

when

fatal

powerful poisons

were

tetanic

agents

the

taken

were

These

"

of the

(5) Atropiaand

both

each

Morphia.

in

These

"

and

dispositionto antagonism,
narcotism

now

When

antagonism.

usual

doses, the

Acid.

toxic

were

fluence
antagonizinginfullyrecognized in

it is less manifest

Prussic

question.

poisons

latter be

mutual

is

ments
experi-

counteracts

the

alkaloids

two

this

of both

never

The

"

of

here.

both

If

"

doses, the symptoms

The

the

of

determining

brieflydetailed

Prussia

and

in full lethal

of

the

substances

two

number

shown

was

or
analysis)

of the

made

view

results will be

(1) Morphia
given

author

the

of

alleged antagonism

1870, the

year

trace, which

faultymethod

the

185

POISONS.

these
of

use

would

There
two

be

alkaloids,sufficient

to

atropia in

case

to

seem

of

strychnia-

poisoning.
There

also

appears

between
warrant

9*

trial of

good

Aconite

for

reason

and

digitalisin

admitting

the

so
Digitalis sufficiently
"

case

of

tagonism
an-

to

poisoning by

186

TOXICOLOGY.

the

(On
Sri.,1 8; i.)

aconite.

The

poisons
of

to

be

the

of

the

narcotics

in the

is witnessed

to

this

arsenic,as
in

mania-a-potu
in

drug

paralysis,the

the

by

; and

of

and

apoplexy

usually

It is also

the

alleged

arsenic-eaters

countries.

modifying

tolerance

of

action

Habit

in the

seen

mountainous

of disease

effect

and

of

case

Med.

especiallyin

shown

alcohol.

and

Jour.

the

modify

disease.

poisons, as

opium

other

Styria,and
The

of

power

in the

true

that

system

habit, idiosyncrasy,and

are,

diminishes
case

of the

conditions

Poisons, Am.

of

Antagonism

the

of

system

its increased

the

poisons
in tetanus

opium

susceptibility

of the

inflammation

to
susceptibility

of

action

of

action

In

brain.

is

strychnia

diminished.
of

influence

The

of

action

This

poisons.

generally.
produce

The

sleep is usually to diminish, or

narcotism

similar

of arsenic

is true

produced
also

effect,and

SECTION

EVIDENCES

I.

FROM

EVIDENCES

3.

ANALYSIS.

CHEMICAL
IN

RULES

EXPERIMENTS.

that
to

he

his

business

reaches

of the
definite

investigation.

derived
Post-mortem

from

the

mask

their

to

seems

symptoms.

LESIONS.

POST-MORTEM
IMBIBITION

CIRCUMSTANTIAL

POISONS.

OF

ANALYSIS.

"

4.

"

EVIDENCE.

"

LOGICAL
PHYSIOLEGAL
MEDICO-

"

CLASSIFICATION.

of the

knowledge
chief

the

"

opium

TOXICOLOGICAL

5.

"

CONCLUSIONS.

FROM

POST-MORTEM

PERFORMING

by

irritants

POISONING.

2.

"

"

the

and

the

II.

OF

SYMPTOMS.

to

retard

evidences

poisoning

toxicologist.
conclusion

These

by

constitutes
this

means

submitted

cases

comprise: (i)those

(2) those

(3) those

It is

in the

evidences

Symptoms

appearances

of

obtained

afforded

by

from

the

Chemical

SYMPTOMS

derived

analysis
; (4) those
Moral

(5)the

alone, they
for the

that

making

alone

would

be

in

of drink.

if

given

since

the

sufficient

to

in

poisons produce

in very

of

some

"

small

of this
food

The

same

that

several

mentions
where

an

of

circumstances,
symptoms,

which

prevailingat

was

third

rapid course

to

after

soon

in

intervals,as

should

be

suspicionsof poison
has analyzed the suspected
urine

of

the

here

even

it

have

may

tient.
pa-

after
the

might happen
simultaneously

Taylor
partaking of a meal.
character, occurring in London,
of

be

family,under
seized

cious
suspi-

with

violent

malignant cholera,

which

time.

connected
a

currence
oc-

his

suddenly

were

that

tozuard

sudden

immediately.

physician

he

members

proved

feature

symptoms

after

of this
four

of

gradually,and

on

especiallythe

cholera,

persons,

instance

three, out

at

come

The

But

disease, like

some

attacked

same

symptoms.

severe

need

strengthened,if several persons,

food, are
suddenly seized with

is

of the

almost

mentioning

drink, and

suspicion

partaking

them

character,before

no

after taking food

soon

quantities,and

about

and

is their

their effects very

may

of

case.

notice

to

symptoms

perfectlyhealthyperson,

cautious

case

the

charge,

symptoms

examination,

poisoning,the symptoms
for disease.
readily mistaken

extremely

the

chemical

decide

poisoning, but

establish

to

characteristic

no

slow
be

of

be

administration

constitute

would

Most

animals

on

possible,there

were

first of these

The

their

are

These

"

diagnosis

sufficient

be
there

if this

ever

Experiments

evidences.

the

in

never

reason

poison;

But

factor

can

any

from

afforded by Symptoms.

important

very

187

POISONING.

Circumstantial

or

I. Evidences

OF

with

the

fatal termination.

symptoms

is their

This, however,

is

188

TOXICOLOGY.

do

always

not

hand,

diseases

many

what

From

their

run

that

readilyunderstood

course

said

just been

has

the

The

which

disorders

cholera

of

ulceration

the

the

of

in

disease.
whose

diseases

poisoning.
irritant

simulate

poisons

narcotic
of

the

hernia.

ilius,and

stomach,

inflammation

epilepsy,

of

symptoms
those

signs

most

resemble

most

it will be

are

malignant cholera, gastro-enteritis,

nitis,
perito-

morbus,

which

other

consists
practicaldifficulty

the

resemble

most

symptoms

the

on

symptoms,

shall, therefore, brieflyconsider

We

poisons

rapidly.

very

about

these, and

distinguishingbetween

active

most

immediately, while,

fatal

prove

the

since

practicalvalue,

much

of

not

poisoning
brain,

Those

apoplexy,

are

cardiac

and

tetanus

diseases.

Cholera
is

morbus

resembles

most

frequently mistaken

character

fell under

death

where

but

in

the

weakness,

of

cases

short

eight hours,

time

both

stomach,

ilius,and

strongly

resemble

ago,

analysis,the

most

poison.
resembles

the

the

as

action

excessive

dejections,the

hernia,
of

many

this

of which

cramps,

of

all

present

those

the

symptoms
from

witnessed

tartar

and

nausea

extreme

ulceration
Gastro-enteritis,
peritonitis,

etc.

it

by the attending physician,

yielded, by

such

rice-water

Two

notice

morbus

most

in its symptoms,

vomiting,

about

of arsenic

cholera

latter.

author's

however

both

Malignant

the

cholera

for

positive evidence
emetic

the

occurred

mistaken

were

for

poisoning,and

arsenic

of

the

which
irritant

poisons.
of

Many
to

somewhat
effects
tetanus.

the

the

features

apoplexy bear

of

opium poisoning; whilst

symptoms

resembles
of

of

strychnia

poisoning
bear

from

strong

blance
striking resem-

epilepsy

prussic acid, and

likeness

to

those

the
of

his

upon
of

of

knowledge

the

hand, he should
what

disease

the

rules

the

same

result

in

and

no

of either

cause

rules

already given

(Vid. ante,
should
of

be

not

body,

of

of

innocent

an

The

rule

into

of

by

the

The

that

thorough

whatsoever,

death."

The
gation
investi-

here.

repeated
strongly

lead

the

to

It

resembled
conviction

that

had

the

analyst.

R.

He

discovered

loss

to

not

was

account,

from

clean,

Bridges, which

in

until

at

the

mony.
testito

occurred

arsenic, but

was

into

the

the

chemical

old

an

zinc-paint,before
zinc

other

communicated

case

suspected

contained

and

inferred

all the

carelesslythrown

formerly

Prof.

by

stomach
be

may

destroy

illustrated
late

the

this vessel

to

poison

stomach, etc.,were

at

be

post-mortem

had

receiving

sufficient

is well

himself.

was

be

careless,superficial
autopsy

symptoms

showing

This

he

are

always

lesion

be

not

perfectlyclean jar

be

author

should

natural
a

"

person.

the

trial,would

to

need

supposed

poisoning

should

or

poisoning, might possibly

fact,that

the

the

importance

viscera

56)

other

the

on

case

judicial post-mortem

no

conducting

forgotten that

where

those

accidental

for

p.

of

case

overlook

to

as

so

Examination.

Post-mortem

important

"

exhaustive,

tioner
practi-

poison.

observed, namely, that the examination

and

and,

regulate other

One

examinations.

the

put

attributingto

of

autopsy

an

which

those

as

in

obtained from

governing

alone

misled

really the

is

should

hastilydeciding on

symptoms

be

not

II. Evidences
The

facts

above

guard against too

poisoning from

189

EXAMINATION.

POST-MORTEM

the

tin

being

can

sent

to

viscera, for which

the

above

fact

was

ascertained.
In the
open

this

examination
organ

of the

along

the

stomach,
lesser

it is recommended

curvature,

and

after

to
care-

190

TOXICOLOGY.

fullycollectingand
clean

upon

then

magnifier,and

with

furnished

evidences
the

from

derived

be

afterward

symptoms,

examined

with

of the
certain

the

body

lesions.

mineral

alcohol, nicotine
On

corpse.

and

lighton

acids

are

the

body,

if present, is usually
the

dark,

well

as

Again,

the

tharides, Scheele's

orpiment;

also

As

poisoning, it
poisons

leave

inflammation

their
also

may

regards

green,

the
may

behind
of the

bowels, together, at

of certain
and

leaves

and

poisons

in

phorus-po
phos-

The

ceptible.
per-

be,

may

such

which
fibres,

in

very

as

at

can-

acid

arsenious

features.

stances,
sub-

and

latter may
aid

of the

required.

remarked
them
mucous

above

often

are

the

on

luminous

are

bowels,

vomica,

nux

of

dress

; and

pathologicallesions

true

be

odor,

botanical

be

of the

decided

stomach

vegetable

recognized by

microscope

remains

the

about
the

on

when

as

case,

perceived

odor

more

alliaceous

in the

times, discovered

be

fumes, which

white

the

as

the

tion
inspec-

prussic acid, opium,

may

the

preciselythe
external

also

of

similar

discovered

odor

phosphorus

opening

the

some

Occasionally, the

person.

for

exhibit

fauces, and

and

cheeks, tongue

clusive,
absolutelycon-

and

Sometimes

throw

may

of the

stains

mouth,

be

never

diseases

many

post-mortem

same

can

those

like

post-mortem,

"

viz., because

reason,

the

by

only strongly suggestive

but

be

of vegetable

microscope.

The

the

crystalsof arsenic,fragments

as

should

These

etc.

matter,

of

aid

noted, together

appearance

such

ward
out-

the

phosphorus, suspicious powders, pieces

of

the

abnormal

foreign substance,

any

surface

mucous

carefullyinspected,with

be

any

the

spread it out

to

contents,

glass,with

of

pane

; it should

the

measuring

that, as

decided
membrane

times, with

marks

resultingfrom
rule, the

of

irritant

congestion

of the

stomach

and
and

ulceration,perforationand

192

TOXICOLOGY.

the

satisfactoryproof of death

is

can

"

satisfactoryproof
of

detection
it

the

undoubtedly
If it

proof.

doubtless

of

be

evidence

the

effects

the

substantiate

there

poisons
those

from

the

besides, circumstances

unsatisfactory,then

are

On

other

the
of

presence

the

that

prove
the

absence

and

the

moral

that

the

poison

the

death

had

of

in

kingdom
a

proper

branches

analysis

of

proofs

reveals

the

necessarily

not

Indeed,

poisoning.
the

in

pathologicallesions,

cases.

liquid

absorbed

poison,
than

the

body

be

statement
not

introduced

be

as

more

not
as

tive
posi-

as

fullyassent

correct

in the

forgotten that,
into

of

discovery

mere

do

We

as

organs,

considered

some

evidence.

It should

the

in

justlyregarded

etc., is

Indeed, it is by

state

the

into

purposes.

this,although admitting the

poison

especiallyfor

secretly introduced

poisoning

incontrovertible

of

from

some

acquitted.

stomach, this does

been

of the

stomach.

majority

the

for

chemical
be

to

proofs,it might plausiblyjustifythe suspicion

satisfactoryproof

to

that

other

must

symptoms,

liver,spleen,kidney,

and

accused

resulted

of the usual

detection

it in the

the

moral

necessary

prevent

time, the

same

supposing

in the

after death, for sinister

The

the

hand,

poison

to

If,however,
the

not

animal

and

factors

the

and

test,

interfere

may

if at

fail,and

evidence

chemical

this

post-mortem

understood

vegetable

examination.

the

analysis is

known

no

"

It is well

charge.

believe

if all the other

living animals,

on

particularline

We

symptoms,

chemical

the

is

derived

chemical

the

"

have

absolutely essential,

escape.

logicalone

perfect

then

"

and

safe

are

appearances,

evidences,

would

criminals

inquiry is,that

this

deemed

always

chemical

convictions

Many

cases.

question

the

this

reply to

poisoning,without

were

man}'

position to

The

without

afforded

be

in certain

can,

in trials for

occurred
of

poison

The

by poisoning.

the

stomach

if

or

IMBIBITION

POST-MORTEM

of

rectum

will

osmosis, and
the

the

good

that
the

they
facts

of

communicated
of

for its

of
and

the

cats, with
and

time,

to

weeks,

seven

different

in order

of

by

evidences

naturally

very

extremely

occurred, and

have

the

had

which

bility
possi-

circumstances

Geo.

the

were

the

series

Dr.

on

with

is familiar

establish

to

with

he

of

ments
experi-

McCracken,
of

bodies

dogs

acid, corrosive

arsenious

solutions

These

limate
sub-

of the

severally

were

their

stomachs

for

of three, five,six
periods, respectively,

when

they

subjected to
after three

"

respectivesulphides
liver,and

stomach,

"

antimony;

that

were

and

chemical
weeks'

in

bodies
and
the

seen

the

burial, in the

of the

black in the

lowing
fol-

of all

spots

spleen,under

of

face
sur-

peritoneum posterior

of
case

case

colored

the

on

case

the

analysis,with

characteristic

portion

yellow

animals, and

disinterred,opened, and

were

the

of

caused

decided

particularsof

Pennsylvania,

poisonous solutions, the

case

been

author

supervision,by

the

the

interment,

the

results:

to

The

production,

poisons.

viscera

of the

more

emetic, confining his experiments, for the

mineral

buried

will

existence; but there

they

the

and

solutions

tartar

injectedinto
were

of

University

and

"

of poisonsare

together

his

made, under

organs

them

might

their

that

occurrence,

favorable

most

adjacent

had

time

viscus, by

months'

or

death

deny

case,

him;

to

its

weeks

of what

repeated.

such

one

the

contaminate

to

imbibition

believe

be

may

of the

opened, very

organs

authors

to

reason

short

poison.

indeed, many

rare;

walls

with

as

the

be

of post-mortem

Cases

is

the

by

for absorbed

taken

be

then

body

afforded

will be

that

aroused

suspicion be

poison, and

so

organs,

if,after several

Now,

tube, in

kidney, spleen, etc.

liver, lungs, pancreas,

less.

or

193

POISONS.

the

in contact

come

penetrate into these

of

means

liquid will penetrate through

the

"

body, by

dead

OF

arsenic

; red

of mercury.

in the

Each

1"U

TOXICOLOGY.

of the
in

metals

left

liver, spleen and

the

in the

found

being

spleen ;

of liver farthest
After

right kidney.
noticed

the

on

and

six

the

portion

much

well

of the

down

in the

and,

the

as

of the

fundus

also, the poisons

of

case

in the

arsenic, even

in

detected

were

the

decided, being
of the

surface

lower

bladder.

in the

none

liver,together with the spleen,intestines,omentum

kidneys

liver

interment

more

the

as

amount

next

; and

weeks'

seven

analysis

greatest

stomach

were

as

upper,

in

the

from

sulphide deposits

colored

the

kidney;

next,

chemical

by

in the left kidney; and

then

joining the stomach;

portion

discovered

likewise

was

extending
chemical

By
all the

both

and

low

as

analysis,

above-mentioned

organs.
The
to

the

of the

evident

that, given

be

the death

the

been

having

lead

would

reveal

conclusion, then, would

had

died
;

organs

and
of

we

find
into the

to

the

circulate

the

it had

person.

The

the

to

by osmosis, through

finding of

the

the

to

the

not

viscera.

individual

in the
the

viction
con-

circumstances,

examine

stomach

bably
pro-

poison,

other

lead

such

of

rumor

discovered

been

Under

after the

would

the

that

ous
poison-

the chemical

and

liver and

greatest importance

its way,

This

of

naturallybe

poison injected into

brain.

and

existence
in the

person,

body;

It is

deed, it would

introduce

alleged discovery might

innocent

it of the

deem

because

an

dead

of the

poison, because
this

for the

produced by poison.

The

from

months

stomach, but also

in the

by poisoning.

motive

the disinterment

to

examination

murder

of

post-mortem

tion
toxicologicalinvestiga-

secretlyto

stomach
or

of the

idea

every

trial for

naturallylead

facts would

the

sufficient

weeks

few

difficult matter

very

liquid into

lapse of

poison, in

with

connected

only

above

necessity of excluding

introduction

not

the

from

inference

could

the
not

brain,
sibly
pos-

bony cranium,

poison,therefore,after

RULES

death, in the brain

do

we

brain, in order

the

Chemical

and

vomiting
the

to

analysis,from
will detect

many

of the

usually

be

easily

poison
not

was

in the

or

The

the

be

or

with

occur

(5) Its possibledecomposition in

not

the

with

occur

mineral

of these

may

e.g., arsenious

acid

into the

In

performing
be

may

of the

This

of

death

poison

is much

inorganic
dead

and

the dose

death, and

more

substances.
This

body.
the

after

undergo change

does

chemical

death,
the

yellow sulphide,yet

of

all,the

examiner

character

of the

post-mortem,

particular class
Secondly,
and

toxicological analysis,

observed, which

of the

care

also

as,

metal

indestructible.

should
First

poisons

poisons; although

composition
remains

the

reagent

rabies, and

cause

with

chemical

known

decomposition

organic, than

and

long

by

where

its elimination.

during

of

by absorption

case

to

the

adhere

to

apt

mineral

(3) Loss

rapid. (4) The

very

to

apt

glanders

death, by

through

spite

no

be

can

before

very

is

only just sufficient

was

blood,

to

in

poison

reasons

undiscoverable

of

identified.
is apt

in

; there

nature

poison

This

good

stomach,

vegetablepoisons.

elimination.
the

the

one

found

the

discover

elimination

by

as

charge.

acid, however, is

its very

that

the

be

must

disappeared

(2) It maybe

the

poison

several

and

lining of

vomiting.

regarded

administration.

fails to

all have

may

purging,

mucous

violent

sometimes

Arsenious

secretions.

the

for this failure

(i) It

assigned:

that

substantiate

to

analysis

death, and

after

maybe

of its ante-mortem

maintain

not

195

ANALYSIS.

spinalmarrow,

or

strongest evidences

of the
But

FOR

his

of the

of

as

will

greatly facilitate

the

and

symptoms,
these

poisons
In

will
he

(ifthe

usually

should
be

searching

for

the

his
with
more

himself
was

indicate

direct

conducted

case

rules
process.

should, if possible,inform

analysis should

accuracy.

certain

to

fatal)
what

researches.

scrupulous
complex

196

TOXICOLOGY.

organic poisons,it is
evaporation, to
of

fail

may
to

respond

to

operate

other

in

The

recognized

the

This

the

in

difficulty,
e.g.
the

of the

metals

should

be

not

placed

is often

with

foreign matters,

sulphides of

arsenic

arsenic, and

the

persalt of
the

iron

analyst

pure

Evidences

IV.
cases

where

the

post-mortem
material

be

may

be

of

from

that

upon
to

test

of

many

as
precipitates,

admixture

cite

two

the
the

impure

liquid tests

for

of

the

the
the

the

to

action

saliva.

purity

Finally,
of all his
cally
chemi-

so-called

impurities which

contain

Experiments

poison

introduced

Birds

be

cannot

lesions

strychnia,the
test.

reliance

may

his examination.

rabbit, guinea pig, or

case

and

careful

often

reagents

seriouslydamage

between

opium,

should

the

apply

not

its resemblance

may

antimony,

much

antimony,

much

of

first

other

without

being disguised by

resemblance

upon

the

does

Too

color

mere

instances, we

remembering

reagents,

earths.

or

the

and

with

arsenic, mercury,
of course,

to

it essential

of

uncertain, from

As

substances.

being

accomplished

fallacious,from
or

ones

metal, along

remark,

on

respond

deem

we

ments.
experi-

to

be

alkalies

this

other

characteristic

the

case

This

lead, etc.

copper,
to

always

can

further

ought

poisoning,

produce

to

water

best, also,

It is

for

or

substance

tests, the

of

material, reserving the

the

accident,

metallic

in

analyst

results.

of

case

quantity

amount

tests.

proper

of

suspected

applied ; and,
for

the

to

liquid,by

minute

large

the

reduce

to

bulk, since

through

one-half

on

portion

all the

small

very

diffused

poison

good plan

and

into

not

so

Living Animals.

identified

chemical

mouse), and
frog would
are

on

the

by

tests, the

livinganimal

well

adapted

toms,
symp-

(a dog,

appropriate

In

suspected

its effects noted.

be

"

In
as

for

cat,
the
roborative
cor-

experi-

The

ment.

confined

the

pathologicalactions.

its physiologicaland

of
the

of

presence
and

case,

The

in the

material

of the

deceased

the

; but

conclusion, inasmuch
of the

might

avoid

poisonously,although no

been

taken

the

although poison
it

stomach,
undergone

decomposition,

stomach

would

the

animal.

on

Another

poison may
body of an

where

had

flesh had

become

and

goat will feed upon

that

their milk

will act

the

hand,
the

in

or

the

is,that

through

system

rabbit

plant,by
with
those

the

animal

which

that

known

poisonously upon

A
of

pie ;

the

that

up, was,

stramonium

the

all the evidences

of

It is well

it.

being affectedby

belladonna

poisonous.

really

of

connection

partaking

of the

previouslyeaten

act

poisonous impression

latter

successfullyset

was

had

contents

family exhibited

after

belladonna-poisoning
defence, which

the

to

present

the

into the human

\ without

animal

thus

other

the

been

in this

noticed

be

to

be introduced

is recorded

case

longer produce

no

fact

that

so

secretions

poison

on

hasty

too

expelled by vomiting,

all been

have

might

and,

originallyhave

may

the

cause

the animal

bowels

and

infected,and

become

French

usually the

stomach

should

means

England.

is

cases

in the

deceased

in

is

some

this

celebrated

upon

by

derived

By

Lamson,

examiner

to

in

in such

disease

as

canal

alimentary

Dr.

found

that

or

of

case

employed

be

to

vomited,

matters

identified

was
digitalis

aconite

thus

poisoning,together with

of

fact

mere

107

POISONING.

information

the

of

character

to

OF

EVIDENCE

CIRCUMSTANTIAL

the

its
cow

impunity, and
who
partake

of it.

V.

Evidences

medical

derived

expert is

testimony, yet,
are

often

in
so

not

from

Circumstances.

generallyconcerned

poison

cases,

the

closelyconnected

medical
that

the

Although

"

with
and
the

this

sort

moral

expert

of
dence
evi-

may

198

TOXICOLOGY.

throw

it. These
light upon
following: (i) The suspiciousconduct

the

are

"

considerable

before tJie event, such

the
the

Count

(2)

accused.

the

who

Bocarme

nicotine.

for.

calling.This

line of his

Of

The

death

his

be

may

medicines

brother-in-law

together
of the

opinion
of the

case

the

above

chain

of

giving
"

series of

; but

of this

we

chain;

substantiate

the

of

is

is this

nor

the

and

of the

able

always

necessary

of one,

absence

or

even

of

tening
has-

constitutes
any

exhibit

to

allegation of poisoning, since

in the

the

illness.

in

always

cause

of the

autopsy,

an

poisoning

the

taining
ob-

fatal termination

false account

been

his

expressing

and

of

act.

all vomited

disposing of

"

of

and
illness,

care

perfectlyconclusive
not

are

the

administering the

or

speedy

the

for

exclusive

food

evidences

poison having

out

with

drink

or

preventing

as

excreta;
a

food

motive

and, after the death, opposing

proof which

case

made

the

probabilityof

burial,and

The

proof"

with

the

during

the

and

carefullyremoving

matters,

his

of

giving

in

not

accounted
satisfactorily

such

"

advice; assuming
the

to

as

person,

deceased

poisons

possessionof poison by

the accused

of

the

of

medical

"

and

accused

strong point against

very

in
(3) The proof of administration
deceased.
(4) A sufficiently
strong

after the

link

of the

certain

poisoned

this

(5) Suspiciousconduct

was

purchase

course,

in

dabbling

as

"

circumstances

vidual
indievery

order

in

to

"

satisfactory
death
maybe

two, of the

above

evidences."

Certain

medico-legalquestions will naturallypresent

in every

(1) Is

the

question
his

case

death
is

proofs

or

of

poisoning

sickness

fundamental,
of the

allegedpoison?

as

to

it

rarely in

comes

be ascribed

compels

poisoning. (2)
It is

that

What

the power

up

to

the

for

poison?

expert

to

is the nature
of the

selves
themtrial :
This

exhibit

of

the

toxicologist

200

TOXICOLOGY.

introduced

be

pretended?

feigned for

some

discovered

by

is

The
from

close

times,

Poisons.

of

natural

which

source

is

Animal

poisons.

termed

the

poisons

upon

adopted

in the

the

the

All

as

animal

the

being

poisons

Dr.

divided

are

One

which

of

is founded

the

Inorganic

Mineral, Vegetableand

to

system.

The

effects

the

upon

with

of

latter

It is based
few

some

Classes, I.

two

be

classification

philosophical.
Taylor,

may

the

reference

into

is

poison

of

classes

two

various

at

of these

is founded

most

proposed by

one

be

cations
classifi-

numerous

classification,which

treatise

present

can

chieflytaken

proposed

from

the

other

healthy

are

being poisoned

been

the

here.

those

by

The

of

have

been

physiological,has

arrangement,
upon

have

or

imposture

idea

Of

"

expressed by

Organic poisons;

diseases

insane.

kingdom

or

poisoning

[Sur V Empoisonnemcnf).

of Tardieu

poisons

derived, and
and

of the

only require notice

two

the

on

The

watching.

Classification
of

the

medico-legal questions

treatise

various

as

but

special motive;
delusion

above
the

just

Undoubtedly,

common

very

accidentally. (8) Can

medicinally,or

fications.
modi-

Irritants ;

II. Neurotics.
I. Irritants.

These

"

irritant action
the

effects

stomach

times
or

being

mixed

less

; the

with

an

coat

mucous

Irritants

poisons
of the

acrid, burning

blood.
of

The
the

abdomen,

and

be

purged
lesions

post-mortem

(i) Simple irritants; and

(2)

Irritants

into

in

cramps

being
are

mucous
gastro-intestinal

subdivided

an

swallowing,

on

ulceration,perforation and
may

produce

as

alimentary canal,

taste

in the

vomited

matters

inflammation

; sometimes

The

the

such

vomiting, purging, pain

nausea,

the

upon

include

at

more

brane
mem-

gangrene.
two

possessing

orders:
remote

CLASSIFICATION

OF

specificproperties. They
sections,depending

three

further

may
the

on

201

POISONS.

be

separated
which

from

source

they

procured,viz. (a)Mineral, (b)vegetable,(c)animal

mineral

of

Some

the

irritants

chemical

diluted,th?5 corrosives
II. Neurotics.

action
specific

These

"

the

on

those

of the

brain

and

former

great

tissues.

of their

account

brain

and

These

are

drowsiness, giddiness,
and

coma,

paralysis. They

are

sions
convul-

sometimes

naturally

subdivided

into

(i) Cerebral, (2)Spinal,(3) Cerebro-spinal.

thetics.
these Orders
comprise (a) Narcotics, (b)Anaes-

Orders:

three

first of

The

the

on

centres, the
are

headache, delirium, stupor,

and

metallic.

irritants.
on

nervous

symptoms

cord.

spinal

named

so

are

action

simple

as

the

altogetherdistinct from
to the
class,being directed especially

The

spinal marrow.

act

are

corrosives, on

named

properly

are

; and

and

non-metallic

into

of their destructive

account

If

finallysubdivided

are

into

spinalcord,

the

upon

Tetanies.

termed

convulsions

The

Asthenics.

and

heads

above

must, of

the

line between

poisons
tabular

arrangement

ri

IrritIxts
f
iRRiiAMb.

ri
Class

2'

TT
II.

1.

"

remote

] Order

is to

great

"

classes

accuratelydrawn.

OF

the classification

and
The

IO

j
I

at

of

orders

glance :

"

(Mineral. {Non-metallic.

proper.

ProducinS

"

specificeffects.
Cerebral.

2.

Spinal

3.

an

following

Veg'able. } Metallic.

(Animal.

(*arC0*C?:
Anaesthetics.

or

Tetanies.
( Deliriants.

Neurotics,

extent

CLASSIFICATION.

Irritants

1.

"

fluence
in-

as
imperfect,

somewhat

be

which

of Deliriants, Depressants and

course,

exhibits

TABLE

Order

directly

sometimes

those

comprises

the different

be

always

cannot

act

strychnia; they are

arrangement

and

which

producing delirium,
spinalmarrow,
be
latter may
paralysis. These

and

arbitraryone,
boundary

as

third Order

the three

under

grouped

those

includes

such

The

the brain

both
coma,

Order

second

The

Cercbro-Spinal.

-jDepressants.
I Asthenics.

202

TOXICOLOGY.

XIV.

CHAPTER
CLASS

I."

IRRITANT

BY

THE

POISONING

SYMPTOMS.

COMMON

CERTAIN

mineral

The

they

Their

with

intense

detached

entirelylocal.

of

in

the

in

membrane.
if

acid, and

brownish

The

they happen

they produce effervescence; they

destroy
they

the

may

impossible.
and

the

and

the

skin

and

the

may

also

of the

texture

fall.

be

is

and

countenance

cough

and

with

clammy.

and

change

matter,
shreds

is

are

small

and

which

sometimes

constipated
and

Respirationbecomes

expressive of great anxiety.

of speaking.
difficulty

tensely
in-

slab

color

material, on

bowels

of

are

marble

the

painful,and

pulse

constant

matters
a

lowed,
swal-

gullet,

blackish

mucus

other

is very

The

or

and

fall upon

also

intense; the

diminished.
cold

to

of young

being

on

mouth

ejected

cloth,or

Swallowing

Thirst

urine

the

seldom

are

death.

stomach, attended
of

considered

by suicides,but

immediately

burning

sess
pos-

"

common

case

of accidental

blood, together with

mucous

They

in the

except

cause

vomiting

with

mixed

certain

properly be

may

exhibited

are

pain
and

is

the

consist

eructations
often

FOR

Muriatic

and

occasionallyemployed

are

symptoms
and

which

purposes

frequently are

more

MENT.
TREAT-

"

EXAMINATION

Sulphuric,Nitric

"

action

homicidal
;

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

system,

This

together.
children

acids

the

effects upon

for

APPEARANCES.

general characters,and produce

certain

used

ACIDS.

ACIDS.

DIFFERENT

THE

MINERAL

POST-MORTEM

ANALYSIS.

CHEMICAL

"

"

POISONS.

Death

weak
cult,
diffiThere
may

MINERAL

the

upon

glottisand

mouth

is

When

the

in the

has

acid
of

case

the

been

mouth

and

action

may

result

is

from

vary

Post-mortem
hue

mouth

apt

are

and

in the
At

and

mucous

suffered

most

cases

faculties

dress

the

of

often

from

the
of

The

death

stomach

has
have

very

escaped

Treatment.
when

the

treatment

more

No

"

undiluted
consists
of

acid

into

the

in

If

these, of chalk

or

or

cavity

poison,

The

lining

stomach

of

the

the

abdomen,

found

intensely

blood.
efficient

prove

swallowed.

stirred

yellowish

inflamed,unless

of

to

tracted,
con-

containing

contents

will be

likely

sodium;

magnesia,

be

the

administering a

potassium

to

appears

of the

it presents

dark, effused

been

color.

poisoning, where

the

likelyto

are

has

whitish

blackened,

rapid.

remedies

yellowish

windpipe
action

times

are

less of

or

the

usually softened, detached

through perforation,the peritoneum

inflamed, with

of

deeply congested;

been

liningof

entirelyescaped.

other

lowish
yel-

or

eroded, stained

corrosive

is

glottis

of death

period

The

sulphuric acid

intestines

to the

lipsand cheeks; also,

of the

oesophagus

liquid;at

grumous

cape
entirelyes-

brownish

sometimes

membrane

throat,

months.

deceased.
and

acid, and

of

perforated,sometimes

appearance.
the

of the

The

usually remain

the

or

the

on

is shriveled

in long shreds, and

dark

found

spent

suffocated.

or

Stains

"

the

confined

weeks

to

parts of the body had

membrane

be

reported

are

all other

to

of nitric
the

times

have

the

tongue

case

hours,

appearances.

portions of

on

few

is

shriveled.

down

generally fatal,
although
a

and

lips may

being

mental
adjacent parts. The
clear,the patient dying convulsed

acid

windpipe.

stained

far back

and

The

of the

lipsare

poured

corrosive

of the

force

portion

infants,the

injury,the

the

upper

excoriated, and

203

TREATMENT.

suffocation,when

from

occur

ACIDS

The

proper

solution

of the

the

absence

or,

in

up

in water,

carbonat
biof

together

24 ' 1

TOXICOLOGY.

copious diluents, such

with

stomach

The

etc.

of the

of

acid

has

acid

very

The
chars

diluted

is

is

acid

count
ac-

Oil

named

heavy, oily liquid,

and

1.845; intenselysour,

sp. gr.

been

it

acid, non-corrosive;
into it and

dipped

dried

by

the

of heat.

the

other

The

fatal

half this

is

mineral

where

it

dose

usually

where

its action

Several

introduced

was

for

adult

an

quantity.

Death

frequentlythe

more

acids.

of concentration

The

than

fluid

the

within

to

acid

resist

There

is

Casper,the
good

into the
It has

been

Chemical
its

by

the

analysis.
"

off

heat

by

when

sulphurous

wood

chloride

this

The

chips or

of

result,the

and

in

cases

cording
Ac-

immediate.

poisoned by sulphuric

believing

that

eliminated

urine

mixed

during

this

by

acid

with

fumes

white

barium, insoluble

an

when
The

secretions.

is

recognized

life.
acid

equal

it evolves

bulk

of water;

boiled

with

diluted

acid

with
precipitate,
in nitric acid.

precipitatedsulphate

is absorbed

the

organic bodies;

charcoal.
a

degree

long period.

it chars

its producing

infant,

an

glottidis,
producing

almost

concentrated

acid

vagina.

the

on

ported
re-

quantity swallowed.

rima

be

and

in the

oily appearance;

gives

detected

circulation

more

absolute

of those

for

reason

detected

considerable

mercury,

bodies

putrefactionfor

for

drachm;

twenty-four hours,

spent upon

are

and

rectum

danger depends

upon

occurs

is

is

homicide

of

cases

than

of death

cause

into the

suffocation,the fatal result may

or

on

oesophagus.

commercially

colorless,very

has

Sulphuric acid

it

tea, oil,

reaction.

which

paper

softened

state, it is

In its concentrated

light-brownishcolor;

aid

This

"

flaxseed

employed,

be

not

perforatingthe

Acid.

of Vitriol.

should

pump

risk of

Sulphuric

barley water,

as

of barium

copper,
is

the
To

easily
nitrate

confirm

should

be

TOXICOLOGICAL

mixed

and

dried

with

reducing agent (charcoal,

ide,
cyan-

some

is by
sulphate of barium
this is
sulphide; and when

this

the

acid, the smell

perceived,proving

of

the

heated

potassium),and

of

ferrocyanide

or

205

EXAMINATION.

with

moistened

diluted

of

at

the

in

sulphur

chloric
hydro-

is

sulphuretted hydrogen

into the

converted

means

presence

redness

to

once

original

acid.
It

barium,
The

etc.

acids

objected

Another

to this

the

by evaporating
a

piece

of

would

remain

residue

would

solution

that

contains

two

both

the

of

the

will represent all the

Another
alkaloid

delicate

free acid
test

is introduced

evaporated

to

dryness

developed. Moreover,
a

sulphate, it serves

to

residue

acid, no

saline

sulphate, a
present where

acid

and

some

soluble

of barium

the
phate;
sul-

should

be

this will

the /nr
precipitate
resultingsulphate of barium

present.

the

diluted

beautiful

as

free

may

is veratria.
into

free

dryness

to

case

liquid;

hence, the

duce
pro-

the

as

solution

here, finely-powderedcarbonate
added, first warming

sulphate will

suspected

free

tates,
precipi-

easilybe distinguished

may

the

But

acids,

by them.

of barium

nitrate

if it contained

left.

sulphuric acid only

nitrate

last-named

neutral

if it consisted

but

be

acids

hydrochloric

or

untouched

any

of the

drop

glass ;
;

the

; but

other

precipitateswith

all the

precipitatewith

is true

several

is,that either nitric

sidpliateremains

same

This

white

dissolve

objectionis

the

on

down

immediately

while

that

test

carbonic, phosphoric,oxalic,boric

g.y

answer

will

acid.

e.

as,

this

to

sulphuricthrow

besides
of

be

^y

this test

small

portion of

acid

and

carefully

crimson-purple
produces

distinguishthe

no

latter

this

color

is

effect upon
from

the

free

acid.

examination.
Toxicological
and

viscid,should

be

boiled

"

The
with

organic matters,

if thick

the

distilled

addition

of

206

TOXICOLOGY.

acidified
the

and

the

and

water,

precipitatewashed

It

with

mode

is

sulphuric acid
is acidulated

the

dissolved

in pure

if the

latter
the

then

amount

and

colored
a

the

their

be

of the

tested

cloth

should

Quantitative analysis.

sulphate;

the

hot

with

filter,dried

equal

to

the
"

or

of the

the

with

the

also

be

of any

Sulphuric

acid

sometimes
of these

boiled

with

nitrate
tested

ioo

at

the

same

sulphate.
is estimated

careful

parts of the

parts of monohydrated

of barium.

as

washing

little hydrochloric acid, is collected

weighed;

other

on

few

acid, a
and

stains

brownish-red,

long time;

exactly

originalsolution.

is red

garment

absence

of these

that of the

bright red, and

before,

of each

color

precipitatedsulphate, after

and

42.02

of the

and

show

to

for

recognize

out

cut

cloth

moisture

To

little distilled water,

time, in order

dark

they produce

stain.

spots should

"

ness,
dry-

is then

will indicate

The

substances

water,

weight

clothing.
on

to

sulphuricacid present;

stains

retain

portion

weight

of
An

weighed.

precipitated as

of

acid

solution

sulphuric acid, and

in the

on

The

nitrate

precipitateexceeds
of

excess

the

evaporated

the//r^ acid present

yellowish

is

free

no

of the former

by sulphuric
they

was

of

and

of

Detection
made

dried

If the

depositweighed.

weight

one,

free

phate,
sul-

containingfree

precipitatedwith

and

filtered,and

water,

soluble

volume

given

dissipateany

ferro-cyanide
above.

solution

original solution

precipitatesis equal,there
but

from

cases,

citric,acetic, etc.

"

precipitatewashed,

to

the dried

acid

acid

nitric

of the

volume
in order

and

contained

follows:

as

with

barium, and

equal

solution

distinguishingthis

of

and

mentioned

other

some

medico-legal

heat

by

portion,

nitrate of barium,

tested, as

that the

might happen
along

reduced

further

and

potassium,

In

dried.

and

be

measured

by
precipitated

nitric acid, next

by

this precipitatemay
of

filtered,and

solution

in

on

sulphate

sulphuricacid.

a
are

TOXICOLOGY.

color; the
the

mouths
the

vessels

of the

intestines

poisoning

exposed
a

watch

in the

action

to

tin

takes

acid

of barium

showing

the

(2) Boil

with

the
of

be

will

Evaporate
the

of

off dense

if about

added,

is tested

is

of

acid

recognized

fumes

heated

be

on

or

boiled

of the

cury,
mer-

these

on

its

negative
of strong

its volume

twice

when

when

of copper,

and

silver

of

sulphuric
of

moisten

copper

diately
imme-

gold

(1)The

causes

and

; the

(3) Neutralize
a

piece

of

the

above

solution
a

solution

with

until

when
like

cate
will indi-

carbonate
in

the

paper

neutralized

fragment

of these

the
is

touch-paper.

striated
magnifier (six-sided

be

acids.

amine
crystallization;ex-

with

sodium, the crystalswill present the rhombic

(5)Put

fumes

filteringpaper

burning,

on

precipitates,

no

red

of

addition

hydrochloric

of potassium) ;
(nitrate

scintillate

the

follows

as

action.

crystalswith

nitre).If

of'sodiu'm.

brane,
mem-

orange-red fumes,

solution

nitrate

and

resultingsolution

(4)

acid

result);(4) by

same

fragments

nitric

it

mucous

residue

no

fragments

on

the

absence

potassium,

dried,

the

place.

dilute acid

The

In chronic

escape.

(diluteacid requires to

produce

hydrochloric

nitrate

poured

gold leaf; but

on

the

as

appearances

orange-colored

air; (2)by leaving

the

cold,when

metals

same

open

portions of

upper

concentrated

The

"

and

The

softeningof

glass; (3)by giving

zinc

the

sometimes

and

traction
emaciation, and, after death, con-

great

analysis.

to

deeply congested,

is apt to

(i) giving off colorless, or

"

usually a yellow

found.

been

Chemical

in

is

pylorus, with

of the
has

the

intestine

large

there

is

seen.

exhibit

may

The

stomach.

be

can

have

blood;

dark

with

adjacent viscera, and

contents

membrane

lining

filled

vessels

the

to

The

partiallydestroyed.

even

by

adherent

perforated,and

state,

prisms

carbonate
form

of

of nitrate

crystalsinto

small

test-tube,along with
of

sulphuricacid

be

an

water

add
filings,

of copper

instead

the

and

fainter

boiling. (7)As

on

in

crystalof brucia,which

test.

Proceed

acid

and

(5),except

in

as

allow

it to cool ; then

pour

sulphate of

iron

of

solution

immediately formed

(9) A

weak
with

contact

the

color

becoming
the

(8) The

iron

sulphuric

of

excess

in
;

appearing
color,dis-

pared
gently a freshly-prefine

liquid,if cool;

if

is

color

purple

junction,which

of

line

an

copper

speedily
color

heated, the

orange-red fumes.
in
heated
of sulphateof indigo; when
solution
of potassium and sulphuric
a crystalof nitrate

with

disappears

the

at

throughout

extends

add

to

morphia, when

of

of tin.

of chloride

of

(5),but

in

as

blood-red

will

production

result, the

yield

drops

there

(5),substitutingfor

will

the addition

on

fragment

will

orange-coloredsolution

an

few

slightlyheat, when

of copper). (6) Proceed

liquid (nitrate

blue

and

orange-red fumes,

of

escape

filingsand

little copper

209

EXAMINATION.

TOXICOLOGICAL

the

disappears. (10) As

acid, the color

of narcotina

of

evolution

the

of copper

instead

changing by gentle heat

(5),using

in

(11) The

blood-red.

crystal

color is produced,

reddish-brown
to

(5),substituting for the copper a piece of

hydrochloricacid ; the gold will
gold leaf and some
pure
dissolve,and the solution may be tested by protochlorideof
tin, which
(12) As in (5),
imparts to it a purple color.

gold test, as

in

substituting for
and

few

hue

is

imparted

the

grains
to

acid

If

may

have

viscid,add

the

of

gently for

about

acid, neutralize
IO*

been
a

First, test

"

neutralized

by

quantityof

carbonate

an

the

organic

alkaline

paper

filter ; if found

potassium and

ters
mat-

the

antidotes.

distilled water, and

hour;
of

the
litmus

with
stomach, etc.),

quarter of

with

acid
fragment of pyrogattic
intense
sodium
purple
; an

solution.

sufficient
a

of

of chloride

Toxicologicalexamination.

(as contents

copper

boil
to

be

crystallize

'210

TOXICOLOGY.

drench

by evaporation;

impurities,and

remove

If

described.

; then

up

them

test

acid, they

not

are

above

strong liquor potassae, to break

sulphuric acid

add

methods

the

by

examined

matters

with

boiled

be

should

the

crystalswith strong alcohol, to

the

filter,
crystallizeand

them
test

as

above.

with

distillation

with

acid, by

the
sulphuricacid, and neutralizing

distillate

of

carbonate

The

or

thirtydrops
To

(i)add

examined

the

solution, if nitric acid

and

Make

and

water,

mixture

put

twenty

test-tubes.

little brucia ;

little piece of

follows

as

sulphuricacid

into four

for

examined

potassium.
be

of

equal parts

be

always

tissues may

of

now

nitric

urine should

The

tissue
be

should

change

no

be

to

when

examined,

will

present,

Add

result.

turn

the

blood-red

color.

(2)add

To

Add

result.

now

is present, the
a

tissue, and

the

will

of the

few

grains

boil.

The

with

moistened

should

action

no

if nitric acid

tissue,when,

disappear.
of copper

blue

color

solution

filingsand

reddish

evolved

present, will give

acid be
paper

sulpliatc
of indigo;

piece

color

(3)add

To

of

trace

of

of

of white

piece

of

if nitric

vapors,

to

iodide

piece

potassium

and

starch.

(4)add

To

piece
brown

of

the
of

is

substance

be

in

are

on

of

become

adding
an

and

(Woodman

present.

examined

warm

neutralized

with

stains,as

before

as

the

by soaking

distilled

resultingcrystalstreated
these

will

iron

olive-

Tidy,

251.)

p.

should

sulpliatcof

solution

color, if nitric acid

Suspected stains
^iher

of

tissue,the

the

Med.

For.

solution

water.

carbonate

above

mentioned,

or

If

acid, the

of

potassium, and

directed.
is

fabric

yellow

The

they

tion
solu-

color
can

be

HYDROCHLORIC

of

stain, whilst

nitric

stain,and
Free

does

it with

which

Hydrochloric
Muriatic

Acid.

Acid,

of

carbonate

by

rating
satu-

sodium;

every

grains of anhydrous

54

it is

has

hue

commercial

The

acid, arsenic

and

poisoning by

it

exposed

sp. gr. of about

colorless; its yellow

iron.

when

fumes

is due

chlorine

to

pure

chloride

or

nitric

Instances

impurities.

as

has

air, is

When

1.15.

comparatively rare, except

are

the

to

frequently contains

acid

antimony,

commercially

usually found,

Spirit of Salt,as

and

powerfullyacid, and
of

estimated

acid, known

This

"

light yellow color,

the

(or bromine)

iodine

be

may

neutralize

will

intensifies

N2O5.

acid

as

solution

in

tion
applica-

bile.

recently ignited

of

grains

53

the

the

by

potassa, which

affect the

acid

bile

and

discharges

it

not

nitric

iodine

of

solution

weak

of

stains

distinguishedfrom

211

ACID.

of

the result

as

of accident.

Symptoms.

These

"

by the

other

of the
of

formation
Fatal

dose.

destroyed
to

other

Half

"

is the

treatment

mineral

and

lesions

mouth,

usually

observed.

adult;

an

from

sioned
occa-

white

grayish or

fatal period varies

same

as

appearances.
found

although they

pearance
ap-

with

the

drachm
a

few

noticed

presents

described

that above

more

in

cases

These,

"

of death

has

hours

for the

the

the whole, resemble

on

the

from

closely assimilate

by sulphuricacid, in
often

for

ounce

those

of the

interior
is

to

acids.

Post-mortem
the

an

acids.

membrane,

The

child.

mineral

tongue
false

generally,similar

weeks.

many

The

are,

the

blackened

in the interior of the stomach.

denuded

appearance,

from

the

other

two

appearances
or

charred
The

acids,
duced
pro-

ridges

oesophagus

detachment

of

its

212

TOXICOLOGY.

The

membrane.

mucous

glottisand
in

deeply injectedand corroded,

spent its effects

"

other

acids

dense

white
a

(i) by

"

or

in contact

glass rod

wetted

heated

with

which

poison

has

its

is tested

over

an

its

on

silver,which

darkens

soon

copper
chlorine

evolving

solution

of

dilute

acid

very

nitrate

on

to

exposure

of silver,
with

gives

this

chloride

copious white, curdy precipitateof

by
tle
bot-

open

action

negative

off

giving

of manganese.

by

its

best shown

"

acids

heated; (4)by

is characteristic.

solution

ammonia
the

with

peroxide

dilute acid

The

with

(3)by

when

even

mercury,

when

yellow color; (2)by

its

ammoniae;

be

strong acid is distinguishedfrom

fumes

of aqua

the

where

cases

also

may

organs.

The

analysis.

Chemical

holding

these

on

larynx

light,and

of

is insoluble

boiling nitric acid, but very soluble in ammonia.

dried and heated, it fuses into a yellow liquid,which
in

When

cooling

on

becomes

chloride, e. g.
with
be

evaporated

on

glass slide;

of silver also

substances, but

they all, with

acid, dissolve

silver is also

soluble

off cyanogen

its

in

in

Toxicologicalexamination.
distillingprocess

(such

as

the

small

dryness.

The

of

contents

up)

quantity

"

be

may

viscera, properly cut

with

if it

free

was

the

of pure

this

be

water,

first portion of the

from

cyanide

The
and

is further

and

by

its

acid
The

is

of

tinguished
dis-

giving

volatile,the

organic

stomach, together

should

and

glass tube.

applied.
the

acids

of that

exception

As

it will all

acid

other

nitric acid.

in

should

left.

will be

bailingnitric acid;
heated

precipitate

originalsolution

crystallineappearance,

gas, when

soluble

any

same

precipitatesseveral

hydrocyanic
by

As

mass.

of the

drop

chloride, a residue

if a

disappear;

soft, horny

salt,will yield the

common

of silver,a

nitrate

Nitrate

put
and

into

matters

with

the

glass retort
distilled nearly to

distillate

maybe

rejected;

HYDROCHLORIC

the

but
with

above

First,there

method,

is

be

to

be

quantity of

secondly, chloride

there, being introduced

not

safe, in

If the

exclusively.
did

of

with

the

normal

sodium

is

food.

of this acid

detection
would
In

be

order

frequently
the

distilled water

liquid

cooled

then

are

divided

dried

of the

and

the

acid

precipitatewith

and

weigh

the

present
second

difference
free acid
The
a

"

both

the

to

is

of

gently
Equal

; dissolve

of

of

two

the

the

The

give

weights

will

of

the
of

portion
so

to

as

water

filter,
dry

the

first precipitate

hydrochloric

; the

combined

indicate

half

nitrate

in pure

all the

the

solid

of

bath,

before

in combination

only

any

for

second

residue

weight

is

precipitateis

water

silver,as

silver will

free and

boiled

measures

the

Evaporate
in

acid

sufficient

precipitatedwith

dryness

nitrate

present in the

stains

fragments and

filtered.

precipitateindicates
in

tion
examina-

conditions, the

whole

precipitate.

of chloride

mere

chloride,in

little nitric acid, and

and

acid

the

weighed.

free

this

in both

one

originalliquid

dispel all

chemical

as

into small

and

taken

silver,after adding
washed,

acid, the

hydrochloric

merely

or

and

added,

hour, then

an

whether

whether

or

be

lesions

value.

the free state,

should

proof

analysis

post-mortem

the

by

chloric
hydro-

Consequently,

corrosive

after death

no

organic mixture,
matters

from

determine

to

in

present

of

the

and

symptoms

gastric juice

death

indicate

not

test

fallacies

two

present in the

variable

to

medico-legalcase, to rest
poisoning by hydrochloric acid on the chemical

of

of

characteristic

is liable

however,

stomach

acid; and

it would

the

usually yield

always apt

human

found

213

STAINS.

of silver.

nitrate

of the

will

remainder

The

ACID

the

weight
acid

of

; the

of

amount

originalsolution.

hydrochloric

acid

on

bright-redcolor, changing, after

dark
some

cloth

are

days, to

at

first

red-

214

TOXICOLOGY.

dish

They

brown.

already

described.

verified

by

having
This
of

The

The

manner

of

acid

of

sp.

thus

paper
as

gr.

of

to

acted

mentioned
is

acid

grains

ioo

should,
of

portion

used

sometimes

is

Hydrochloric
every

the

after

method

however,

the

be

not

garment

stain.

acid

same

examined

experiment

another

testing

forgery.

the

be

may

the

1.15.

for
estimated

latter

are

ink

erase

should

on

the

as

marks
be

in

cases

treated

in

cloth.
of

chloride

equivalent

to

77.80

silver

parts

216

TOXICOLOGY.

Symptoms.
acrid,

taste, followed

nauseous

throat

and

of

with

muscular

be

it may

or

In the

latter cases,
such

the

effects of

similar

are

often

more

above

rapid,and

are

respirationby
The
the

swallowing

those

to

the

in

results,for this
Fatal

dose.

effects of the

same

in the

Half

of caustic

and

ounce

proved

of recovery
alkalies.
ounce

of

the

of

ammonia

that

they

the

organs

are

of

of ammonia

vapor

followed

of the

mineral

rather

upon

the

actual

potash

to

fatal

by

caused
dose

of

has

from

of

swallowed.
fatal

Strong

aqua
;

this than
after

degree

dose; but

shops, containing

drachms

two

occurred

their

usual

of the

death.

acids, the fatal

amount

is the

solution

frequent

more

Recovery

ammonite

but
from

swallowing

instances
the fixed
over

an

liquid ammonia.

Treatment.
Dilute

case

half of the

fatal in the
are

to

is sometimes

upon

fortygrains,has

about
has

lorus,
py-

off.

depend

than

an

the

reason.

alkalies

ounce

be directed

to

given

concentration
an

of

and

described, except

of syncope,

As

"

years.

secondary

to

solution

strong

applicationof

cases

owing

few

even

or

oesophagus

apt

vapor

incautious

nose,

is

in

ensue

starvation.

occasioning
The

of the

is covered

body

months,

fatal result

stricture

as

pulse is quick

may

for

postponed

blood;

respiration is rapid,with

Death

prostration.

hours,

causes,

the

by

of
difficulty

The
the

anxious;

sweat;

in the

with

tinged

coughing.

countenance

cold, clammy

great

and

an

pain, increased

matters,

mucous

hoarseness

feeble, the

abdominal

character, with tenesmus;

similar

swallowing,
and

of

vomiting

sensation

burning

occasion

they

state

by

violent

stomach;

pressure;

purging

concentrated

the

In

"

"

vinegar

The
or

stomach
lemon

together with oil,or

other

pump

should

never

juice should

be

demulcents.

Opium

be

used.

freelyswallowed,
may

be

given

stimulants

quiet pain, and

to

The

inhalation

by

of

Post-mortem

mouth,

appearances.

in their

blood, and
bronchi

beneficial

prove

in

membrane

lining

exhibit

and

stomach

and

abraded

soning
poi-

from

is blackened

chronic

In

oesophagus

of

evidences

times

at

the effused

The

and

larynx

softened, especiallyin the

and

poisoning.

of the

condition;

completely destroyed.

inflamed

maybe

of the

The

"

softened

be

may

of ammonia

might

of the stomach

coat

mucous

the depression.

counteract

ammonia.

throat, oesophagus

corrosion
the

of

vapor

to

acid

acetic

217

POTASSA.

FOR

TESTS

much

be

may

the

cases,

case

brane
mem-

mucous

thickened,

calibre, as also that of the pylorus of the stomach,

and

its

extremely

contracted.

properties. All

Chemical
turmeric

They

"

brown, and

paper

causes

dilute, a yellow double

which

crystals.
hence,
be

in

lime
action

(2)

Tartaric

potassa,
of

or

the

chloride

of

its

be

readily be
a

former, if

potassium
to be

seen

of

"

and

not

tinum,
pla-

in octahedral

precipitate ammonia
the

latter

detected
with

test-tube

recognized by

its

alkali

must

by heating

hydrate

of

odor, and

by

its

paper.

acid

throws

salts,a

tartar).This

is

also

absence

can

may

turmeric

on

limate
sub-

fixed alkalies,

with

suspected liquid in

vapor

the

causes

will

reagent

Ammonia

the

; the

this

monium
am-

Corrosive

follows:

soda

microscope

analysis,the

insured.

little of

the

under

But
an

litmus.

reddened

as

distinguishedfrom

(i) BicJdoi'ide of platinum

too

turn

ammonia.

with

one

is

Potassa

yellowish precipitatewith

white

to

carbonate.

ammonium

sulphide, or
and

the blue

restore

acids,

precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen,

not

are

neutralize

the alkalies

action

white
may

down

from

strong

solution

of

crystalline precipitate(cream
be

facilitated

by adding

little

218

TOXICOLOGY.

by stirring with

alcohol, and

ammonia

of

absence

each

Neutralize

(3)

(4)

Heated

on

gives

potassa

(5)

sodic nitrate

the

violet color

This

reagent

gives

but

is affected

by

defined

soda

and

of

blue

drop

of the

drop

of

has

the

of

On

turning

the

soda

no

Prof.

Andrews,

Gas.

X, p.

it

soapy

the

beautiful

grain

well-

in the

lines, one

of

soda.

chloric
hydro-

drop

upon

glass slide, and

of

is next

with

be

to

crystallize;
a

play

of

thus

then
fully
care-

it is then

polarizer.
perfectly

field becomes

be

is

platinum

colors

whilst,

According

produced.

may

for

test

detected

to

(CJiem.

378).

feel
should

to

to

effect is

of

sjtooo

test

furnished

until

analyzer

no

delicate

which

mixture

begins

Toxicologicalexamination.
a

is put

microscope,

is present,

to

The

dark, the crystals exhibit

soda.

ammonia;

former

delicate

most

bichloride

excess.

until

the

latter tzvo

solution,

solution
an

of

or

exceedingly

an

added,

the

under

with

salts.

metallic

the

been

evaporated,
placed

one.

space.

light affords

added, avoiding

if

is

with

and

in the

two

the

process

(7) Polarized
acid

flame,

blowpipe

potassa

potassa, giving with

or

one

or

the

crystalline antimoniate

several

yellow band,

yellow,

guishable.
distin-

six-sided, striated

yellow

precipitatewith

no

spectrum

either

readily

are

in

wire, in

soda,

salts, a white

and

for

evaporate

of potassa (freshlyprepared) yields

soda

(6) The

acid, and

nitric

is in cubes.

platinum

Antimoniate
its

with

alkali

is
potassicnitrate {nitre)

The

crystals;

proved.

resulting crystals

The

solutions.

the

first be

must

Here, also, the

rod.

glass

and

frothy

first be

dryness,

and

"

The

appearance.

established

heat

to

redness

will

mixture

The

usually have

absence

(ante. p. 217).
in

capsule,

of

monia
am-

rate
Evapoin order

TESTS

char

to

the

the

The

organic matters.

distilled water

in

solution

as

OF

SALTS

FOR

ash

filtered;the

and

carbonate, when

210

AMMONIA.

is then

alkali

will
be

it may

be

to

digested
found

be

tested

in

above

as

described.
If

required
that

first be

with

absolute

but

incinerate

and

above

and

the

will dissolve

out

After

carbonate.

; dissolve

nate
carbo-

the

the

latter

treated

residue
free

filtration,
evaporate
the

alkali,

ness
dry-

to

in water, and

residue

test

directed.

Quantitative determination.
double

chloride
should

washed

Every

Potash

"

is

estimated

platinum {ante,
p. 217).

with

be

weighed.
22.5

the

from

originalmixture,

dryness,

to

alcohol, which

the

not

as

evaporated

alkali

caustic

present in the

be

may

must

separate the

to

with

parts of caustic

potassa,

The

tate
precipi-

alcohol, dried

strong

parts of the double

IOO

as

chloride

and

represent

28.25 parts of anhydrous

or

carbonate.
Chemical

analysisof

{aqua, or

ammonia

having
When

The

it evolves

when

evaporated

if,at the

and

other

test

potassium
is

gives

ammoniae.

to

"

It

purple

gives

redissolved,
brown

an

sublimate
excess

discoloration

to

with

ammoniacal
are

adding

an

"

excess

of free potassa
the

when
lime
odor.

(1)bichloride
acid;
(orpicric)

until the mercuric

with

no

solution

volatilize
mixed

are

characteristic

this consists of

taste.

It leaves

colorless, and
time, they

liquid,

color.

salts of ammonia

corrosive

colorless

acrid, alkaline

an

platinum; (2)tartaric acid; (3)carbazotic

formed

it

for the

tests

is

of

Solution

"

dryness.

to

are
same

its salts.

ammonia.

gaseous

characteristic

salts of ammonia

(4)Nesslers
of

potassa, they yield the

The
of

salt

copper

heated;
or

odor, and

pungent

very

and

liquor ammonia)

heated

residue
of

Ammonia

of iodide
iodide

being added;

smallest

trace

of

220

TOXICOLOGY.

examination.
Toxicological

decomposition, it will

of

inasmuch

organic liquid,conducting

cooled

receiver, containing

the

examine
first

by

re-distill,
along with

is

for

the

test

tion
solu-

given off,then

ammoniacal

an

; filter the

of lime

well-

solution, and
this

potassa;

or

salt,
will

double

chloride

potassa

represent 7.62 parts

ammonia.

of pure

SECTION

TOISONING

OF

NITRATE
POTASSIUM.

THE

BY

POTASSIUM.

ALKALINE

AND

BITARTRATE

"

ALUM.

"

II.

OF

CHLORINATED

"

SALTS.

EARTHY'

POTASSIUM.

"

SODA."

AND

POTASS.E

OF

SULPHATE
SALTS

BARIUM.

OF

Nitrate
used

of Potassium
the

in

arts,

[Nitre; Saltpetre).This
"

especiallyfor

it is likewise
It

into

quantitatively,like

determined,

parts of the

iOO

every

be

fourth

ammonia.

free

Ammonia

ammonia

hydrate

characteristic

vapors
and

strong alcohol

analysis,

about

over

the

retort

state

putrefactive
process.

little water,
no

of the

contents

treating with

yield the

If

directed.

above

in

the

attempt

Distill

of the

as

to

be

the
quantities,

small

its presence.

will determine

odor

mixture

result of the

in very

found

it be

Unless

useless

be

is

ammonia

as

If the

"

in

occurs

cooling;
upon

hot

employed

in

six-sided, striated
soluble

very
coals

in

gives

the

salt is much

manufacture

of

medicine, in small

crystals;taste

off nitrous

fumes

when

doses.

saline

deflagrates when

water;

powder;
gun-

and

thrown

acted

upon

by sulphuric acid.
Symptoms.
it acts

as

"

In

large doses, and

powerful

membrane,

causing

stomach;

vomiting,

cold, clammy

irritant

violent

skin ;

the

to

concentrated

alimentary

burning pain

sometimes

weak,

in the

of

in

the

state,
mucous

gullet and

blood; bloody

stools;

frequent pulse ; collapse

and

POISONING

death.
occasions

certain

Occasionally,
local

slight

Fatal

large

has

dose.

An

to

ounce

state, has

largest dose
"

Wharton

the

He

four

seemed
was

About

have

to

very

his
case,

imperfect, and

their

life-like appearance

days

after death.

Post-mortem
stomach

is

stomach

often
are

of bland
relieve

and

chair
the

and

and

trated
concen-

hours.

the

or

shock.

to

"

observed

The

membrane

in

tinged

vomiting

one

instance.
The

with

etc.

no

mortis

retained

for

three

of
in

The

contents

the

places ;
tines
intesof

the

by

the

blood.

should

drinks

detached

and

be

promoted

opium

depression; together with

fomentations,

lips

degree

or

poison

rigor

remarkable

lining

was

the

of

in

nitre, he

There

and

countenance

heat
three

the

The

man,
Gerof this

within

dose

by

of

sense

expired.

by

The

ounces

taking

excessive

life

mucilaginous

half

times

after

other

is mentioned

three

result

for

in

few

taken

similarly affected.

Free

pain
as

been

sometimes
"

taken

fatal in

usually highly inflamed,

Treatment.

to

half

slightpain

hours

appearances.

perforation has
are

but

destroyed

the

upon

mistake

by
a

three

five

of

this

In

autopsy.

comparatively

generally the

is

been

purged

was

fell out

suddenly

and

have

of

complained

hours.

delirium.

impression

swallowed

swallowed

and

and

produced

this salt

ounce

to

convulsions,

as

speech

the

action, it

{Med. Jurisp.1884, ii,p. no).

Stille

stomach,

such

of

frequentlyproved

by mistake,
salt.

an

irritant

decided.

more

from

recorded

local

has

while

been

Death

"

dose

accident, it having been

salts.

of

symptoms,

symptoms,

centres

nervous

use

evidences

nervous

very

221

NITRE.

partial paralysis, loss

tremors,

of

these

Besides

BY

There

is

no

and

stimulants,

external
chemical

cations,
applidote.
anti-

'222

TOXICOLOGY.

examination.
Toxicological

Orfila

to

with

of

much

very

be

used

been

of

those

kidneys

"

medicine, and

in

; but

cording
Ac-

"

detected

poisoned

those

large doses,

is very

and

irritant

producing vomiting

and

is that

of

its action

animals,

concentrated

doses

strongly

but

"

the

to

stomach

astringent.

death

no

Potassium).

purging, although
an

in

two

"

nitre.

produced by

[Sulphateof Aluminum

Alum

is

generallyconsidered

is not

large and

in

salt

This

proved fatal, causing symptoms

it has

"

resembling

to

has

{Cream of Tartar).

Potassium

poisonous

ounces

in

Acid, p. 208.

it.

Bitartrate

to

Nitric
nitre

Wohler,

and

urine, liver,spleen and

the

in

See

"

the

in

salt,

bowels,

and
small

It has

human

This

ties
quantifatal

proved
has

subject

been

recorded.

Sulphate of Potassium,
irritatingin large
quantity
as

an

been
from

found

as

It would

be

this salt which

Large

of the

circumstances,
fatal.

may

Instances

overdoses

of

Christison

and

might

proper

causes

doses

fatal

of

Epsom

test

to

this

acid

find

death

occasioned

results.

in

sulphuric

in this way,

foregoing salts,is highly

upwards.

impurity

an

the
has

and

with

and

impure

an

It

doses.

drachms

abortive,

Arsenic,
etc.

often

like

sometimes

It is used
Arsenic

the

in

has

at

times

salt,derived, doubtless,

used

its way

in

its manufacture.

into Dover's

for arsenic

in any

penvder,
sample

of

irritation.

ordinary purgative salts,under

powerfully irritating,and

prove
death

following

salt and

Taylor.

certain

common

the
salt

administration
are

even

of

reported by

221

TOXICOLOGY.

XVI.

CHAPTER
ORDER

IRRITANTS

II."

REMOTE

POSSESSING

SPECIFIC

PROPERTIES.

This
embraced
of

the

which

indicate

already

described
have

properly

character,

considered

been

conveniently

more

this

alkaline

inflammation

discussed

in

other

the

great

earthy

salts

might

very

on

and
and

this

under

poisons

cause

impression

of the

of

are

such

membrane,

an

Several

centres.

nervous

includes

producing

mucous
gastro-intestinal

symptoms,

were

I as, besides

Class

under

Irritants

of the

subdivision

head,

they

but

with

connection

the

Alkalies.
SECTION

POISONING

SYMPTOMS.
DIAGNOSIS.

of the

true

animal

eliminated

to

APPEARANCES.

AMORPHOUS

"

Its presence

this

is

stituent
con-

the

to

especially

of which

centres,

nerve

as

is essential

functions, and

the great

"

PHOSPHORUS.

largely diffused

is

body.

of its normal

in reference

MORBID

ANALYSIS.

in combination,

Phosphorus,
performance

TREATMENT."

"

CHEMICAL

"

PHOSPHORUS.

BY

DOSE.

FATAL

"

I.

it constitutes

It
large proportional part.
in the urine, in the
form
system

comparatively

is

from

of

the

phosphates.
In

its free state,

It is less

Europe,

phosphorus

employed
and

for

is seldom

results

have

suicidal

employment

poisoning
used

frequently
"

is

for

powerful
in

this

homicidal

occurred

chieflythe

country

poison.
than

purposes.
its

by
former

irritant

"

accidental

from

in

Fatal
and

the swallow-

FATAL

PHOSPHORUS

225

DOSE.

ing of phosphorus-paste (used for destroying vermin),and

the tops of lucifer matches.

Symptoms.
after the

These

"

do

has

poison

and

disagreeable,garlicky taste,
often

in the

burning pain
and

from

noticed

be

purging

of the

distention

nausea,

generally exhale

luminous

in

coffee
been

observed

death

If the

coma.

is apt to occur,

bowels,

is

the

from

urine

The

is

die

and

are

like
also

sions
convul-

quietly,or

days, jaundice
the

from

stomach,

Paralysis is

body.

highly

have

bowels

some

hemorrhage

parts of the

or

Sometimes

protractedfor

likewise

other

vomiting

green,

again, the patient may

case

result.

occasional

dark

is

phosphorescent.
;

and
and

nose

color

discharges

be

to

precede
in

The

thirst

odor, and

alliaceous

an

dark; their

grounds.

by

and great anxiety,

perspiration,
first
irregularpulse. The matters

vomited

the

may

intense

with

abdomen,

; cold

pupils dilated

small, frequent and

with

stomach, with

and

throat

odor

is followed

This

breath.

the

perceived

alliaceous

an

hours

some

is first

There

taken.

been

for

usuallyappear

not

an

albuminous.

poisoning,accompanied with all the above symptoms,

though in a less violent degree, may result from the
of phosphorus in the manufacture
inhalation
of the vapors
This form of poisoning comes
on
of lucifer matches.
very
fests
It generallymaniand is very apt to be fatal.
insidiously,
Chronic

itself first in the

of the bone.

necrosis

of necrosis

teeth,but

those

those

And

factories it is

match

some

have

sound

Fatal

1 1

state

are

and

that this form

perfectlysound

carious

it is further

required that

teeth

(St. Barth.

stated

that in
should

the workmen

teeth.

dose.

died after

of the

have

who

teeth

whose

Hosp. Reports,vol. XII).

caries

authorities

Some

attack

cannot

only

jaws, causing

"

Less

sucking

two

than

grain has proved

matches;

another

fatal.

child

older child died from

226

TOXICOLOGY.

effects of

the

the

mentions

Taylor

is

Phosphorus
-fato sV of

effects

who

lunatic

matches.

eight

occasionallyemployed
but

uncertain, and

are

of

tops

died

Dr.

from

lowing
swal-

grain (On Poisons, p. 315).

grain;

of

case

of
one-eighth

of

the

swallowing

it may

medicine, in doses

these

in

even

in

small

sometimes

doses
with

act

its

pected
unex-

severity.
Fatal
fatal

"

the

It

poisons.

five

or

It is not

period.
days;
of

case

in

be

to

usually

lady who

died

Med., II,p. 100).Dr.

(Fore//.
fatal

proved

in

last for

ma)'

months,

Treatment.

"

should

emesis

mucilaginous

be

Oil of

poison.

of oil is

and

that

which

the

fresh
of

power

of

silver and
It has

of

He

its power

also

phosphorus

owing

to

some

solvent

diffuse

the

by

Dr.

old

The
be

its conversion

tube,

lungs.

likewise

from

its

nitrate

of

compound

For. Med.-Chir.
the

not

the introduction

insoluble

that

oil,or

employed,

recommended,

an

pension.
sus-

antidote, if given

is to

and

and
in

recommended

into the

been

form

supposed by
are

Free

stomach, through

phosphorus,

to

to

also recommends

free oxygen

free

this is

is absorbed.

and
phosphorus (Brit,
been

poisoning

of albuminous

reliable

into the

has

absorbing

as

oxygenated,

water

charcoal

silver,from

of

become

inhalation

which

case

known..

consequently tend

poison

hydrocarbon.

Animal

use

turpentineis highly

oxygenated

the

and

has

antidote

objectionable,as

would

the

before

holding hydrate of magnesia

Percy (Prize Essay, 1872)

early,and

electuary

an

of chronic

the

encouraged by

use

reports

Cases

chemical

no

of

after swallowing

for years.

even

is

drinks

phosphorus,

hour.

an

or

There

The
for

half

four

to

one

hours

in the form

Habershon

rapidly

Casper quotes

in twelve

grains of phosphorus

three

earlier.

cases,

the

among
in from

death

causes

exceptional

young

classed

Rev., 1870).

poisonous
into

of

effects

phosphorous

of the

acid, at the expense

is orood

evidence

imcombined,
It is

the

as

urine

has

that

probable

more

the

doubtless

observed

been

and

eliminated

to be

luminous.
The

blood, poison.

as

there

; but

speedy disintegration,which

of the

cause

blood

it is absorbed

it acts

corpuscles undergo

blood

of the

oxygen

that

show

to

227

LESIONS.

POST-MORTEM

PHOSPHORUS

ecchymoses

seen

the

upon

is

ent
differ-

organs.
Post-mortem

appearances.

According

"

Empoissonemcnt, p. 437),who

ly

this

to

according
the

or

occasions

the

to

intestines,and

may

be

or

less

; the

break

or

even

contains
syrupy

corpuscles

loss of their
of the
under

discovered
of

hering
ad-

the

large

tion
perfora-

oesophagus, stomach

the

spots

tered
scat-

are

and

engorged,

are

poisoning by phosphorus-paste,there
ulceration,there
the

over

coloring

the

are

scattered

over

The

be

In

stomach

and

pressure

of the

certain
is

duodenum
knife

toneum.
peri-

bloody

pleura,
is

soft,

itself is very

ized
completely devital-

disintegratedand

matter.

the
heart

blood

The
to

visceral

contain

endocardium.

; it appears

ecchymoses,

and

pericardialsacs

the

in

even

will be

mesentery

fluid blood.

are

but

appearance,

pleural and

dark, fluid,and

coat

in

as

abundant,

pericardium,and
or

alimentary

is liable to

glands

Irregularbloody spots

distended,

quently
fre-

it most

and

even

gangrenous

mesenteric

redness

The
serum.

or

special morbid

of

absence
more

In

in

friable.

cases,

no

be

may

bowel

spots the

examination.

The

soft and
other

oesophagus

membrane,

intestines,ecchymotic

often

the

phosphorus

these

at

about.

In

in

mucous

the

during
and

lesions

oil,that

in

vary

is when

It

it is taken.

dissolved

of

by phosphorus

produced

simply

Fragments

given specialattention

has

in which

the form

to

state,

pure

canal.

lesions

subject,the

{Sur

Tardicu

to

transparent, by

cases,
so

the

softened

mucous
as

ulcerations,also,some-

to

22S

TOXICOLOGY.

times

and

stomach.

the

in

occur

of

odor

the

have

phosphorus

flesh, of

the

even

that

stated

is

It

animals

the

testines,
in-

poisoned

and
garlic,

by

luminous

appear

dark.

in the

of the

luminosity

This

has

viscera

observed

been

in the

subject.

human
The

of the

exterior

the

Sometimes,
the lucifer matches

adhering

that

red

have

the inside of the

to

The

death.

after

time

often

body

of

bladder

the

general

bloody

pearance
apof

coloring matter
death

found

be

may

of the

appearance

is

intestines

contains

icterode

an

alimentary canal,a considerable

scattered

urine, and

than

throughout.

The

and

bloody.

The

often

presents

mucous
sub-

liquid

are

intestinal
gastro-

rather

hemorrhagic

inflammatory, ecchymoses being

contents

blue

or

caused

membrane

mucous

exhibits

ecchymoses.
peculiar pathologicalalteration,revealed

the

as

result

of

other

they

since

of

from
of

and

albuminous

The
odor

contents

white

and

by
issued

from

of this

other

by

their

weakness,

the

vapor

other

with

association

diseased

the

as

these

ing,
poison-

agents,
also

as

as

the

portance
especial im-

nevertheless, they possess

notable

toms
symp-

cular
jaundice, mus-

of the

condition

blood,

urine.
of the
fumes

Casper, two

odor

smell, or

poisoning

phosphorus-poisoning,such

pains
and

in

occur

disease

scope
micro-

But

body.

arsenic, alcohol, antimony, etc., and

ammonia,
result

of the

organs

absolutely characteristic

not

the

phosphorus- poisoning, is fatty degeneration

of the liver,and
are
peculiarities

by

stomach
of

of

from

some

phosphorus;

days

vagina, and
issued

in

after

phosphorus

and

case

in

having

In this
be

detected

the
tioned
men-

luminous

vapor

anus.

could

evolve

death

whitish

the

instances

vapors
a

phorous
phos-

instance, no
on

opening

PHOSPHORUS

stomach

the

there

was

nor

softened

either

CHEMICAL

"

in

"

The

of heat

having
not

the

in

intense

so

accompanied

with

which

the

mark
be

may

The

days

two

seen

The

(Tardieu). According

is

the

surface, of

filled with

oil

latter,the
thin

structure,

tissue

replaced by

fine

viscera

of

poison

the

in

liver

appearance,
marked

size, greasy
the

in

the

nearly
either

are

; in the

them

granular

;
on

acini

detritus

and

connective

newly-formed

"

fuses

at

io"

fire,burning with

converted

into

It evolves

temperatures,
luminous
resemble

is

analysis. Phosphorus

1.83;

sp. gr.

acid.

and

fever,

of the

dull

in

is it

the

with

acini well

the

is

(Husband).

Cliemieal

takes

or

entirelyreplaced by

filled with

are

would

disease, nor

former, also, the hepatic cells

globules, or

cells

of

enlarged,

liver is diminished

In the

obliterated.

matters

appearance

ingestion

dirty yellow color,

of

authorities, the

doughy, uniformly yellow, with

atrophy, the

the

in

other

to

phosphorus-poisoning
acute

icterode

fatty change

after

sensation

appearance,

the eyes,

injectionof

latter.

no

lesions,

The

vomiting

and

poisoning as

the

be

soning,
phosphorus-poi-

post-mortem

luminous

phosphorus poison.

indicate

will

diagnostic points:
and

garlicky odor

there

brane
mem-

dice,
accompanied by jaunfor yellow atrophy of the

throat, eructations

the

lining

cases,

mistaken

be

following are

in

its

of

and

symptoms

might, however,
liver.

cases,

evidences

Chronic

detailed.

above

as

the

acute

the

in recognizing
difficulty

from

of

part

any

corroded.

or

Diagnosis. Generally,
both

2*29

ANALYSIS.

white

white

when

in the
those

the

brilliant
of

fumes

fumes

exposed

dark.
of

F. ; at

The

by
garlic,

of
to

white,

it
higher temperature
white
light,becoming

smell
which

phosphoric

anhydrous

phosphorous
the

solid ;

waxy

acid at

also

air,which
and
means

taste

ordinary

of

appear

phosphorus

it may

be

easily

230

TOXICOLOGY.

when

recognized
of

phosphorus in

prevented by
of

the

and

of

in

the

aid of heat

; also

best

solvent

into

phosphoric

or

is

in fixed

protect it from

and

; its

it

converts

either

sulphuric

preserved under

It is best

oils,by

naphtha

acid

by

it

to

phosphorous

volatile

and

affected

It is not

imparts

Nitric

carbon.

quantities.

of

production

ether, chloroform

hydrochloric acids.
In

the

bisulphideof

fuming

completely

minute

phosphorus

water,

in

acid.

in

even

tolerably soluble

It is

The

alcohol, ether,chloroform, oil

ammonia,

insoluble

drinks.

and

also its luminosity, is

poisonous properties,from
acid.

food

air,as

the presence

turpentine

Although

with

mixed

water,

to

oxidation.

its free

state,

by its
phosphorus is easily detected
sensible
A
properties,as already described.
fragment put
into the materials
for generating hydrogen will evolve
phosphorettedhydrogen,easilyrecognized by its luminosity in the
and

from

being

gas,

when

dark,
this

flame.

ignited

When

it is

silver,the latter
silver,and
be

may

at

passed through

phosphoric

by

If the

sulphuric acid
since
Sometimes

which,

when

aside.

Or,

production
the

in

in the

dark
of the

no

doubt

be

ammoniacal,
added,

to

the

prevent

the

inside

found, should
mass

gently heated

may
over

nitrate

of

of

metallic

solution, and

be

be

have

from

the

neutralize
of

spiritlamp,

when

on

nia,
ammo-

luminosity.

be

may

stomach

out

phorus.
phos-

putrefaction,

separated
bowels,

and

carefully washed

spread

ceous
allia-

an

of

presence

display

of the

whitish

evolve

and

particlesof phosphorus

from

the

the

If the materials

"

first be

would

the

mechanically

and

mixture

must

this

be

can

of

appropriate reagents.

examination.
Toxicological
luminous
are
fumes, which

odor, there

greenish-blue

solution

is formed

acid

the

by

with

jet,burns

is blackened

detected

spontaneously inflammable;

sometimes

and

metallic

the

minute

set

plate,
frag-

232

TOXICOLOGY.

been

the

observed,

oxides

of

derived

been

that

free phosphorus
above

process;

tissue

that

the

gives

of

of Lipowitz.
"

This

of

fragments

from

pieces
will

with

nitric

will

result.

the
In

of

The

sulphur

withdrawn

are

the

emit

now

dark.
of

acid, a mixture

By evaporating
be

the

the

luminosity

of the

Marsh

the

the

materials

is then

passed

end

of the

phorus
phoswith

it.

in water.

phosphorus,

to

and

them

and

the

vapor

filtering,

usual

of

amount

dryness,

near

diluting

method.

"

employed

This
in

process
arsenic

tests.

phosphorus
also be

may

for
over

resembles

into the

generating hydrogen;
hydrate

of

The

testing.

material, properly prepared, is put

any

ployed
em-

served
ob-

tube.

hydrogen

removing

the

gently heating

recognized by

test, unless

oi

pected
sus-

that

to

washed

this solution

this

cool

the

phosphoric and sulphuricacids

prosecuting
in the

gas

never

hour, after which

an

of

On

may

minute,

boiling

combines

and

acid

method

the

other

-any

abstracts

peculiar odor

the

in

half

for about

continued

phosphoric

The

or

similar

and

get rid of the sulphuric acid, then

is very

only

sulphuric acid, with

sulphur

complex mixtures,

even

luminous

with

to

it is

combination,
in

apparatus

an

dark.

the

boiling is

appear

over

Mitscherlich, the experiment being

of

method

in

conducted

in

sulphur,

in the

The)'

carried

brain,

in

consists

liquid,slightlyacidulated

the

have

might

it.

Method

The

to

luminosity by

the

substance

this

these

that

the

out

the

sufficient

not

remembered

distillation

contains

since

of

amount

tissues, and

or

be

should

It

poison,

food

the

from

mechanically.

produces

of

supposition

small

distillate is

in the

phosphorus

the

warrant

of

presence

the

lime, for the

sulphuretted hydrogen;

it is then

delivery tube, producing

green

the
pected
sus-

taining
jar con-

resulting
of

purpose

ignited
flame.

at

The

PHOSriIORIC

ACID

phosphorctted hydrogen
a

black

has

Phosphorus
fourteen

days, and

apt

to

soon

The
in

this

method

of

case

of

acid

exists

The

with

evaporation.

then

may

be

acids.

in many

with

It is then

nitric

as

it is very

in which

it

case

follows

of pure

dryness, and

fused
sodium

"

down

yellow

in ammonia,

tribasic

in nitric and

and
it into

same

manner

yieldsa ring of

the

as

heating in

sublimed

phate
phosacetic

white chloride.

the

gives a yellow precipitatewith

in the

by

concentrate

slightexcess
to

the

acid converts

behaves

tions,
secre-

treat

resultingphosphate of

of silver throws

arsenic

and

is to

case

evaporated
The

tissues

acid, and

distinguishedby drying,and

tube; the

late

as

food.

with

treated

and

as

the

such

in

little pure

of silver also

are

state

death; but

body,

articles of

procedure

silver,soluble

acid, which

they

in the

in combination

Hydrochloric

Nitrate

after

free

testingfor phosphorus, or phosphoric acid,

tested

(i) Nitrate
of

affords

phosphoricacid.

as

porcelain crucible.

in the

weeks

oxidized

of sodium

carbonate
in

as

of

mode

mixture

dark, and

since
suspected poisoning,is very unsatisfactory,

well

as

detected

three

identified

in the

nitrate of silver.

been

become

be

only

can

is luminous

precipitatewith

233

TESTS.

arsenious

phosphate ;
reduction

octahedral

tals
crys-

{vid.post,)

(2) Ammouio-sulphatc
gives with
"

the

phosphate

of magnesia.
a

characteristic

ammonia.

This

"

yellow, pulverulent precipitate

"

it is insoluble

in the

phosphates,alkalies

Red, Amorphous,
1

1*

compound

crystallineprecipitate
the

minutest

be identified by the microscope.

(3) Molybdate of

alkaline

This

ammonia-phosphate of magnesia;

quantity can

ammonia

"

or

and

the

produces

reagent

phospho-molybdate of

strong acids,but
alkaline

soluble

in

carbonates.

Phosphorus.
Allotropic
"

This

singular

234

TOXICOLOGY.

of

variety

phosphorus

phosphorus
of

totallyunlike

ordinary

is shown

reference

by

The

above

the

to

referred

difference

to

odor.

strong

Melts

Melts

1080

F.

Transparent.

the
from

"

PHOSPHORUS.

odorless.

phosphorescent.
at

about

5000

F.

Opaque.

colorless.

in

Varies
black

soluble

in various

color

liquids. Nearly

insoluble

Distinctlycrystalline.

Amorphous.
Hard

waxy.

Flexible.

as

Brittle
in the

air.

readilywith

as

red

elements.

Is acted

reddish-

with

liquids.

brick.

glass.
in the

I nalterable

other

from

crimson.

to

Soft

Unites

its

Nearly
Not

Oxidizes

between

followingtable,taken

Phosphorescent.

and

mass,

Innocuous.
a

Freely

hours,

chemical, physical

its

RED

Poisonous.

Almost

in

PHOSPHORUS.

COMMON

at

of

number

hard, brick-red

substance

composition.

Percy's essay

Evolves

for

gas)
into

changed

the

originalchemical
Dr.

acid

atmosphere deprived

an

physiological properties, although retaining

and

two

procured by exposing ordinary

4500 F.,in

carbonic

have

it will

of

heat

(as in

oxygen

when

to

is

by

on

air.

other

with

elements

difficulty.
Nitric

acid

acts

on

it with

Produces

great

no

effect,

energy.

SECTION

POISONING

Iodine

BY

occurs

odor

and

in

IODINE,

II.

BROMINE

shiny,dark

AND

iron-grayscales; it has

disagreeabletaste; when

beautiful

violet-colored

fumes, which

nostrils

and

Sparingly

soluble

in

throat.
alcohol

and

CHLORINE.

ether,

are

soluble

and

also

heated

it

in

water,
the

culiar
pe-

gives

irritatingto
in

off

the
very

aqueous

POISONING

solution
form

the

of

iodide

of

tincture,
compound

Symptoms.
irritant
of

heat
and

vomiting

of the

the

the

In

is

doses

pain

severe

vomited

which

the presence

chronic

when

they

of

absorption of
the

and

There

is

the

doses

with

by

the

or

similar

to

those

Chemical
be

produced by
"

combination,

starch

iodide

of

free

(by chlorine,or
applied.
set

From

organic

bisulphide of carbon,
solution

remove

bisulphide solution

tendency

to

of

males,

effects

of

iodine

bearing

very

others

the
to

large

seriously

are

have

sionally
occa-

very

appearances

irritant alkaline

state, iodine

salts.

may

readily

and
form, color,odor, volatility,

quickly turning

"

potassium, the

nitric

mixtures

the

its free

its solid

boiled
as

palpitation,

quantities. Overdoses

cuialysis. In

on

persons

fatal, leaving morbid

distinguishedby

its action

some

while
suffering,

no

smallest

proved

nausea,

testes

the

diversityin

system,

little

fainting.

are

are

females.

remarkable

human

upon

affected

of

mamms

and

glands,especiallythe

certain

bowels

and

tremors,

general emaciation,

salivation, cramps,

; the

symptoms

symptoms

stomach,

culiar
pe-

consist

The

Other

of iodine.

the

blood

it is blue.

poisoning {iodism)the

vomiting, purging, pain

abdomen;

with

mixed

case

result

having

anxiety,convulsions
giddiness,headache, thirst,
In

local

it occasions

the

in

matters

yellowish, except

in
articles,

also exhibit

produces

large

iodine, sometimes

matters

of farinaceous
may

throat;

purging,
of

odor

quantities.

in

ointment.

and

iodine

medicinally

influence; the latter,the

remote

in

tincture

phosphorus,

it in small

burning

It is used

potassium.

Like

"

effect,and

using

color

of

235

IODINE.

BY

acid)and

the

which

watery

iodine

iodine
then

dissolves

the

the

In

first be

starch-test

separated by

it, forming

liquid, and

dryness, when

must

be

may

it blue.

evaporate

iodine

will be

pink
the
left.

236

TOXICOLOGY.

fails,on

If this process

hydriodic acid,

into

iodine
advisable

; this will

properly diluted

mass,

potash

in

residue

; filter and

excess

at

add

iodine, if

the

Iodide
in doses

of

Potassium.

up

to

evaporate

to

to

get

be

any

it

and

odor

tissues

as

with

eyes

daguerreotyper,

the

spasmodic

were

pharynx,

with

and
and

soon

followed, and

hours

after

The

of

in the

used

in

medicine,

nostrils

and

death

swallowing

post-mortem

violent

salt is apt

and

eyes,

pustular

be

to

siderably
con-

liquid,excessively

having

the

acrid

an

animal

occasionally proved poisonous

an

The

the

ounce

of bromine

immediate
of the

muscles

York, of

New

Sayre, of

Dr.

stomach, with
the

hands.

took

place

for

symptoms

by

great anxiety,

The

in

tense
in-

lessness
rest-

rapid,

pulse was
seven

and

larynx

respirationgreatly hurried.

corded, and

will

nal
headache, griping abdomi-

swallowed

trembling of

tense

solution,

of breathing, followed
great difficulty

burning pain

the

matter

highly corrosive, destroying

reported by

action

much

salivation, and

of self-destruction.

purpose

; add

starch,which

red, volatile

It has

who

heat

the

respiratory organs,

and

rapidly.
is

by

Concentrate

shops, the

dark

It is

case

gas

the carbonate.

with

is

taste.

very

fatally.
a

the

to

pungent

to

organic

of the

in the

found

This

"

free iodine

occasionally produces

such

system,

adulterated

Bromine.

any

rid of the

Although

"

frequent pulse, together

As

the

present.

pains, thirst,inflammation
eruption.

through

dryness. Char

boiled

and

acid

sixty grains

the

effects upon

of

in water.

nitric

strong

develop

heat,

dissolve

pulverizeand
and

red

low

convert

excess

off the

; drive

hydriodicacid

iodide, it will be

an

sulphuretted hydrogen

transmit

to

into

or

of the

conversion

of the

account

Collapse
and

Jialf

poison.

examination

revealed

vivid

injectionof

BY

POISONING

external

the

of

coat

viscera

generally,

color.

Portions
resembled
Its

bromine.

whole

resembling

layer

was

interior

thin

very

N.

Jour,

mucous

of
black

brane
mem-

(Whar.

Med

of

tents
con-

odor

thick

injected

deeply

York

the

The

leather.

very

from

Med.Jurisp.

Stilles

and

Its

with

covered

tanned

coarse

yellow

deep

exhaled

and

was

abdominal

softened.

were

dregs,

port-wine

the

of

stained

stomach

the

of

and

were

237

CHLORINE.

stomach

the

which
of

AND

BROMINE

and

1850).

Nov.
,

Chemical

analysis.

Bromine

organic

the

after

ether,
bromides

Bromine

color

Chlorine

its

smell

properties.

and

for

by

characterized

by

powerfully

If

inhaled

carbon,

chlorine,

by

or

imparting

by

or

(p. 235).

iodine

color,

irritating
into

the

Chlorine

ammonia.

gaseous

of

deep

The

strong

yellozv

starch.

is
color.

yellow

described

from

separated

bisulphide

decomposed
is

boiled

to

of

means

method
be

may

acid.

like

by

matters

be

may

"

and

especially

lungs
is

by

of

gas,
it

readily
its

greenish

destroy

may

life,

recognized

powerful

bleaching

by

OGY.

TOXICOl

XVII.

CHAPTER
POISONING

ARSENIC.

A LLIC

II

POISONING.

SIGNS.

The

ANALYSIS.

PREPARATIONS

PROPERTIES.

"

DOSE.

FATAL

"

TREATMENT.

"

of arsenic.

The

ARSENIC.

employed

toxicology, always

in

odor, by which

it is

used

; it is

as

poison

powder \

which

Arsenic
The

is

is
one

of

greatly to

and

suicidal

the

metal, and

agent.

the

of the

native

the

In

in the

arts, arsenic

manufacture
vermin

timber

for seed

Arsenic

and

of their

for

into

enters

of enamel

worms

of

acid.

poisons.

administration
as

homicidal

in the

form

of

metals, particularly

; also

with

sulphur,as

and

It is used
;

by

farmers

of

countries, to increase

their

compounds,

numerous

washing sheep ; by

the

all the

both

other

oifiy

name

arsenious

of

ease

rarely

realgar.

travelers,by the inhabitants

improve

the

in nature

cobalt

if we

to

is very

and

use,

with

horses; and,

(""ats

its

exists

and

killers,etc.
from

metal

its extensive

in combination

orpitnentand

strong, garlicky

It

important

most

zinc, nickel

iron, copper,

having

sold, however, under

mixture

white

acid, or

steel-graycolor,

easilyrecognized.

of procuring it,and
facility

contribute

and

brittle,of

is

heated, its vapor

volatile when

very

metal

MORTEM
POST-

"

NATION.
EXAMI-

arsenious
signifies
(unlessspeciallyqualified)
oxide

TOMS.
SYMP-

"

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

OF

arsenic,as

term

ACID.

CHEMICAL

"

OTHER

"

ARSEXIOUS

"

CHRONIC

"

ARSENIC.

BY

glass,composition

dles,
can-

by shipbuilders to

tect
pro-

to

credit

Styria and
physical
of the

their

preserve

grain

to

improve

the

accounts

grooms

may

complexion

as

other

powers

females.

the

ous
mountain-

of endurance

of

240

TOXICOLOGY.

resembles

strongly

it has

which

symptoms

convulsions

If the

partiallysuppressed.
attack, he

suffer for

may

anomalies

Certain

and

slight. Vomiting
Some

from

intensityof

the

others

cases

indicate

convulsions

and

collapse,little or
skin,

clammy

there

Again,

pain, vomiting

no

with

perhaps

within

hours

after

swallowing

the

few

the

instances,

fallinginto

person
and

coma,

latter

the

small
to the

to

revealed

vapors
from

of

of

cold,

and

feeble

and

death
In

poison.

those

no

of

trace

yet

narcotics,
into

In

rallying.

the

tion
inflamma-

papers.

of chronic

mode

of

administration,

poisoning usually result

products,

eyes

by

except

peculiarities.

frequently repeated, or

accidental
The

or

pendently
inde-

quite

occur

satisfactorilyexplained

of arsenical
the

symptoms

dose,

constitutional

of arsenic

doses

wall

the

without

hours

of the

be

symptoms

or

from

size

cannot

referringthem
The

few

varieties

above

they

but

stomach.

of the
and

immediate

profound sleep, deepening

autopsy has

the

eases,

of the
All

in

dying

be

frequent

resemble

symptoms

delirium,

convulsions

coma,

be

morbus,

cramps,

purging,

prostration,
very

extreme

or

not

cholera

may

or

pulse, slight
other

may

absent

disturbance, by the intense

nervous

coma.

from

after

thirst

violent
giddiness, restlessness,

headache,

mediate
im-

whilst
gastro-enteric irritability;

the

severe

the

be

especiallyresemble

present.

from

may

pain

and

purging

is often

epilepsy.

The

occur.

may

urine

time

long

from

or
indigestion,partialparalysis,

The

recovers

occasionally,

paralysis and

Coma,

patient

rule, the

are,

death.

before

supervene

for

morbus,

As

there

intermissions.

even

may

cholera

mistaken.

although

continuous,

and

of

case

been

frequently

are

remissions,

severe

as

in the

inhalation
become

of

inflamed

from

exposure
of

case

men,
work-

arsenical
and

from

dust

watery,

ARSENIC

there

is

headache

tongue, with

of the
from

exhaustion.

alone

may

The
As

before

the

real

when

the

symptoms

for

stated, these

half hour

there

or

do

they appeared in the

they

exhibited

were

On

the

the

time

other

hand,

symptoms

drachm

full

or

for

the

the

at

p.

solid

of

use

modifying

the

which

minutes

after.

recorded
The

where

longest

Jiours,after

terval
in-

going

to

opium

or

; also

also

in

may,

dose

of

part, be

alcohol

the

form

of

by

the

time

of

would,

this

over

by

otherwise.

sleep,or

influence

stomach, it being empty

liquid;

or

where

others, in

are

discrepancy

of administration

time'

poison, but

recorded

fifteen

for sixteen

of

state

before

simultaneous
exercise

the

themselves

Dispensatory (1865),where

This

poison.

by

whether

U.S.

the

.chance

considerably.

the

are

hours.

many

delayed

whether

dose,

day,

in

were

of the

accounted

Cases

and

quently
fre-

are

perhaps

swallowing

instances
for

case

varies

of swallowing

numerous

is mentioned
the

after

occur

may

generally manifest

eight,ten

protracted

was

tion
excoria-

disorder.

appear

not

act

in

such

of the

and

death

and

in

exceptions.

numerous

are

hair, salivation

source

hour

an

paralysis,general

misleading, and

reveal

time

local

symptoms
and

and

giddiness, a jaundiced

hemorrhage;

The

obscure

very

the

of

emaciation, falling out

frequent sickness

and

eruption,

eczematous

an

241

APPLICATION.

gastric distress,with

great

vomiting, diarrhoea,
skin,

EXTERNAL

"

The

doubt,

no

poison. (See ante,

186.)
The

skin, or

external
still more

followed

of

breasts

; also

arsenic

of
has

to

abraded

fatal results.

by

effects

heads

application of arsenic, either

the

Proofs

applications
in

the

children.
been

use

In

ulcerated

or

of

of this

of

exhibited

detected,after death,

in the

ulcerated

to

solutions

these

sound

surfaces, is often

cancer-carers

of arsenical
some

are

the

to

to

the

sore

instances, absorbed
in the

viscera

of

the

2A2

TOXICOLOGY.

body.

Arsenic

rectum

and

In

has

above

Fatal

dose.

Two

"

for

fatal dose

ounces

adult, but

an

Fatal

shortest

The

youth, aged
the

where

years,

the

in the

but

urine, bile
for
found

two

or

after his

during

the

completely
but

occurred

in two

the

prolonged

cumulative

other
three

eliminated

in

subsequently

no

the

been

after

recovered.

are

hours.

ported
re-

On

the
even

or

of

the
the

be

may

elimination

which

system

in the

detected

the
vive
sur-

person

poison

discover

to

sorption
ab-

system by

of its total

man

after

body

the

at

interval.

whole

posited
temporarily de-

; it is

period

swallowing

; the

cases

the

from

trace

hu

of

minutes

twenty

months

Should

hardly expect

days, although it has

Taylor,

of the

organs

exact

from

Dr.

ten

in consequence

The

interim.

eight or

for weeks

secretions.

weeks,

death,

days

two

within

occur

three

or

rapidly eliminated

analyst need

twenty-one

to

one

"

Other

poison

other

liver and

and

recoveries

accidentally swallowed

character.

be

it is

duced
pro-

within

died

who

tetanic

death

is not

have

hand,

by

patientsufferinggreatlyduring

Arsenic

minimum

doses

most

is recorded

large dose

hand, life may

other

the

years,

of

were

other

large

very

period

seventeen

effects of

symptoms

the

quantities

the

of these

and

twenty-four hours,
hours.

nervous

great majority of deaths

The

"

various

swallowed.

been

period.

the

smaller

On

after

occurred

have

"

from

ing
throat, thirst,vomit-

considered

grains maybe

alarming symptoms.
often

produced,

were

described.

above

disturbances

have

of the

constriction

of

application

effects

purging, great depression, and

and

the

injected into

external

constitutional

and

burning

as

the

of

cases

this poison, its usual

such

when

vagina.

the

all

proved fatal

also

arsenic

is

fixed,

is not

it after sixteen

urine

large dose,

of
and

man

who

ARSENIC

rapiditywith

The
the

tissues

found
He

which

is very

it in the

question

system
where

of the

have

may

medicinally, for

has

and
gastro-enteritis,
reveal

the

both

the

and

the

confirm

fact of the

the

the human

from

should

in the

of arsenical

administration

as

arsenic,

die

from

should

examination

chemical

the

of

suddenly

arsenic

suspicion

medicinal

doses

taking small

post-mortem

symptoms

strongly

been

of absorbed

presence

the

after which

hours,

important medico-legal bearing,

length of time,

of absorbed

of arsenic

elimination

an

who

person

46)

diminishes.

quantity gradually
The

fifteen

p.

swallowed.

been

its maximum

acquires

in

deposited

(On Poisons,

after it had

grains)in

(about two

arsenic

liver

and

Taylor

Dr.

hours

liver four

that the

believes

it is absorbed

great.

2 13

APPEARANCES.

POST-MORTEM

"

Here

organs.

would

analysis

poisoning, unless

of the

drug

all the

tissues

could

be

established.
satisfactorily
Arsenic

is known

body, including
Post-mortem
the

irritant

the

; but

character

of

The

"

the

presenting

have

to

seems

what

effect
specific

it is introduced

avenue

the

lining membrane

softened, and

been

taken

several

white

in

inches
bases

intense

found

in

extent,

to

the

the

consisting

membrane,

ruga:,

When

White
and

of

with
and

spots
when

Arsenic

by

Occasionally,

the
to

a^ain, it

poison
find

has

patches

tough, yellowishand

lymph

forming

so

of arsenic
a

the

color,

matter

no

corrugated

unusual

acid, mixed

inflammation.

between

is not

red

redness.

system.

and

by

of

usually highly

stomach,

the

readily separated.
substance, it

dark

the

is thickened

of arsenious

firmly adherent

into

is

uniform, deep

on

evidences

exhibited

are

which

of

of the

hair.

decided

most

poison

lining

mucous

in the

not

others, showing patches of diffused

at

of

deposited in

bones

inflamed, sometimes

is

be

appearances.

the

stomach,

to

long

mucus,

man}'
are

interval

foci
often
Iris

244

TOXICOLOGY.

occurred

before

found,

the

as

the

of

result

into

decomposition

stains

yellow

examination,

be

may

the

yellow

sulphide.
Ulceration
it in two
in

instances,

eight
the

case

death
and

of the stomach

hours

had

by

involved

in the

found

the

of the

remarkable
is the

appearances

fact

arsenic, which
the

body

for

of the
in

one

months

many

poison

is

fourteen

case,

still enough
such

there

cases

cadaveric

remains

the

the

exert

this

ally
occasion-

are

the

of all

there

the

post-mortem

signs of

mation,
inflam-

been

violent

had

remarkable

preservation
the

death, whereby
a

of

antisepticpower

long period

of

tion
detec-

after burial

"

Of

course,

would

be

decomposed,

but

of identification.

In

body

for

the

the

purpose

of

viscera, due
the

action

the

usual

yellow

numerous

to

of

after such

of the

absence

an

presence

abdominal

It should, however,

rectum.

diagnostic points.

no

is the

the

arsenious

be

to

after death.

yellow sulphide,by
on

apt

death.

possible for

also

coat

and

caecum

with

generallynoticed

odor, and

patches over
of the

is

diameter,

is very

bladder,

absence

after

years

of

interval, most

an

for

accounts

the

connected

circumstance

important

in

after

of the

offer

before

inflammatory symptoms

months

peritoneal

and

where

cases

other

blood,

intestine

these

occasional

in

even

An

small
; also

but

the

rare.

lungs,brain

congested

most

the

; in

inch

an

occurred

of dark, effused

zone

to

inflammation
as

organs,

deep

witnessed

death

four

until

is still more

portion

upper

have

we

poison

quarter of

down

Perforation

The

The

was

penetrated

stomach.

Other

ulcer

made

not

was

surrounded

was

and

the

the

swallowing

examination

; here

but

quite recently,where

one

after

is rare;

production

sulphuretted hydrogen

acid.
be

stated

that

preservativepower

arsenic
on

dead

does

formly
uni-

not

body;

in

fact,

ARSENIC

in

it would

cases

some

with

increased

when

body

Treatment.

If

"

on

hand;
of

use

due

to

be

the

stomach

warm

diluent

drinks

expert
the

to

as

other

be

his

on

of

administered,

useful

are

be

may

iron.

p.

or

53).
phate
(sul-

draught

employed,

; after

This

senic
ar-

of preservation,

(vid. ante

causes

ceptional;
ex-

guard

presence

degree

pump

hydrated sesquioxideof

are

active,a quick emetic

is not

vomiting

water;

the

unusual

ipecac)should

of zinc and
mustard

an

advanced

instances, however,

put

exhibits

this may

since

putrefactionhas

assertion

positive an

against too

These

should

they

245

ANALYSIS.

that

seem

rapidity.

but

of

CHEMICAL

"

if

this,the free

can

be

prepared
chloride

extemporaneously by dilutingthe

tincture

of

the

and

washing

the

precipitated

iron.

This

antidote

; it acts

is also

quantity
heated

is

slowly
white

white

in

by

the

form

arsenical

deposit

octahedral

color
;

to

calomel

along

solid

the

insoluble

small

(1) a

state.

foil and

platinum

on

white

(2)

fumes;

inodorous

is

and

distinguishedfrom

(/")by

with

the

of

tions;
condi-

it

liquor
gives

corrosive

ammonium,

yellow sulphide ; (4)put

some

reducing agent,

as

(a)

these
of

action

color, while

sulphide

corrosive

similar

under

yellowish-redto

with
the

and

Calomel

rings

it without

dissolves

(3) moistened
tube

white

crystals;

evaporating, produces
reduction

the

magnifier.

good

will each

potassae, which
black

of this antidote

value
into

given.

glass tube, it sublimes, forming a

crystalson the cool portion of the

of octahedral

tube, visible by

the

poison

powder placed

narrow

to

be

antidote.

an

entirelydissipatedin

ring

the

the

I. In

"

heated

sublimate

as

Analysis.

of the

oil should

freshlyprecipitatedhydrate of magnesia

The

recommended

Chemical

large doses, frequently

of castor

attestations

by converting

of iron.

arsenate

in

taken

dose

numerous

are

be

must

repeated. Afterwards,
There

and

in excess,

ammonia

adding

limate
suband
into

charcoal,

246

TOXICOLOGY.

black
the

by

dried

flux, or
flame

of

spiritlamp,

in the

is volatilized

of

form

reduced, and

it is

brilliant

heated

potassium, and

of

ferrocyanidc

the

metal

steel-grayring

or

mirror.
order

In

are

The

eighth of

; it should

long

with

four

to

the

the

This

The

of arsenic

soluble

in

the

formation

the

tube

be

with

touched
of

air,will condense

white
a

ring of
few

on

arsenious

drops

of

the

acid

upper

(4)this

water, and

warm

latter

wholly
nitric

brick-red

closed

the

of the

maybe

subjected

to

end

of

sublimate, it

the

portion

firmed
con-

solution, due

the

with

be

in hot

leaves

of silver

readily volatilize,and, combining

will

presence

is

mirror

(3)if
applied to

heat

off,and

broken

be

is to

the

of

(2)it is soluble

nitrate

flame.

ring.

this should

arsenic

of silver

arsenate

in the

mirror, by the reducing

evaporation,

on

roll

or

process

positiveproof

into the

reducing agent.

ring or

as

or

gently warmed

metallic

above

medico-legal case

solution,

when

formed

of the

of sodium
hypochlorite
the

first be

simply, the
metallic

inches

moisture.

of cotton

fullyheated

then

proofs: (i) the

further

acid, and

deposit

in

from

introduced

wad

should

better

regarded

; but

by

the

be

may

process,

free

it is

with

out

omission

obtaining the

The

After

and

insures

the

with

pursued,

three

diameter, and
and

be small

perfectlydry, and thoroughly

tube

sublimation

the

For

in

wiped

contents,

precaution

should

tube

cautions
pre-

acid, in the proportion of three

latter.

be

filtering
paper.

just above

in

be

arsenious

tube, this should

of

inch

an

should

of the

one

reduction

perfectlyclean

be

reducing agent

mixed

The

necessary.

the

about

"

certain
successfully,

sublimation

effect the

to

to

of

oxygen

tube,

in

dissolved
the

liquid

tests.

II.

The

copper and

liquid
the

tests.

"

These

ammonio-nitrate

are

the

ammonio-sulphate of

of silver.

They

should

be

248

TOXICOLOGY.

acids.

In

dilute

very

separate until the

Fallacies.

only

however,

that

one

in

acids; with

the

(2)

reverse;

the

agent,

with

the

case,

deposit shows
Marsk

IV.
when

arsenic

the

in

and

the

should

have

glasstube
right angles

is

out

chloride

of

calcium,

other

or

fastened

extremity

to

(zinc,water

mouth

the

aperture

which

of the

of which

one

below

other
of

of

pumice

by
a

one

is to

experiment

the

stone

end

horizontal

to

tube

bent

generated

moistened
the

pendicula
per-

of the

tube

exit

senical
ar-

flask
a

surface

(containingfragments

tube

arsenic

flask,the suspected

down

passes

inserted,

drying

the

the

fitted to the

cork

it

which

gas
the

generating hydrogen

the

acid)is

of which

means

wide-mouth

is,that

hydrogen,

hydrogen',a

performing

through

issues.

it

ring by subliming

through
perforations,

two

liquid contents

of
for

The

always

certainty. Practically,the

great

mode

in
sulphuricacid),
solution.

the

ring;

should

nascent

arseuiureted

with

materials

of arsenic

with

contact

it to form

recognized

to

metallic

the

reducing

principlehere involved

peculiar properties,by

add

insoluble

precisely

with

of arsenic.

presence
The

"

comes

best

follows

and

it is

which,

(2)by boilingthe sulphide in hydrochloric

a
piece of bright copper foil;a steel-

possesses

simplest and

somewhat

cadmium,

in ammonia

metallic

with

be

heat.

by

arsenic, as

sublimed

combines

may

from

sulphide

the

Test.

not

oxide.

acid, along with

gray

off

yield
is

sulphide yields

reducing agent;

and

by (1)obtaining

proven

considered

sulphide

dried

brown

poison

be

cadmium

arsenic

cadmium,

selenium

and

sulphideis soluble
when

is driven

gas

easily distinguished

is

precipitate does

sulphurettedhydrogen. Practically,

need

arsenic

be

tin

Cadmium,

"

(i) the

In

of the

excess

with
precipitates

similar
the

solutions, the

of

at

gas

fused

with

phuric
sul-

tube, and

of hard

German

by

MARSH'S

ARSENIC

glass,about
farthest

end, and

burning

the

In

in

the

In

liable

to

should

violent
be

the

rather

the

and

slow

jet may

be

burner,
if

spot, the
forms

on

the

piece of

white

quantity of

with

appearance
a

; or,

held

If these

white

If the
12

jet be

may
made

deposit
burning

the

identified
to

gives out
into

white
as

impinge

combines
in

occurs

be
an

powder,

the

acquires
in

minute

alliaceous

short, wide

arsenious
on

"

in size and

arsenic

and

arsenic

change

received
into

results

increases

fumes,

are

be

red

heated

no

the

over

the

as

unless

tube, they will condense

and
crystalline,

soon

immediate

color, and

fumes

if

be held.

flame, which

quantity,it evolves
odor.

As

"

bluish
faint,

the

just beyond

or

to be
suspected solution is now
upright tube; its decomposition
freeingthe arseniureted hydrogen^

ignitedjet.
hydrogen, an
of the

be

now

may

large spiritlamp,
glass tube until it is

yields the followingcharacteristic

the

scarcely

the

through the
immediately commences,

(i) The

time,

porcelain
may

introduced

which

of

pletely
com-

proper

the materials

is certain

arsenic

conclusion

same

small

flame

air

tion
cau-

lightingthe jet,
air will produce a
hydrogen should

burn, if pure, with

horizontal

of

Secondly,

waiting the

deposit occurs

or

absence
a

jet,the
A

stain

no

of the

purity of

the

and

After

of them

atmospheric

before

hydrogen

it will

The

to

the

evolution

lighted;

by applying

Bunsen

hot;

of

precautions are
purity of the

arsenic.

have

gradual.

perceptibleflame.
tested

with

to

The

explosion.

absolute

the apparatus

mixture

point,for

secured, since both

be

must

be exercised

expelledfrom
otherwise

place, the

contaminated

be

small

certain

experiment

sulphuricacid

in

the

at

up

it escapes.

jet,as
first

b"2 turned

may

terminate

to

this

performing

zinc and
are

made

gas

necessary.

long, which

foot

249

TEST.

glass

sometimes

acid.

piece

of

glass

or

H50

TOXICOLOGY.

porcelain,held horizontally,and justwithin the flame,

deposit of pure metallic arsenic, of a brilliant steel-grayor

white
a

color

brownish-gray
order

to

the

procure

and

steady

the

by changing

extent

any

in

somewhat

color, they

deposits,the

In

porcelain.

flame

these

should

spots

brilliant

always

are

multiplied to

the

of

position

finest

be

may

large. Although

too

not

which

occurs,

be

may

vary

and

never

sooty.
These

solubilityin hypochloriteof
which

they

with

touched

resemble,

most

of

drop

sodium:

evaporation yield
drop
assumes

dissolve

white

residues

; if

of nitrate

of

brick-red

color,while

antimony,

affected.

stains

metals

immediate

of

(2) When

sulphide of ammonium,

solution

of strong

their

stains

thus

not

are

immediately disappear ; antimony

(3) Both

(i) by

identified

be

deposits may

they

nitric

acid, and

silver,the arsenic

the antimonial

on

with

touched

now

not

solved.
instantlydis-

are

in hot

do

spot

stain remains

unaffected.
the

(2) Decomposition of
of

flame

the

below

largespirit
lamp, or
horizontal

after

heating

nearly red hot,

just in
behind
to

of the

space,
arsenical

the

highly

such

mirror.

may

parts of the

sufficient amount

arsenic
should
; the

spaces

advance
It may

of the

thus

be

the

have

the

even

presence

be

held

little

deposit continues
the

whole

of the

constitutes

brilliant
steel-gray,
coppery

hue, and

of arsenic.

obtained, by moving

poison

form

begins to

it. This

beyond

horizontal

of the

placing

burner, immediately

completely occupy

characteristic

mirrors

different

flame, which

contracted

even

On

"

tracted
(which should previouslybe conwhen
several
it becomes
places),

already described, or

appearance
is

and

Bunsen

of metallic

deposit

until it may

increase

narrow

it in

of the

advance
one

tube

by heat.

gas

the

Several
flame

tube, provided there

to

operate upon.

it

The

to

is

tube

ARSENIC

may

afterwards

may

be

the

be

retained

This

mode

results

than

of

One
the

the

it will

gas

antimony,

very

similar

the

condenses

The

two

hydrogen, which

heated

the

be

The

filtered clean

and

any

ammonia,

V.

antimonial
nitrate

of

metallic

the

arsenical

gas

an

mirror
advance

arsenical

the

former,
crystals.
reagents

will

The

the black

should

Test.

arsenic

"

on

cause

above

This

On

nitrate

of

of
precipitation
in

the

solution.

neutralizingwith

fall

of silver

arsenite

"

rely

not

the

on

other

gases

this,but

he

mere

beside
should

seniureted
ar-

tinue
con-

described.

consists

bright

of

contain, also,free nitric acid,

color, since

as

the

remaining

of silver.

analyst

arseniureted

solution

it,from

acid

solution

If the

"

yellow

gas

orange-red.

of silver.

passed through

experiment

Reinsclis

than

the different

by

deposit.

octahedral

tube, in

with

hydrogen might
the

the

like

and

in

not

than

appearance

yellow precipitate will

production of

the

"

hydrogen

hydrogen,

spot, and

in the

of nitrate

(vid.p. 247).

experiment

with

contact

easilyvolatilized

silver,arsenious

excess

this

antimony

silver,it immediately blackens

metallic

sults
re-

follows:

produces

with

gas

both

obtain

metallic

up

(3) Decompositionby
hydrogen

is

(vid.p. 246); also, by dry sulphuretted

above

deposit,and

in

also be tested

depositsmay

mentioned

of arsenic

by heat, yielding a

more

higher

with

arseniureted

to

darker

latter is

and

which

the

over

it; it has usually

mirror;

quantity

possibleto

interfere

distinguishedas

deposited just

of

delicate

more

process.

of

be

may

the
be

always

is decomposed
latter,

They
is

yields even

unless

fallacyonly might

yields

of

positiveproof

as

poison.

jet; but

Marsh's

presence

in court,

experimenting

the

251

TEST.

separate the mirrors, which

to

as

for exhibition

extremely small,
by

so
filed,

of the

detection

REINSCH'S

"

copper

in

producing
foil.

The

deposit

suspected

9S9

TOXICOLOGY.

solution, acidulated

with

first

hydrochloric acid, is
a

of

piece

bright
The

continued.
of

arsenic

which

is

brought

foil is

copper

of

presence
indicated

soon

If the

immediate, and

of the

if the amount
will be

copper

dark

very

of dilution

merely

of

black,
is

deposit

stain

by

tint.

the

be

water

before

the

upon

bluish

violet,or

hour

an

copper,

even

is affected

copper

half

the

off in scales ;

hence, if the quantity of the

require boiling for

it may

small, the

the

deposit on

break

even

is very

poison

fainter,and

the

Moreover,

; it may

quantity

large,the

be

boiling

minute

very

steel-gray,or

of arsenic

quantity

the

tarnishingof

the

dark

boiling point, and

introduced, and
a

of pure

of its bulk

the

to

even

by

ultimately assumes

color.

one-sixth

about

large,

visible

gree
de-

posit
de-

occurs.

reaction

This
One

that

great advantage

is,that it may
is

this test

delicate

is very

be

extremely satisfactory.

and

it possesses

the

over

other

tests

practiced in complex organic fluids; hence,

in

usually employed

toxicologicalresearch, as

trial test.

the

Certain
it.

precautions

First, the

purity

are,

of

however,
the

in

required

employing

acid

hydrochloric

be

must

insured; this is easily accomplished by first boilingsome

the

acid

the

copper.

minutes,

antimony
both

with

diluted
If

we

be

may

emory

paper,

boiled

in

acid

does

not

necessary

the

impart
to

acid.

and

further

test

Add

may

be

with

six parts of water,

adopted

it

its

one

the

the

absence

maybe

to

the

the

effected
as

be

must

copper

or

by rubbing

/"tire if,when

dissolved, and

is not

process

of

if deemed
Mr.

Abel

hydrochloric acid, diluted

pure
or

of arsenic

liquid. But,

purity,the

slip of

latter after fifteen

regarded

liquid,it

color

to

upon

brightnessis

arsenical
green

introducing

Secondly,

Its

pure.

it with

of

certain

the

bright and

then

stain appears

no

from

and

water,

of

two

drops

of

weak

solution

ARSENIC

it the

into

well

copper,

tarnished

becomes

soon

the

iron ; boil

perchlorideof

of

REINSCH'S

"

liquid,and

acid

polished ;
; if pure

2-03

TEST.

introduce

if it contains

it

arsenic

bright. (Taylor,

it remains

Med.Jurisp.,1883, p. 268.)
In

test, it is best

this

coated.

By

removed

from

impart

the

by

of copper

for

serve

surface.

it becomes

as

arsenic

Reinsch's

This

in
will

process,

three hundred

to

fore,
will,there-

method

of the

approximative quantitativeestimate

an

be

may

dissolved

acid

distinct,dark, steel-graycoating

inches

of

pieces

ascertained, by actual

of arsenious

treated

and

of

have

We

grain

one

solution,

square

solution.

that

experiment,
acid

the

small

use

fragment

whole

the

means

to

each

successively,removing

copper

the

this

applying

poison.
Another

caution

too

copper

in doubtful

for

But,

hour

an

or

of any
Fallacies.

coating

of

acquire

be

copper

beside

Reinsch's

applicationof

deposit
to

corroborative

arsenic

will
such

process,

proof

the

is

this

the

on

establish

fragment

impart

presence

required.
of

the

two

thoroughly drying

them

between

(avoidingtouching

with

soiled

small

into

coils,and

small, clean

then

of

is

copper

not

further

is afforded

by

ing
wash-

and

then

This
coated

copper,

the folds of
and
fingers),

and

sulphur.

of arsenic, but

introducingone

reduction-tube

palladium,
production

mere

the

dark

antimony,

as

it contain

test, the

surface

or

into

in

kept

film, independently

dark

for half

continued

be

the

remove

deposit occurs

no

organic matter, especiallyif

in the

sufficient

case

hand, if the

may

metals

by

copper

dark

other

longer, it
Other

likewise

Hence,

liquid,in

to

silver,bismuth, tin,gold, platinum and

mercury,
and

is not

boiling should

the

on

observed

arsenic.
"

to

the

the

cases,

hour.

an

from

soon

be

to

filtering
paper,

rollingthem
or

of them

more

applying

up

the

heat

of

254

TOXICOLOGY.

The

spiritlamp.

the

part of the tube, in

cool
The

such

will volatilize

arsenic

circumstances

from

antimony and

are

is either

antimony

the

while
crystals,

acicular

fine,spherical globules of

mercury

the

under

the sublimate

but

amorphous,

mercurial

tals.
crys-

volatilize

could

in

condense

of octahedral

ring

which

metals

other

only

white

and

else in

or

deposit

fine,
of

consists

metal, easilyrecognized by

magnifier.
The
directed
in

of

attention

acid

an

the

to

of

with

when

yield,

fact,that

solution

coated

the

especially be

if copper

for

complex

decided

heated

sublimate, which

toxicologistshould

in

Reinsch's

and

their

of the

substances
this

and

the

other

obtained
chlorate

same

as

that

the

water

YYe

observations.
of

corroboration
we

can

the octahedral

tals,
crys-

is

may

prevent

deposit

viscera

in

of

hydrochloric

sequently,
Con-

strong nitric acid.

//^applicable to

the

the

certain

cJdorate,binoxide

decompose

; likewise

test

presence

viz.,a

that

bodies

of

the

the

clear

tion
solu-

hydrochloric

acid

potassium (z"id.
post)

of

method.
Marsh's

in

hydrogen

nascent

solution

by boiling

Bloxanis

VI.

that

copper,

chlorine

evolve

Reinsch's

and

tals,
crys-

copper.

medico-legal case,

production of

arsenical

upon

or

manganese,

complete

remembered

in the

metal

acicular

own

our

come
be-

subsequent identification.

also be

It must

acid

arsenic, in

nothing short

admit

of

for

test

by

that, for the

it follows

Hence,

this

it will

amorphous

an

of

compound

time

some

will,moreover,

show

sometimes

verified

repeatedly

stain,and

reduction-tube,

consisting apparently of
have

organic matters,

dark

even

may

boiled

be

"

The
process

the

"

involved

action

of zinc.

but

it should

It
be

is

delicate

remembered

is the

of arsenic

only, electrolysisis employed

instead

method,

principlehere

on

pose
decom-

to

and
that

factory
satis-

the

2-3"J

TOXICOLOGY.

served

for

subsequent examination,

should

be

concentrated

then

and

filtered

Reinsch's

of the

portion

by evaporation

through

boiling,other

if the

test,

Reinsch's

by

treated

balance

until all the

with

will have
where

the

matter

and

The

the

arsenic

in

liquid

may

be

(vtd.ante,

The

color

establish

such

the

for several

trial

the

hours,

the

bright yellow

or

both

less

organic

amounts.

sufficient,

arsenic,since it is know

coloring matter, sulphuretted hydrogen

will

throw

with

acid, complex, organic solution, associated

an

hausted
ex-

is facilitated

precipitateis not
of

the presence

tablished.
es-

251), and

p.

contain

sulphur, in greater

production of

as

resultingprecipitate

will

and

"

tive
nega-

completely

process

not

"

cess,
pro-

give

by

cient
suffi-

regarded

is revealed

liquid.

is pure,

reduced

to
of itself,

be

may

is precipitated.This

dirty yellowish

mere

if these

and

to

Marsh's

by

sulphurettedhydrogen

arsenic

tried

after

poison

process

by gently warming

that

of the

given portion

be

may

of arsenic

of the

presence

trial test

is afforded

result

no

portions

results,the absence

bath,

water

appliedas

by sulphuretted hydrogen;

and

But

be

now

If

liquid.

over

filtrate

paper.

may

process

if required. The

down

resembling either an impure arsenical

precipitate
very much
antimonial
or
sulphide,but consistingonly of organic matter
is required
and free sulphur; hence, a further
examination
to

verifythis suspected sulphide.

then
precipitate

The
and

digested with
all the

out

organic

have
should

to

be

sulphide

verified

yellow
by

of

the

washed

carefullyon
which

ammonias,

If much

is

filtered
is

arsenic

color.

When

methods

described

and

ter,
fil-

will

arsenic, together with

solution

dryness.

decided

be

aqua

pure

The

matter.

evaporated

should

solve
dis-

some

carefullv

present it will

perfectly dried
above

it

(p.248).

ARSENIC

If,however,
the

dried

only

minute

residue, which
follows:

purifiedas
a

TOXICOLOGICAL

little concentrated

evaporated

until the
moistened
with

stirred,and

cautiously evaporated

gradually

now

when

the

organic
The

dissolved

acidulated
white

to

warm

water,

of the

another

soda,

of sodium
The

dryness.
becomes

of

and

now

may

is

stroyed.
de-

completely
the

of

senate
ar-

It should

should
filtration,

the

be

be

tilldense

evaporated

and

arsenate

well

heat

nitrite of sodium.
after

gether
to-

colorless,

mixture

peated
re-

residue

is

duced
re-

sulphate of sodium.
in

tested

Marsh's

given portion,by sulphuretted hydrogen,

arsenious

to

caustic

nitrate

treatment

quantitativedetermination,

reduced

of

considered

and

this

By

of this solution

apparatus;

It is next

mass

sulphuric acid

pure

mixture

portion

for

nitrate and

mixture

yellow color.

to

consists

mass

appear.

be

may

with
in

with

fumes

matter

cooled

of sodium
be

until the

increased

the

and

being

and

carbonate

be

must

bath, the acid

few drops of solution

little pure

present in

color, it

is added,

has

be

porcelain capsule, and

water

over

residue

moist

with

acid

brown

in

placed

nitric

dryness

to

of arsenic

quantity
will have

it is

257

EXAMINATION.

acid

the

arsenic

acid

first

being

sulphiteof

by sulphurous acid, or

sodium.

always desirable, if
prove

the

viscera,

actually taken
it may

can

only

poison

arsenic

positiveproof

the

in

that

can

be

to

discovered

have
from
in

It

"

the

during life,
provided always

disappeared
be

is

case,

is
to

different
as

poison
that

its
had

mortem
post-

sides,
{vid.ante, p. 193). Behas been
quantity swallowed

excluded

happen that, if the

only just sufficient

have

absorbed

tissues.

liver,kidneys, spleen, etc., inasmuch

imbibition

may

of

in the organs

detection
been

the

the

from

in
indispensable,

not

presence

as

arsenic

absorbed

Separation of

caused
the
the

death, the

stomach
organs.

whole

of it

by absorption, and
The

brain

should

258

TOXICOLOGY.

be

always

examined
to

an

discovered

by

the

all

methods

and

several

Reinsch's

one-fourth

about

pressed

in

in

of

consistence
in

digested

time

the

acquire

equal

added

portion

of

cooled,

of this

the

arsenic

acid

arsenious

acid.

This

the

to

acid

solution, and

has

hours, and
solution
not

V-

by

may

be

Reinsch's

254).

for

the
be

is effected

heating
It is

examined

process,

the

to

of

dry

other

reduced

liquid

should

be

of arsenic
in

by

When

Any

acid.

Marsh's

ratus
appa-

it is necessary

tests

the lower

all odor
to

oxide

of

stand

filtration.

The

the

reason

above

"

sodium

sulphurous
for several

resulting

by sulphuretted hydrogen,
for

will

tinued
con-

strained.

by adding sulphite of
allowed

short

the

and

to

are

cence
effervesIn

gas.

tested

pure

material.

disappeared.

form

be

potassium

properly

it until

now

bath, with

heat

has
be

then

liquid,when

The

be

liquid may

should

the

it to

bring

to

chlorine

in the

deposit removed

any

hot

(as

matters

finely divided,

water

weight

chlorine

should

be

disappear,

exist

disappeared.

solid

chlorate

it should

(i'id.
p. 248). But
that

in

of

will

matters

The

the

to

escape

present would

arsenic

ing
boil-

hydrochloric acid,

added

over

powdered

all odor

liquid has

the

of

succeeded

by simply

whole

clear, yellow color.

until

research,

destruction

have

we

and

"

The

gruel.

with

solid

of

the

organs

water

pure

about

time

to

will occur,
time

and

quantities of

from

readily

was

sort

"

liver) should

the

thin

acid

hydrochloric
Small

Babo.

porcelain dish

the

in water

and

of

mortar,

was

test.

of Fresenius

Method

end

instances,

finely-dividedtissue

applying

for this

common

one

perfectlyin detecting arsenic

the

arsenic

us,

described

to

In

matters.

by

this organ

tests.

are

reference

having

organic

usual

where

only case

examination

submitted

Several

in the

but

given {rid.

EXAMINATION

ARSENIC

MetJiod

divided,

introduced

into

strong

sulphuric acid,

whole

is

the

is

nitric

This

converts

is

The

the

evaporated

is

filtered the

vapors.

It should

of

when

it will

distillation

The

about

its
in

distillate

over

retort

be

being

over

ter

received

chloride.

separating
the

The

tissues.

fit for

nitric

rid

of

this process

arsenic, in

be

distillate may

must

nitrous

quantity

should

first
mixed

tilled
dis-

the

dryness,
of

quantity

of

advantage

diately
imme-

state, from

tolerably pure
to

water

is separated

arsenic

subjected

be

with

acid, and

to

the

the

and

described.

almost

small

the

then

and

be

above

hydrochloric

into

paper.

liquid

sufficient

tissue

It possesses

the

through

acid

testing,as

water-bath,

distilled

with

with

The

"

hour.

an

Warm

acid

of

weight

must

get

sand-bath,

properly refrigerated. By
as

to

its

colored, it

The

time.

of pure

weight

own

again

mixed

process.

dried

thoroughly

be

if

tened
mois-

is

for half

filtered

if pure;

dryness,

now

of

acid.

matters

cooling,

powder

water-bath

treated

to

The

arsenic

second

After

one-tenth

into

colorless,

evaporated

water,

on

the

dryness,

to

and
be

next

arsenic

added, and

now

dried.

powdered.

heated

acid, and

filtrate

water,

and

porcelain capsule, with

pure

water

removed

together with

sand-bath, until the

and

properly

organs,

retort,

on

259

URINE.

The

"

heated

and

THE

glass

thoroughly carbonized,

mass

in

Flandin

and

of Danger
are

OF

all the

usual

tests.

urine

The

be

can

examined

concentrating by evaporation
dryness,
of

state

then

treated
and

potassium,

Arsenic
Neither

and

is
is it

not
ever

with

found

it may

or

in the

soil of

need

be

test,

be

acid

the

cemeteries
no

by

first

evaporated

usual
of

constituent

in the

there

Reinsch's

hydrochloric

examined

normal

consequently,

by

to

rate
chlo-

and

way.

body.

human
in

soluble

apprehension

of

260

TOXICOLOGY.

dead

body

Arsenic

is

of

poison,after burial,from

the

earth.

surrounding

grains

this

imbibing

ever

estimated
dried

pure

as
quantitatively,

sulphide;

ioo

80.48 of arsenious

sulphide represent

acid.
OTHER

Arsenite

of Potassium

much
acid

used

with

Acid.

it

"

brownish-red

N.

delicate

the

entire

absence
such

contrary,

the

those

drogen
sulphuretted hyconsiderable

of silver,which

1884,

from

years,

sold

the

all the

New

in

of

relapse took

asphyxia, about

death

the

nine

under
The

the

on

dilatation

child
after

oning,
pois-

belladonna,

respiration.

hours

of

arsenic

narcotic, like

place,the

of

is the

case

purging, etc.; but,

hurried

rapid pulse, and

an

bugs.

profound stupor,

were

contains

York,

of

symptoms

and

powerful

with

connected

usual

yields

arsenate

poison,for destroying potato

circumstance

as

of silver.

four

preparation

There

partial recovery,
from

and

lavender.

employed

Silliman, of

B.

pain, vomiting

as

pupils, a

the

three

of

stramonium.

or

Prof.

by

poisonous

singular

most

with

arsenious

ounce.

not

Medico-legal Journal, March,

of pest

name

fluid

but

acid;

arsenate

"

between

boy, aged

the

is nitrate

test

tion,
prepara-

of

tincture

yellow precipitate after

interesting account,
sodium,

and
to

This

"

by boiling

poison,

arsenious

precipitate

Y.

Solution.

potassium

powerful
as

yields

Its most

The

Fowler

ARSENIC.

medicine, is made
of

It is tested

time.

"

/#///'grains of arsenic

Arsenic
such.

in

carbonate

It contains

OF

PREPARATIONS

of

After

dying,

parently,
ap-

swallowing

poison.

Arsenite

of Copper

containing
copper.

one

By

part

Scheele's Green.

"

of

sublimation

arsenious
in

"

acid

A
to

fine green
two

of

powder,
oxide

of

reduction-tube, it yields crys-

of

tals
nitric

arsenious

Also,

etc.

of

parts
acetic

tube, when

easily

other

tested

in

will

solution
be

placed

formed

around

ammoniae

arsenical
whose

rooms

fine

into

the

or

lungs, and

Sulphides.

(tersulphide) or

mixed
metallic

The

of

it in

of

oxide

this

one

test

copper.

pigment,

weak

of

silver.

A
this

by

of
the

and

of

is

yellow

may

solution

crystal

colored

mirrors

from

the

two

are

of

nitrate

immediately
of

drop

aqua

pigment

the

sulphide

both

agent

(vid.ante,

p.

the

diately
imme-

walls
above

and

248).

living

is

paper

inhaled

described.

the

yellow

(pentasulphide)

sometimes
in

of

green

sulphides,
red

is

soluble

result

this

symptoms

native

orpiuie/it,and

reducing

with

detached

dust

frequent

covered

are

produces

are

is

poisoning

yellow

They
with

and

copper,

acid, deposits crystals

now

of

paper

There

"

poison.

If

of

composed

by heating

into

latter, a film

walls

powder

realgar.

to

articles

to

it blue.

turns

the

"

of

ment
pig-

bon-bon

speedily bleached,

be

arsenite

it

applied

Chronic

the

in

It is

"

color

green

with

them

blue.

become

paper,

oxide

colored

will

wall

residue

dipping

they

of

Brunswick

or

Green.

of acetic

leaves

articles

by

when

ammonia,

in

and

Paris

identified

readily

acid, and

fine

two

off fumes

gives

and

Paper,

silver

It is

it

arsenious

be

ammonia

millinery.

and

acid,

"

staining

give

to

flowers,

arsenious

acid.

Green

for

used

dress, artificial

of

in

Selnueinfurt,

"

Emerald

or

much

toys,

paper,

Copper

of

Vienna,

"

very

of

soluble

is

acid.

Green

six

It

acid.

Aeeto-arsenite

of

261

SULPHIDES.

ARSENIC

taken

ammonia,

and

sublimed,

they

as

or

when

yield

262

TOXICOLOGY

CHAPTER

POISONING

PROPERTIES

BY

OF

ANTIMONY"

TARTAR

The

in

MORTEM
POST-

"

ANALYSIS

"

portance
medico-legal im-

Occasionally,the

chloride

The

arsenic.

Heated

the

in

in

is

of carbon

of the

tartar,

double

salt,
of

teroxide

When

it

pure,

crystals;also

as

contains

white
of

traces

reduction-tube, it readily blackens,

the

with

potassium.

salt sometimes

decomposition

charcoal,before

is

combination

of

protoxide
commercial

mixture

globules

acid

stibiaied

This

potassium).

large,colorless,octahedral

powder.

and

tartaric

and

antimony

to

of

{tartarized antimony

Emetic

consisting of

from

CHEMICAL

"

antimony

emetic.

of antimony

occurs

DOSE

poisoning.

Tartar
tartrate

POISONING

of

only preparation
of

FATAL

"

EXAMINATION.

is tartar
cause

SYMPTOMS

"

SLOW

"

EMETIC).

(TARTAR

EMETIC

APPEARANCES
TOXICOLOGICAL

XVIII.

of the

organic acid, and

metallic

and

is

blowpipe, it

metal, along

with

antimony.

also

white

is reduced
Heated

on

reduced, yielding
incrustation

of the

oxide.
It is soluble
water

; its solution

insoluble

some,

undergoes

hot

solution

fifteen of cold
It is

decomposition.
on

evaporation yields

crystals.

taste

is nauseous,

slightlysweetish

Symptoms.
soon

incessant

parts of boiling,and

soon

in alcohol.

tetrahedral
The

in three

"

metallic
and

by

acrid,or, according

to

styptic.

harsh, metallic

followed

and

taste

nausea,

is

perceived

lowing,
swal-

on

retching, violent

vomiting, great thirst,constriction

of the

and

throat,

26"

TOXICOLOGY.

Post-mortem

poison

appearances.

displayed

are

stomach

and

covered

with

with

also

bowels
and

the

natives

of

antimony,

for

the

and

be

pustules may

tions,
excoria-

or

scattered

seen

tract.

Brunswick
the

the

times
secretion, some-

softened, and

and

feed

their

of

purpose

seems

It is stated

fattydegeneration.

of

throat, oesophagus, stomach

generally enlarged

undergone

this

softened

aphthous-looking spots,

intestinal

liver is

have

to

exhibit

occasionally true

throughout
The

The

blood.

viscid

and

of

membrane

lining

deeply reddened,

is

blackish, thick

effects

irritant

the

upon

bowels, which

streaked
and

The

"

geese

the

upon

fatteningthem

that
of

oxide

by increasing

the size of their livers.

The

and

deeply congested,
The

apoplexy.

true

often

lungs are

bronchi

both

in

presenting,when

its membranes

cut,

also

be

"

the

or

and

Chronic
to

be

stimulants

and

serum,

tricles
ven-

there

effusion.

serous

"

frequent

distressingnausea,

be

assisted

stomach-pump

as

green

will be

poisoning.

more

of

This

than

with

tea,

by

may

tannin, in the form

is

vegetable infusion, such

opium

generally
The

excess

should

Vomiting

antidote

proper

is

The

nothing abnormal.

drinks,
The

brain

windpipe

bloody points.

sub-meningeal

some

Jieart exhibits
Treatment.

an

the

of

substance, the latter

and

numerous

occasionallycontain
may

The

uniformly reddened.

is

congested,

lining

mucous

ing
exhibit-

sometimes

or

of

be
some

laginous
muci-

warm

employed.
astringent

galls. Afterward,

necessary.

method

of

formerly.
occasional

poisoning is
The

symptoms

believed
are

vomiting, diarrhoea,with

pasty stools, loss of appetite,emaciation, slimy tongue, feeble

action

of

the

countenance,
urination.

heart, difficult breathing,a pale

faintings,with

increased

and

anxious

perspiration

and

A N 'J'[MON

surfaces, and

abraded

effects the

same

has

other

liver,kidneys,and
Chemical
of

analysis.

hydrogen,
is

of

sulphide
it

As

2.

solution
the

gives

mineral

soluble

in

acids
in

bright

on

deposit

(e)The

above

copper

the

into

Acidulated

of

throws

down

with

of

antimony

in

it

{rid.p. 262).

crystals;

produces

white

latter

black

it is

acquires

or

stain

to

ammonia
boiled
escape

insoluble

in the
of

terchloride

acid, when

in

concentrated

dilute

alkalies, but

antimony.

acid, it

dropped

into

The
water

stripof

from

of

nium,
ammo-

characteristic

This

cipitate
pre-

scarcely

so

in

hydrochloric acid, but

sulphuretted hydrogen,
of

test).

distinguished
sulphide

and

violet-

(Reinsch's

solution

pure

caustic

of

tate,
precipi-

hydrochloric acid,

antimony

cold, whereby

in

weak-

precipitateby ferrocyanide

foil,the

pure

acid; this precipitateis also

imparts

from

their

Either
crystals. (/;)

with

metallic

; this

solution, evaporated

strong

drop

sulphuretted

orange-red precipitateof sulphide of antimony.

is soluble

stomach,

orange-redcolor

an

(/) Sulphuretted hydrogen,

arsenic.

nausea,

the

Touched

"

tetrahedral

(c) No

solution

tin foil in

the

of

of the

acid,

(d)

as

stitutional
con-

resulted, and

in

solution

of confused

excess

in tartaric

colored

pure

drop

dropped

an

potassium,

boiled

solid.

salts of

exhibit

mass

thus

reduction-tube, it blackens

"

soluble

of

of all the

glass,will

on

a
or

liquid. (a) A

swallowed, such

immediately acquires

Heated

state.

As

ammonium,

characteristic

all its

organs.

I.

"

tartar

readilyabsorbed,

detected, after death,

been

skin,

produces

effects have

Fatal

etc.
vomiting, debility,

poison

if

as

the

to

it is also

deeppustulation;

especiallyfrom

the

applied

"

occasions

2 " I "")

TESTS.

"

application.When

External
emetic

is

and

with

decomposed
the

formation

resultingsolution,
immediately

throws

if

the

of the

if not

down

too
a

copious,white, flaky precipitate(theoxychloride, or powder

266

TOXICOL*

algaroth),which

of

identified

it

obtained

in

of

color.

orange-red

an

the

be

may

tartaric

acid;

ammonium,

which

The

precipitate

white

of bismuth

nitrate

into

is blackened

acid, and

tartaric

This

solubilityin

its

sulphide

by dropping

soluble

not

(i)by

it with

(2)by touching

characteristic.

quite

antimonial

as

to

is

".Y.

parts
im-

is

water

by sulphide

of

ammonium.

Galvanic

The

(g)

This

"

the

platinum capsule,and touching

with

the

on

black

platinum
The

film.

the

point

liquid

should

at

in
platinum washed
sulphide of ammonium

of

by

contact,

upon

the aid of

be

in the

advantageously appliedfor
{vid.post)
organs

(h) Marsh's
emetic,

or

same

(1) If

same

the

gas

fumes

are

the

the

stain

solves
speedilydis-

evaporation,

on

in the

If

hydrogen

of this test
of

antimony

same

manner

solution

of tartar

subjected

salts,be
is

in precisely

generated

is arseniureted

of

the

at

fumes

received

hydrogen,

under

with

bluish

into

be

may

piece

of cold

the

arsenic)in

deposit
identified
white

form

of

of

and

of the

if

test-tube, held
teroxide

by sulphide

porcelain be

of

held

may
monium.
am-

zontally
hori-

deposited (as in
black, or nearly black,

metal
a

antimony,

short, wide

flame, the
the

jet,it burns

of teroxide

flame, the white

just within
case

quantity of

netted

is inflamed

collected, which
If

the

248).

the

conditions.

just above
be

p.

or

off,and

poured

the detection

employed

deposited

brownish

modification

is

as

small

antimonial

manner

flame, evolving white

these

few

soluble

test, antimo

the
the

of the

any

Marsh's

to

This

"

{vid. ante,

arsenic

for

as

test.

as

heat,and

orange-redsulphide remains.

may

be

water.

poured

is

antimony

then

distilled

it (ifantimony)
an

by placing

latter,through the liquid,

; metallic

stripof bright zinc

is made

solution, acidified by hydrochloric acid, upon

of the

drops

test.

is

MARSH'S

ANTIMONY

spot, which

is usually surrounded

depositsmay
of the

has

as

been

But

manner.

another

by

they

of

spots

quantity

shown,

behaves

is liable is from

arsenic,

than

residue.

of

in

little,
or

by it,and

also

it, but

the

(arsenate of
affected

by

(2) If

be

of

nitrate

applied

the

are
(arsenical)

is

both

which

has

Nitric

acid

dissolved

are

the

arsenical

silver

yellow

immediately

stain.

by

residue

brick-red

antimonial

around

takes
the

the

color
is

residue

antimonial

the

the

antimonctted

tube

not

in Marsh's

point

immediately
in

not

over

of

advance

it.

small, the deposit may

is very

the

hydrogen,

arsenic, but the

of

occurs

of heat.

chemical

same

porcelain by

case

mirror

upon

within

the

in the

portion,and

heated

place wholly

horizontal

of the antimonctted

place, as

quantity operated

deposits exhibit

the

to

the passage

during

deposition of

(3) If

leaving, on

it.

decomposition

on

antimonial

sipated
dis-

immediately

latter

deposit

dryness,

to

but
silver),

heat

apparatus

arsenic

the

of

solution

former

evaporation,

on

servable.
ob-

so

slowly

hypochloriteof sodium,

of

evaporation

on

is not

more

are

the

if

the

when

as

"

ammonium,

distinguishthem:

to

serve

to

leave,

effect upon

no

of

sulphide

one

arsenical; but

small

stains

orange-red deposit;

solution

the

arsenical; the

Furthermore,

soluble

than

from

deposit is,as

this distinction

"

antimony

the

drop

affected

slowly

the

preciselysimilar

antimonial

extremely

are

is minute

evaporation, an

If the

position

distinguished

The

brilliant

antimony

heat

in

dissolve

gives

the

in

readily be

less

examined

by

take

this test

can

and

Again,

and

which

little attention.

rule, blacker

will

These

grayish ring.

multipliedby simply changing

only fallacyto

which,

the

by

porcelain.

The

be

267

TEST.

reactions

These
as

metallic

those

duced
pro-

ignited gas.
hydrogen

be

passed into

solu-

2G8

TOXICOLOGY.

of

tion

black

becomes
as

antimonide

of

metallic

This

the

is

antimony

acid

silver, the arsenious

precipitate should
the

leaves

and

antimony,

treating it

with

being kept
collected

be

tartaric

with

boiled

and

and

of the

whole

the

arsenic)

of

case

precipitated

of silver (with arsenic, the precipitateconsists

black

washed

silver,the latter (as in the

of

nitrate

on

acid, which

filter,

dissolves

out

filteringthe

On

silver.

solution).

in

teristic
charac-

the

sulphurettedhydrogen,

tion,
solu-

orange-red sulphide is precipitated.

examination.
Toxicological
desirable

to

the

separate

In

"

certain

emetic,

tartar

sometimes

it

cases

such, from

as

be

might

the

accomplished by dialysis.

be

stomach

; this

The

poison in the exact state in which it

szvallozucd,would
always strongly impress a jury.

been

But

for all

analyst

it is
practicalpurposes,
the antimony.
detect

can

may

also

and

vomited

absorbed

employed

be

stomach,

sufficient

pressed, and

one-half.

about

solid

whole
Trial

it will

tests

with

hydrochloric

bright

copper

foil

violet

stain,

(c)

warmed,
for several

should
hours

food

detecting

gently heated,
bath, for about

water

should

be
with
half

strained

be

be

to

are

washed

and

liquid carefullyevaporated to

may

now

piece

if antimony

acid

should

contents,

and

be

made

of

pure

on

tin foil in

place

the

late
(b)acidu-

is present;

boil ; then

portion

piece

it will speedily acquire

(Reinsch'stest),
The

be
;

and

portions

of the

blacken

soon

for

course,

matters

liquid (a)by insertinga

of this

cold;

over

cold, the
; the

the

of

dialysis

from

emetic

tartar

and

acid

water,

When
muslin

not,

of

process

tissues.

tartaric

distilled

hour.

through

but

in the

The

if the

sufficient

deemed

separate

properly divided,

with

acidulated

to

matters,

antimony

The

the

of

exhibition

had

an

may

remainder

treated
a

with

of

the

or

liquid, slightly

sulphuretted hydrogen

dirty,orange-red

of

brown

gas

precipitate

TOXICOLOGICAL

ANTIMONY

thrown

will be

organic
The

and

importance

over-estimated
a

has

what

been

said

toxicologist. The
under

the

these

this

equal

point

force

the

under

resultingsolution

into water,

therein, since

experience

all these

from
testify,

can

has

antimony

been

soluble

extent,

hot

solution, if thrown
We
these

do

true

result

from

throw

alluded
also

wish

sulphide of antimony
a

solution,

pure

but

"

organic

poison

case,

on

It may

of

of

the
metals),

be

actual
on,

should

with

here

the

this,too,

in

positiveidentification by

only

would

as

in many

mixed

solution

corroboration

of this

still another

proceed
the

of

action

taric
tar-

{vid.p. 266).
that

in

metal

absolute

recognized

legal
medico-

every

with

should
and

quantities sufficient
all the

characters

resemble

antimony (as indeed

the

that

insist,in

ammonium

obtaining of
as

saying

all the

that

cipitate.
pre-

we

precipitateto

remarked

poisoning

insisted

and

white

do

reason

searching

sulphide of

properly

case

very

analyst

subject the

acid, and

proof;

The

particular test.
step, and

It is for this

matters.

resulting

white

no

great

the

as

antimonial

an

to

are,

occasion

they

ored
col-

to, where

especiallysuch

"

our

of the

understood

be

to

cipitate
preas

ensue,

above

will

white

treatment

water,

respects the precipitatefrom

may

sulphur-organicprecipitatespossess

of the

with

results

the

dissolve

hydrochloric acid, and

into
not

obtain

for these

present;

in

and

will it

Neither

similar

sulphur-organic deposits

not

senic
of Ar-

head

step farther,and

one

of

alleged poison

antimony.

to

is

circumstances

suspected sulphide in boiling hydrochloric acid, and

the

be

production

mere

of the

presence

upon

proceed only

to

256).

p.

identifyingthis precipitatecannot

deposit

applieswith
suffice

of

establish

to

sulphur (vid.ante,

reduced

the

by

reddish-brown

sufficient

consistingof tersulphideof antimony,

down,

matter

269

EXAMINATION.

to

tests.

be

other

ously
rigor-

unequivocal
admit

of

Nor

should

its

270

TOXICOLOGY.

this be

considered

The

arbitraryor
such
highest toxicological
authorities,

and

Taylor,

metal

is

Marsh's

these

it.

Reinsch's

found

tissues.

in the

liver and

with

carried
the

to

washed,

trial tests

may

cold, and
of

should

antimony

rolled

up,

heated

by

dried
and

between

the

introduced

the

flame
the

deposited on

of

cool

of bibulous

dilute

solution

of

withdrawn
favor

the

which
now

be

from

oxidation

deposit will

be

amorphous,

by boiling

white

else

or

the

wholly

will be

removed

in

the

converted

into

solution.

The

with

removed

The

by employing
them

to

the

whole

above

treatment.

copper

in

to

the
a

the

air

antimony

slipsof

to

time, the
of potassium,

strip should
and

liquid,when

thrown

ally
occasion-

hydrochloric acid,

of the

successive

of very

shown,

after

copper

of

case

best

antimonate

sulphuretted hydrogen through

pcntasulpJiideof antimony will be
color.

will

602).

being

exposed

pass

orange-red

p.

coated

antimony, when,

acidulate

in the

deposit is

liquid and

of the

and

sublimate

composed

potassa, the metal

caustic

then

paper;

portion of the tube, as

of this antimonial

Watson,

to

per
cop-

glass reduction-tubes,

crystals[MillersInorganic Chem.

according

process

thoroughly

be

fine acicular

nature

stripof

pieces of

of

it is either

true

After

boilingsolution.

arsenic;but
The

in water

with

should

spiritlamp;

the

number

folds

into

boiled

given, Reinsch's

are

of

given portion

be made

boilingacid liquid. These

and

poison

hydrochloric acid.

by subjectinga

out

blowpipe.

absorbed

be

foil in

copper

the

galvanism, by

the

kidneys.
of

of

extraction

by

rule.

Orfila,Tardieu

as

of the

one-sixth

about

indications

maybe

Most

"

properly divided,

tin foil in the

If any

and

processes,

concentration,

proper

Besides, the

and

organs,

acidulated

capricious

mere

tin foil,by
e. g., by
difficult,

not

and

will be

sanction

the organs

In

be

as

of

down,
may

copper,

the

be
and

an

thus
jecting
sub-

272

TOXICOLOGY.

hydrochloric

and

with

carbonizing
Chloride

of

Its

instances.

of

those

by
is

This

clear
of

nitrate

Every

emetic.

grains

100

of

and

the

as

pure,
or

dry
202.85

acid,

are

of

oxy-

of
a

flaky

instantly

of

chloride

tersulphide
parts

is

and

as

duced
pro-

white,

sulphide

quantitatively

semble
re-

the

water,

acid,

with

number

those

copious,

tartaric

precipitates

estimated

in

than

into

strong,

lesions

hydrochloric

contains

which

teroxide,

in
touched

liquid

of

falls

fatal

rather

thrown

soluble
when

silver,
is

Antimony

85.75

is

orange-red
The

by

When

A
"

post-mortem

acids

corrosive

generated,

precipitate.
colored

the

by

259).

p.

proved

and

symptoms

post.,

Antimony).

of

has

that

one

emetic.

tartar

chloride

{Butter

and

poison,

[vid.

acid

and

hydrogen,

sulphuretted

sulphuric
Antimony

of

corrosive

with

acid,

nium.
ammo-

as

shown

silver.

tersulpliide.

equivalent

crystallized

to

tartar

BY

POISONING

CHAPTER
POISONING

BY

CORROSIVE
APPEARANCES.

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

The

the

poisoning may
not

may

be

chieflymarked

the

metallic
relieve

to

constipation.
this is

as

very

liable

with

production

of the

legs,so
firmlyon

that the
the

chew
to

There

body.

insomnia

In bad

ground.

is

The

he
be

not

termination, attended

with

and

delirium.

curious

Another

proper

to

and

the

cles
mus-

and

arms

walk

speak,

checked, it proceeds
loss of memory,

symptom,
is

chip {Guy'sForen.

prophylactic treatment

in cleanliness

usually present,

them

named

neither

can

fatal

teeth,causing

*3

cases,

nerve

object,nor

an

grasp

are

extremities

in the

unsteadiness

If the disorder

generallyrecognized,but
of the

an

patient cannot

his food.
a

is

may

limbs

the

on

and then, by degrees, all

usuallyfirst affected,
of the

sort

They

salivation.
of tremors

come
be-

to

gradually,or suddenly; they

indicatingthe action of the metal

paralysis,
The
thus
induced
centres.
general condition
mercurial
tremors, and shaking palsy. The upper

nor

it happens

of this

symptoms

and

are

given

platers,
looking-glass

ores,

The

Liquid

state.

ordinary temperatures,

accompanied
by

in the

inhaled, and

the fumes.
on

ANALYSIS.

CHEMICAL

makers, etc., are

come

POST-MORTEM

"

SALIVATION.

in mercurial

work

poisoned by

or

at

barometer
gilders,

water

ANTIDOTES.

"

administered

metal, even

that artisans who

SYMPTOMS.

"

"

vapor is poisonous when

off from

of

"

poisonous

formerly

was

mercury

DOSE.

EXAMINATION.

is not

Mercury

SUBLIMATE).

(CORROSIVE

PROPERTIES.

"

FATAL

"

XIX.

MERCURY"

SUBLIMATE.

273

MERCURY.

in this

brittle

not

state

Med)

affection

good ventilation,together with

sists
con-

the

274

TOXICOLOGY.

internal

free

of

use

the

in

albumen,

form

white

of

of

eggs.

the

but

mercurial

the

All

compounds

important

most

from

one,

Sublimate

either

or
as
prismaticcrystals,
powerful metallic, styptic,nauseous

of

Alcohol
the

Symptoms.
taking

abstracting it from

of

the

These

"

white

taste, and
three

of

often

tinged with
and

is swollen
of

blood
tender

in the

the

or

suppressed ;

fainting,convulsions
the

second

in acute

or

third

death.

day,

but

the

to

usually

times
purging, some-

with

of the

mouth

which

severe

and

throat.

and

tenesmus,

as

in

tenance
irregular;coun-

sometimes

it is

pale

shriveled;

skin

cold

thirst;

urine

extremities

Salivation
it is not

an

stupor,

is apt to appear

invariable

tom
symp-

cases.

exceptionalinstances there has been an absence

abdominal
pain, as also of vomiting and purging.

In
of

touch

cramps

and

is perceived,

stringy mucus,

respiration difficult;intense

clammy;

scanty

abdomen,

is white

anxious; the tongue

and

in the

swollen, though

and

of

vomiting

pulse is feeble,quick

The

flushed

on

the

to

after

immediately

on

bloody matters, accompanied

dysentery.
and

and

pain

latter has

the

solution.

choking

heat, and

retching

; nausea,

is soluble

boiling water.

it,and

fierce,burning pain is felt,

extending from
stomach

It has

metallic, styptic taste

strong
of

sense

come

Corrosive

"

powder.

its aqueous

usually

poison.

with

of

heavy crystalline

in

ether, also, freelydissolve

and

power

parts of cold, and

sixteen

about

in

poisonous,

legal point

Chloride

(Mercuric

"

"

masses

medico-

of Mercury). Occurs

Chloride

less

or

sublimate.

view, is corrosive
Corrosive

more

are

some

Poisoning

from

corrosive

poisoning: (i)the
taste, whilst

the

former

latter

sublimate

poison

is almost

has

differs
a

very

tasteless.

from

arsenical

distinct

(2) The

acrid
symp-

SUBLIMATE

CORROSIVE

of the

toms

former
those

swallowed;

for half

those

and
those

poisoning

with

stomach

and

of

of

and

dose.

considered

The

"

three

be

with

impunity, having

ing,
vomit-

as

ecchymoses throughout
of this

the

ing
character,result-

solution

of

corrosive
the

scalps of children,for

death

prolonged

summary

of

for

475),about
the

eleven

half

adult

an

cure

be

may

the

in

of

case

taken

been

speedilyvomited,

occurred

promptly

or

shortest

days

More

half

in

than

from

majority

in

less

of

In

Med.

the

1868,
twelve

than

period varying

one-half

an

cases

five.

to

one

Guy {For en.

died

period on

hour

an

the

from

"

Prof.

number

remaining
days.

In

poison.

several

the

half

in

given by

cases

for

large quantitieshave

been

of the

life is

fatal dose

Taylor reports the

Dr.

"

amount

to

poison, such

antidotes.

proper

period.

record, where

three

with

Cases

poisons,very
by

hours, and

toms
symp-

resemble

cases,

grains,although, as

mineral

unknown

such

the

urine, salivation,etc., injection

minimum

other

Fatal

both

often

ringworm.

to

neutralized

has

sublimate
and

the

reported, where

applied to

was

porrigo
Fatal

p.

corrosive

kidneys,

bladder.

and

fatally,are
sublimate

dischargesfrom
frequentlybloody

more

lesions, in

post-mortem

intestines

after it is

generally postponed

are

(3) The

are

produced by swallowing

of the

latter

fatal consequences,

purging, suppression
the

the

hour.

an

applicationof

attended

been

to

immediately

arsenic.

external

The

hour

an

from

almost

on

produced by

sublimate

corrosive
than

come

275

TREATMENT.

from
nate
termi-

cases

fatally.
Treatment.
diluent
in

eggs.

insoluble

"

drinks.
This

Promote
The

vomiting by
proper

decomposes

albuminate;

antidote
the

large

the

use

is albumen,

mercurial
excess

free

of

of

warm

as

found

salt,forming
albumen

will

an

re-

276

TOXICOLOGY.

the

dissolve

one

is

egg

supposed

mate.
capable of neutralizing/"wr grains of corrosive subliof eggs, gluten or wheat
In the absence
flour,in the

be

to

of

white

precipitate.The

of

form

Milk

freelyexhibited.

be

paste, may

also

may

be

freely used.
Post-mortem
in the

as

appearances.
of

case

is

ascribed

to

lining

membrane.

often

exhibit

stomach

is

of

reduction

the

highly inflamed,

the

softened, of

often

metallic

caecum,

of

Perforation
bladder

and

is

the

upon

mercury

the

usually

are

the

about

especiallycongested

former

white

slate-graycolor

The

kidneys

the

with

together

appearances.

The

rare.

rial
mercu-

intestines, especiallythe

The
similar

of the

action

stomach,

corroded.

of the

membrane

corrosive

The

and

grayish color,

or

generallyconfined,

are

mucous

oesophagus, is

and

throat

mouth,

the

marked.

more

the

arsenic, to

bowels, but

and

stomach

These

"

Malpighian bodies, and the epithelialcells deformed,

is empty
and
partiallydestroyed. The bladder

ular,
granand

contracted.

According

to

Dr.

Byasson

Jurisp.p. 204),corrosive
the

four

urine, and

takes

sublimate

hours

considers
it
perspiration. He
after
in twenty-four hours
eliminated

to

He

saliva.

it in the

found

Tidy, Med.

hours

two

the

reach

to

and

(Woodman

to

be

reach
never
pletely
com-

it has

been

taken.
In

chronic

or

slow

generallypresented are
fetid

mouth,

breath,

loss of

diarrhoea,quick pulse,hot
bluish

in lead

line has

been

appetite,metallic
of

soreness

salivary secretion, pain in

A

poisoning, the

mercurial

the

the

and

skin, weakness

noticed

at

the

edge

taste

in the
of

increase

gums,

stomach

symptoms

abdomen,
and

with

emaciation.

of the

gums,

as

poisoning.

Salivation,although often

absent

in

acute

mercurial

poi-

in the chronic

soning, is nearly always observed

this symptom

as

of

saliva

for

poisons

might

detected

since

where

the

known

that

dose

few

flow

on

of

saliva

which

was

besides

salivation

of

croton
digitalis,
case

be

to

produced
as

iodide

of

instances
usual

of

iodide

the

vation
sali-

later.

sublimate

the

of

this
the

to

of

course

early

very

local irritant

absorption.
this relation
other

various

agents

potassium, iodine, the

oil,cantharides, colchicum

potassium.

the

to

by

and

other

that

in

of
the

breath

and

five

tient
pa-

grains

majority

salivation,there is

fetor of the

drugs.

where

author

singledose

It is true

of non-mercurial
mercurial

is well

It

sight of, in
by

others,

lead, bismuth, arsenic, antimony,

copper,

profuselysalivated

was

lost

be

recently mentioned

was

of the

may

that

result

the

in

corrosive

rather

due

to

instances,

often

profuse in

was

against

Surg. Jour.,vol.

and

suggested

probably

made

some

days,

two

{Ed. Med.

been

ing
poison-

period when

teaspoonful of

mercurials, such

preparations

presence

small.

exceedingly

poison, than

salivation

their

administered, and

been

Wood

important fact,not

is that

mineral

panied
salivation,accom-

where, in

rarelybefore

Dr.

of the

other

been

fatal

and

fixed,definite

no

It has

of the

An

is

matter

mercurial

and

often

have

been

the

medico-legal importance,

gangrene,
had

swallowed,

hours.

action

the

salivation

profuse

and

there

141),in

been

of

But

attention.

proper

malpraxis

has

reported by

of

it,with

drugs,

examination

secretion, and

tion
administra-

however,

case,

considerable

cases

comes

this

by

whatever

mercury

LI, p.

of

necrosis

by

of

charges

physicians in

had

in

subject

the

proof of

form.
other

{vid. infra). Doubtless,

eliminated

are

as

chemical

between
relationship

is

case

by

of many

use

doubtful

decided

be

mercury

be

The

no

In

mercury.

always

may

the

accompanies

of itself
\be regarded

it cannot,

SALIVATION.

NON-MERCURIAL

an

the

absence
coppery

of

2 t8

TOXICOLOGY.

taste, but
these

it would

Another

great difference

mercurial

Thus,

impression.

salivate

of the

and

anaemia

action, as

compound

of

calomel) to

almost

impossible

Certain

morbid

have

We

to

ditions
con-

predispose

to

seem

albuminuria.

known

its

to
a

dose

pills(containing only three grains

ptyalism. Dr. Chrisproduce very severe
three five-grain
doses of blue pill,
one
every

that

night,proved fatal; and

that

of the

ulceration

caused

is

the

to

persons

cathartic

of

tison states

it

however,

system,

legalphysician is

for the

healthy, child.

young,

very

salivation

in the

of
susceptibility

the

in

that

cases,

bismuth.

and

of consideration

point

recorded

some

equally noticed

been

arsenic

produced by
the

have

symptoms

from

appear,

grains

two

of calomel
of the

throat,exfoliation

have

jaw, and

death.
salivation

Mercurial

time, and

reappearing

medicine

during

mechanical

intermittent, ceasing for

salivation

the

mouth,

influences.
of

frequent

the
at

that the

of gangrene

The

occurrence.
a

diagnosis

physician should
the beginning of

symptoms
severe

very

be

may

whether

acting

as

the

poison, or

to

the

sickness,

even

difficult matter

to

get up

an

the

these

have
a

serious

disease

action

conditions

ptyalism,
a

case,

administered,
small

question
the

from

; and

of

are

If,in such

actually resulted
from

of

difficult.

happened

death

the

eases
dis-

two

mouth

of

of mercurial

case

have

calomel, it might easilybecome

hygienic

subjects, the

last-named

oris and

cancrum

of poverty

bad

by

of

result

children

the

surrounded

are

the

Among

strongly resemble
so

who

the

as

or

exhausting diseases, especiallyamong

squalor,

spontaneously,from

arise

may

of

irritation

and

of the

exhibition

the further

without

interval.

the

Furthermore,

be

may

to

mine
deter-

mercury

it would

against the

of

dose

medical

be
man

no

280

TOXICOLOGY.

shown

applying
will

"

dried

heated

and

(c)Ammonia

gas.

reduction-tube, will

produces

first

of potassium

in

causes

yellow

soluble
brightscarlet precipitate,

down

dark

gray

globules on

being

sulphide of

ammonium

changing

soon

copper

first

of

piece

reduction-tube,

easily identified by
will

delicate,and

far

smaller

identified

the

copper

tube

to

inch

an

the

thin
is

xoios of

is

test

the

even
a

very

in

^otjW

introduced
of

of

the
small

very

copper

p.

grain

tube.

339),a
may

"

be

small, thin, glass tube, the

The

through

it out,

by

fragment

of

drawing

diameter, and

in

in

extremely

of Poisons,
(Mici'o-Chcm.

capillaryneck.

point

heated

grain, if

is heated

and

"

heating, into
coated

the

of metallic

globules is obtained,
This

microscope.

cold

hydrochloric

and

dried

The

(g)

into

coating

metallic

of

detect

quantity
of

slip is

copper

by employing

one-tenth

silverywhite

Wormley

to

bright

with

the

and

precipitate,

black,

to

sublimate, acidulated

small

is very

whitish

ultimately

sublimate

cause

put

the

When

According

yellow deposit, which

copper

acid, speedily acquires

surface

heated,

(j) Sulphurettedhydrogen

boiled,

of corrosive

mercury.

and

is dried

agent.
re-

scarlet,

to

red, and

to

test.

solution

of the

excess

an

(e)Protochloride of tin first

and, if in excess,
(calomel),
a white
precipitate
into
(metallicmercury), which runs
precipitate

gradually changes
throws

in

condenses

volatilizes,and

in

of mercury

this iodide

When

afterwards

immediately

and

precipitate,(d)Iodide

white

yield

of oxygen

the evolution

globules,with

of mercury

sublimate

it

glassslide

lution
yield large,needle-shaped or prismaticcrystals,(a)Soof mercury
of potassa gives a yellow oxide
; this,

when

drop evaporated on

liquid. (a)

and

in water

of silver.

nitrate

(2.)As

dissolvingit

chlorine,by

contain

to

the

contraction, and

small
wider
the

portion

wider

end

of
is

CORROSIVE

carefullyfused

now

give

it the

bulb

containing the

at the

shut

of

the

coated

the

visible

be

blowpipe,so

thermometer
The

copper.

tube

closed.

capillaryend

microscope,

globuleswill

mouth

small

the

on

to

as

tube, the

is

On

well-defined

281

TESTS.

the

by

appearance

bulb, and

under

SUBLIMATE

heated

now

examination
of

ring

mercurial

capillarytube,just above

the

bulb.
In
should

be

mercurial

dim

into the

tube, pushing it down

and

wax,

twelve

introduce

to

The

platinum wire.

with

sublimate

it is

hours, at

depositwill

assume

in

kept

far

crystalof
the

as

horizontal

of

300

of mercury.

is then

After

with

stopped

position for
400 C,

or

color, due

scarlet

bright

iodine

sublimate

of the tube

end

open

of iodide

reduction-tube

(Sur /' Empois.,

minute

as

temperature

the

in

Tardieu
unsatisfactory,

and

580) recommends

p.

the

case

about
the

when
the

to

duction
pro-

the

iodine,

heated

from

removing

the

tube

below

the scarlet color

by the flame of a spiritlamp, when
change to yellow, and on cooling the latter color will

will

be

may

and

gently

progressively

give place to scarlet again.

The galvanic lest.
This
(/i)

consists

"

of

around

gold

in the acidulated
and

equally

stripof
solution.

certain

zinc with

water, and

adhere

it,and

to

gold will,in
colored

is

was

and

method
take

to

short
of

moisten

to

in the

acid

coated

heated

in

will be
most
"

solid

In

slip of

narrow

leaf

as

solution.

with

over

be

to

obtained.
delicate
a

case

The

will
The

silver-

carefully

reduction-tube, when

coil

simpler

gold

It is then

mercury.

sublimate

much

as

up

strip

placing the

recommends

this into the

generallyregarded as the
examination.
Toxicological
administered

Guy

time, become

dried, and

mercurial

"

winding

(oriron)and

Prof.

introduce

coating

washed
usual

zinc

in

gold

the
test

of all.
where

form, fragments of

the

poison

it may

be

282

TOXICOLOGY.

identified.

and

much

be

of it may

But

by simply agitating it with

twice

after it has

the ether

and

settled,removing
it to

allowing

method

crystallized. This
the

in the exact

poison

the

in

dissolving

by

necessary,

of sodium

chloride

stomach

The
usual

manner,

water

and

this

allowing
By

recovered

in

The
will

organic
water

also

These

substances.

to

dry

in

mass

is converted

liquid

solid

is then

into

until

matters

soluble

filtration

and

stripof

per,
cop-

applied

in

similar

metal

the

other

for

be

can

above

tests

proofs.
strainingoff the liquid,

tested

nitro-muriatic

them

warm

the

and

distilled

corroborative

should

concentrated,

is

with

be

of the

and

with

proper

The

hydrochloric acid,

g.,

in the

solution, if necessary,

remaining, after
much

e.

"

prepared

heated

processes

applied as

contain

any

upon

chloride

be

made

may

with

method

acid

be

recovering

act

alkaline

satisfactorymanner.

matters

probably

test

these

of

would

After

in the

gold

of

again

swallowed, with

was

and

be

may

remain

to

either

may
solid

test

The

hours.

manner.

trial

if
purified,

manner.

already described,

it

should

acid.

the salt will

be

advantage

an

similar

hydrochloric

mentioned

of

pipette,

alcohol, and

ether

its contents

and

concentration,

several

in

the

that

presence

"

ether, and
of

may

or

in which

state

salt in the

water

has

reservation, however,

mercurial

of

means

These

in white, silky prisms.

crystallize

If

extracted

be

spontaneously,when

evaporate

easily

compounds.

its volume

by

lected
col-

substances,

considerable, it may

is

in solution

quantity

insoluble

into

changed

be
is

other

and

gluten

should

sublimate

corrosive

as

albumen,

by

decomposed
the

yet undissolved; these

in the stomach

found

poison
be

with

combined

boiled

distilled

in

tered
fil-

disintegrated,then
as

Another

above.

thoroughly, and

insoluble

acid, by which

the

corrosive

sublimate.

evaporated to dryness

the
,

digest

residue

The
dis-

SUBLIMATE

CORROSIVE

solved
the

in water

and

tissues.

the

In

"

crushed

be

in

for

the

apply

hydrogen
be

with

mixed

and

boiled

and

the

for

arsenic

both

will be

from

the

through

paper,

sulphuretted
are

to

now

to

be

filtered

be

to

are

present in the tissues along

the

applicationof
the

on
precipitated

alone

and

copper,

it is heated

cold, mercury

Reinsch's

the

in

will be

both
tion-tube
reduc-

deposited

the copper.

on

To

detect

drachms
and

of this fluid with

into the

introduce

the

which

mercury,

dried, in

kept

the

metal

globules by
down

the

of

It should

where

to

one

bright

be remembered

boil

of other

The
of

presence

the

procuring
about

; acidulate

the

washed

istic
character-

that

death

mercury
for

twelve

as

may

be

found

number

poisons,there

may

in the

above.

from

ensue

be

chloric
hydro-

introduce

directed

of

teen
four-

or

this with

and
filtrate,

confirm

survived

case

bright copper
hours.

the

indicate

and

the

has

two

sublimation.

no

person

of

piece

by heating it,when

ounce

copper,

about

hydrochloric acid,

for several

warm

will

sublimate, and
in the

small

urine,evaporate

acid ; filter and

fragment

of

reduction-tube, and

examining
ounces

one-fourth

will be confirmed

mercurial
In

saliva, acidulate

mixture

whole

silverydeposit on
and

the

in

mercury

foil,and

as

above.

latter when

in the

; but

render

to

portions

cool, they

as

sublimate, on

filter

solid

first

parts of hydrochloric acid,

; when

time

happen

metals

will sublime

the

four

and

some

corrosive

test

All

filtrate examined

Should
with

filtrate.

or

hydrochloric acid,

test, and

galvanic

or

water

; then

time

some

alcohol

with

mass

should

organs,

sufficient

the

copper

the

to

with

applied;

tests

by ether.

out

other

liver,or

Acidulate

gently warm

and

The

mortar,

filtration easy.
and

is dissolved

sublimate

corrosive

the usual

filtered,and

283

DETECTION.

"

rosive
cor-

tissues,as

days. Also,
a

failure

to

28-4

TOXICOLOGY.

detect
had

the

the

in

inasmuch

reference

of

chloride

of

is

quantity

given

should

first

be

and

potassa,
of

grains

poisoning,
blue

should

pill

or

exercised

be

equivalent

of

mercurial

the

purified

by

to

6. 8

ioo

in

from

globules
solution

acid.

135.5

proto-

mercury

The

of

grains

the

them

represent

mercury

solution.

hydrochloric

in

metallic

boiling

cipitate
pre-

Every

Sometimes

precipitate

to

the

drying

hydrogen.

sublimate.
used

quantitatively,

and

washing

are

afterwards
metallic

of

estimated

usually

sulphuretted

sulphide

tin

of

quantities

taken

lately

caution

carefully

corrosive

anhydrous

is

by

dried

minute

point.

by

obtained

grains

doses

large

evidence

have

hence,

sublimate

sulphide,

of

always

not

may
;

this

to

Corrosive

person

medicine

as

is

organs

the

as

calomel

as

when

even

detection

the

hand,

other

mercury

in

death,

after

swallowed.

been

On

stomach

the

in

it

Every

grains

of

ioo

of

rosive
cor-

sublimate.
Other

poisonous,
the

of

compounds
as

the

sulphides,

red

and

nitrates

mercury

white
and

may

occasionally

precipitates,
sulphates.

red

oxide,

prove
mel,
calo-

POISONING

XX.

CHAPTER
POISONING

OF

FREQUENCY

COLIC.

but,

the

be

of

EXAMINATION.

state, lead

converted

sulphate,which

Acute

TOXICOLOGICAL

On

accident.

with

fluids

deleterious
the

more

workmen

in

is very

rare,

hand,

smelting

the

and

ores,

plumbers, pewterers,

except

similar

to

white

in

lead.
all

are

suffered
The

of

new

from

this latter

pottery is another
action

of

acids, such

alkalies, on

the

of pewter

produced
source
as

exposed

room
freshly-painted

of

colic

and

paralysis,
of lead.
as

having

cause.

frequent handling
type, has

in

Painters,

containing carbonate
breathingthe emanations
Taylor (On Poisons,p. 434) alludes to himself

Dr.

human

powders

from

attack

an

cause

metal

arts, the

the

been

to

of

lead-

no

into the

and

glazers of pottery
sleeping

is

has

known

it

All

slow

or

In

fumes

manufacturing

Even

danger.

the result

as

there

forms.

the

inhale

and

stomach,

compound.

chronic,

its varied

metal

this

poisonous

insoluble.

other

lead, under

PAINTERS'

single exception

is of

than

system

TOMS.
SYMP-

"

"

of the

since
frequent occurrence,
constantly and insidiouslyintroduced

poisoning

LEAD.

considered

perhaps

lead

the

the

by

is very

poisoning by

is not

into

poisonous,

are

OF

APPEARANCES.

easily oxidized

soon

i^s salts

"

metallic

it is

as

would

the

PALSY.

ACETATE

"

POST-MORTEM

"

LEAD

"

LEAD.

BY

POISONING.

TREATMENT.

"

In

CHRONIC

285

LEAD.

BY

lead

of

palsy.

The

use

especially
of glazed

contamination, arising from

vinegar, and

glaze, which

vessels, and

of oils and

consists

of

the

fats,also of

litharge.

Even

286

TOXICOLOGY.

milk

has

drawn
the

become

with

the

rum

is apt

while
still,

old

by

with

being kept

in oak

in

contact

New

the

leaden

of

worm

This

this adulteration.

to the fact that

great probability,

is ascribed,

beer,

carelessness.

from

is free from

rum

affected

through

lead, derived

contain

to

bottles

and

contaminated

become

may

left in the

shot

Cider

way.

become

pipes,may

Wine

manner.

same

the

leaden

through

this

in

poisoned

old

rum,

casks, is deprived of its lead by the tannin

of the cask.
medicinal

Certain
from

the

of

mode
sublimed

ammonia,

substances
their

attached

to

of soda

and

become

impregnated

common

the

the

strings used

almost

acid,

from

salts,

the

lead

crystallization.Solutions
in

kept

flint-glassbottles, soon

sulphuricacid

the

lead ; and

invariably contains

articles in domestic

by lead,as
the

"

The

latter

external

often

the

use

taminated
unfrequentlycon-

not

are

(from the plugs

flour

cause

from

known

the
lead

the

of lead

imbedded

poisoning, as

to; the

use

of hair

glazed liningof
to

the

scalded

the

most

other, been
under

by

in

the

this

of lead

metal,
and

cosmetics;

direct

application

dressing,has

of chronic

with

legalphysician.

the

is

been

colic.

which

occurs

and

The

surface, as

contact

handling

dyes

frequent source

previous
which

in

hats.

through drinking water,

of lead

preparations

of slow

bons
bon-

tin-foil wrappers.

impure

of the

produce symptoms

to

Probably
is

from

articles

application

already alluded
of white

of

from

lead, derived

millstones),
sugar, snuff,tobacco, chocolate, and

in the

even

other

of

chambers.

leaden

Many

thus, carbonate

tartaric

in its

with

lead, derived

vessels; borax, and

pans

potash, when

use

contain

manufacture

in leaden

leaden

crystallizedin

often

has,
metallic

should
Pure

be

in

lead
some

lead.

ing
poisonor

way

The

ditions
con-

thoroughly

derstood
un-

distilled water, which

288

TOXICOLOGY.

in alcohol.

so

It is

to

the

not

In

air,owing

of

an

in the

causing burning pain

it

acts

throat

obstinate

The
there

in

paralysisof

is often

Its influence

the

on

hard, dry and

are

the

upon

The

of the

edge

poisoning,

sometimes

may

be

is

the

alarming symptoms.
from

varying

antidotes

few

the

insoluble

should
and

be

sulphate

hours

promoted
oil

castor

may

to

are

alimentary
coat

of

whitish

the

be

tract

Again,

has

has

stomach

layer of

mucus

been
and

or

The

days.

alkaline

and

mixed

with

has

earthy

which

forms

afterwards,opium
urine

less

lesions

inflammation

covered
the

be

metal.

Sometimes
is

should

well-marked

no

observed.
bowels

been

quantity

several

of the

Often

more

lead

cases.

ounce

zinc ;

required.

"

line

first,
however, vomiting

by sulphate of

appearances.

discoverable.

At

for the presence

frequently examined
Post-mortem

of lead.

fecal discharges

of chronic

"sulphates,especiallythe sulphate of magnesia,

the

there

fatal period is equally

the soluble

are

ness,
giddi-

cases,

less

The

the

by

peculiar blue

an

impunity, though

cases,

extremities.

in acute

uncertain;

occasioned

abdominal
convulsions.

some

The

observed

with

proper

of

In

thirst,

protracted

characteristic

swallowed

The

the

and
In

coma.

gums,

fatal quantity

uncertain,

of

is marked

black.

and

in the abdomen,

tenderness

bloody matters, though usually

of

purging

and

powerful irritant,

more

centres

latter.

sulted
occasionally re-

sweats

or

posure
ex-

in medical

stomach,

quantity.

one

nerve

stupor, convulsions
is

cold

countenance,

is diminished

urine

as

constipation, retraction

walls, anxious

on

poisoning.

and

vomiting, twisting,colicky pains,with

used

has

of lead

two,

or

of the

acid

employment

ounce

milky

; it is much

symptoms

on

becomes

carbonic

poison

its continued

bringing

doses

the

to

active

very

practice,but
in

solution

Its aqueous

salt o^

of the
the

with

inner

thick,

lead, beneath

'

POISONING

which

the

cases,

the

except

flabby

whitish

and

the

of

contraction

289

COLIC.

or

abraded.

even

definite

very

The

As

contracted.

generally found
there
is nothing

are

chronic

LEAD

reddened,

is

membrane

intestines

LEAD

BY

regards
record,

to

the

large intestines, and

the

of

appearance

muscles

specially

affected.
CJironic
use

produced
the

by

or

This

poisoning.
"

of any

of the salts of lead ; but

among

artisans

accidental

of the

introduction

Painters'

Lead

earlier

The

"

rather

be

and

voided
skin

with
cold

quick

catching;

mouth.

characteristic

blue line at

the

the

in the

once

of

capillariesof
Some

occasionally produce
in

Colic,

symptoms

are

some

other
a

abdomen

are

scanty, hard

urine

is scanty, and

is dull and

natural;

often

of the

anxious

of mouth

the

the

as

gums,

metals,

somewhat

exceptional cases

as

and

silver

similar

blue

of chronic

established,this symptom

form

be shown

can

they join
This

incisors.

in the

metal

is very

in

taste

poisoning

where

upper

respiration

metallic

gums,

the

on

of saturnine

sign

there

umbilicus,

The

there

about

pation
consti-

Then

the

pressure.

fetid,and

margin

deposition

microscope.

When

is

teeth, especially noticeable

wanting

Lead

appetite,with dryness

of

loss

the

by

pulse

clammy;
breath

to

tem
sys-

earlier

obstinate

about

countenance

throat ; the

is due

later

suffering. The

much

and

is the

the

The

of

are

; sometimes

The
difficulty.
and

and

litharge,

into

great depression.

relieved

retracted

evacuations, with

the

the

symptoms

indigestion,with

may

is hard

and

metal

names

feelingof twisting,grinding pain

which

lead

Palsy.

colic.
and

is

Colica Pictonnm

Colic,or
Lead

named

the

ternal
in-

frequently

more

articles of food.

under

grouped

are

it is

in white

working

through drinking-water, or
symptoms

the continued

result from

may

of

by

phide
sulthe

mercury,

line,and

it is

lead-poisoning.

persistent.

290

TOXICOLOGY.

Lead

"

is very
after

repeated

without

on

the

in the

skin

raised, the

brain

oedema,
fits,

wrist

is

the

albuminuria

ing
feel-

of power

waste

its
"

in the
The

away.

tensors
ex-

that, when

the

weight, whence

own

for this disease.

there

sometimes

and

affects

dull, numb

flexors,so

drop

apoplexy;

come

usually

If

present themselves, such

symptoms

and

torpor

"

It

gait,loss

drops by

of

name

common

and

hand

it may

Again,

forearms, trembling of the

of

than

checked,
un-

paralysis,especially

colic.

gradually

affected

more

of

fingersand

which

arms,

are

the

of the

in

first there

At

legs, unsteadiness

and

is

attack

continue

to

former.

the

previous

any

and

arm

of

attacks

extremities.

hands

terminate

to

apt

upper

arms

colic, if allowed

Lead

palsy.

checked,
un-

ness,
giddi-

as

epileptic

are

convulsions, ending

in

coma

death.
has

Lead

especiallyin

been
the

bones, liver and

spinal,cerebral
chronic

lead

found,

cardiac

poisoning
the
"

; if the

mass

chars, and

heat

into

Heated
into

it is converted

yellow;

solution
touched

of

of obscure

been

to

introduced

it

again

of

iodide

metallic

oxide.
of

sulphide of

Heated

"

fuses

into

fuses

and

mixture

charcoal, before

yellow

the

state.

reddish-brown

on

of

with

having

odor, and

globules

incrustation
into

the

really owing

are

solid

continued,

is converted

of lead.

oxides

the

In

acetous

an

is

in

system.

analysis. I.

test-tube,it evolves

metal

also

cases

many

disease

the

"

brain, and

spinal cord,

kidneys. Doubtless,
and

the

in

death,

of the

matter

gray

unsuspectedly into
Chemical

after

the

in

white

slowly
of the

blowpipe,

lead, with

rounding
sur-

fragment dropped

potassium instantlyturns
ammonium

it

immediately

is blackened.
II. /;/ the

yields

opaque

liquidstate.

"

needles,

(i) A
which

drop, evaporated
turn

yellow

when

on

glass,
touched

LEAD

with

drop

bichromate

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

of

iodide

of

potassium;

(2) Dilute
soluble

in

hot

potassa and

of

it in brilliant
is also

acid

causes

(3) Iodide

of

in

nium.
ammo-

of

excess

gives

bright

which

The

deposits
of lead

iodide

acid.

hydrochloric

strong

of

precipitate,

large

potassium

cooling.

and

potassa

in

boiling water,

yellow scales,on
in

white

and

hydrochloric acid,

soluble

of

black, by sulphide

or

yellow precipitate,soluble

solution

solution, or

potassium

sulphuric

soda.

201

EXAMINATION.

of potassium gives a bright yellow precipi(4) Bichromate

tate.
(5) Sulphuretted hydrogen is the most delicate test,

revealing,according
salt in

gallon

by heating it
it in

of water.

galvanic

slightlyacidified
the

through
solution

in

with

or

watch
upon

of

tin, under

similar

deposit

Other

and

zinc

metallic

lead

circumstances, would
Hence,

by dissolving

solving
dis-

the

metallic

it in

nitric

to

tests.

solution,

platinum

the

platinum
deposited

are

in the

metallic

will

salt

cent
arbores-

yield an

deposit
acid, and

lead

lead

form.

arborescent

an

the

placed

be
soon

very

in

be

must

applying

tests.
tests

of

minor

oxalate

of

ammonium,

importance

potassa

are

alkaline

and

monia,
am-

carbonates, and

red

yellow prussiate of potassium.

examination.
Toxicological

decomposed by
casein, mucus,
and

touch

may

usual

into

to

is made

of zinc

zinc

the
of

two

or

acid, is put

acetic

the

of tin.

tested

usual

drop

glass,when

deposited

the

fragment

be

further

"

by

or

heat, evaporating

applying

liquid; crystals of

the zinc ;

on

test.

is confirmed

blowpipe

of

aid

of this

grain

sulphide

the

and

in water,

stripof

black

acid, by the

nitric

capsule,and

The

of

quarter

charcoal, before

on

dryness, dissolving

(6) The

Taylor,

to

insoluble

many

As

"

of

acetate

organic substances,

etc., the

poison

condition.

As

may
a

exist

such

both

trial test,

is

lead
as

albumen,

in the

good

easily

soluble

plan

is

to

202

TOXICOLOGY.

wet

it to

expose
blacken

should

be

boiled

for

and
filtered,

the

solids

filtrate

the

off the

pour

sufficient

the

precipitatedsulphide

filter

filter,and

water,

cold, it

thoroughly
Concentrate

drogen
sulphurettedhyof lead

water, boil in dilute

supernatant

distilled

; when

with

treat

with

acidulated

examination.

by evaporation,and

; allow

the

will

of this

presence

time

on

and

gas, which

be

some

for future

reserved

and

washed,

If the

should

mixture

solution

suspected

lead.

any

acid, and

nitric

pure

it contains

indicated, the

be

in the

paper

jet of sulphurettedhydrogen

it,if

metal

bibulous

of

piece

acid, add

nitric
the

apply

collect,

to

usual

tests

(p.291).
The
in

solids

the

on

filter should

be

dissolve

the

porcelain capsule;

nitric

and
acid, filter,

prove

the

If
white

stomach.

tested

sulphate has

This

been

by

heat

incineratingthem
diluting

lead

as

dilute
and

be

may

found

boiled

and

the

in

with

the

lead),and

no

antidote, a

an

spleen, etc.)may
(liver,

organs

by boilingwith

lead

contain

to

given

collected

be

nitric acid

dryness, incineratingin

the

in

pure

solution

sulphurettedhydrogen.

solid

either

should

(proven itself
with

The

heat

by

sulphurettedhydrogen,

precipitate of sulphate of

potassa

ash

precipitatedsulphide.

alkaline

an

with

treat

incinerated

dried, and

with
with

and
in

acid,

porcelain crucible
nitric

strong
water,

nitric

and

examined

evaporating

water,

porcelain crucible

dilute
a

and

be

and

by

or

and

again

to

solving
dis-

directly

dissolvingout

acid, evaporating

precipitatingwith

to

dryness,

sulphuretted

hydrogen.
As

lead

remains

in the

system

case

of the

after

death, inquiry should

to

the

detection

possibilityof

of

only

for
minute

always

its accidental

be

considerable

quantity
instituted

introduction

time, in

in the

body

in reference

into

the

sys-

LEAD

the

through

tern

293

DETECTION.

mode

occupation,

of

living,

the

of

etc.,

individual.
The

that

seeing

lead

this

through

treated

the

and

water

by

the

From

fifteen

lead

of
this

them

on

neglected,
chiefly

system

to

above

in

twenty
be

of

ounces

evaporated

directed,

to

ash

the

and

drachm

whole

after

hydrogen

the

of
If

time,

be

with
little

sulphide

short

nium,
ammo-

lead

be

blackened
and

{Woodman

evolved

gas

centre

tumbler.

them

moisten

in

of

with

will,

sulphuretted

placing

suspected

etc.,

slightly

plate,

about

sweetmeats

sweetmeats,

metal,

the

cover

the

the

should

acid,
as

with

put

and

present,

from

be

never

described.

containing

capsule

eliminated

nitric

detection
colored

being

should

urine

incinerated

already

as

For

is

with

and

dryness,

the

secretion.

acidulated

urine,

of

of

examination

Tidy).
Lead

is

100

parts

the

oxide,

quantitatively
of

or

pure,

158.37

determined

dried

parts

sulphide
of

as

sulphide.

represent

crystals

of

93.31
the

acetate.

Every
parts

of

294

TOXICOLOGY.

CHAPTER

XXI.

POISONING

POISONING.

ACCIDENTAL

MORBID

"

the

metallic

corroded,

of the

state

; but

and

forms

produce dangerous
fine

powder, by

heat

itching

of
of the

(Falconer, on

traced

of

if taken

TOXICO-

"

artisans

who

work

loss

body

in what

of

kind

any

them

green

carbonate

; but

contaminate
is

thus

alloy

is termed
constriction

as

appetite, and

covered

with

of

deep

be

to

compounds.

of copper

results, such

found

it is

by children, may
inhalation

are

stomach,

highly poisonous

serious

poisonous

not

the

into

severe

hair, which,
color

green

cleanliness

in

cooking,

oil

copper

and

food

risk in

with

is

which

upon

the

of

it is

vessels

utensils

copper

is incurred

poisonous,

it may

or

to

the

latter

at

the

in
the
will

and

contact.

in

preserves

unsafe

; in

metal

in

come

food

common

neglected,a deposit of

boiling articles

same

as

risk

is very

vessels, although

air acts

long

food

contain

as

chloride, as

bright,no

if cleanliness

articles,cold, in the

atmospheric

So

fat.

collects,which

any
no

or

keeping

to

or

articles

alkaline

vinegar, an
of

frequently be

copper-poisoning can

vessels, particularlysuch

using

clean

metals, is

The

kept perfectlyclean

There

MENT.
TREAT-

"

ANALYSIS.

swallowed

accidental

vegetable acid, as
salt,or

other

parts of the

want

to

copper

are

DOSE.

Copper Poisoning).

of

Cases

in

CHEMICAL

throat,vomiting,

examination,

on

FATAL

"

results.

gold printing,causes
and

COPPER.

"

coins, sometimes

Copper
in

OF

APPEARANCES.

like many

Copper,

soon

SALTS

"

COPPER.

EXAMINATION.

LOGICAL

in

BY

keep
case,

point of

these
the

contact

296

TOXICOLOGY.

The

salts

and

employed

Symptoms.
the

salts.

as

which

poison, and

thus

accident.

be

sulphate may

large doses

vomiting,

it

would

fatal result.

severe

preceded

Dr.

Tidy speaks

either
The

arsenic

and

of

of

pain

and

and

"

The

flow

the

in the

of saliva.

those

from

There

is also

paralysisand

is also

occasional

an

the

Sometimes

blood.

tetanus

result.

speciallydiagnostic symptom

is not

with

met

poisoning(which
of

introduction

the

acrid, styptic,coppery

in

is

poisoning by

generally the

metal
in

taste

in articles
the

mouth,

eructations, continual

coppery

in

vomiting, colicky pains

the

bowels,

great thirst,heat of

pulse, scanty urine, headache, vertigo,

tense

of the

legs and

line

Not

positivelydetermined.

on

the

convulsions; occasionally,

blue

larger quantitieshave
usual

powerful

whole
are

convulsions.

usual

fatal period

been

of the

margin

verdigrishas proved fatal,and

death.

with

bloody stools,with tenesmus,

Fatai, dose.

The

the

It

of slow

and

faintness,cramps

but

and

mercury.

accidental
an

skin, small

jaundice

"

as

parched tongue,

diarrhoea

of all

type

the

greenish;

or

Jaundice

of it

symptoms

spitting,nausea

of

death.

or

food) are

dry

as

There

in fatal cases,

poisoning."

result of the
of

and

urine, and

have

copper

sulphate has

increased

tinged

cramps

of

suppression

of

bluish

are

greenish,and

are
are

taken

probably expel

prevent

vomited

matters

there

taken

bowels, great thirst,

purging, headache, prostration,

and

bowels

The

their

by

been

produces speedy

small, frequent pulse,with

The

have

soning,
poi-

abortive.

an

The

"

In

stomach

rarely by

more

homicidal

readily recognized, both

so

Occasionally, they

taste.

and
suicidally,
been

be

can

for

rarelyused

ai

copper

they

as

color

of

an

ounce

swallowed

emetic

dose

is from

four

gums.

Half

an

of the

sulphate;

without

ing
produc-

is five to fifteen
to

ounce

twelve

hours.

grains.

CHEMICAL

COPPER

Treatment.
of

of white

form

The

of eggs,

Morbid

appearances.

powerful irritant
of the
ulcerated.

the

the

to

is

color

blue

in the

change

of the

or

thus

analysis.
"

colored,

I heated

of

as

"green
copper
The

small
the
All

is present, but
bile.

to

intestines ; the

Only

when

will

cause

Perforations
is

rectum

the salts of copper

a

few

other

cobalt
and

heated
the

sionally
occa-

on

either

possess

salts

metallic

salts,blue, and

it

to

charcoal,with

are

some

When

uranium, green.

blowpipe, globules

beautiful

dry
of

nate
carbo-

metallic

obtained.
blue

in

lightgreen,

of

of the
in

(i)Ammonia

and

gives

verdigris of

commerce

occurs

bluish-greencolor.

or

and

other

acetates

It is

of copper.

It

in dilute acids.
to

the solution

precipitate hydrated
"

in

in water,

The

sub-acetate

water

large,handsome
having a nauseous,

vitriol,occurs

taste.

14

appearance

lungs congested.

styptic,metallic

is soluble

is true,

same

of

soluble
crystals,
efflorescent,

mixture

tary
alimen-

sometimes

similar

blowpipe flame, they impart

or
sidpJiatc,

masses

brane
lining mem-

The

somewhat

of

greenishappearance,

or

salt taken.

of the

soda, before
are

bluish

if copper

some

color ; and

of

nickel, chronium

in the

of the
The

color, if due

color.

green

I of those

As

green

in the

found

Chemical
blue

Milk

action

inflamed,softened,and

color

ulcerated, and

in

guish
bile,it is proper to distinby the addition of ammonia, which will

them

deep

been

use

is albumen

the

downward.

the presence

result from

have

the

by

sublimate.

indicate

usually exhibits

between

no

antidote

membrane

throat

stomach

It

assisted

for corrosive

as

mucous

also, of the intestines.

impart

best

These

"

the

to

canal, from

may

be

useful.

is also very

due

should

vomiting

drinks.

diluent

warm

the

Free

"

297

ANALYSIS.

oxide

bluish-white

of copper,

which

phous
amor-

is

re-

298

TOXICOLOGY.

dissolved

by

clear, dark

an

of the

excess

purple-blue

removed

by

chromium

The

somewhat

give

; this

solution

acid.

an

precipitant,
yieldinga beautiful,
of

salts

similar

color

the

If

ammonia.

take

may
discoloration.
that

than

in

have

We

should

iron

test.

slightly acidulated
later, according

and

iron
be

may

the

coating

of

the

be

copper

time, will

assume

latter,through the

form

of

off the

copper
a

reddish

will

moistening

be

usual

when,

little

fine

The

nitric

water, and

or

the

very

needle

After

it has

removed

piece

and

put

which,

latter may

touching
zinc.

be

as

The
the

dissolved

acid, evaporating
it

tion,
solu-

copper

of

in

platinum, in

testing

be

sewing

placing the

on

If the solution

platinum dish, and

deposited

in

sooner

ammonia,

sists
con-

solution, it will

be

may

liquid,with

tests.

steel

or

hours.

in

the

by heat, and
;

This

acid, evaporating

the

some

consists
in

sulphide.

iron

copper.

color.

dilute

it with

of

exposed

incrustation.

platinum by

copper,

blue

slightlyacidulated,
metallic

of

coating, it

(5) The galvanic test

the

bright

it for

ammonium

satisfactorytest

concentrated
be

in

nitric

of

metallic

porcelaincapsule, with

cipitate
pre-

delicate

more

applying

strength

should

surface

suspended

received

short

solution
to

the

simple and

piece

dilute, it should

small

into

red

This

"

immersing

in

very

rather

sulphide of

or

by boiling in

corroborated

The

acquire

in

brownish-red

distinct

precipitateof

brownish-black
be

(4)

soluble

of ammonia.

dryness, dissolving in water,

to

cipitate,
pre-

dilute, no

very

this test

found

(3) Sulphurettedhydrogen,
yields a

be

the

place,but only

reddish-brown

reagent, but

solution

copper

and

results.

of the

excess

immediately

cobalt, nickel

(2) Ferrocyanide of'potassiumgives

insoluble

is

to

above

ness,
dryrected.
di-

COPPER

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

299

EXAMINATION.

(6) The blowpipe, as already mentioned.

examination.
A portion of
Toxicological

the copper

"

found

be

in

has

liquid part
should

be
of

means
on

in

some

usually a

bluish

insoluble

an
or

state.

The

greenish color.

This

by heat, and

concentrated
filtered,

trial test, by

reddish

brightsewing needle, applied. Any

the latter should
above
be proved, as
a

the needle

Sometimes
from

soluble,and

the

oxide

posit
de-

mentioned.

acquire a reddish coating simply

may

iron:

of

may

will

ammonia

to

serve

distinguish

should
be indicated,
of copper
large amount
sulphurettedhydrogen should be passed through it until all
the metal is precipitatedas a sulphide. This is to be treated

them.

If

after the

before

manner

If the amount

described.

is the

extremely small, the galvanic test

be
The
a

of copper

suitable.

most

acidified with sulphuricacid,is placed in

liquid,
platinum capsule,and fragments of pure zinc are put into
filtered

it; wherever

there

metals, there will be

should

the

nitric
with

diluted

platinum.

This

off with

drop

dissolved

The

the two

between

solution

is to

and

tested

water,

be
as

described.

If neither
it cannot

of the above

be

hydrochloric acid

reveal the presence

tests

in

present

the

liquid matters;

it. These

possiblycontain

may

the copper

dryness,

to

of contact

deposit on

of dilute nitric acid.

evaporated
before

reddish

washed, and

be

two

or

points

are

and

should

be

but

boiled

of copper,
the

solids

with

dilute

concentrated
water, filtered,

by heat,

tested.

and

Traces
when

the latter

substance
in the

In
organ

of arsenic

have

has
been

are

found

sometimes

been

taken

discovered

as

in the

in

vomit,
matters

the

sulphate;

traces

of this

vomited, and

stomach

(Taylor).
searchingfor the salts
should
After

be

of copper

carefullyexamined

treatingthe

stomach

in the stomach, this

for blue
and

or

green

its contents

ticles.
parin the

300

TOXICOLOGY.

usual

with

manner,

galvanic tests

should

gas

then

all the

sulphide of

boiled

in dilute

usual

the

"

the residue
the

with

test

as

It exists

been
the

be

dilute

nitric

in water,

ash

in

evaporated

to

tissues

and

dryness ;

lungs,according to
Evaporate six to eight ounces

M.

the

nitric acid

chloric
hydro-

pure

and

long

as

Dissolve

dilute

dryness

to

chlorate

the

nitric

residue

in

as

L. Orfila.
;

of potassium,

heat, to complete incineration.

in hot

solve
dis-

remains

Copper

tests.

and

porcelain

with

treated

usual

divided

finely

incinerated

then

the

aid of

is not

in

minute

is

it from

proof

no

acid, and

solve
Disrate
evapo-

water, and

warm

ioo

constituent

the

certain

body.

which,
vegetables,

soil.

faint traces
of

of the human

of

copper

in the

copper-poisoning, since

into the system

body

it may

after
have

either through
accidentally,

otherwise.

food, or

Copper

normal

proportions in

discovery of
introduced

every

in

with

doubtless, obtain

death

is destroyed.

above.

Copper

The

strong

matter

organs

dryness.

to

in

resultingash

the

organic

in the liver and

the urine.

treat

with

moistened

be

if much

dryness, dissolved

then

and

apply the

arsenic

sixty days

should

dryness;

to

dissolved

now

to

resulting

in water, and
than

be

should

by heat, and

acid

In

is

These

"

the

crucible,and

and

applied.

thoroughly dried,

longer

evaporated

until all the

residue

tests

organs.

iron

precipitated. This

is

copper

dry

hydrochloric

drogen
Sulphurettedhypassed through the liquid until

again evaporated

the

In

be

heated

The

and

trial tests.

is present, it should

and

acid, and

as

nitric acid,

organic matter
nitric acid

used

be

may

of water

concentrating by heat, the

filteringand

acid, and

and

the addition

is

determined

parts of which

crystallized
sulphate.

quantitativelyas
are

equivalent to

the

black

314.21

oxide,

parts of

BY

POISONING

CHAPTER

POISONING

BY

ZINC,

of

Cases
metallic

into

be

is

salt,where

it

other

and

of

on

in

cases

doses

nerve

as

case

of

It acts

air.

as

likely to

contain

to

arsenic

white, crystalline,

poisoning.
the
As

given for

been

emetic,

hence, is
in small

acquires

soon

two

as

It is used

period of

active

system

system

much

; effloresces

taste

prompt,

of the

depression

medicine.

dose.
"

Half

"

and

scruples three
three

depressant.

to

ounce,

metallic

weeks,

in

ounce.

on

of

of

the

show

it to

stomach

be

throat, nausea,
and

frequent pulse, great

animals

with

taste, attended

constriction

pain

an

bowels,

anxiety,

prostration,dilated pupils,coma

extreme

Experiments

and
intense

vomiting,
small

an

strong,

burning sensation,

sweats,

The

epilepsy.

Symptoms.

purging,

"

tonic, and

have

day,

vitriol.

of narcotic

of the

Poisonous

violent

converted

results.

serious

metallic,astringent

much

causing

and

stomach,

it

swallowed,

preparations most

White

"

the

to

indicated

times

zinc

It has

exposure

tolerance

if

impurities.

salt.

without

the

is apt
{spelter)

commerce

Sulphate of
soluble

inert ; but

the

In

effects.

produce poisonous
zinc

the

are

CHROMIUM.

comparatively rare.

occasion

might

AND

ZINC.

BY

in

upon

chloride

sulphateand
The

POISONING

probably

acted

IRON

TIN,

zinc-poisoningare

soon
a

I."

state, zinc

would

XXII.

BISMUTH,

SECTION

301

ZINC.

and

powerful

cold

death.
heart

302

TOXICOLOGY.

Fatal

period.
"

who

swallowed

half

of this

is

case

mistake

by

for

death

salt,and

of

reportedby Wormley,
salt,an

Epsom

ensued

and

ounce

thirteen

in

woman

hours

and

half.
Post-mortem

appearances.

in the
such

ulceration

surface

brain

and

pleura, and

of

as

the

The

of

and

"

much

of the

is known

hundred

as

grains

powerful

when

period.

taken

sive,
corro-

take
mis-

by

hours.

oesophagus and

On

these

the

destruction
are

be

with

and

years,

They

vomited

matters

issue

may

of

inside

loss of

other

acids.

blood, and

; froth

mixed
from

this

the

cavity

voice.

the

records

character,

in their

; the

of the

produced

hand, the

ending

rapidlyfatal

most
case

in

may

stricture

become
of the

exhaustion.

signs,those
or

Taylor

lesions.

Post-mortem

also

may

those

as

of the mineral

swallowing

appearance

Dr.

"

four

those

membrane

There

same

intense

more

after

mucous

chronic, lasting for

erosion

death

frequently tinged

white

noticed.
Fatal

case

the

It is much

two

It is

general,the

in

are,

are

shreds

mouth,
be

about

of water.

ounce

immediately

purged

with

solution, this

It contains

sulphate,only

on

and

covering

matter

Disinfecting Fluid."

resembling somewhat

come

sometimes

lungs, with bloody effusion

frequentlycaused

symptoms

the

and

and

suicidally.

or

by

alimentary canal,

bowels; congestion

strong

Burnett's

has

and

In

"

salt to the

mation
inflam-

distended, flabby heart.

deodorizer.

and

also of the

of zinc.

William

used

stomach

of the

membranes,

Chloride
"Sir

the

of

yellowish, pultaceous

inner

the

membrane

mucous

of

evidences

redness, softening,ecchymoses,

as

into

Decided

"

hard

of

In

"

corrosive

of the
and

addition

coats

to

the

will be
of

the

thickened
leathery,

usual

matory
inflam-

noticed, such
stomach.
and

as

times
Some-

corrugated.

304

TOXICOLOGY.

in the body after death, it may

although discovered
been

the

should

actual

also be

order

dissolve

to

The
be

the

out

concentrated, and

hydrogen.

The

is

evaporated
the

subjected to
As

the

usual

of the

latter

reactions

of the

former.

it retains the

whilst
The

and

all the
the

organic

apply

water, and

chloride

Since
the

in

with

dried, and

Every

ioo

sulphate,or

in

is often

to

this

acid.

The

water,

and

contain

iron, the

or

less

be

separated by

the

modify
of

an

iron,

be

acid, and
else

or

examined

dryness

to

heating until

by incinerating

evaporating to dryness,
; acidulate

water

to

ing
treat-

dryness

with

; dilute with

ignited.

grains represent

in

employed for embalming

the body after death might

cause.

Zinc

precipitateis

then

tests.

boiling solution

The

on

porcelain crucible,and

residue

"

of soda.

nitric

nitric acid ;

usual

of zinc

ascribed

The

may

destroyed ;

Quantitativeestimate.
oxide.

in

acid, evaporating

dead, the discovery of zinc

possibly be

sulphuretted

nitric

more

again evaporate

the

be

in solution.

nitric

viscera

should

will precipitatethe oxide

dissolving the

hydrochloric acid

with

collected

dissolved

iron

oxide

is

resulting ash

and

is

usually

will

The

zinc

matter

perfectlydried
the

combined

with

strong

zinc

quantitiesof

small

time, in

some

solution

heated

in

metal

by boiling with

adding

have

kidney, spleen, etc.)

(liver,
may

tissues

either

of

which

ammonia,

for

tests.

preparations

of

then

dryness,

to

presence

excess

heated

that may

dissolved

and

poisons

organic matters, along with

precipitated sulphide

filter,washed

other

found,

cooling,the

filtered and

nitrate

If

gently

zinc

After

fibrin,etc.

albumen,

for.

sought

acid, should

little acetic

of death.

cause

have

not

is
is

usually determined

precipitatedwith

collected

The

on

354.13

grains of

i6y.yy grains of anhydrous

is then
pure

chloride

an

carbonate

washed
filter,

protoxide

as

and

weighed.

crystallized
of zinc.

POISONING

BY

II.

SECTION

POISONING

Subnitrate
White.

This

"

substance

and

as

of five to

doses

BY

Bismuth

of

reportedas resultingfrom
of

these

results to the

Dr.

violent

Taylor

that he
three

The

as

has

the

being

probable
the

impurity

opinion

the

to

as

had

1872) occurred,
of arsenic

trace

of the

deceased
which

had

was

found

was

acquitted.

By

the

to

be

process

14*

discovered

This

in the

looked

by

same

subnitrate

of

by physicians

to

irritation which

of arsenic

sionally
occa-

in

have

be

defence

contaminated

recommended
is

with

Lloyd,

that
in the

the subnitrate
death.

the

entirelyfreed

is in the

E. E.

Mrs.

arsenic.

by

form

medicinally.

discovered

to

before

contended

been

ascribed

taken

medico-legal
muth
body, where bis-

administered

the

alleged to

of bismuth

don
respectableLon-

essentiallymodify

in which

the bismuth

Subnitrate

found

(Stateof Virginia vs.

been

and

of this medicine.

use

to

arsenic.

common,

apparatus.

of the

previously

was

ascribe

hydrochloric acid, slightly

be

cause

presence

been

is very

from

Marsh's

may

of this nature

case

in pure

it should

and

being

with

readilybe

may

occasionallybeen

follows
This

obtained

arsenic

subnitrate

been

symptoms

of the bismuth

in

given

authorities

Many

dicinally
me-

comparatively large quantitiesin

specimens

shops;

own

in

employing

adulteration
our

adulteration

arsenic

druggists.
diluted,and

poison.

both

have

cases

the

Pearl

"

it is

fatal

that this adulteration

of five

dissolvingthe

medicine

largedoses;

irritant

states

detected

out

As

thirtygrains. Several

those

Bismuth

considerablyemployed,

cosmetic.

BISMUTH.

Magistery of

"

is

305

BISMUTH.

the
liver

of bismuth

This

bismuth

The

prisoner

macopoeia,
present U. S. Pharfrom

arsenic.

of

white

powder,

306

TOXICOLOGY.

insoluble
thrown

into

blackens

of

solution,

which
precipitate,

and

ammonium,

The

is

soluble

not

in

acid.

delicate

few

of

salt

is

the

that

hours

after

the

taking

of paper
and

potassium
point of

the

at

the

will reveal

urine

piece

of

sulphocyanide

yellow spot appearing

It is stated

bismuth,

bismuthic

solution

beautiful

for

test

with

wetted
dried

white

yields a copious

water,

by sulphide

tartaric

in nitric acid.

soluble

in water, but

tact.
con-

of

presence

subnitrate, by

means

of this test.
SECTION

POISONING

Salts

of

system
of

Tin.

The

"

those

are

The

AND

CHROMIUM.

only preparations of
The

of the
them

poisoning by

IRON

TIN,

chlorides.

the

are

BY

III.

effects

metallic

are

of these

throws

down

gives

the

fine

"

the

the

instances

the

sublimate

Corrosive

of

Chloride

purple

precipitatesmetallic

zinc

upon

drogen
sulphuretted hy-

mercury.

purple precipitate

of

fragment

color.

metallic

gray

salts

rare.

chocolate

dark

tice
requiring no-

irritants ; but

protochlorideis precipitated by
of

tin

tin,in

gold
A

of Cassius.
an

arborescent

form.
Bichloride

hydrogen.
sulphide
from

of
This

acid.

The

precipitatedyellow by sulphuretted

sulphide

of

by

being

Corrosive

rarely are
that

the

they

Silver, Gold

highly

occasion

need

by being

no

in

the

ammonia,

insoluble

and

chloric
hydro-

in

chloride

and

yellow

of

gold

it.

of

all

insoluble

sublimate

precipitatewith

metals)are

distinguishedfrom

is

cadmium

preparations

allied
so

is

of arsenic

sulphide

yield no

tin

and

irritant and

of

further

poisoning
discussion

Platinum
corrosive
in

the

here.

(with its
; but

human

they
ject,
sub-

Preparations
irritant

highly

Its

instances.

less

though
The

as

of

of

the

used

as

Preparations
the

in
to

the

its
which

deep

the

of

(5) sulphuric
throws

yielding,

at

It

is

casionally
oc-

chrome

most

the

yellow

down
same

the

time,

green
the

of
of

bichromate

deep

oxide,
odor

corrosives

as

of

acetate

lead

red

of

along
with

(i) by

"

lead,

(3) by

trate
ni-

precipitate
sulphide

dingy-green

solution,

tants
irri-

canal.

solution

gives
to

also,

distinguished

be

down

violent

are

alimentary

throws

added

of potassium,

former

acting,

(2) by

hydrogen

the

bichromate

may

color;

acid

instantly

and
two

the

potassium

which

(4) sulphuretted

of

salts

The

of

precipitates
silver,

half

weeks.

The

sometimes

orange-red

of

chromate

lead.

doses

Bichromate

and

ounce

five

case

"

membrane

lining

the

acts

abortive.

of

large

it

records

an

about

in

Chromium.

are

chromate

the

and

died

an

of

arts

mistake,

tincture

doses

large

Christison

by

who

and

liquid,

In

poison.

swallowed,

who

in

copper,

(muriated

tincture

of
medicine.

in

corrosive

used

used

form

the

in

much

is

man

of

violent.

violent,

several

in

sulphate

of

that

is

vitriol)

fatal

proved

having

doses,
resembles

action

chloride,

iron),

of

"

large

in

(green

sulphate

The

Iron.

of

307

CHROMIUM.

BY

POISONING

with

alcohol,

effervescence

aldehyde.

308

TOXICOLOGY.

XXIII.

CHAPTER

SECTION

SOURCES
TREATMENT.

of

certain

It

is

it has

death, from

its

which
(Epsom salt),

Symptoms.
dose

and

half

an

the

corrosive

but

to

effects

is very

the

down
and

with

narcotism.

On

When
small

the

quantity

of

of

in the

water,

taste

gullet,extending

the

is followed
down

as

and

to

effects

the

quantity

violent,

and

in the

with

and
are

back,

tending
ex-

ness,
numb-

occasional

depressant.
dissolved

in

sensation

; violent

An

immediate.

burning

stomach

lost ;

nerve

tinglingand
decided

of

diluted, its

heart

pain

size of the

altogether

or

together

by

magnesia

more

the

on

as

accidental

prompt,

large dose

very

the

In

with

heart, it acts
in

the

on

acute

spasms,

poses,
pur-

in appearance.

lessened,

limbs, attended

tetanic

swallowed

intensely sour
the

observable

soning,
poi-

suicidal

sulphate

doses

specificoperation

for

of

it acts

much

of

name

excessively

cause

much

very

smaller

be

may

its remote,

centres

In

poison.

for

ounce,

the

its

by

of concentration.

an

potash,exists

homicidal

to

resembles

depend

degree

ounce

for

resorted

it much

These

"

and

easily detected

mistaken

being

"

POTASSIUM.

arts, under

frequently the

been

ANALYSIS.

OF

lime

"

rhubarb, wood-sorrel, dock,

in the

it is sometimes

; but

and

be

DOSE.

CHEMICAL

rarely employed

it would

since
taste

the

FATAL

"

BINOXALATE

with

plants,as

ACID.

SYMPTOMS.
"

"

extensi\Telyused

sugar.

OXALIC

"

Acid, in combination

It is

irritant

NATURE.

EXAMINATION.

naturally in

sour

BY

APPEARANCES.

MORBID

"

Oxalic

acid

IN

ACID

TOXICOLOGICAL

etc.

POISONING

I."

THE

OF

IRRITANTS.

ANIMAL

AND

VEGETABLE

pain

in

in

POISONING

the

increased

abdomen,

of

throat; vomiting
sometimes
of

those

are

greenish-brown

character

There

also

are

and

voice,

convulsions
the

on

be

is every

failed to

leeches, that had

had

fluid.
been

been

urine

it had

and

Fatal

dose.

Half

"

fatal dose

for

drachm

of

years

may

the

solid

in

causing

death.

"

of

the

calls it " the

In

most

most

into

to

an

the

of lime

and

larger doses

the

are,

have

and

unerring

of

some

tubules.

regarded
a

to

boy

however,
been

known.
of

all

as

teen
sixcases

swallowed

acid

Christison
the

where

case

dose, oxalic

large,concentrated

rapid

to

renal

is

ounce

energetic poisons

case

abundance,

according

There

circulation.

in

Taylor quotes
crystalsproved fatal
hours.

have

epigastrium

Dr.

eight
much

period.

oxalate

is absorbed

poison

acid, fell off dead,

crystalswithin

ounce

adult.

where

record

one

an

an

old,

this

gotten

tube-casts

writers, deposits of similar

is

pain

mentions

the

applied to

crystalsof

contains

albumen

Fatal

many

experiments

Christison

poisoned by

showing evidently that

without

son
poi-

violent

liable to

are

hitherto

blood, though
it in that

detect

patient who

on

the

of other

case

that the

believe

to

reason

the

into

one

of

action

and

absent.

There

also

the

arms,

delirium

head,

and

in the

legs and

thus, vomiting and

the

of

distressing cough

symptoms

anomalies

and

cold,

respiration.

swelling

of the

back

As

above-mentioned

exceptions

The

hurried

and

indicate

system.

nervous

poisons, the

that

symptoms

"

matter,

debility,a

numbness

in the

pain

acute

the

remaining symptoms

mouth,

thirst,restlessness

also, frequently,cramps
loss of

the

black

or

extreme

as

of

soreness

intense

tongue,

where

The

in.

sets

of

patient lives,purging

skin, feeble, rapid pulse and

clammy

both

If the

collapse,such

of

; constriction

pressure

blood.

309

ACID.

OXALIC

by

with

mixed

similar

BY

common

310

TOXICOLOGY.

Dr.

poisons."

where

known,

followed
within

in

hour.

patient has

survived

alludes

of

the

after

poison,

even

who

fatal

prove
where

the

days.

Dr.

from

the

occurred

woman

has

death

cases

hours, and

many

case

after swallowing

cases,

have

instances

case

of

effects

secondary

other

majority of

; the

for

the

to

In

1845).

Again,

rapidly fatal

most

in three minutes

occurred

minutes

ten

one

Beck

death

(Lancet, Aug.

it

the

Ogilvie reports

died

months

several

of

suffering.
Treatment.
service.

The

with

up

This

"

best

milk.

should

wall

be

relieve

to

the

throat

shriveled
the

appearances.
and

and

brown

easy

longitudinal

contains

contracted,
fluid ; the
appear

mucous

soft and
; but

in

with

stomach

of
is

from

of

the

rare.

found

has

if death

without
been

others

which

has

be

acid

is

been

it is

raised

frequently
gelatinous
rapid,may
mation
inflam-

usually

intensely congested

poisoning.

The

entirely

of decided

marks

cases

with

over

color, and

delayed,

Such

white,

stomach.

may

brown

stomach,

subjacent tissue.

sulphuric

be

intensely acid, brown,

pale,often

nesia.
mag-

of the

covered

portions peeling off,revealinga

of the
those

The

in

be

oesophagus

membrane,

if death

and

is indicated

Opium

usually

; it may

surface

an

places, and

some

rugse,

folds.

whitewashed

lining membrane

will

the

of

separated, displayinga
in

useful.

discharged

membrane

mucous

poisonous

of chalk

absence

The

of removal

matters

soluble
of

admissib
in-

are

symptoms.

"

gullet

mixed

carbonates

scrapings

are

the

severity of

Post-mortem

mouth,

oil

and

of any

be

to

magnesia,

forming

in the

to

and

their

and

The

acid.

resorted

Lime-water

chalk

are

of their

the

in order

prompt,

alkalies

account

with

be

antidotes

The

on

compounds

should

black

and

in
dition
con-

gangrenous

strongly resemble
Perforation

of

the

312

TOXICOLOGY.

of

yields

copper

which

is almost

faint

insoluble

highly acid, the

dialysis,or
a

they

filtrate

affords

liquid

crystalsthus
solution

with

with

hours,

and

tested
the

of

usually

of solution

excess

of

in pure

thoroughly

lead
and

water

pass

is thrown
of

down.

it may

been

that

happen

lime

water,

and

should

be

acid,
the
the

alcohol, and

magnesia.
concentrated

the

treat

of

first filtrate

lead ;

wash

filter;then

through

it

then

it

of

current

lead

the

diffuse

and

little while, to

the

the

usual

all the
the

organic
the

expel

and
filter,

crystallize

for

The

boiled

These

time

some

decomposes

potassium
are

and

the

the

insoluble

if this

be

with

inspected
with

the

solids
warm

liquid is acid, it
acid, it may
diffused

pure

in

be
pure

of

carbonate

oxalates, forming soluble

carbonate

and
separated by filtration,

by gentle heat, until

of

contents

; if not

then

stomach
tered
adminis-

were

washed

thoroughly

should

in the

the

Here

off;

acid
that

case

examination

solids
for

oxalic

in which

liquid decanted

reserved

tests.

antidotes

acid.

collected, and

potassium, which
of

be

not

away.

wrater, and

by

magnesia,

or

would
be

Heat

apply

neutralized

stomach

oxalate

copper.

by evaporation. Purify the crystals,if necessary,

by re-solution, and

thrown

of

of oxalic

until all the

sulphurettedhydrogen,

filtrate

should

pure

the

on

matter

"

in

of acetate

sulphurettedhydrogen,

has

filtered,the

sulphate

to

washed

But

then

at

water,

and
crystallization,

to

recommended

precipitatedoxalate

the

distilled

presence

re-dissolved

separated by

again crystallized.

an

excess

with

evaporated

obtained

it is

But

digested

evidence
be

may

copper,

of the stomach
be

probably

may

some

concentrated, and

If this test
the

be

heat, for

moderate

If the contents

"

poison

may

of

in nitric acid.

examination.
Toxicological
are

oxalate

bluish-white

the

of

lime

and

the solution

crystalsarc

formed.

In

of

case

objected

that

sorrel

or

that

the characteristic
of
of

the

should
In

negative
of

case

should

be

crystalsof
after
But

sodium

which

partaken

held
exists

be

of

detect

urine, add
fourth

in

the

acid

acid,the urine
of

fluid should

with
thus

be
the

by

the

lected
col-

be

which

sediment

not

dral
octahe-

the

collects

microscope.

precipitated
; a
phosphate

acid

of

urine.
remembered

be

found

present,

of

oxalic

This

examined

in the

dence
evi-

peculiar

are

amount

increase

the

may

covery
dis-

poisoning.

an

in solution

the

food

containing

free

oxalic

and

its

treat

Stains

bulk, then

these

that
of

urine

same

have

who

persons

acid, such

oxalic

the

orange,
remove

and

acid

rhubarb

as

of lead

brownish-red.

writing-ink,in

concentrate

of

with

in

them

in

of these
This
cases

excess,

filter ;

directed.

on

forgery ;

but

etc., may

applying

and

water,
stains

paper,

black

acid is sometimes
of

one-

sulphuretted hydrogen,

above

as

lead

the

in

about

to

cloth, parchment,

on

color

oxalate

soluble

acetate

by boiling
The

or

and

filtered solution

of this acid

tests.

acid

add

the oxalate

discovered

usual

little acetic

decompose

to

be

of all

sorrel.

To

be

for

glass,and

should, however,

crystals may

of

of lime.

should

be

may

lesions

small

The

certainlyno

hand, if the

morbid

charge

lime-oxalates

portion

and

the

oxalate

time

all the

only

examined

conical

some

It

of

other

the

on

barb
rhu-

to

poison, the

is

acid

due

absence

entire

be

oxalic

deceased.

active

suspected poisoning by

always
in

the

poison, and

obtaining

not
a

but

the

an

of this
of

be

might

is

of

quantity

by

if there

quantity

this

of

minute

eaten

symptoms

poisoning;

symptoms
then

been

had

small

poisoning, it might

after death

stomach

this is obvious:

to

answer

of

presence

in the

found

acid

the

acid

oxalic

alleged

313

DETECTION.

ACID

OXALIC

cloth

the
is

employed
usually there

314

TOXICOLOGY.

left

are

the paper

on

iron, existing in the ink,which

of

traces

readily be recognized by applying

can

rocyanide

of

Oxalic

acid

of

lead;

is

usually

equivalent to

of

42.5

acid

the

is not

of

ultimate

yet

no

one

in the

tissue

form

the

it constitutes

the

fer-

it blue.

turn

dried

oxalate

oxalate

pure

are

the

of

oxidation

has

been

able

In

disease

it is

of oxalate

variety

of

others

and

be

to

one

in the

acid

uric

its

demonstrate

to

which

also

form

mulberry

the

named

in

found

frequently

of lime, in

calculus

human

the

of

constituent

by Liebig

of

blood.

in the

existence

the

results

the

of

quantitativelyas

normal

although supposed

economy,

of

solution

crystallizedacid.

body;
the

will

estimated

parts

ioo

every

Oxalic

which

potassium,

calculus.
Binoxalate

of Lemons}.

This

"

dose

symptoms,

It is

fragment

very

distinguished from

the

tartrate

the

feathery
lime

by

tartar

of

the

ingredient

in the

Tartaric

and

both

produced
Their

chalk

or

is

forms

water,
is

ash

arts

oxalic

similar

to

Salt

for bleaching,
The

acid.

of the

those

latter,(1) by heating
is left

(carbonateof

entirely dissipated ; (2) it

(3) it

distinguishedfrom

is

which

re-dissolved
This

is insoluble.

by

salt is

tassium),
po-

tallizes
crys-

cream

the

but

precipitates both,

immediately

oxalate

tartaric
natural

sorrel.

acetic

concentrated

ounce.

and

acid

calcium

acid, while

in the

lesions

as

Essential

"

in the

poison

are

while

of

active

as

and

used

platinum foil; an

on

in

{Salt of Sorrel

"

salt is much

It is almost

etc.

acid.

Potassium

of

acids

state

fatal
proper

and

results
antidotes

magnesia.

act

as

in
when
are

powerful

doses.

large
taken
the

irritant

in

alkaline

poisons

They
doses

have
of

an

carbonates,

POISONING

CARBOLIC

BY

SECTION

POISONING

Acid

Carbolic

of the

products
the

form

for
have

air.

more

taste, and

for
affinity

however,

the

destroying

in its undiluted

Applied

and

and

Symptoms.
and

the

stomach;

insensible
from

the

to

breath

rapidly
but

the

; the

occurs

effects
may
may

occur

one

case,

pupils

; the

mouth

skin

within

an

ten

Stevenson, is often of

Many
the

of the

external

surfaces.

above

organic
acts

as

those

of

life.
rosive
cor-

it. Taken

hardening

odor
and

energetic,

an

of

of

the

conjunctiva
acid

; the

weaker

frothy

exhaled

ture
tempera-

and

labored

weaker,
mately
ulti-

and

sometimes

mucus

hardened,

throat

mouth,

the

clammy

becomes

white, and

the

from

local

usually precedes death, which

accompanied
hour

from

minutes.
an

the

in

respiration is

Coma
be

sometimes
within

cold

pulse

is

acid.

of

contracted;

are

vomiting

burning

It is sometimes

skin, it

are

; marked

in its beats

of the

also

the

to

burning pain

touch

stertorous

It has

poison.

falls ; the

fluctuates

much

in water;

forms

lower

its effects

Intense

"

exposed

quickly
powerfully antiseptic,

state

neurotic

tinge. They

odor.

anaesthetic,corrugating and

internally,undiluted,
corrosive

soluble

creasote

of the

germs

exposed

liquefywhen

and

glycerine.

It is

creasote.

when

the

it is in

pure

reddish

of

one

When

tar.

very

and

peculiar,strong,

coal-tar

named

is

"

which,
crystals,

water,

alcohol, ether

Phenol}

"

light,acquire

It is not,

in

so

ACID.

of coal

acicular

the

to

strong

the

to

time

CARBOLIC

BY

distillation

of white

some

II.

(Phenic Acid

"

315

ACID.

by

convulsions.

swallowing
The

the

urine,

Death

poison ;

as

shown

in

by

olive-greencolor.
symptoms

applicationof

the

have

been

produced by

acid, especiallyto

denuded

316

TOXICOLOGY.

Fatal
doses

dose.
of six

quantity

would

Treatment.

of lime
the

recorded

have

of

is the

Oil

of

is

soda

the
of

less

poison by

zinc, albumen,

regarded by

outward

some

saccharate

the

considers
best

be

must

much

; but

ounces

Husemann

Stimulants

skin.

deaths

sulphate

Sulphate

antidote.

from

fatal.

and

water,

Dr.

occurred

evacuation

the

mustard

antidote.
an

two

to

one

Assist

demulcents.

true

The

certainlyprove

"

of

oil and
as

of

doses

from

have

symptoms

drops.

seven

or

resulted

emetics

Dangerous

"

applicationto
the

combat

freelygiven, to

collapse.
lesions.

Post-mortem

and

and

soft

usually white,

mouth

The

"

brain

with

gorged

of the

odor

strong

generally contracted,
is

uniformly

dark

intestines,and
of

the

wrinkled
bladder
or

is

the

colored

stomach

lungs

other

bolic
car-

in

and

The

corroded.

passed being

of

the
ing
lin-

mucous

white, hardened

found

is

blood
of

odor

The

viscera.

urine

heart

sometimes

but, again, highly congested and

any

usually

The

flaccid.

stomach,

been

usually empty,

ing
exhal-

are

the

of

The

fluid.

the

in

has

but

rightis

and

in the

even

generally normal,

left ventricle

while

detected

is

acid

dened
har-

The

acid.

The

blood.

is

are

sometimes

the fluid in the ventricles

occasionally congested,and
the

oesophagus

but

corroded,
The

corrugated.

and

dark,

olive-greencolor.
Chemical

It has

imparts

if this be

"

The

odor

slightacid reaction, and

a

albumen.

iron,and

analysis.

is

forms

transient, greasy

stain

It

violet

gives

bluish

deep

tint

to

whitish-yellow

flocculent

sodium-amalgam,

carbolic

to

red.

paper.
to

It

best

test.

bases.

It

coagulates

perchloride of

hypochloriteof lime;

Bromine

precipitate;if
acid

the

salts with

color
and

ammonia

acidulated, it turns

probably

is set free

water

this be

causes

treated

with

(Landolt).Heated

with

with

wood, moistened

of

nitric

hydrochloric acid,

or

Toxicologicalexamination.
The

will be

acid

of the

odor

organic

splinter
into

dipped

greenish-blue tint

the

in

perceived

body

after death.

along with

distilled

be

characteristic

the

Generally,

"

should

matters

afterward

of

turns

tint.

Tidy).

and

dry (Woodman

when

red

acid,and

the

317

OIL.

potassium, it gives

of

cyanide

CROTON

BY

POISONING

dilute

sulphuric acid.
acid

Carbolic
the

by

either
acid

and

odor

detected

in the

chemical

reagents.

The

by

of

ether, and
of

from

acid

subsequently removing
pipette,and

urine, both
urine

evaporating

in

dish

of carbolic

character

left,having the

is

layer by

shallow

excess

an

ethereal

the

this

normal

of the

some

may

it is said

urine);or by agitating it with

the

oily residue

minute

sulphuric acid (as

carbolic

develop

may

means

generallybe

distilled without

be

constituents
of

can

acid.
SECTION

POISONING

CROTON

BY

OIL,

III.

oil is

Croton

of Croton

seeds

purgative,in
as

violent

tiglium.
of

irritant

one

to

excessive

causes

in cholera.

dependent

on

in

this acid

brown

the

two

drops.

In

as

powerful

over-doses, it acts

mucous
gastro-intestinal

vomiting

and

brane,
mem-

purging, followed

by

Its

oil in variable

oil is

odor, and

or

in medicine

the

from

pressure

quantities.

deprived of

When

oil is harmless.

the

Croton

ether.

the

It is used

by

to be
poisonous properties seem
crotonic,which
peculiar fattyacid named

collapse,as
exists

oil,extracted

fixed

doses

SAVIN.

AND

COLCHICUM,

BEANS,

CASTOR-OIL

ELATERIUM,

of

light yellow color, has

hot, acrid, burning

Nitric
color.

acid, with

the

taste.

aid of

an

It is very

heat, imparts

unpleasant
soluble
to

it

in

dark

318

TOXICOLOGY.

Death

has

resulted

another

hours;

case,

two

whilst

in

taken

was

and

and
third

with

purging,

by

of

means

Elatcrium.
Ecbalium

are

This

"

elaterium

to

has

activity

the

no

action

oil

collapse,the

vomiting
covered,
patient re-

of

contents

with

resulting oil

the
tion
solu-

ethereal

the

evaporate

the

test

the

from

nitric

is

wild

those

seeds

contain

them

to

it.

adult
fatal

ColcJiicum.
a

Its effects

grain
It

of

Sulphuric

acid

good
its

owes

principle,elaterin.

from

derived

are

Nitric
it of

turns

the

oil

castor

of

communis,
The

commerce.

irritant,
poisonous principle,which

fatal.
male

to

"

Ricinus

the

In
in

swallowed.
one

forty-sixhours,

young

lady

in

five

The

Colchicum

powerful

resembles

autnmnale,

alkaloidal

veratria

of

in

seeds
and

causes

have

They

three

case

strongly resembling those

symptoms,

One
effects.

violent

It is

cucumber.

purgative.

oil.

resinous

violentlywhen

proved

strongly

drastic

croton

very

pressure
an

act

contains

of

upon

Oil Beans

an

powerful

juice of

the

from

procured

color.

yield by

proved

oil

ether,and

neutral

to

Castor

life in

four

in

days.

produced

reddish-brown

and

In

of croton

ounce

exciting violent

of

substance

as

similar

very

has

an

oil.

fatal

proved

or
squirting or
officinarum,

in medicine

acid

the

of

heat.

and

used

after

and

spontaneously,and
acid

minims

instance, half

Separate

"

taking,by mistake,

drachms

symptoms

after fourteen

stomach

half

by mistake,

Analysis.

from

case

one

containing thirty

embrocation

an

in

sionally
occa-

destroyed

twenty

seeds

after

violent

malignant

cholera.

days,

or

meadow

saffron,

principle,colchicina,which
many

of

its

properties.

It

320

TOXICOLOGY.

from

mixtures

organic

{vid. post)

Less

fatal.

proved

Savin.

oil

yellow
both

seldom

follow

used

when

their

but

death

the

foetus.

of the

tillation
dis-

medicine,

Although they

the

the

are

may

the

expulsion of
often

may

be

spection
bowels, by microscopic in-

separated by

it is

not

pelvicviscera

this

powder,

and

do

contractions

irritant effects upon

then

stomach, and

It is

evaporate.

in

properties. They

properties,uterine

maybe

which

ether, in

irritant

tile
vola-

procured by

employed

are

abortives.

as

stomach

oil

contain

poisons,but they frequentlyproduce

poisoning by

The
contents

oil

and

has

it.

to

be

may

Staas' process
colchicina

antidote

frequentresult,without

in the

discovered

to

used

more

of

cases

with

as

powerful

is

of

grain

known

no

powerfully

specificecbolic

possess

In

powder

never

fatal results

half

(oilof savin),which

possess
or

is

of

modification

tops of the Juniperus sabina

Both
and

than

There

The

"

by

agitating the

soluble, and

recognized by

distillation

allowing

its

from

the

distillate

the

solution

peculiarterebinthinate

odor.
SECTION

POISONING

VERATRIA

Black

"

YELLOW

Hellebore

Melampodium,
in

and

Hellebore

Poke).

has

medicine

(Helleborus

the

"

violent

"

This

occasioned
as

viride

species possesses
fatal results.

powerful

cardiac

proved

convulsions.

very

The

has

vomiting, purging,

American

"

It is

in medicine.

bowels, and

and

occasioning

(Veratrum

named

niger) formerly

employed

stomach

MUSHROOMS.

POISONOUS

"

pain, cold sweats, collapse and

abdominal

Indian

to

overdoses,

Green

JESSAMINE

"

HELLEBORES.

THE

is sometimes

powerful irritant
fatal

BY

IV.

active

tincture

depressant.

Hellebore

"

properties,
is

Two

used

in

active

VERATRIA

alkaloidal
viridia

"

"

album).

(Veratrum

Taken

and

The

the

it
internally,

of the

constriction
and

vomiting

causes

of the

The

Veratrum

of

As

"

in the

found

white

It has

an

in the

causing

excessive

has

it.

also

in the

exists

It is

throat.

crystallizedwith

violent

benzole

melts

and

by

irritant

It is insoluble

sneezing.

porcelain,it

on

be

is in the

alkaloid

acrid, bitter taste, followed

alcohol,ether, chloroform,

Heated

taking

pulse,

Death

death.

shops,this

It may

powder.

dryness
in

after

of

sabadilla.

Veratria.
form

six hours

feeble

sweats, very

principleis Veratria,which

active

burning

trembling

abdomen,

and
giddiness,convulsions, insensibility
and

violent

throat,great anxiety, nausea,

purging, pain

in three

of

sense

sonous
poi-

most

powder produces

limbs, great prostration,cold

occurred

points,

some

is the

This

"

of all the hellebores.

sneezing.

in

and

it.

Wliite Hellebore

heat

veratroidia

principlesexist in this drug

which, though resembling veratria

distinct from

are

32 1

TESTS.

"

and

to

culty.
diffiof

sense

the

nostrils,

in water,

soluble

amylic

alcohol.

blackens,evolving

gent
pun-

vapor.
Dr.

Effects.
"

of

case

Taylor (On Poisons,

lady on

whom
such

alarming symptoms,
pulse
stomach

and

Chemical
acid.

A
to

to

deep

analysis.
"

crimson.
heat.

by

The

grain

as

the

time

same

ing
fail-

pressant.
general de-

is

sulphuric

imparts

yellow

tint,which

change
very

as

is

graduallypasses
diately
brought about imme-

dilute

acid

causes

by evaporating to dryness. (See Sulphuric

15

most

irritant to the

test

alkaloid

pure

reddish

the

mentions

occasioned

local

characteristic

This
Even

acts

at the

bowels, and

it,followed

by

It

collapse.

of

510)

cold sweats,
insensibility,

as

drop applied to

color
a

and

the

p.

this

action,
re-

Acin,

:v""

TOXICOLOGY.

ante?) According
ratria

Other

thus

be

may

the

Wormley,

to

of

ioooo

substances

immediately
requires

give

colored

the

ve-

detected.
red color

to

sulphuricacid

solanine,nareeiue, salicine,piperine,etc.,

as

of

grain

by

cold

of

some

lapse

but

these

sulphuric acid, whereas

before

time

such

"

are

veratria

this

is

change

effected.
test consists

Trapp's
veratria
dark

color

of Stass' process,

enabled

was

than

of this

plant is

in the

Southern

produced

with

of

spoonfuls
Med.

this

by

of veratria

presence
had

extract

that

states

been

killed,in

in
less

veratria.

of

"

country, in the

our

killed

It

has

somewhat

symptoms

it to

of the

contain

principle gelsemia,one-eighth
"

rabbit

in

an

hour

and

in

detecting both
who

woman

The

several

extract,

of these

months

above

principlesin

poisoned by

was

of

half,together

"

of

frequently
resembling

found

Wormley

of

treatment

organic principle gelseminic acid.

stomach

after

three
death

tea-

(Am.

Sci.,April, 1870).

Poisonous
of

grains

veratria.

alkaloidal

another

Jour.

the

which

cat

results,the

authority succeeded
the

Wormley

fication
modi-

chloroform

analogous complaints.

produced by
of which

persistent

separated by

the ultimate

recognize
a

be

may

Dr.

two

States

fatal

powerful

of

sempervirens).The root
considerablyemployed in medicine, especially

and

neuralgia,

grain

solution

Jessamine (Gelsemium

Yellow

of

minute, by

one

those

to

of blood

ounce

an

and

by sulphuric acid.

he

test

colorless

results.

organicmixtures,veratria

tested

the

warming

hydrochloric acid,when

in concentrated

red

/;/

in

fungi

Mushrooms.
are

"

As

edible,while

is well
others

known,
possess

certain

ties
varie-

noxious, and

fatal

even

principleof

certain

Symptoms.
those

are

fungi

to

be

poisonous

volatile,since boiling

innocuous.
The

"

of the

on
man
poisonous mushrooms
irritants,causing violent vomiting,

effects of

narcotic

purging,

abdominal

together

with

pain, thirst, anxiety,

of

dimness

giddiness,

pupils,delirium, illusions,stupor,

dilated

and

season,

The

difference.

appears

guish
distin-

possible to

climate,

as

the

occasion

may

them

renders

always

not

these, inasmuch

between

idiosyncracy

is

It

properties.

323

MUSHROOMS.

POISONOUS

cold

sweats,

vision, trembling,
convulsions

coma,

death.

and

that

It is stated
members

of

the

family

fungi have

same

very

only, and

vomitants

as

acted

some

on

others

on

as

narcotics.

Generally, the
hour

especiallythe

"

themselves

show

symptoms
narcotic

within

II, p. 433) relates the followinginterestingcase

of

family

of

wife, servant

and

cholera

became

of the

one

; he

recovered

also.

not

were

death

ensued.

completely

well

The

poisoning

vomiting,
The

recovered.

they

profoundly lethargicand

effect,and

had

children

of

citrina.

Amanita

the

by

persons

stupor, but

by deep
violent

six

(Toxicol.

Orfila

symptoms.

followed

individuals

until

three

had

no

recovered

who

weeks

had

children

other

; emetics

The

The

husband

two

comatose

one

after the

fatal

repast.
Morbid

they
of

appearances.

indicate

the

great tendency

fluidity of

body,

rigidity,numerous
and

of

the

tissues.

inflammation
vessels

the

of

the

organs,
of

imperfectly described

are

to

in

of

cadaveric

membranes

serous

violent

stomach,

brain, with

of

absence

the

signs
the

lividity
rapid putrefaction,

blood,

ecchymoses

parenchymatous

gangrenous

These

"

and

and

even

congestion

decomposition

of

the

324

TOXICOLOGY.
.

The

chief
is

the

fact

that

of

botanical

on

the

the

easily

and

of

been

subject

stomach

character
has

symptoms

otherwise.

or

contents

the

might

fungi
homicidal,

interest

medico-legal

due
of

the

to

Poisonous

be

connected

with

occasioned

by

attributed

bowels

(See
Fungi)

will
of

the

Orfila

usually
fungi,
and

ject
sub-

eating

sonous
poi-

poisoning

"

of

examination

microscopic

fragments
them.

to

this

reveal
if

the

Christison

the
the

soning
poi-

CANTHARIDES

BY

POISONING

CHAPTER

XXIV.

ANIMAL

BY

POISONING
POISON.

Cantharides.

also

the

to

It

named
about

"

constriction

in the
of

great

to

impression
desire
the

voiding
with

and

to

of

merely

tenesmus.

at

with
and

few

stools

tenesmus.

in fatal

cases

mouth

of

the

labia

and

Sometimes

pain

ing
vomit-

along

urgent

with

teristic
charac-

the

displays

organs

with

and

sant
inces-

great pain and

panied
bloody urine, accom-

in

males,

together with
Purging generally

in women,

females.

being bloody

of

throat,

; violent

Priapism frequentlyoccurs
of

for this

and

Soon

loins,an

drops

not

proportion

membrane,

is attended

times, in pregnant
the

supervenes,

heat

the

nausea

fauces.

in the

has

crystallineprinciple

genito-urinary

urinate,which

swelling and

abortion,

the

of

local

powder.

pressure

of the

dull,heavy pain

in

in the

shreds

and

on

"

urino-

employed

of the

by

the

to

abortive, and

an

exists

sensation

powerful

difficultyof swallowing

dryness

FISH.

vesicant, and

also

properties to

ounce

burning

mucus

thirst,and

in
itself,

an

increased

bloody

as

fatal effects when

half

and

abdomen,
a

as

which
canlJiaridin,

Symptoms.
with

used

its active

owes

grain

one

externally as

In

unfrequently produced
purpose.

POISONOUS

or
vesicatoria,
Spanish fly,

Cantharis

It is often

genitalorgans.

SAUSAGE

"

FLESH.

POISONED

The

FOOD.

"

large doses it acts

alimentary canal, and

internally.

irritant

POISON.

medicine, both

in

ANIMAL

CHEESE

"

"

used

POISONOUS

"

FOOD."

PUTRESCENT

is much

IRRITANTS.

CANTHARIDES.

TRICHINOSIS.

"

325

SYMPTOMS.

"

and

and

mucous,

there

is

profuse

faintness,giddiness,and

panied
accom-

tion,
saliva-

convulsions.

3-6

TOXICOLOGY.

If the

has

substance

characteristic

If the

shining
in the

recognized

been

tincture

form

from

the

powder,

the

generally

be

stomach

taken, the above

been

of

particles may

green

discharges

has

in the

taken

bowels.

and

symptoms

come

on

rapidly.

more

All

the

above

dose.
of the

ounce

Twenty-four

"

tincture,have

Treatment.

(castoroil); opium
Post-mortem

of the

of the
of the

brain

stomach

and

has

bowels.

it will be

necessary

from

organic

the

Cliemical

been

digested

should

be

lips,or

on

to

if the

The

the

kinds

out

oiled

on

thin

the

some

partaken

of

gestion
Con-

ing
peculiar shinin

the

swallowed

of cantliaridin

animal

It

The

skin

of the

or

on

depending

the

the

arm,

residue

when
of

presence

the

tharides.
can-

upon

some

that

cheese,

sausages,

part of those

the
the

occasionallyhappens
as

hausted
ex-

ethereal

portion applied to

food, such

be

ether, until

nearly dry, and

of the

"

of

the cantharidin.

denote

food.

should

materials

portions

until

would

idiosyncrasy
them,

the

mouth

bladder.

fish,mussels, etc., produce poisonous symptoms,

to

the

has been

extraction

silk,and

portion

animal

of

The

tincture

in successive

vesication

Poisonous

of

distinguished

suspected

evaporated

spread

resulting

various

be

an

matters.
"

is

and

observed.

generally be

; this will dissolve

solution

inflammation

kidneys

procure

analysis.

dried, and

and

cathartics

and

alimentary canal, from

But
to

powder,

emetics

by

Intense

"

ureters,

particles can

green

ternal
ex-

death.

caused

appearances.

also

downward;

the

stimulants.

and

membrane

mucous

produced by
of the

grains

evacuation

Speedy

"

been

cantharides.

application of
Fatal

have

symptoms

either
who

noxious

ing
ow-

have

agent

328

TOXICOLOGY.

of

development
of

of

of

Instances

Poisonous

cheese

fish.

morbus.
in

which

the

symptoms

of

vomiting, purging, pain

frequent pulse.

the

in the

signs

Again,

most

In

The

twenty-four hours,

very

much

nothing
No

action

earlier.
that

will

but

there

In fatal cases,

cause

shell fish has

therefore, ascribe

generated under

not

appear

cases

where

the autopsy

it to
unknown

of

have

yet been

some

been
severe

come

lapse
on

usually reveals
result.

singular poisonous

discovered.

peculiar

conditions.

with

they

as

sions.
convul-

until the

for the
this

such

and

dyspnoea

account
satisfactorily

rational, adequate
of the

are

slight,

marked,

conspicuous symptoms
usually do

symptoms

other

been

peculiareruption resembling urticaria, along

asthma.
of

the

with

coma,

and

post-mortem

has

well

are

nausea,

small

cramps,

inflammation.

of

times
Some-

as

disclose, on

symptoms

nervous

and
delirium, insensibility

abdomen,

cases

symptoms,

character.

gastro-entericdisturbance

instances, the
whilst

uniform

sionally
occa-

cause.

simple irritant,such

fatal

The

evident

examination,

of

food,

as

alarming

rational

any

not

are

those

are

to

place. Mussels,

Europe

and

cholera

peculiar organic

taken

in

violent

most

ascribed

be

cannot

they

in

common

resembling

some

have

itself may

food

produce
These

sebacic

poisonously,i. e.t they

act

quite extensively used

are

which

fish

of

kinds

quite possible that

It is

change

duction
pro-

individuals,
probably through

gastro-intestinal
symptoms,

severe

and

more

no

improper

an

caseic

are

by

the

to

from

to

poisoning

In certain

"

idiosyncrasy, many
excite

is

in this country.

than

Germany

derived

milk, analogous

the

cheese

it is ascribed

some

acrid, oily matter

an

fermentation
acid.

By

understood.

well

means

properties in

poisonous

animal

We

must,

principle

AND

PUTRESCENT

Putrescent

or

above, but also

blood

true

enough

delight the

to

Putrid

animal

The

become

meat.

which

The

Thus,

the

flesh of

the

an

blood

kalmia

have

eaten

cows

and

may

prove

has

has
{laurel),
the

fed upon

goats that have

to

fed
those

upon

in death.

to

country

and

Datura
it.

of

buds

who

persons

that

partaking of

poisoning

this

leaves

known
the

of

has
other

some

of

cause

the

duce
pro-

bird which

or

proved poisonous
It is well

birds.

poisonous

the

vessels
may

terminate

animal

the

milk

of

stramonium
In

one

case

alleged poisoning by belladonna,

the family had eaten
rabbit pie,and
a

the

fed upon

plant,so that,without

of

being
to

the

affected

those

who

5*

leaves

of the belladonna

it had
injuriouslyitself,
had

partaken of

it.

that

use.

thus

pheasant

common

kept long

produce'd

its

to

wounds

may

become

may

(Tetrao umbellus)which

produce

described

been
has

epicure

accustomed

Dissecting

substance,

man.

the

has

poisoned by arsenic, strychnine, or

deleterious
to

that

injected into

matter

"

of the

not

alarming symptoms,
Poisoned

will

man,

similar to those

game

taste

fatal.

by

typhoid character, or septicemia,

in persons

quickly

proves

of

poisoning.

cholera

severe

those

329

MEAT.

meat, ifeaten

decayed

only gastro-entericsymptoms

not

or

POISONED

defence
the

conveyed

that

was

animal

the

had

poison

330

TOXICOLOGY.

CHAPTER
CLASS

second

This
effects
the

II"

division

XXV.

NEUROTIC

of

POISONS.

Poisons
the

displayed chiefly on

are

and

brain

great

Their

spinal marrow.

those

embraces

whose

centres

nervous

symptoms

"

ness,
drowsi-

are

headache, giddiness,stupor, delirium, convulsions

paralysis. They
the

on

Their

effects

of

consist
effusion

more

Hence,

I."

ORDER

these

OF

DOSE.
ACID.

OPIUM.

TESTS.

"

"

and

Opium
of

POISONING

L"

MORPHIA.

"

TOXICOLOGICAL

its

poisoning

OPIUM.

"

cases,

PERIOD.

FATAL

PROPERTIES.
IN

constitute

both

in

TESTS-

"

EXAMINATION

preparations

of

case

(i) NARCOTICS.
BY

"

in the

of blood

exclusively.

SYMPTOMS.

POISONOUS

"

TREATMENT.:

"

lesions

vessels, rarely

diagnose

to

NEUROTICS."

CEREBRAL

SECTION

NATURE

cerebral

of the

canal.
These

distinctlymarked.

very

quite impossible

poisoning by

neurotic

alimentary

effusion
rarelystill,

more

it is

the

of

less fullness

or

of serum;

brain.

not

are

mation
inflam-

or
irritation,

no

or

membrane

mucous

morbid

little

produce

and

this

"

FATAL

MECONTC

"

POISONING.

OPIUM

very

country

large
and

portion
pro-

Great

Britain.

Opium

is the

dried

juice

(Papaver somniferum).
containing

morphia, mcconic

and

papaverine.
are

morphia

It has

very

capsules

of the

poppy

composition,

complex

the chief of which

principles,
thebaine
acid, narcotina,codeia,narccitie,
active

numerous

arc

ones

of the

In

and

medico-legal view,
mcconic

the

acid,since, in

only important
an

analysis for

the

of

detection

investigationis
It should
differ
this

taken

two

(laudanum) of

tincture

strength,owing
active

laudanum

Average
the

to

fluid

The

the

laudanum)
Symptoms.
A

large,but
of the

system,

of the

frequency

increased

and

calm

In

proportion

period

of

pulse, flushed

the

as

the

in

is

to

there

into

profound sleep

to

will be

the

arouse

The

pupils

of

generally slow
flushed.

As

and
the

slow

"

we

have

grain

one

to

is about

laudanum.
size of the

dose.

noticed

fullness

and
eyes,

followed

soon

At

characteristic

more

In

sooner.

which

such

it will be difficult

gradually
first the

weak.
; the

cold

increased, the first

drowsiness, rapidly passing

and

pulse

coma.

is full and

and

the

face

becomes

countenance

down

in

respiration is

warm,

clammy,

it reduced

ends

The

skin

advances, the
skin

is

is

opium

stupor, from

stertorous

pale,the lipslivid,the
very

and

it becomes

case

dilution.

ham's
of opium {Syden-

This

shortened, the

contracted.

slow; subsequently

the

of

gives place to profound sleep.

patient; this stupor

are

form
uni-

face, brilliancyof the

turn

giddiness
or

of

grains of opium

to

the

soporificeffects manifesting themselves

case

The

opium.

increased

by

brain.

amount

excitement

average

amount

five

Wine

evinced

as

which

repose,

morphia,

being

equivalent

opium

ment
occasions, at first,general excite-

activityof

by

of

fraudulent

to

about

according

fatal dose

not

The

strength of

the

vary

cent.

in the

laudanum.

is about

These

"

fication
identi-

drop (Acetum Opii)

black

of

strength

is

of

Smyrna

also

and

contain

which

amount

is far from

shops

opium,

drachm,

in

this variation

to

should

twenty-fivedrops.
double

and

specimens

per

cent,

per

the

the

principlein

discovery

contained
thirteen

to

eight

at

the

to

that different
their

in

considerably
be

suspected poisoning, the

substances.

two

from

of

down

narrowed

331

SYMPTOMS.

case

be remembered

varying

may

in

opium

of these

OPIUM

BY

POISONING

the
to

respiration
five

or

six

332

TOXICOLOGY.

in

there

adults.

be

may

these

more

are

there

Sometimes

regarded as

be

is to

also

in

than

in children

relaxed; convulsions

are

death, but

just before

occur

which

muscles

the

minute;

hopeful sign;

At

purging.

common

is

and

times
some-

vomiting,

occasionally

times, the skin

is bathed

in

should

be

profuse perspiration.

The

noticed.

dilated.

be

usually regarded

(Med.

Times

of the

that

First

of the

size of the

dose, the form

were

the

recovery;

but

postpone

two

ing
opium-poisonsame

traction
con-

the

poisoning,in

the

other

they

in

reason

development

the

cases

and

the

ten

of

minutes

grain

large

very

patient gives hopes

usual

to

terminate

that

alcohol

symptoms

of

the

where

partialremission

believe

of the

We

minutes.

swallowing

again only
to

few

reported

are

the

in full quantity,

and

quarter

after

even

tion
condi-

swallowing

in five to

the

on

rule,the symptoms

liquidform

Sometimes

return

depend

after

produced

hand,

occurs,

will

hour

injection of

hours.

good

seems

As

themselves

delayed,

doses, for many

symptoms

the

full narcosis

subcutaneous

symptoms

There

for

administration, and

an

in

manifest

seen

On

the

that

varolii, and

This

"

time.

within

may

morphia.

of

at the

But, if taken

often

the

is

of the

condition

in uraemic

of symptoms.

commence

they
have

pupils

opium-poisoning,

mistaken

also

pupil occurs

of the stomach

poison.

of

same

pons

were

contracted, and

Gaz., 1863, I, p. 214). The

and

appearance

usually

this

sometimes

of the

state

Bright's disease.

of

course

contracted

may

be

diagnostic sign

of this latter disease

cases

by

contracted

apoplexy

in

occurs

eyes

they

case

pupil may

one

shown

has

Wilks

Dr.

but

as

symptoms

usually strongly

of the

The

dilated.

above

are

Occasionally

other

the

pupils
termination

the

towards

the

in

variations

Certain

of
of

in death.
tends
of

to

opium.

POISONING

Fatal
from

BY

The

period.
"

hours.

twelve

to

seven

Cases

fatal

reported

are

other

the

whilst, on

is

case

where

the

in

death

and

thirty-fiveminutes,

in

appeared

symptoms

of

duration

average

333

APPLICATION.

EXTERNAL

OPIUM

hand, death

three-quartersof

an

has

instances, delayed for twenty-fourto forty-

been, in

some

hour;

eight hours.
Fatal

dose.

Four

"

fatal dose

minimum

susceptibleto

the

fatal effects have

laudanum.
nurse

On

An

who

has

the

other

that

for

brought

himself

the

the

and

of
in

of

was

poison

three

by

the

infants,
of

drops
milk

of

of

use

place from
It is notorious

ounces.

nine

remarkable

De

thus

Quincey
of

ounces

three hundred

idiosyncrasy

tolerance
think

influence

there

other

num,
lauda-

and

sixty

the

can

be

human

the

of

laudanum
to

; and

been

doubt

where,

regards

of

opium,

the

absorbed.

the

its ultimate

especially to

Christison

autopsy,

body, showing

and

an
even

relates
the

an

men
abdo-

fatal narcotism

pain, produced
the

seems

system.

infants.

at

the

greatly

there

As

drug.
no

is

opium

poultice,applied over

relieve

from

of

highly dangerous,

prove
case

of

in which

occur,

hand, where

for

application

exhaled
had

or

acquires

about

to

the

also,on

infant

hours

some

opium
the

an

two

habit.

by

narcotic

fatal,especiallyin the
where

young

opium.

surface, may

instance

in very

constantly take

soon

daily

equivalent

external

abraded

narcotic

effects upon

deleterious

particularly

are

narcotized

several

to

up

system

to

opium habit, we
The

even

natural

be

the

as

opium.

instances

augmented;
be

taking

this

to
susceptibility

to

from

"

is

Occasional

resulted

hand, recoveries

of solid

grains

drug;

may

regarded

be

Children

of this

human

tolerance

adult.

an

action

taken

the

which

for

infant

large doses

very

five grains may

or

strong
how

odor

of

completely

334

TOXICOLOGY.

Post-mortem

appearances.

of the

brain

of the
be

to

in

the

Remove

the

possible,by

the

Treatment.

"

emetic,

is to
the

him

swallow

walk

employed,

if the

there

is

no

real

of

operation
their

be

employment

cation
indi-

next

chest, and
should

He

should

be

now

should

fail.

of
of

Dr.

the

think

atropia,our

John Harley,
in

these

their

regards

as

disregarded;

our

confirms

this

also

and

morphia

between

we

fully
care-

ing
hour, watch-

half

viz., that
cats),

and

as

prompt

The

attendants.

two

Atropia

antagonism

cannot

by

face and

the

over

those

confirm

physicians

stomach

or

water.

remedies

subject,however,

human

mortem
post-

pupils. Electro-magnetism

other

(dogs

animals

lower

water

antagonism

the

experiments

own

P.

the

upon

regards

be

the

from

the

hypodermically, every

its effects

As

may

increasing lethargy,by rousing

between

about

administered

be

cold

from

mustard

strong coffee.

some

fectly
per-

impossible to

stomach-pump,

the

overcome

patient,dashing

making

poison

sulphate of zinc,or

as

opium

be

exclusively.

appearances

speedilyas

opium-poisoning

gestion
con-

blood

may

of

odor

is

The

bowels

It is hence

body.

of

case

there

organs.

and

The

appearance.

opening

diagnosticate

vascular

stomach

The

fluid.
in

other

and

nor

into the

serum

Sometimes

blood.

rarely of
lungs

natural
observed

of

certain

of the vessels

fullness

occasionally,extravasation

ventricles; very
is apt

neither

are

usually some

is

There

characteristic.

These

"

animals

these

the

In

drugs.

mony
testi-

accumulated

antidotal

mutual
own

the

on

experience

opinion

in

{vid. ante,

185).
Morphia.
rhombic

soluble
almost

in

"

When

pure,

crystals,very
water,

insoluble

soluble

morphia

is in the

bitter

the

in

in chloroform

to

form

taste, very

of

less
color-

slightly

alcohol, especiallywhen
and

pure

ether,very

hot,

soluble

336

TOXICOLOGY.

'

Detection of

an

Nitric

acid

the

produces

also

whereas

purple;

change

no

is

color; if

acquires

it

added,

changing

to

be

must

be

experiment
added

acid

it,

to

to

freshly-made starch, produces

with

liberated

the

from

color

blue

characteristic

the

(4) Iodic

change

color

this

For

phia.
mor-

perchloride

blue

deep

excess.

present.

morphia, along

of

fragment

in

of

potassium

(3) Neutral
a

bright

case

of

bichromate

imparts

if added

green

free acid

no

iron

to

it without

dissolves

color.

green

of

persulphate

or

crystal of

now

in the

produced

(2) Strong sulphuric acid

of

brucia,which,

with

color

deep-red

yellow.

to

protochlorideof tin,changes

of

addition

nitric

Strong

"

orange-red solution, slowly fading

gives

on

the solid state.

effervescence, evolving red fumes, and

it with

dissolves

acid

morphiW^{i)In

iodine.

liquid

/;/ the

2.

state.

(1) Nitric acid, in

"

orange-red color, which

an

(2) Neutral
to

red

of

solution

persulphate of

perchloride or

morphia. (3) Iodic

solid

in

acid

morphia

causes

color, consisting of

lightyellow

becomes

in

six

grains
of

drachms

to
a

sulphuric

fragment

The
ehloride

morphia
soon

Acid.

"

with

iodine

As

carbon

the

on

added

pink

or

bisulphide.
in two

ammonium

drop

of this

dissolves
to

reagent

it,producing
and

green
be

concentrated

mately
ultiwith

mixed

sulphuric

produced. (Weppen).
in

mentioned

tests

of gold,

is

hydrobromicacid, etc.,are
Mcconic

acid.

treated

and
color

wine-red
other

or

sapphire-blue. (5) If morphine

little cane-sugar,

acid,

of

sodium

color, changing

violet

beautiful

of

molybdate

strong

with

in contact
a

of

as

by dissolving five

acid, made
(Taylor). (4) Sulpho-tnolybdic
or

boiling.

on

acts

precipitateof

dissolved

iodine

iron

bisulphide of
a

gives

excess,

in

iodide

of less

this acid

the

books,

such

as

of potassium, bromine

tcr-

in

importance

is

peculiarto

opium,

its dc-

TOXICOLOG1CAL

OPIUM

state, it

In its pure

crystals,tolerably soluble
Tests.
either

the

solid

removed

not

by

only fallacylikelyto
the presence

but

the red

by

corrosive

Strong
with

the

color

the

white

ferric

salts ; and

with

(4) Nitrate

of

of

to

adding

that

the

stomach
much
The
water

life.

after

stomach

acid, and

the

of

opium
The

fail

death,

be

should

whole

not

be

of

iron.

is

opening
this

This

body.
a

the

readily detected, and

poison

is

few

very

in

its decompositi

especially

drops

suffice

in declaring

unite

this

poison

majority

of the

cases.

in small

up

and

exposed

color

in

the
It is

in the vomit.

cut

alcohol,

viously
pre-

no

discover

to

found
be

moved
re-

peculiar form.

on

authorities

the

in

color

(3) Chloride

discovery of

the

highest

will

little

is

acetate

lead.

Sometimes

"

infants,in whom

likely to

more

red

unsuccessful, owing, probably,to

The

analyst

with

salt;

yields a yellowish

persaltof

absorption in
of

case

destroy

iron

yellowish-white precipitate,

vomited.

and

in the

of

gives

on

is often

give

crystallinedeposit of

strong odor

matters

of lead

meconate

silver
red

the

the stomach

true

is from

instantlydischarged

if the

But

(2) Acetate

white

becomes

in the

the

sulphuric acid, it gives

Toxicologicalexamination.
also

with

is

examined,

color, moreover,

this

dilute

salt.

iron

stomach

is

case

sublimate.

corrosive

yields a

which

the material

color

to

The

sublimate.

its salts, likewise

acid, or

precipitate

barium

latter

imparts

sublimate.

boiled
with

the

in

iron

medico-legal case

similar

yields a

colorless

color, which

corrosive

in

occur

acetic

by

of

of

stance.
sub-

in alcohol.

so

blood-red

in
sulplw-cyanide

some

which
slliva,

the

as

of

form

solution

form

persulphate of

or

liquid

or

more

that

of

presence
in the

occurs

in water,

(i) Perchloride

"

the

of

positiveproof

affords

tection

337

EXAMINATION.

to

fragments, adding

acidulating with
a

gentle heat,

pure

for about

acetic
one

338

TOXICOLOGY.

cooling, it should

After

hour.
the

and

solid
the

pressed,and
liquid
small
the

should

clear

be

cooled

acetate
filtrate,

the
precipitate
the

solution

one

another

lead

of

lead.

mcconatc

as

alcohol

and

liquid.

The

water-bath

through

be

to

in

remains

be

separated

from

matter

washed

with

to

solid

To

paper.

morphia

are

to

in excess,

added

The

the

and
by filtration,

first

over

is to

These

acetate.

an

the

filtered

of

through muslin,

strong

to

evaporated

when

and

volume,

added

washings

then

with

washed

residue

strained

be

water.

(a) The
through

by
this

of the
in

If present
out,

the

by gentle
few

drops

potassium
which

of the

If the

liquid.

of

to

wili

shaken

take

up

ever,
quantity,how-

carefullyconcentrated

be

employed.

tests

the

the

excess

The

the

is then

residue
and

water,

then

be

and

nitric acid

made

if necessary,
(diluting,
up

the

with

an

excess

acetate, is
order

to

filtrate concentrated

the

filtered,and

the

in

morphia
in

morphia by

be

lize
crystal-

sulphuretted hydrogen

distilled

carbonate

will

lead

dryness.

warm

applied.

of

; then

to

acid

the

to

be

now

may

characteristic

remaining liquid should

is next

tests

red

deep

suspected ;

quantity, meconic

the

with

lead

heat

for
The

be

may

other

together with

treated
the

remove

acid

if

trated
concen-

portion of

small

made;

gas,

leaves

lead, and

liquid portion, containing

of acetate,
be

on

be

liquid should

volume, and

(b) The
to

sufficient

minute,

small

form

trial test

liquid,the

of

solution; this latter is

iron-salt,may

evaporation

on

be
a

diffused

be

to

sulphuretted hydrogen
sulphide

in

imparted,meconic

is

remainder

to

the

liquid,by

color

heat.

gentle

black

acid

filtrated meconic

the

with

treated

and

water,

precipitatesthe

which

portion(meconate of lead)is

solid

portion
iodic

with

of

by

water)

of absolute
the

it

acid

alkaline

impurities,leaving

with

treated

amined
ex-

tests.

pure
;

it

ether,

morphia

OPIUM

DETECTION

unaffected.
a

ethereal

The

alkaline
three

or

volumes

taken

the

by

up

allowed

to

thus

require resolution

therefrom
In

in hot

of

salts)the
of

process

in the

the blood.

Yet,

it has

been

death.

We

either

decomposition
its detection

glasses.
and

crystallized

body

so

it in

any

especially the
as

laudanum.

an

There

principles

alleged to
to

have
indicate

infant
is

in

been

had

the

render
organ

the presence

of

been

certain

few

the
as

drops

detection
the

or

meconic

of
of

results

reagents, and

morphia,

be

would

comparatively
a

about

out
through-

impossible to

this

urine, inasmuch

produced by

life has

been
from

some

with

it
;

the

on

interferes

of its diffusion

died

doubt

which

else that

had

dose

some

after

months

(morphia) undergoes

to allow

if the

where

reported

are

in

tissues,or

several

analysis,or

the

generally a

is

discrepancy only

thoroughly, as to
one
particular

case

where

this

of its

one

omitting

and

cases

livingorganism,

chemical

(or

There

"

body

opium

long
prolonged sufficiently

these

and

acid is present.

organs

hand,

for

that

in the

by

in the

the

in

account

can

blood.

other

the

on

and

poison

discovered

supposition

small,

is

of the

pipette

be

to

employed,

meconic

no

as

tissues

this

be

may

lead,inasmuch

failure to detect

detect

of

amorphous,

alone

poisoning by morphia

above

Detection

the

alcohol,and

or

bulk

watch

is

two

top

on

two

morphia

the

by

recovered

of
of

or

with

by evaporation.

cases

acetate

removed

maining
re-

shaken

the

processes,

spontaneously

evaporate

The

similar

floats upon

be

may

Ordinarily,the morphia
may

these

solvent, which

which

mixture, and

of

of

means

mixture

alcohol,

arnylicalcohol,or
of

by

thoroughly

of

one

339

BLOOD.

examination.

of, either

and

either

By

AND

is removed

to be

is now

ether

of hot

TISSUES

future

its volume

times

acetic ether.

for

solution

parts of absolute
three

THE

solution

reserved

pipette,and

two

IN

posed
sup-

acid,

340

TOXICOLOGY.

have

since

the

in

normally
The

proved

been

should

the

to

as

{Toxicol., II,

that

the

present

in

of

secretion

this

really, due

resemble

the

of

case

acid)

would
of

presence
above

with

this

Prof.

of

this

(?) chemist
of

traces

morphia
of
due

the

morphia
had

been

entirely

"

in

taken
taken

medicine
to

oath

made

natural

the
at

by
causes.

of

the

(as

separated,

we

an

which

think
upon

of

whereas,
proved

deceased)

but

in

by
the

the
the

reaction
tration
illus-

certain

discovery

red

morphia

no

instructive
a

tents
con-

single

one

roundings,
sur-

the

pronounce

the

the

was

that

reveal
if

cites

stomach
all

strongly

and

But,

to

in

conclusion,

hasty

be

to

suspicious

former,

acid.

Taylor

extract

found

probably

from

simply

poison

mentioned.

with

authorized

be

not

the

was

be

to

readily happen

the

actually

was

loid.
alka-

ammonia.

even

nitric

that

opium-poisoning

for

might

of

effect

it could

mistaken

treated

meconic

of

morphia

no

like

action

attended

disease,
be

the
the

found

pronounced

was

of

apoplexy,

stomach

the

examiner

urate

of
latter

color, when

(nor

and

symptoms

might
of

acid

starch

tells

Orfila

Cogrossi

and

and

of

reason

the

those

alkaloid, in

intestines, although
acid

hasty-

too

alone.

Ruspini

iodic

acid

uric

its

or

color

morphia

case,

on

as

Mm.

iodic

urine, by

to

Inasmuch

that

upon

another

In

existing

against

opium,

the

upon

calf's

acted

present,

was

of

decoction

of

presence

232)

p.

cautioned

be

based

medico-legalcase,
us

substances

to

urine.

toxicologist

conclusion

due

be

to

guished
distin"

distinct

reality, no
an

analysis
death

was

POISONING

BY

ALCOHOL

SECTION

POISONING

ALCOHOLISM.

ACUTE

ANALYSIS.

The
"

those

where

cases

single draught,
also

accidentallyby
in

the

The

former

Symptoms
few

is

of

minutes

of
and

they

or

appear

on

suffused

ensue

may

in

half

In

the

be

followed

place.

regarded
The

will

by

The
as

upon

the

even

in

convulsions.

prolonged

which

of

amount

steadiness
ideas, un-

by stupor
livid ; the

vulsive
con-

first stertorous,
froth

bloody

red;

are

perceived;

and

occur,

then

may

death

may

If free

pupil

to

rently
appa-

come
be-

suddenly

sleep, recovery

the

in

earlier,after the fatal

and
effects,

favorable

rapiditywith

depend

is

instances, the person

sensibilityof
a

of

at
respiration,

first

die

trated
illus-

usually

lips are

breath

or

and

familiar.

too

conjunctivae

difficult ;

hour,
other

insensible,and
take

the

more

ghastly expression,

; the

bloated

limbs

at

train

poison, if the

vacant,

from

an.

from

by

are

on

lips;involuntaryevacuations

recover

occurs,

latter

come

the

fixed ; the

and

and

(Tardieu).

drink

and

of the
more

the

The

talking,followed

have

exhalation

becomes

wager,

first,
giddiness, confusion

features

movements

for

These

ingestion of

gait, incoherent

alcoholic

taken

here.

discussed
"

pupils usually dilated

an

spiritsis
or

in

witnessed

are

unfortunately,but

poisoning.

are,

be

may

are,

will be

The

coma.

we

after the

of

ICAL
CHEM-

acter
char-

twofold

drinkers, and

dram

acute

large. They

former

children.

young

of

are

sillybravado,

which

only

The

"

TISSUES.

THE

of Alcohol

common

with

symptoms

in

as

IN

large quantity

LESIONS.

POST-MORTEM

DETECTION

"

chronic.

and

acute

ALCOHOL.

"

effects

poisonous

II.

BY

SYMPTOMS.

"

341

SYMPTOMS.

vomiting
is apt

light may

to

also

symptom.
the

previous

symptoms
habit

of

show
the

themselves

individual, and

S42

TOXICOLOGY.

the

and

strength

large quantitiesseem

breath

brain.

sufficient

is

concussion, there

In

face

the

of

marks

exhibits

of intense

congestion
effusion

eye

is not

there

The

are

lungs

dilated

invariablypresent.
the

injury in

is also

There

"

head;
of the

absence

an

the
true

brain

system

so

hours, all

traces

is

with

its membranes,

perceived from
for which

organs

that, if the
of

More

patches.

ventricles.

the

in

of blood.

apoplecticextravasation

the

rapidlyabsorbed

is very

and

arachnoid, and

are
displays the greatest affinity

Alcohol

in

color

deep-red

the

or

stomach

The

body.

invariably congested. Usually,

odor
the

the

able
remark-

generally a

is

congestion, in

the

almost

but

body;

of

is

strong alcoholic

the

the

of

odor

also, the

of

marks

either diffused

under

Sometimes,

of the

case;

putrefactionin

lining membrane,

serous

the

; there

appearances.

absence

less

the

odor.

Post-mortem

or

often

cold

pale and

is

alcoholic

of its

of the

are

opium-poisoning

for

Usually,

reveal

to

this condition

but

pupil;

the

of

concussion

and

be

very

life by shock.

mistaken

may

The

spirittaken.

the

destroy

to

alcoholism

Acute

of

quantity

have

it may

different

the

poisonous
eliminated

from

removed

been

from
several

survived

has

fluid

liver.

and

into,and

person

tissues

the

brain

the

body.
Treatment.
stomach
water

"

pump,
the

over

or

head

by
;

asphyxia galvanism
liberal

use

of coffee

Chemical

"

alcohol

its contents

bath, with

by
a

may

by

of

means

supply of fresh air

be tried,also ammonia

the

of cold

; affusion

emetic

free

may
as

active

an

analysis.

the

evacuation

Immediate

; if there

and

be
the

drink.

If the
be

distillation

case

recovered
in

has

not

from

been

the stomach

capacious retort,

good condensing apparatus.

too

on

If the

tracted,
proand
water-

materials

344

TOXICOLOGY.

based

and

aldehyde
much

As

the

upon

acetic

carbonate

of

retort,

on

the

half

and

long

of the

retort.

vapor

by

As

of

consequence

reddening

of

body

of the paper

the

the vapor
both

As

should

ether

has

touching

place,in

of

manifested

be

can

be

usual

in the
a

If
;

removed,

way.

similar

effect

on

the

over

putrefaction

sulphurettedhydrogen

the

case

the

present

advantage

no

dening
red-

blue.

remain

described, except when

which

the

of the tray, in

the tray should

offers

body

acid, while

alcohol

no

the

alcoholic

by

end

will

retort

the

toward

escape

produce
spirit

process

above

process

taken

wood

and

this
platinum-black,
chromic

and

of acetic

occurs,

tray is

paper,

condensed

be

wide, containing
of the

farthest

production

platinum

end

is any

the

reddening rapidly occurs,

ifthe
and

the

the

nearest

at

paper

inch

be

should

hold

to

by-

capacious

retort

pushed

now

there

as

first

each

distillation,it will be

the

of the litmus

paper

tray is

soon

the

an

over

litmus

moistened

platinum-black.The

of

enough

platinum-black. Hanging

placed a slip of

no

neck

wide

be

inches

two

be distilled from

The

into

platinum-black.

over

material, neutralized

the

water-bath.

of alcohol

vapor

passed

potassium, should

slightlyinclined,and
tray about

when

acid

possible of

as

of the

conversion

not
acid,but it would
might reduce the chromic
affect the platinum-black(Taylor On Poisons, p. 643). But
remark
it is hardly supposable that the analyst
we
may
from a putrefied
undertake
to separate alcohol
would
'body.

evolved

1869).
of

test

new

caustic

few
soda

for alcohol

is

grains of

iodine

are

in
;

after

two

thousand

also, that

drinking,by

it may

of
thus

few

into

suspectedfluid. It is then
iodoform
is precipitated.It

alcohol

and

introduced

the

Lieben

given by

heated

without

mixture

be

it.
first distilling

drops

solution

of

test-tube, along with

is stated

the

(Phar. Jour.

that
can

discovered

boiling,when
one

part

of

be

tected
de-

thus
in

the

urine

BY

POISONING

XXVI.

CHAPTER
(2)
This

subdivision
that

substances

AN/ESTHETICS.

Neurotics

Cerebral

of

their

display

unconsciousness.

here

and

also

Ether

are

it will

be

Anaesthetics
this head

Under

CJdoral

of

speak

to

differs

its action

although

The

Chloroform.

convenient

those

comprises

chieflyby producing

power

to pain,and
insensibility

noticed

345

ETHER.

somewhat

Hydrate,

that

from

of

the

others.
section

POISONING

CHLOROFORM,

ETHER,

JiV

1.

CHLORAL

AND

HYDRATE.

Ether.

Generallyknown

"

the

by

as

Sulphuricether,because

cured
pro-

sulphuricacid.

It is

distillation of alcohol

and

limpid,colorless liquid,of a peculiarodor, and hot, pungent

taste; highly volatile and inflammable; sp. gr. 0.735 ; boils
with a
at 950 F.; burns
bright yellow flame, depositing
a

carbon

on

water

Symptoms.

large doses, it produces

narcotism, similar

alcohol.
a

black

The

ether
mucous

; the

blood
16

is

short

period

and

other

symptoms

by

"

coma

caused
On

more

liningof
with

same

is, usually, a

those

to

the

much

ether

by

account

stomach

and
to

lungs deeply congested, and

the

were

Toxicol.,
II,p. 531).
(Orfila,

bility
solu-

its less

of

powerful local
the

of

alcohol.

found

dog poisoned

inflamed

There

appearances.

in water,

in

in alcohol.

excitement, followed

Post-mortem

of

In

alcohol.

as

delirious
of

"

Sparingly soluble

porcelainsurface.

soluble

; very

effects

cold

irritant

than

duodenum
be

violently

heart

full of

346

TOXICOLOGY.

anaesthesia,on
of
the

last condition

and

These

vomiting.

ascribed

in

Although,
that

it is

analysis.

Chemical

"

of

taste, by its mode

action

in the

as

same

stomach,

it is to be
for alcohol

described

Chloroform.
off

giving

an

It is not

into

as,

chlorine

Symptoms.

and
"

of

e.

g.t the

soon

its
the

"

volatile,

it sinks

in

alcohol.

and

of many

organic substances,

At

heat, its vapor

red

F.

smart, pungent

in which

inflammable, like ether

that

as

process

boilingpoint, 1420

odor, and

in water,

the

of

contents

is

the

It

loids
alka-

decomposed

hydrochloric acid.
large

dose

produces

local

irritation to

stomach, with, at first,a general stimulation

system,

and

by

potassium

same

sp. gr. 1.497;

insoluble

others.

opinion

its odor

colorless,limpid liquid,very

powerful solvent
among

of the

has

alcohol.

vapor;

nearly

be

ether

and
volatility,

and

bichromate

and

nausea

patients.

of

are

to

must

the

recognized by

combustion

is

chloroform.

than

agreeablecharacteristic

globules.
a

dense

we

separatedby the
{vid.p. 343).

"

It is

taste.

is

of

case

is

organic mixtures,

From

It has

Ether

sulphuricacid

on

be

inhalation

fatal consequences,

by

resistance
may

of
peculiarities

safer anaesthetic

much

again, there

time

excitement

stubborn

instances, the

few

with

attended

been

considerable

exceptional symptoms

constitutional

the

to

duction
pro-

followed, if

soon

Occasionally, the
; and

influence

on

insensibility.This

action

speedy
is

and

for

produces rapid

inhaled, is the

; this

prolonged

inhalation.

anaesthetic

the

and

effect,when

character, along with

violent

known,

prompt

excitement

be

may

the

continuing
a

its

sufficient, by stupor

be

dose

of

of

account

transient

is well

ether, as

Its immediate

brain.

the

of

inhalation

The

followed

by

decided

narcotism,

of the
as

the

whole

shown

by

POISONING

oppressed pulse,and

are

three

about

in

It has

chloroform.
an

and

ounce

When
than

that

to

one

in

is,moreover,

of

quantitiesof

half

the

the

It

time.

is,undoubtedly,

agent than

ether, and

being constantly reported

of death

cause

be, in the majority of

heart's

action

; in

Post-mortem

with

slow

patient
appears

properly
death.

far

the

and, in

fatal in

very
thetic
anaes-

its fatal effects

of

medical

journals.

chloroform

are

The
to

appears

vapor
the

or

vapor

after

dangerous

more

syncope,

minute

one

of the

cessation

others, asphyxia.

odor

is also

liquidchloroform,

from

usually be recognized, together

may

the

much

with

accompanied

In death

"

putrefactionof
There

mortis.

cases,

appearances.

characteristic

the

from

of the

if not

place in

instances
in

absence

rapidlyproduce

may

speedy

latter,the

and
first,

took

fatal result

more

insensibility.It

into

from

is

breathing only thirtydrops in the state of

another
instance, only fifteen drops proved

immediate

years,

drachm

one

an

the

on

atmospheric air, it

case,

short

four

boy, aged

death

attendant

depressant

with

diluted
In

There

excitement

as

Cases

contracted.

by inhalation,its impression

immediately passing

act

mouth.

swallowing

caused

often

ether.

by

previous

after

face,

upward.

taken

almost

hours,

the

frothing at

reported where the pupils were

where
Dr. Taylor reports a case

died

pupils,flushed

dilated

insensibility,
stupor, convulsions,
full and

347

CHLOROFORM.

BY

and

body,

persistent rigor
stomach,

of the

irritation

softening,and

in

case

one

times
some-

with

ulceration.
In

death

from

discoverable.

congestion

At

times, there

of the

of the vessels
condition

inhalation,there
lungs

of the

of the

blood.

and

will

often

is very

be

bronchial

found

considerable

tubes, and

brain, together with

lesion

no

dark

likewise
and

fluid

348

TOXICOLOGY.

Treatment.

by

or

pump,

should

chloroform

; the

chest

and

mouth,

should

tongue

facilitate

to

galvanic current
Chemical
analysis.
"

should

These

should

re-distilled

subjected

such

the

danger,

the
on

examination.
Toxicological

the
air

the"face
of the

out

the

and
respiration,

practiced.
present in

usually be

stomach.

the

of

contents

distillate

the
the

calcium, and

of

product

etc.
odor, taste, solubility,

as

The

"

drawn

water-bath, and

tests,

proper

will

fresh

and

applied to

be

once

artificial

odor

as

be

also be

chloride

with

along

to

The

distilled

be

at

respiration;

direct

organic mixtures,

should

affusion

afterward

the

caused

immediately withdrawn,

be
cold

freelyadmitted;

has

inhalation

If

administered.

stomach-

the

by

stimulants

emetic, and

prompt

evacuated

immediately

be

should

stomach

the

liquid chloroform,

poisoning by

In

"

stomach,

of the

contents

properly divided along with distilled water,

of which
is fitted
should
be put into a large flask,the neck
hard
with a cork perforatedto contain
a
glasstube, bent at
rightangles,and from twelve to fifteen inches long. The
the

or

organs

gradually heated

flask is

the

time
a

chlorine

litmus

and

made

dip

to

of

chloride

horizontal

at

silver will be

in

the

hydrochloric

first

insured, by the addition

been

important

taken

alkali be

by
added

the
to

to

of

the

paper

remember

that if

moistened

with

of the

iodide
tube

be

silver,the white
absence

originalmaterial
of carbonate

by

dened,
is first red-

wetted

of

same

decomposed

of

tube

if the end

nitrate

the

red-hot

is

slip

precipitated. The

free

It is

and

blue;

solution

acid

of

; starch

is rendered
into

mouth

the

acid.

at

is heated

tube

heat, chloroform

red

bleached

then

potassium

water-bath, and

hydrochloric

placed

paper
and

of

At

flame.

Bunsen

into

of the

middle

on

of any

should

be

of sodium.

hydrate

of chloral

had

patient just previous to death, and the

for examination, the chloral
the mixture

would

be

above

reactions.

There

such

with

the

with

which

their

has

It

this effect
if it is

not

from

the action

chloral.

out
with-

otherwise

or

direct

by

experiment

sleep is profound, but

ing
solid,crystalline
body, result-

"

of chlorine

disagreeable,pungent

acid.

smell

and

taste

; is

decomposes

of

boiling

its

to

it into
salt

peculiar,

tolerably soluble

added

Potassa

instantlyconverts

It

It has

alcohol.

on

inflammable.

not

solution

formic

robbed

if the

produced

familiar,

be

slightor partial.
of

in water;

thus

and

nected
con-

thetic,
anaes-

an

chloroformed

be

may

ascertained

been
be

can

Hydrate

aqueous

asleep

persons

as

should

legal physician

being awakened,

maltreated.
that

the

chloroform

of

administration

whether

as

all the

produce

important medico-legal questions

certain

are

chloroform, and

into

decomposed

349

CHLORAL.

OF

HYDRATE

BY

POISONING

chloroform

and

like

grape

copper,

sugar.

Symptoms.

Chloral

"

has

practice within

comparatively few

indiscriminate

use

should

sudden

moderate

and

the

base

feeble

action

full dose

quantity be
very

slow

heart
Much

and

tendency
of

action

brain

as

heart

and

fatal

feeble ; the

face

of

accumulation,

to

the

action

In

drug.

on

in

large

the

glia
gan-

spinal cord, causing

deep sleep,followed,

occasions

being ultimately arrested

quently,
fre-

too

lungs.

large,by

discrepancy

the

brain, and

dose

Its

Care

results.

hypnotic ;

powerful depressant

usually

very

hypnotic.

repeat the

to

be

the

on

of the

of the

not

fatal

many

dangerous

doses, it acts
a

to

to

appears

doses, it produces
at

led

exercised

there

as

and

be

always

has

as

years,

medical

into

introduced

been

coma.

The

pulse

is

if the

usually

pale ; respiration slow,

the

in diastole.

opinion

exists

as

regards the fatal

350

TOXICOLOGY.

dose

chloral

of

where

and

The

as

the

in

circulating
chloroform

formic

and
of

alkalies

the

blood,

The

an

chloral

the

alkali,

as

divided,

should

alkaline

by

experiment
head

of

Berlin,

grains

and

may

not

be

to

hours.

eight

or

that

is

while

chloral,

into

decomposition
the

through

of

agency

into

be
caustic
conducted

Chloroform.

chloroform,

diluted

with

potassa,
after

is

through

the

The

above.

explained

involved

principle

"

of

thirty

the

blood.

analysis.

Chemical

rule,

undergoes
acid,

hand,

swallowed

been

dose,

of

Liebreich,

other

the

on

have

maximum
six

occasioned

"

As

every
of

opinion

while,

ounce

reported

are

have

grains

an

safe

oftenerthan

repeated

effects

impunity.

considered

instances

thirty

over

"

comparative

with
be

fatal

even

quantities

enormous

of

doses

ordinary

alarming,

Numerous

hydrate.

and
the

distilled
heated

manner

solid

the

matters,
and

water

in

described

flask,

sion
conver-

of

agency

properly
rendered
and
under

the
the

352

TOXICOLOGY.

case, which

occurred

before

Symptoms.

These

"

with

Very

limbs

and

body

back
rest

; the

legs

; the

feet

stretched

arched, and

head

chest

which

and
stiffly,
turned

the

chest

flexed

body

widely

in ; the
; the

become

of

backwards

are

is bent
so

the

arrested; the

to

as

muscles

spasmodically contracted,

are

easiness,
un-

rated
sepa-

arms

head

As
{opisthotonos).

heels

movements
respirator}^

and

and

usually

across

abdomen

and

their

jerking of the
followed
suddenly by
pervades the whole

are

out

whole

and

of

time

their administration.

of

muscles

These

tightlydrawn
the

the

restlessness

convulsion,

the

in

form

of the

on.

are

rigidly,and

of the

of

come

tetanic

upon

it prominently

general
impending suffocation,and want

twitching

head

flexed, and

the

to

feeling of

sense

soon,

violent

1S56, brought

somewhat

vary

according

first effect is

air.

in

England,

toxicologists.

appearances,
The

in

face

is

the

livid

and

the lips; the eyes promicongested,especiallyaround

nent
and staring; pupils widely dilated; the muscles
about

the

mouth

contracted

so

visits sardonicus

Sometimes,

feeble.
froth

be

even

ma}f

the

there

is

pulse

foaming

tinged with

the

produce

to

as

at

blood.

is very
the

The

nominated
de-

expression

and

rapid

mouth,

the

and

intellect remains

perfectlyclear, while the patient is experiencing the most

intense
suffering,
gasping for breath, and seeking in vain for
relief in
iaws

asking

thirst, he
to

be

hence

may

may

intensifythe

able
ask

turned

fixed
to

during

speak

for water,

spasm,

as

in

and

but

moved,

or

over,

; the

paroxysm
there

as

the

held.

or

is

often

effort to swallow

hydrophobia,

and

cause

The

patient
great
is

him

apt
to

the vessel.

bite upon
The

paroxysm

minutes,

when

now

be

always

not

are

to

feels

may
a

last

complete

exhausted,

and

from

half

relaxation
is bathed

minute

occurs

in

to

; the

several

patient

perspiration;the

POISONING

pupilsmay
from
i

few

minutes

to

sually preceded by
the

danger,
spasm

be

of

attempt

to

move.

is

door,

In

great

so

the

case

and

violence, until

the

patientdying

during

the

the progress

of the

the

asphyxia causing

and

the

increase

air,or

in

either from

ensues,

from

or

the

as

an

of the
Should

of bed.

patientout

frequency

asphyxia,
exhaustion,

pure

fatal

to

fatal

of the

are

that

it becomes

in consequence

termination,

deficiencyof

the paroxysms

unimpaired during

happen

may

accumulation

consequent

rule,when

of the

aeration

of carbonic

of

blood,

acid.

As

established,
they progress

once

toward

termination, or

seizure,though there

be

may

within

cure,

two

exceptions

some

this rule.

from

of the firstmanifestation of

time

The

few

minutes,

minutes,

symptoms

place,in
case,

who

symptoms
about

Sei.,October, 1864)the

case

hour.

an

took

six

of

the symptoms

the

of

an

appeared

On

in

minutes.

the

p.

other

five minutes,and
In
133,

case

healthy

whom

violent

this

In
half
death

mentioned

convulsions

hand,

young,

minutes, and
hour.

came

interval

fifteen'

reports (Am.

strychnia,in

in three

varies

is

average

Barker

took, it is supposed, less than

Hygiene, 1861, I,
16*

grains

convulsion, in half

eighteen

minutes.

Dr.

manifested

were
a

hours;

some

H.

who

woman,

to

G.

half

to

four. Med.

d'

The

acute.

of

current

paroxysms

disease, it

the

to

impending

slightestcause,

intelligencecontinues

just before

clouded

hours

the

interval.

an

Although

either

the

paroxysm,

of

It is

instances, the violence

at last death

in

ing
vary-

"

the fit returns.

"

noise, a

jerk

fatal,the

prove

the

by

on

some-

to

as

time

being exceedingly

sudden

hour

an

short

apprehension

an

brought

opening

spasm

half

special senses

may

In

contracted.

become

now

353

STRYCHNIA.

BY

death

Dr.

took

Warner's

grain,the

occurred

in

in the Ann.
on

may

in
be

five
pro-

354

TOXICOLOGY.

hours.

for several

tracted

Sei.,April, 1848) the

Med.

by mistake,
he

the

form

do

with

walk

to

in

the

cited

case

pill containing

no

symptoms

in

with

usual

their

months

before,

dissolve.

and

the

In

and

hour

Cook

No

symptoms

who

place

whom

and

took

two

set

in

ten

eight

mucilage

hard

difficult

to

taining
pills con-

observed

death

lowed
swal-

then

they

took

were

is

Prac. of Med.

years,

with

to

This

strychnia,in

death

quarter, after which

of

consequently
case,

much

symptoms.

prepared

Palmer

strychnia.

has

for three lionrs ;

been

was

Undoubtedly,

twelve

grains

violence, and

pillhad

This

minutes.

three

half,

being raised, he

on

of the

rienced
expe-

and

is administered

manifested

were

but,

boy aged

hours

two

Taylor (Prin.and

Dr.

by

took,

strychnia, and

finallyrecovered.

poison

Jurisp.,1873, p. 405),of
a

for

rapid development

of

grains

who

gentleman

backward;

home, and

in which

the

shown

half

fell

suddenly

able

was

and

of

case

particularsymptoms

no

when

three

reports {Am. Jour.

Dr. Anderson

for
in

occurred

an

twenty

minutes.

the

unusual

it must

delay

where
for

symptoms
effects of

same

instances

might

antagonism
some

of

grains

be

between

experiments

strychnia and

where

cases

for,but where
the

peculiarityof

postponement

appeared

opium
of

that

had

quinine

184).

Other

adduced, showing
of

the

author,

morphia combined,

the

taken
of

drachm

taken

were

equally
the

same

of

the

to

the

taneously.
simul-

opium,
the

at

remarkable

apparent

Nevertheless,

opium.
made

owing

been

strychnia, a

strychniaand

be

to

of

quantity

(ind. ante., p.

time

remarkable

hours

dose

large

indefinite

an

are

accounted

individual

some

the

twelve

Three
and

thus

be

to

that there

tions
ley [Micro.CJiem. of Poisons,p. 40) men-

Dr. Worm
case

admitted

cannot

referred

be

patient.

be

however,

It must,

on

latter

animals

poison, so

in

with
far

from
it

the

antagonizing

(vid. ante., p.
The

human
Med.

dose.
the

has

the

Dr.

its

ternal
exa

peculiar symptoms.
of

Chisholm,

Baltimore,

show

to

seem

tolerance

that

the

strychnia(Am. Jour.

of

wast

hrown

(Thcrap. I,

B.

alarming

where

decided

fatal dose

for

half a grain,

other

hour.

an

hand,

after

recoveries

has

to

Fatal

of this

doses

enormous

absorbed

In

to

poison

period. This,
"

variation.

eighteen minutes.

lady

who

grain

of

case

taking

about

was

like

these

all

for

"

ten, twelve,

the

strychnia

Besides, it

mentions

is

quite

to

siderable
con-

strength.

dose, is liable

case

of

early vomiting

removed

fatal

the

may

recorded

are

cases

of full

not

Taylor

half

adult

an

poison

fatal extent.

Dr. Warner's
Dr.

is

Dr.

instances

produced, which, doubtless,

the

years

grain.

one

was

possiblethat

three

recorded

fatal dose

numerous

forty grains.

was

above

Ogston reports
in
grain destroyed a man

even

it

after

Warner.

and

before

The

the

seen

adult

an

be

the

of

case

spasms

proved fatal to Dr.

three-quartersof
be

and

two

tomary
cus-

grain.

of

to

it is

by one-twelfth of

author

three-quarters
stated

quantity.

the

spasms

The

medicinal

average

between

mentions

had

smallest

child

bility
suscepti-

grain, though

smaller

Wood

of

grain, which

to

834).

p.

one-twentieth

case

fatal

who

gentleman
The

with

into

of

the

to

as

The

strychnia.

one-sixteenth

commence

G.

Dr.

of

action

proved

old.

On

its

is great difference

There

"

is about
to

of

of

also

Set.,April, 1872).

to

dose

intensify

to

surface, produces

mucous

patients,would

acquires

system

Fatal

dose

healthy

experiments

amaurotic

on

OOO

rather

former, appeared

manifestation

speedy

clinical

Some

PERIOD.

injectionof strychnia,as

subcutaneous

still more

FATAL

185).

applicationto

made

STRYCHNIA

BY

POISONING

terminated
two

cases

fatallyin
in which

356

TOXICOLOGY.

death

in

occurred

another
minutes

in

occurred

for

the

hour

an

of

case

and

after

Christison

reports
after

minutes

Treatment.

of

mixture
stomach

been

attended

with

results

sixty

several
from

and

mustard

warm

advise

eighty grains
nitrite

efficacious

its

been

where

the

of

given.

the
to

jaws
have

patient should

The

in

hour,

been

half

or

hour.
in

recommended,

where

case

best

remedy

Atropia

were

paroxysms

the

efficient

an

with

given

has

of amy/

its

early administration.

every

proved

antidote

an

as

be

or

influence, carefullywatching

also

also

fifteen

water,

should

zinc

physiological effects.

known

its

failed, and
Med.

has

cliloral has

cases,

proved

to

of

greatest

inhalation, appears

by
its

in

the

if the spasm

used

strongly

of potassium
"

is of

happiest results.

under

would

YVe

Hydrate of

very

has

also

chloroform

(Ed.

severe

Jour.,Sept.,1873).

As

regards

tincture
We

the

constantly kept

Bromide

of

be

Chloroform,

grains

died

man

emesis

pump

permit.

effects.

free

sulphate of

will

six

did

vomica.

nux

ipecac and
may

about

of

dose

Copious draughts

importance.

death

case,

author, death

the

by

in which

and

Prompt

Cook's

In

Sei.,Oct., 1861, p. 409). Sir R.

case

after

prolonged, even

swallowing

Med.

swallowing
"

been

examined

{Am. Jour.

be

thirty

in

others,

in

quarter after swallowing the pill.

woman

for six hours

occur

The

;
respectively

two

hours.

several

strychnia

in

hand, life has

other

the

large doses,

not

minutes

each.

On

In

minutes

five

in

case,

fifteen

and

ten

of iodine

have

poisoned
exhibit

the

remedial
and

antidotal

Post-mortem

with

strychnia, but

them
in

tobacco, tincture of iron,

deem

aconite,we

experimented
with

effects of

no

all
case

them

of

dogs

on

did

any

value.

no

that
of

were

them

powers.

appearances.

"

These

are

by

no

means

char-

POISONING

acteristic,nor

observed

commonly

most

lungs,and
heart

of the

and

membranes,

dark

frequently

and

tongue,

also

that

remembered

cord, attended
similar

noticed

and

of the

the

of the

weeks

of the

in

one

the

is

mouth

It should

toes.

to

full

There

about

brain

convulsions,will
referred

The

others

at

death.

the

and

blood.

and

after

of

lesions

brain

usually prolonged;

fingersand

just

the

engorgement

empty,

disorders

tetanic
those

to

of

livid appearance

certain

with

lesions

is

existing six

it

also

and

mortis

rigor

found

we

case,

with

fluid condition

contracted

The

Probably,

congestion

are

spinal cord,

and

is sometimes

of blood.

similar.

they always

are

357

DIAGNOSIS.

STRYCHNIA

BY

and

leave

be

spinal

precisely

followingdeath

as

by strychnia.
The

Diagnosis.
"

medico-legal

of

case

complete

Palmer
both
of

sides.

just

forming
Palmer
of

this

case,

question

correct

the

case,

faint resemblance
the

only

disease

with

those
of

"

between

remarked

whose

of

expert

the

of

symptoms

case,

celebrated
sifted

themselves

on

immense

an

"

complete

in

In

symptoms.

forward

too

apt illustration

an

present
the

the

array

have

but

diversityfrom,

strychnia-poisoning." The
can

possibly be

by strychnia,is tetanus,
and

confounded
in its varieties

hysterical,and

possibly

epilepsy.
were

apart from
and

In the

by Tardieu,

often

idiopathic,traumatic

If the

duration

brought

phenomena

occasioned

forms

some

affords

case

of

as

be

thoroughly

most

was

appreciation

to, and

characteristic

proof.

that

defence

diseases, which,

diagnosis, in

be, in such

may

difficulties

of

sort

there

this very

Indeed,

the

as

of all chemical

absence

clear

strychnia-poisoning, cannot

strongly urged, inasmuch

a

of

importance

obliged to
its

mode

termination, the
paroxysms,

in

decide
of

solely from

invasion

condition

fine,apart

from

and
of

the

vulsion
con-

seizure, its

the

the whole

intervals

history

35 S

TOXICOLOGY.

attack

of the
between

has

circumstances

instituted,there

been

in reaching
difficulty

characters
the

tetanus,

injury,

some

as

the

sufficient

throw

it

injury,such

the

as

after

may,

disorder, besides

its extreme

But

attack

are

entirelydifferent

from

the

former

always

such

painful tension

those

days.

the

about

general

the

sudden

(2)

The

the

neck

first symptoms
and

jaws,

muscles

then
first,
reach

is

in

with

limbs.

their greatest

climates,

tetanus),
In

prodromes,

which

last for

may

be

can

in the

mistaken

minutes

of the

case

for

poison.

painful stiffness

are

in

entirely wanting

of moving
difficulty

gradual spreading

of the other
the

of the

precedes for only a few

tetanus

for

headache, vertigo, and

never

of convulsions,

outburst

this

of the symptoms,

certain

are

they

to

strychnia-poisoning.

manifested

which

uneasiness

after this, there

the

of

course,

poisoning by strychnia,and
the

rise

traumatic

diaphragm,

of

These,

tion,
recollec-

form

latter

that of

chills,faintness, insomnia,

as

several

the

the character

and

duration

are

beneath

rarityin temperate

the

trifling

most

mistaken

be

might

regards

as

the

nosis,
diag-

easy

days, give

case

(as likewise

of invasion

there

several

such

; and

of the

of

lapse

an

always

splinterof wood
entirely escaped

have

disorder
frightful
idiopathic tetanus.

its mode

of

may

the

forgotten that

be

with

punctured

or

of

admit

to

case

insertion

which

fascia, and

the

tinctive
dis-

traumatic

fasciae,will

and

nerves

not

must

The

In

lacerated, contused,

light on

although

possible

no

connected

being

as

case,

involving tendons,

wound,

the

of

such

following: (i)

the

attending

be

can

tetanus

satisfactoryconclusion.

are

history

of

one

all these

of

examination

discriminate

to

strychnia-poisoningand

careful

unable

be

might probably

of

case

where

but

he

"

of

the

the

of

head;

rigidityover

parts of the body, usually the trunk

In

some

intensityin

instances

the

course

the
of

contractions
a

few

hours

360

TOXICOLOGY.

the

history of

In relation
the

the

peculiarclonic

the

and

the

Again,

analysis. Strychnia

Cliemical

almost

insoluble

in water

Absolute

alcohol

hundred

in

one

It is

"

about

dissolves

the

in

seven

perfect

form

of

part

It is

about

in

and

hundred

one

two

twenty

; commercial

hundred

alkalies,and

sand.
eight thou-

or

ether,

part in eight.

chloroform, one

fixed

the

in

insoluble

and

spasm.

one

in

thousand

one

attack
epileptic

an

relaxation

part in

one

fourteen

in about

different from

crystals,usually prismatic.

amylic alcohol,one

ether,one

pure

in

also

and

powder,

in
difficulty

unconsciousness,

occurs

"

nosis.
diag-

strychnia-poisoning.

terminates

strychnia

the

up

no

wholly

of

complete

the

follow

intelligencethat
white

the

with

be

to

are

spasm

which

deep stupor

widely

contrasts

movements,

tetanic

characteristic

the

ought

seizure, the

of

mode

clear

to

serve

there
epilepsy,

to

diagnosis;

will

which

case,

sparinglyso

very

in ammonia.

of

strychnia

very

slightlyso

salts

The

alcohol, but
The

is

taste

intenselyand

taste

we

of the
the

of

in several

regard

one

presence

ultimate

taste,

we

poison by

as

the

gallons of

presence of bitterness

quality pertains

to

chemical
is not
numerous

is

by

of

solution
This

water.

medico-legal
the

to

the

But, of

evidence
other

of

one

bitter

Unless
has

bitter
of the

presence
course,

we

proofs

case.

manipulation

prove

tests.

one

stance
sub-

bitterest

strongest corroborative

of the

hardly expect

This

experiments,

numerous

yielded by

obtained

usual

and

water

bitter.
is the

fact,it

In

of

strychnia in

of

extract

need

permanently

result

strychnia

in

in ether.

bitterness

distinct

found

grain

the

As

known.

soluble

very

qualities.

of its characteristic

have

are

the

mere

strychnia,since

this

substances, such

morphia, quinia, aloes, colocynth,quassia, picrotoxia,etc.

as

The

it will

impart

porcelain,it

melts

be

forms

on

The

I.

Color

beautiful

acid

test.

This

"

succession,

It consists

it.

to

is

watch

on

If

coloration.

potassium, biuoxide
in

of

of potassium,or
with

contact

which, in its

the

The

relative

the

on

is

quantity

relative
the

of

color

may

violet

or

The
nascent

various

flash

out

one

of these

of the

to

is

it
first,

At

red.

depends

also

and

is

purple,

and

substance.

the

on

if

Thus,

minute, the

blue

leaving only the

test

red.

is 'the

named)

on

the

of

action

sulphuric acid

the

experiment,

authorities

another, according

color

above

oxidizing bodies

Different

pointed glass

of color

into the

passes

in the

(developed by

success

shades

moment,

of

stirred

finallyinto

extremely

be

quickly

oxidizing substances

the

bichromate

into violet

the other

for

but

principleinvolved

For

pure.

strychnia

purple, which

oxygen

strychnia operated on,

and

out
with-

acid

of lead,ferrocya-

of

means

of these

of acid

amounts

amount

of

If the

of potassium,be

pink, and

lain
porce-

paper.

of

bin oxide

passes

into

duration

white

instantlymanifested.
soon

sulphuric

in the

fragment

solution, by

fades

turn

now

permanganate

rich,deep blue; this

carbon.

of the

pure

white

it will dissolve

manganese,

rod, this play of colors

of

is decomposed,

account

on

glass over

strychnia be perfectlypure,

nide

on

colors, that is developed by

of

play

or

named

so

applicationof a drop of
fragment of strychnia,on

small

Heated

leaving

in the

surface, or

any

fumes, and

brucia,

(Guy).

glass surface

cold

with

liquid,and

brown

white

coloration

acid.

nitric

to
a

no

by heat, depositingcrystalsof pennate

sublimed
a

into

slowly

off dense

giving
It may

color

reddish

oGl

; if it contains

latter is pure

the

strychnia,provided

produce

acids

mineral

strong

TEST.

COLOR

THE

STRYCHNIA

BY

POISONING

on

the

strychnin.

it is immaterial

which

employed, providing

it is

preferencefor

or

evince

their individual

tastes.

As

one

rule,the

362

TOXICOLOGY.

of

bichromate

crystalof

pure

tory
yield satisfac-

will

potassium

results.
It is very
clear

important
definite

and

medico-legal

for the

diagnostic value,

for

production
this might

of permanganate

of

potassium

the

is not

It

the

of

absence

of

for

that

others

various

to

the

from

application
bodies

organic
in the

in

cession
regular suc-

red, the last

to

dirty

present, strychniais the only

the

requisition.There

above

similarly,which

somewhat

react

result

is of

that

color

ultimatelychanging
at

to

answers

blue

violet,pink, and

to

is known

as

that

substance

blue

time, and

some

far

So

from

"

of

have

to

strychnia. I

for

test

it consists

but

strychnia ;

colors

continuing
green.

mere

color

this

about

ideas

student

are

noticed

will be

hereafter.

of a grain

one-millionth

verified in
other

of

strychnia are

the

obtained

best

in pure

definite

strength.

addition

of

obtained
which

These

by

with

water,
This

the

as

spontaneously.

drop
A

is then

small

to

be

here
into

the
a

edly
repeat-

of the

solution

acid, of

reduced

to

out
on

is to
as

the

by

the
a
a

solution

capillary
warmed,

concentrate

small

space

evaporated to dryness

of pure

then

droplets

then

drop

applied
glass rod, and
finely-pointed
acid

be

pipette drawn

should

the

as

is corroborated

as

portions of

The
object
porcelain surface.
quantity to be experimented upon

possible. The

have

we

of acetic

addition

clean
the

quantity

as

making

minute

deposit

lation
manipu-

the
altogether on
minute
quantities of

readily

may

by using

will

first

Fractional

water.

more

depends

experiment.

alkaloid

point,

It

experimenters.

delicacy

be

experience, and

own

our

the

and
a

detected,

be

can

special

deserves

minute

properly performed, so

be

may

color-test

strychniabe perfectlypure,

If the

notice.

by

the

exceeding delicacyof

The

concentrated

phuric
sul-

of a
deposit,by means
minute
crystalof the

STRYCHNIA

of

bichromate

THE

(or

potassium

bodies)is placed alongside of

means

of the

stirred

in it.

rod, is drawn

Interferences. As

applied,will
whose

the acid

will

considerably modify

disguise

this

test.

1850, when

since

the

and

This

list of

His

the

when

According

medico-legally,
substance

might

severity of

the

associated

with
A

death.

confirm

the

the

when

mixed

will here

be

stomach

test,

of

with

in

of

by Stas'

although
number

the

small

The

of

the

the

One
cat

extract

of the

the

be

after

body

author

frogs,distinctlyproved

the
and

state

pure

experiment only
poisoned

was

and

from

obtained
to

"

one-tenth

yield

extract, and

characteristic

with

morphia

in

entirelyfailed

bitterness

consequently

April, 1862) clearly

and

strychnia

ultimate

process

produced
of

of

as

allay the

to

by

grain

given

would

interference

inasmuch

made

matters.

in

quinia

or

experiments

organic

is the

strychnia,

the

strychnia,both

mentioned

morphia.

its solution

the

for

one-twentieth

grain

of

with

from

Sci.,Oct., 1 861,

fact

color-test

of

(N.Y.

potassium

extracted

strychnia

extended

sidered
interferences,con-

be

and

firmed,
con-

Lyman

morphia

these

likely to

number

Med.

usual

be

of

been

been

probably morphia,

is

strychnia spasms,

large

{Am. Jour.

either

with

important

most

of

to

by Brieger

to

color-test

the

develop

latter is mixed
The

excess.

will

known

have
has

pletely
com-

even

been

results

Gaz., Mar., 1871),permanganate

that

and

has

interferingbodies

by subsequent experimenters.
only reagent

substances

first announced

it was

408).

p.

fact

of

portions

organic

many

gently

color-test,properly

minute

presence

(C/iem.Gaz., VIII,

Med.

the

then, by

and

solution

there

chemists

this

the

exceedingly
are

oxidizing

solution, and

but

strychnia,

pure

other

the

mentioned,

detect

363

TEST

of

one

through

above

"

COLOR

tetanic

the

the

with
of

the
color-

fact that

convulsions

its existence."

364

TOXICOLOGY.

the

Admitting, then,

that, practically,
they may

remember

the

investigation,by
of

the

ether, as

organic mixtures,
Fallacies.
the

morphia

and

other

has

of

in

to

legal
medico-

chloroform

the

stead
infrom

strychnia

substances
interfering

taken

been

to

the

to

identical,when

color-test,on

strychnia will

besides

substances

will

attention

alluded

substances

extract

similar, if not

careful

avoided,

employment
to

other

that

yield colors

be

solvent

Exception

"

ground

but

"

it is well
interferences,

in this menstruum.

insoluble

being

of these

fact

similarlytreated

readily avoid

all

difficulty. The

enrarine, veratrine, cod-liver

are

oil,

salicine,santonine, aniline, pyroxanthinc

\ narceine, papaverine
solanine

and

is that

of distinction

the

is not

which
not

colored

by

one

of the

above

they

the

mentioned

colored

then

bichromate

and

acid

alone

readily soluble
opposite
affords

it is

in

of those

Cod-liver

of

the

but

nearly

; but

there

in

strychnia; it

with

sulphuric
by

phuric
sul-

chloroform, and

physiologicaleffects

Its

is

is first

it is colored

insoluble

of

finallyblack.

to

of colors

is

presence

former

and

of resemblance

aniline

the

are

strychnia.

oil, when

play

of

the

in

strychnia:

potassium

potash.
of

salt

persistentblue,

points

many

oxidizing bodies;

it and
very

by sulphuricacid alone,
only

bitter; it yields a succession

is very

acid

has

these, a radical ground

strychnia.

alone, but

acid

between

green,

colored

are

with

case

this difference

Curarine

of

but in relation to most

of colors

with

treated
somewhat

sulphuric
those

like

acid

alone,

presented by

strychnia.
2.

The

galvanic

test

principle,of presenting
but
a

in this instance

dilute

made

on

solution

of

of

Dr.

nascent

Letherby

in

on

the

by galvanism.

strychnia is placed

platinum foil,or

to

oxygen

it is evolved

acts

in

small

the

same

strychnia ;
A

drop

of

depression

platinum capsule,allowed

to

POISONING

evaporate

The

sulphuric acid.
positivepole

of

then

the

with

moistened

of Grove's

with

battery,and

the

from

of

drop

connected

terminal

platinum

365

TESTS.

(or capsule)is

foil

single cell

with

STRYCHNIA

and

dryness,

to

is touched

BY

the

the
acid

negative

pole. Instantly,the violet color will flash out on the metal,

and on
removing the pole from the acid, the tint will remain.
3. Potassa
somewhat
The

method

is to
the

glass slide,to

and
of

colors
4.

with

of bichromate

of

Bichromate

throws

microscope,
octahedral

"

stellate

these

can

be

sulphuric

acid

these

the

play

When

with

in

drop

of

Placed

groups,

dried, these

of

this

salt

bright yellow

crystalline.

crystals appear

them

solution

strychnia solution
becomes

soon

plates.

by touching

long

potassium, when

of potassium.

which

of

on

it under

place

of the

drop

place.

from

down

formation

them

will take

solution

and

ammonia,

from

crystallineform.

easily be distinguished ;

by touching

fragment

of

beautiful

prismaticcrystalscan
identified

alkaloid

of the

drop

expose

vapors

the

microscope;

precipitatethe
solution, in the

concentrated

best

the

ammonia

and

the

under

with

mingled

should

cipitate,
pre-

verified

be

This

sulphuric acid.

is

satisfactorytest.
5. Carbazotic

(or picric)acid.
from

precipitatesstrychnia
abundant
to

add

slide,and

the

view

solution
reaction

firstforms

yellow crystals,of

in the

former

test, by the
Besides
"

of the

drop

which
of

as

The

soon
a

the

corrosive

mode
of

one

the

under
assumes

may

be

of

of

showing

it is

The

microscope.
form.
to

glass
cipitate
pre-

of tufts

the appearance

subjected

acid

form

the

strychnia,on

peculiar claw-like

experiment,
same

to

best

in

this

of

solution

solution

its

yellow crystals.

"

These,
the

as

color-

method.
above

tests, there

are

others

of inferior

value

sublimate,ferrocyanide of potassium,bicldorate

366

TOXICOLOGY.

of platinum,iodated iodide of potassium,and

sulplw-cyanideof

potassium.
Tardieu
for

When

strychnia.

passed through
of

the

quite

place,which

of

other

authority,no

delicate

very

is

gas

strychnia,each

amorphous

deposit

ammonia.

alkaloid

According
this

gives

bubble

film, and

by

test

slowly

white

surrounded

in

of this

stream

solution

soluble

be

to

copious, white

is

small

dilute

becomes

gas

above

chlorine gas

considers

mately,
ultitakes
the

to

with

reaction

chlorine.
The

or frog
physiological

of the

frog

the

to

by Dr.

Marshall

applied

either

solution,or
animal,

One

this test, and

of these

The

the throat
died
the

the

in about
stomach

Our
that

while

in small
it

has
quantities,
obstacle

experiments only

small

when

to

the

will be

weighing thirty-five
grains was
one

in

grain
six

of

pints

of

water

; it

from
no

under

produced
the

with

fact

strychnia

the frog-test. Two

this
in

"A

head:
a

solution

thirty-two grains of
was

ceptible
per-

disguise the color-test,

immersed

strychnia and

it afforded

demonstrate

employment of

quoted

and

obtained

in excess,
to

put into

frogs."

further

power

treme
ex-

strychnia.

convulsed

was

taste, and

active

present

the

of

extract

bitterish

in this line

morphia,

affords no

repeatedly

clearly the

influence

although

process,

in several

experiments

The

of the

satisfactoryresults.
very

it

be

strychnia

grain of strychniawas

minutes.

by Stas'

spasms

with

middling-sized frog;
thirty

It may

throat

have

We

the

employed

the

in

the

into

skin.

frogto

color-test,had
tetanic

the

of

first

poison.

frog

demonstrates

experiments

of

small

uniformly

five-hundredth

one

this

for

either

injectingit

susceptibility

extreme

strychniawas

preferably,under

to

The

"

test

by immersing

of
susceptibility
"

of

action

Hall, as

else

or

resorted

test.

convulsed

in

frog
taining
conphia
mor-

twenty

368

TOXICOLOGY.

In order

transfer
what

whole

the

nozzle

to

liquid,this

first

poured in, and

chloroform

By placing the
syringe, and
be

allowed

out

care

being

be

shaken

the

taken

to

permitted

to

evaporate

by

on
satisfactory,

matter);
extract

of the

drops

permitted to
glasses,great

other

mixture

alkaline

liquid

to

may

chloroform, and

the

chloroform

quantity, will

be

is
The

found

in

crystalline form,

not

"

trial test, by

watch

All

may

dries, into

is then

of

very

potassium (vie/.

of

the

be

spontaneously to dryness.

of notable

of this extract

taste, for bitterness

veiy

few

one

portion

before.

amorphous

an

of

for the

cording
ac-

"

experience.

our

portion

each

any

fill

carefully

it will

remaining

as

about

bottom.

plug,

capsules,or
allow

of pure

larger aperture

chloroform

the

made

strychnia,if

deposit, in

the

the

pluggec

elapse

to

contents.

additional

an

to

be

bichromate

and

The

it.

with

up

contained

the

not

separation again

now

be

more

with

along

escape

or

one

to

porcelaincapsule,for

of

whole

into

flow

is

successively,as

glass,or

The

to

wooden

of the

sulphuricacid

361).

as

the

the

be

syringe, so

settle to

Before

drachm

now

size

contractec

flame.

allowed

over

flow

fall

to

of

means

p.

the

watch

warmed

thumb

withdrawing

control

to

easy

half

about

time

separate and

to

the

aperture should

mixture

sufficient

of

means

and

is t"

proper

having previously

small

The

portion.

narrow

of

glass syringe

into the

poured

supernatant

stoppered glass funnel, 01

point by

splinterof wood,

chloroform
the

to

the

practicalmethod

easiest

piston,and

fine

the

introducing
a

the

mixture

the

removing

with

that

equally well, a

answers

after
the

found

have

liquid,we

from

separate the chloroform

to

and
is

by
to

the
be

the

should

color-test

The

frog-test.

dissolved

in

examined

(althoughthis

of the

account

be

now

mixture

with

by
may

the
not

organic

remaining portion

minute

quantity of

of

water,

STRYCHNIA

DETECTION

with

usual

(vid.p. 361).

The

acetic

the presence

of

If the

strychnia.

organic

a
(denotingits impurity),

should

added

be

This

rod.

it and

to

merely

few

drops

the

converts

chloroform,

thus

procured

is

standing

above.

short

glass

time, the dark

in excess,

The

second

generally sufficiently
pure

for all

explained

as

color

organic matter,
sulphate ; add a

of potassa is added

solution
liquid is filtered,
pure

into

strychnia

After

of water.

all the

the

sulphuric acid

stirred with

thoroughly

carbonizes

destroys and

but

of strong

drops

with

ye 1low

the

arises

experiment

has

extract

few

subjected to

in connection

matters

chloroform

369

TISSUES.

this

in conducting
difficulty

main

from

THE

and
acid, filtered,

acidulated
tests

IN

then

extract

practical

purposes.
It not

organic
is

unfrequentlyhappens, when
mixtures

the

by

chloroform
the

experienced in getting

the

alkaline

solution;

emulsion.

In such

for

water

remains

time

some

with

about

each

time, and

but
authorities,
the

Detection

chloroform

whole

if this

; and

forming

does

mixture

not

several

of pure

chloroform

of

been

we

do

consider

not

answer,

as

before

in the tissues and

blood.

Strychniais

"

circulation,and deposited in the various

like the

mineral

died

in

man

half

stomach

place is shown
took

in the

17

poisons.

an

rest

directed.

by

exhaustive

into the

where

nothing

some

and

liable
re-

just described.

one

takes

in hot

allowing it to
as

of

sort

successively

recommended
it

immersed

times

water,

separating the
dialysishas

be

may

difficulty

separate from

to

mass

complex

that

process,

the tube

case,

half its volume

method

as

the

agitatethe

but to

The

operating on

five

The
in

grains of

hour.

quantity

rapiditywith
a

the

Strychnia
of

one

organs,

which

mentioned

case

absorbed

the

grain ;

discovered
it

was

sorption
ab-

by Taylor,

poison by mistake,
was

just

in

and

the

also detected

370

TOXICOLOGY.

in the liver and

half

stomach
and

not

had

diffused

been

other

cases,

apparentlyjust as

favorable

of the

where

poison, but

it in the

The

process

is the

and

digested

acid, in the
of the

ounce

for about

neutralized

To

added, and

the

and

when

cool,

agitated
present,
Dr.
and

and
filtered,
a

water,

failure to

finely

the

eight drops
be

The

heated
be

to

below

fluid

and

F.

centrated,
con-

is then

taken

phuric
sul-

212"

filtered

residue

being

nearly

maintain

to

an

evaporated nearly to dryness.

of strong

two

or

alcohol

it ; this dissolves
the

leaves

to

be

to

are

organs

sulphate

alcoholic

dryness,

alkaline

rendered

instead

of

out

the

deposits

is
the

potassium

solution

is

residue

now

stirred

and

by potassa,

of

acetic,instead

Rodgers

poison

some

in the

in three

and

be

of

of potassa, in these

finally

alkaloid, if

the

sulphuric,acid;

cases.

is somewhat

Girdwood

and

acid
they employ hydrochloric

In

detect

of

The

recommends

Strychnia may

place

diffusion

and

with

stirred with

matters.

reagents, along with

the

were

evaporation.

on

method

process.

There

body.

alcohol, acidulated

chloroform, which

with

ammonia

and

the

drachm

strychnia,and

Taylor

The

total

it is to

directed.

residue

organic

pure

the

search),
re-

circumstances

this should

filtered,evaporated almost
with

was

chemical

by

absorption

in strong

thoroughly

of

sulphate

from

fur the

by liquorpotassae, care

cooled

removed

the

following :

before

reaction,then
the

within

where

there

mixture;

as

there

throughout

proportion

hour;

an

been

that

after death.

organs,

crushed

acid

shows

case

detected

be

(or could

however,

are,

This

tongue.

hour, four-fifths of the poison had

an

the

the

and

ilar,
sim-

ammonia

as

the

chloroform.
recovered

experiments
blood

of

from
of Dr.

dogs

six minutes

and

the

blood

by

Wormley,
cats, where

respectivelyafter

he

similar
detected

death

took

its admin-

POISONING

This

istration.

shows

the

371

BRUCIA.

BY

rapiditywith

extreme

which

it

is absorbed.
in the urine.

Detection
to

The

"

consistence, acidulated

syrupy

with

an

near

dryness.

if
filtered,

The

Failure

were

apparentlyfavorable

is

body

months

advanced

state

efforts.

years

six

for the

In

grains

failure to

Brucia.

"

strychnia.
or

in

water

of

It

and

that

woman

Concentrated
coloration.

the

the

putrefaction
it has

body

been
in

was

where

of six

and

is

some

alleged)
postponed

was

hours, there

was

ilar
sim-

though
death, al-

after

generallyfound
in the

form

strychnia.
It has

sulphuric acid
acid

author,

preserved.

alcohol.

Nitric

death

poison eight weeks

either

than

the

to

an

foiled in

poisoned (as was

prismatic crystals.

alcohol

been

times

at

occurred
was

well

alkaloid

occurs

and

sometimes

detection, since

have

strychnia,and

was

This

in the

again, possibly,

Mere

where

ful
care-

circumstances

failure may

dose, and

death, and

case

body

most

decomposition. Christison,Taylor

detect

colorless

chloroform

color.

its

to

unusually long period

the

and

excess,

poison

the

understood.

authorities

when

ago,

with

of

it. This

well

not

after

well-known

their

in

this

discover

of the

obstacle

no

recovered

other

to

the smallness

to

interference

of the

water,

pure

that the

that, too, where

after

some

added

admitted

fails to

and

death,

be

It must

"

body

to

evaporated to

chloroform.

to detect.

ascribed

evaporated
acid, mixed

acetic

stirred with

be

liquor potassae

analysis sometimes

be

is to

residue

necessary,

agitatedwith

with

be

alcohol, filtered,and

of strong

ounce

should

urine

an

dissolves

gives

of

It is
It is

with

associated
a

white

powder,

soluble

in

freelysoluble

in

more

intensely bitter
it,giving

characteristic

faint

taste.
rose

blood-red

372

TOXICOLOGY.

poisonous properties

Its

less

though
brucia

similar

are

should

cologist

usual

the

guard

Tests.

The

"

for

alkaloid.

the

If, after
tin be

cooling,

is

acid

(2) Sulphuric
of

fragment
faint

the

nitre, when
Ammonia

beautiful

its

same

to

Brucia

poisoned

by

color

and

to

be
has
it.

legal
medico-

be

of

of

changes

to

with

are

the

by

equally

tested
been

by

for
for

nitric

detected

the

crystal

of

brucia-solution,

Other

microscope.

of potassium,

sublimate.

applicable

described

nitric

Touch

"

small

sulpho-cyanide

examination

by

orange-red.
of

drop

corrosive

and

deep

The

purple.

sulphuric acid,

add

yellow.

tin.

strong

; then

solution

to

morphia

on

which

protoclilorideof

of potassium.

drop

produced

color

of

beautiful

acid,

changes

produced

nitrate

with

as

toxi-

strychnia

speedy

solution

brucia, allowing for

to

inferiority in strength

manner

is

extract

tin.

acid

is

by

always

nitric

is

by protocliloride

toxicological

The

the
the

color

of platinum

comparative

the

red

importance

frog-test

in

it would

case,

color, with

changes

produces,

less

bichloride
The

of

color

is

the

discovering

not
a

crystallization, viewed

of

tests

heated,

brucia

color

rose

(3)

If

changed

not

poisoning

deceived

reagent

blood-red

drop

similar

strychnia,

brucia.

the

added,

somewhat

such

of

by strychnia,

of

event

In

of

symptoms

caused

characteristic

instantly produces
of

in the

those

to

against being

test.

search

to

proper

color

the

those

to

investigation,
by

As

intense.

similar

are

to

strychnia.

brucia

is

strychnia.
acid
in

and
the

conducted
The

ultimate

protochloride
blood

of

in

animals

of

POISONING

BY

CHAPTER
ORDER

373

BELLADONNA.

XXVIII.

CEREBROSPINAL

III."

NEUROTICS.

(i) DELIRIANTS.

This
the

Cerebro-spinalNeurotics
of the active
Deliriants,because

of

name

constitutes

of their

one

other

produce

effects

dilatation

senses,

throat, a flushed
all

They

prominent

in

of

belong

pupil, heat
frequently a

the

the

to

their

such

natural

same

the
name
pupil,they have received
comprise Belladonna, Stramonium,

speciesof

POISONING

"

and

root

leaves

of
and

"

FATAL

skin.

plants,Soladilating the

Mydriatics. They
ferent
dif-

and

ATROPIA.

TREATMENT.

"

ANALYSIS.

"

"

POST-MORTEM

TOXICOLOGICAL

TION.
EXAMINA-

leaves, berries
(Deadly Nightshade). The
are
Atropa Belladonna
violentlypoisonous. The
"

root

Symptoms.

-are

used

in

"

medicine.

the

of heat

sense

dilatation

face,sparkling

eyes,

of

delirium

the

Children

are

quently
fre-

berries.
and

of swallowing,
throat, difficulty
extreme

of

the

I.

DOSE.

poisoned by eating
and

of

Hyoscyamus,

BELLADONNA"

CHEMICAL

"

Belladonna

BY

ATROPIA.

APPEARANCES.

of

Solanum.

SECTION

SYMPTOMS.

of

of the

of the

redness

physiologicalproperty

also

They

dryness

order

that

illusion

as

and

received

delirium

symptoms.

common,

face,and

From

nacecz.

has

of

subdivision

dryness
nausea,

pupil,loss
of

an

in the

mouth

vomiting, giddiness,
of vision, flushed

excited, maniacal

char-

374

TOXICOLOGY.

spectralillusions,convulsions, followed by stupor and

Irritation of the urinary organs
frequentlyoccurs, such

acter,
coma.

strangury, suppression of urine

as

effects

have

been

do

half

hour

an

to

takes

usually
these

"

and

is

of

symptoms

above
weak

solution

as

with

not

by

the

belladonna,

always

Used

John Harley, that

Prof.
the

hypodermically,
of

in

resulted

has

and

Guy

its

for

an

activity
the

from

is very
a

of

ternal
ex-

on

the

inal
crim-

fatally
The

milk.

symptoms
There
from

the

are

appears

the

authority

atropia in

be

Taylor

was

it in

same

its elimination

states,

Dr.

rare.

workhouse

the

may

The

adult.

stramonium.

presence

ner
man-

atropia.

of

since

sions,
occa-

in this

excess,

administering

to

grain, it

Employed

poison

easy,

specialtendency
kidneys.

donna,
bella-

occasioned

three-quartersof a grain

by

nurse,

has

eyes

one-tenth

of

surgeon

produced by hyoscyamus
a

the

fatal dose

of this

where

case

diagnosisis

to

minimum

poisoned by

to

morphia
Death

One-half

"

administration
a

to

strong ointment

dose.

regarded

be

of

principleof

active

symptoms.

modified.

of

use

is the

of one-fiftieth

be

to

appears

to

seeds

or

belladonna-poisoning.

combination

records

leaves

the

poison,producing symptoms
described, only more
speedily. The

times, violent

at

Fatal

it occurs,

active

very

in doses

in

when

twenty-four hours.

alkaloid

those

to

applicationof

even

They

characters.

This

Atropia.
similar

themselves

usually be distinguishedin the alimentary canal,

can

their botanical

by

from

death

The

liniment.

or

fatally. Death,

place within

of

case

plaster

hours, occasionallysooner.

two

generallyterminate

not

In

of

form

application of

belladonna-poisoningusuallyshow

of

symptoms

the

scarlet
of these

Some

skin.
external

the

hematuria.

the

over

produced by

in

belladonna,

from

observed

is often

eruption

and

system
of

urine

Dr.
can

376

TOXICOLOGY.

thousandth

of

grain will give satisfactoryresults

(Micro-Chan,

reagent

of Poisons,

Toxicologicalexamination.
discover

to

of

berries

the

its contents,

and

be

after

used

other

for

first of
of

remains

or

of

Stas'

solvent, along with

the

ultimate

first,with
followed
The

the

other

animals,

lower

consists

produce

the

however,

be

days, and

many

tolerate

stomach

the

tested,
be

of the
members

similar

result.

live

of the

one

quantity
of

will

It must,

pupil.

this

class

for belladonna
the

of the

doses

enormous

subcutaneously,

or

or

tolerance

exclusively on

of the

portion

minutest

remarkable

It will

its alkaloid.

and

moving
re-

in excess,
and

man,

other

that

remembered

evinces

of

dilatation

characteristic

rabbit

The

ether,

successful,may

applying

The

rabbit.

vegetableswill produce

of

in

either

eyes

the

as

After

tests.

the

to

extract

alcohol

pure

of potassa

if

if

should

process,

chloroform

by

-test, which,

test
physiological

ultimate

by

bromine

the

by

obtained

is

extract

or

should,

sulphuricacid.

solution

adding

deavor
en-

leaves

properly comminuted,

organs,

ether, and

all

stomach, with

The

heating, straining,evaporating, purifyingby

the

the

stools

and

these.

modification

the

as

should

vomit

examined

also

being

The

plant.

possible,be
treated

seeds,

any

this

631).

p.

We

"

with

without

former

for

latter,either

perceptible

effects.
SECTION

BY

TOISONING

stramonium

country,

grounds

and
; other

HYOSCYAMUS

STRAMONIUM,

(Thorn

Stramonium

is

also

"

Europe.

varieties

occur

are

active

alkaloid

principleis

named

The

plant,abounding

common

It
in

grows

India.

poisonous, especially the

plant

SOLANUM.

AND

Apple, Jamestozvn Weed).

very

in

11.

seeds

daturia.

freely
All
and

on

tura
Da-

in this
waste

parts of the
fruit.

Its

of

Cases

poisoningby
in

chieflyoccur

and

Symptoms.
such

stramonium

similar
of

dryness

as

the

with

there

of the

incoherent

and

by stupor

convulsions

are

scarlet efflorescence

lowing,
swal-

vomiting, headache, vertigo, ringing

nausea,

Sometimes

donna,
bella-

difficultyof

pupil,violent

spectralillusions,followed

ears,

seeds.

produced by

throat, with

dilated, insensible
delirium,

eating the

those

to

usually accidental,

are

children, from

Very

"

377

HYOSCYAMUS.

BY

POISONING

the skin.

on

leaves

bruised

and

has

and

in

coma.

paralysis,together
The
external application

occasioned

of

symptoms

poisoning.
In

India, the Datura

of

purpose

seeds

appearances.

belladonna.

from
and

There

alimentary canal, if these

The

"

the

is

have

same

similar

Very

"

nothing

of the leaves

remains

Treatment.

employed by

Thugs

for the

those

ing
result-

their victims.

drugging

Post-mortem

is

been

the

that

as

be

may

to

characteristic.
discovered

The
in

the

of death.

cause

recommended

for

donna
bella-

poisoning.
Analysis.
"

The

seeds

of

are

black

brown

or

color,

surface.
kidney-shaped,with a wrinkled
They are much
or
hyoscyamus. According
largerthan those of belladonna
hundred
and twenty henbane
to Prof. Guy, it requires one

seeds, and

eightof
daturia

stramonium.
from

regarded
The
organs

ninety of belladonna
atropia;

is

these

no

weigh
known

alkaloids

two

grain,but only

one

test

to

are

now

distinguish
generally

identical.

as

method
is

There

to

the

of

procuring

same

as

daturia

that

from

above

the

described

stomach
for

and

atropia

(P-332).
Hyoscyamus
both

in America

17*

{Henbane). The
and
Europe.
"

Hyoscyamus
All

parts

are

niger grows
poisonous.

o"8

TOXICOLOGY.

The

is

root

which

it has

from

and

often

the

depending

that

tapering, resembling
plant

parsnip,

medicinal

of

mode

the

on

the

variable

extremely

are

much

very

The

mistaken.

been

of

for

tions
prepara-

and

uncertain,

growth,

collection

preparation.
The

general,resemble

in

symptoms,

those

of

belladonna

stramonium.

and

It

Analysis.
"

the

in

or

stomach

and

characters

botanical

be identified

only

can

in the

after

intestines

of the

seeds

the

death, by
of the

fragments

or

vomited,

matters

leaves

discovered.
the

Hyoscyamia,

alkaloidal

active

when

white, silky crystals,inodorous

found, possessing
difficult

the

It dilates

Solanum.

Three

"

5.

tuberosum,

active alkaloid

in

or

S.

in

our

bright

red

is

gardens

as

used
The

The

are

Garden

potato.

These

or

Nightshade;
all contain

an

Solania.
native
an

of Great

for its

ornament,
latter

Britain, and

are

purple

tivated
is culflowers

frequently eaten

results.

The

dried

by

stems

medicinally.
S.

nigrum produces

white

flowers

and

latter,like the fruit of the S. dulcamara,

proved

They

speedily

Bittersweet,

or

or

children, occasioning poisonous

are

it.

possessing poisonous

as

nigrum,

The

berries.

It

Solatium

genus

dulcamara,

common

"

for

test

daturia.

the

of

books,

S.

principle

chemical

and

It is

acrid.

; taste

proper

usually

as

swallowed.

the

are

vS. dulcamara

The

no

species

Nightshade;

Woody

and

to

these

properties :
and

urine, when

referred

usually

is

pupil, like atropia

the

into

passes

There

isolate.

to

but

pure,

smell

disagreeable

in

principle, occurs

are

poisonous
more

to

children

powerful

who

have

black
have

frequently

swallowed

in their effects than

the

berries.

them.

others.

POISONING

S.

tuberosum,

shoots
of

have

proved
girl

young

tison

four

such

similar

less
When

crystals

brown.

colorless,
The

acid

Solania

is

the

best

extract.

process
the

for

test

this

very

It

acicular

alcohol,

in
also

is

it

solution

to

it.

in

to

an

becoming
being

Other

first

at

rose-red

less

soluble

changes

solution

is

class.

delicate

first

it, the
it, the

are

tint.

reagents

do

results.
from

separated

Stas'
as

final

is

acid

changing

subsequently

of

of

It

dissolves

dissolves

characteristic

give

of

acid

and

former

not

then

and

Nitric

sulphuric

eating

shrivel.

soluble

water,

toms,
symp-

mydriatics.

form

chloroform.

in

Cold

orange-yellow,

in

where

solania

other

case

Chris-

after

and

alkaloids

the

the

alarming

by

the
other

in

insoluble

alcohol.

amylic

the
is

insoluble

ether,

in

than

solania

nearly

with

sprout

in

instance

an

produced
from

young

1858.

convulsions,

to

resulting

powerful

fatally,

Prague,

and

coma

and

June,

seized

were

symptoms

pure,

of

commenced

those

to

much

so

had

general

The

family

former

Lancet,

Kabler,

vomiting,

as

that

potatoes

Dr.

of

persons

the

in

reported

berries

"

the

poisonous,

from

quotes

The

potato.

common

or

379

SOLANIA.

BY

solvent,

organic

alcohol
and

and

warm

mixtures

sulphuric
alcohol

by

acid
to

tion
modifica-

being

separate

ployed
em-

the

380

TOXICOLOGY.

CHAPTER

XXIX.

(2) DEPRESSANTS.

active

poisons, which

property of causing great depression of the

in the

although

system,

another.

one

intended

not

Cerebro-spinal Neurotics, are

several

included

conveniently

from

of

subdivision

this

Under

in

thus

By

imply

to

other

some

them

grouping

that

they

all

muscular

they

respects

agree

differ

may

together, it
the

produce

is

siologic
phy-

same

effects.
SECTION

POISONING

EFFECTS

OF

TOBACCO

BY

LOBELIA.

AND

LESIONS

POST-MORTEM

TOBACCO"

REACTIONS

CHEMICAL

"

I.

NICOTINA

"

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

TIES
PROPER-

"

EXAMINATION

"

LOBELIA.

Tobacco.

belonging

The

"

of

the

to

activityand

dried
natural

eight per
Symptoms.
to

those

or

by

enema,

of the
heat

in

cold, clammy
severe

specimens

to

of

the

It

its

owes

loid,
volatile,liquid alka-

?iicotina,which
exists

plant

in different

what
some-

tions
propor-

leaves, varying from

two

cent.
"

large

dose

unaccustomed

Very

symptoms.

which

conia, and

tabaaim,

Solanacea?.

named

oily consistence,

an

in different

one

of

order

poisonous properties

resembles

to

of Nicotiana

leaves

soon

to

after

it occasions

the

stomach,

tobacco

its

use)produces very
giddiness,a

severe

frequent

skin, trembling of the

purging.

even

small

decided

taking it,either by swallowing

nausea,

head, vomiting,

(or

of

of

sense

fusion
con-

retching,great prostration,
and

very

limbs, and

and
Respiration is difficult,

feeble

pulse,

sometimes

urination

invol-

POISONING

In

untary.

some

others, there

; in

affected.

The

Taylor

states

of

speaks

it

also

them;
throat.

Wharton

The

and

fatal effects. A
often

croup

of

skin

Its fatal
well

It

the

taxis

aid

Med.

and

water

of the

either

child.

throat

in

it should

sound

alarming, and

the

but

the

to

spasmodic

be

decoction

even

used

with

applied to
death

the

in three

Sei.fJanuary, 1865).
administered

strangulated
Even

used

hernia

tobacco

swallowed, has

the

by

much

formerly

was

dangerous remedy.

contracting

dryness

eruptive disease, caused

an

in

of

delirium, and

spasm,

when
effects,

known.

in

Percival

slightlyaffected.

but

young

for

man

(Am. Jour.

hours

to

on

of

{Med. Jurisp.f1873, II, p. 609)

Stille

the

men
abdo-

similarly

dilated.

belladonna

leaf put around

wet

always

are

surfaces, produces

relieves

great caution

of

the

depression, and

not

applicationof tobacco,

abraded

to

or

of

sense

pupils are
that
they

pupils are

external

skin,

great

the absence

by

pain in

is violent

differingfrom

as

that the

state

is

death.

impending

there

cases,

381

TOBACCO.

BY

in

; but

the

death

are

this

manner,

it is

always

diffused

smoke,

caused

rectum,

through

of

young

infant.
Tobacco

smoking

effects,when

fatal

even

there

is

nicotin

considerable
is present

authorities
The

system
In

of

In

tobacco,
and

used

death

where

on

the
the

snuff

case,

hour.

case,

with

varies

carried

to

to

both

great

or

although

excess,
as

not.

dose, and

whether

to

Respectable

tobacco
mode

on

the

in

worms,

fifteenminutes.

produced

death
an

violent

Christison

proved

human

of administration.

whiskey caused
instance,quoted by Beck,

enema

and

sides.

effectsof

expel

tobacco

violent

produce

to

smoke,

swallowed

another

in

known

diversity of opinion

found

are

been

in tobacco

rapidity of

one

one

has

fatal

gives
in

in

enema

sions
convul-

another

thirty-five

382

TOXICOLOGY.

minutes.

The

animal

caused

stomach
of the
that

diffused

will

the

is

and

livid

also

of the

empty,

of the

The

black

was

{On Poisons, p.
Nicotina.

This

"

liquid,which,
in

on

and

agreeable.
of

density

It

has
It

1.048.

No

is

pure,

peculiar

produces
usually

said

to

slowly
Heated
a

thick

distills
on

about

platinum,

black

Nicotina

at

is

parts

some
was

is

freely

it from

the

soluble

the

295

"

it burns

its

when

smell

ceptible
per-

F., and
with

an

stain

acrid,

is ethereal

reaction, and
in

fixed

water,
oils.

alcohol,

Ether

solution.

much

throat

volatile

possess

strong, alkaline

in

of the

colorless, oily

greasy,

perfectlypure,

acrid, even

sensation

tion
conges-

and

in

heart

light yellowish,and

watery

and

eral
gen-

the

peculiar odor

chloroform

pungent

case

scalp,and

intense

liquid,and

the

is very

were

and

stomach

ether, chloroform, turpentine,and

will extract

there

was

becomes

It is
if

In

1).

It

unpleasant odor, but,

these

blood, and

of the
and

exposure,

consistence.

swallowed,

brain

There

alkaloid, when

like conia.

paper,

66

and

Taylor,

black

of treacle.

consistence

thicker

with

membrane

blood

all

dark

examination.

of the

its left auricle.

mucous

about

system, staring eyes, bloated

vessels

lungs, gorged

except

the

muscular

of the

congestion

lungs, are
been

Dr.

by

surface

usually very

has

powder

features,the

of the

on

blood

death, examined

relaxation

had

The
or

an

characteristic

no

heart, and

and

recognized by microscopic

of suicidal

liver.

leaf

of

tongue

mucous

empty

an

brain, liver

found.

be
If

be

may

of the

is

the

over

bowels, with

vessels

There

"

redness

the

to

minutes.

two

appearances.

and

liquid.

within

death

Post-mortem
lesion.

nicotina

application of

Its

and
taste

diluted, causing

and

air

boils

at

passages.
about

4700

It
F.

bright flame, emitting

smoke.
one

of the

most

rapidlyfatal poisons known,

384

TOXICOLOGY.

of either

drop

filled with

become
do

nor

nitric
white
rise

they give

strong acids

hydrochloric acid, the glass

or

fumes,
the

to

not

dense

so

formation

applied directlyto

it

of

produce

from

as

will

conia,
The

crystals.

characteristic

no

effects.
Nicotina
retain

unites

the

odor.

They

(i) Bichloride

of platinum

becomes

is soluble

caused

by conia.)

changing

sublimate

in

appearance,

reagent

with

that

latter

the

which
a

ammonia

last is

(3)

which

the

the

acid

in the

the

Bocarme

have

employed

case

somewhat
as

the

microscope,
(No precipitateis

acid.

crystallineprecipitate,

various

peculiar,

These

patterns.

by

this

same

alkaloids, by the
that

except

of

fact

strychnia,but
This

nicotina.

produced by

The

in

gives

the

yellow amorphous

same

of

is true

cipitate,
preiodide

hydrobromic acid.

yellow, amorphous precipitate,

form

of

crystalline
tuft,to

be

microscope.

properly prepared,
fact,it was

under

other

that

of bromine

examination.
Toxicological

In

the

characteristic.

not

yellow precipitate,

precipitatescaused

unlike

ultimately assumes
by

of

of gold yields

Carbazotic

viewed

test.

ofpotassium, and

(4)

down

of

alcohol, but

crystals assume

groups

and

wholly

Terchloride
but

and

white

These

amorphous,

are

delicate

very

gives

yellow.

to

throws

hydrochloric

distinguishedfrom

are

is

in

Corrosive

beautiful

water

seen
crystalline,

which

(2)

in

destitute

are

chloroform.

or

which

alkaloid, but

soluble

mostly

are

acids, forming salts,which

of the

peculiartaste

in ether

not

freely with

the

may

very

be

The

"

subjected

process

above

stomach

and

to the

employed

alluded

simplifiedhis
solvent, instead

to.

of

by

its

organs,
of

process

Other

process.

other

Stas.

originator

good
Water

alcohol; and

ties
authorimay

be

either

POISONING

LOBELIA

BY

acid

be

acetic, sulphuric,or

tartaric

concentration

filtration,it should

with

and

potash

to

solutions, when

these

ether, and

if present, will

nicotina,

the

oily streaks, having

is rendered

few

applied.
animal.

drop

Nicotina

peculiar
and

action

of

Lobelia.

country,

standard

three

years,

combined
the

in the

activityto

it

the

be

solved
dis-

appropriate
given

skin

of

to
a

tests

small

frog

Indian

tobacco,

belonging

to

of the

duces
pro-

heart's

states

that

have

and

been

are

"

In
as

small
an

extreme

emetic

and

acts

They

death

as

and

nausea

relaxation, cold

and

of
the

by

by

736).

p.

owe

The
their

expectorant

an

In

depressant.

pulse, great prostration,contracted

convulsions, coma

thousands

lobelina.

lobelia

distressing

within

lobelia, administered

named

doses

of

cases

murdered

employed.

parts

alkaloid

produces

purging,

the

order

England
"

cal
Botani-

or

thirteen
in

is

in Great

and

Thomsonian

occurred

Beck

natural

here

Letheby,

had

States

the

both

used

Dr.

capsicum

fixed

large doses,

doses

be

should

quacks" {Med. Jnrisp., II,

seeds

Symptoms.
in

of

use

and

also

or

alkaloid, which

This
the

drops

or
inflata,

Dr.

and
United

Thomsonian

leaves

of the

and

of

form

of the

to

this substance

individuals

the

the

slowing

remedy

According

four

or

crystals, when

odor

under

extensively

poisoning by
or

in

movements,

Lobelia

It is

Doctors.

chloroform

respiration.

the

as

muscular

this

Lobcliacece.
Britain

seen

may

inserted

The

"

of

native

watch

water,

two

or

proper

supersaturated

with

by heating.

of

drops

After

properly separated, allowed

peculiar

distinct

more

in

be

used.
be

up

on

spontaneously

evaporate

may

shaken

soda, and

or

385

SYMPTOMS.

vomiting,

sweats,

symptoms

times
some-

small, feeble

pupils,stupor,
"

poisonous

ally
occasion-

strikinglylike

386

TOXICOLOGY.

those

caused

leaves

has

The

tobacco.

by

appearances

; has

ether

It resembles

of

of the

SYMPTOMS.

by

On

animals,

the

lobelina.

from
from

emetic

the

In

lobelia,the

discovery

of

(For the report

"

the

vestigat
in-

diagnosis

fragments

of two
the

of

ing
interest"botanical

Stille's Mcd.Jurisp.,1873, II,pp.

and

Cicuta

to

the

other

poisonous
form

order

of fresh

to

which

and

be
one

Socrates

root

juice and

are

extract.

parts

LOCKS.
HEM-

POISONOUS

of

Hemlock
the
that

same

furnished

also

of this

employed

Great

plant as

perished.

which
Umbellifcrcz,
All

ACTION'S.
RE-

CHEMICAL

OTHER

Spotted

or

poisonous plants.
leaves

"

Greeks, the

poison by

CONTA.

"

is believed

ancient

natural

; the

CONIA.

EXAMINATION.-

America,

State

celebrated

HEMLOCK"

maculatum,

of the

11.

APPEARANCES.

TOXICOLOGICAL

Conium

Britain

BY

POST-MORTEM

"

"

in the

salts,

its solutions.

not

poisoning by lobelia,under

Wharton

see

death

death

seeds.

POISOXIXG

many

from

narcotic, but

SECTION

the

in alcohol

963.)

and

The

odor, and

so

of its properties.
the

of

case

trials for fatal

treatment,"

more

precipitatesit

materially aided

be

yellowish

aromatic

in water,

most

is recorded

leaves, or

586

in

principle,is

plant.

of

the

those

to

reaction, forming soluble

produce

to

seems

case

would

acid

nicotina

effects of the
No

powdered

similar

very

somewhat

; soluble

alkaline

an

Tannic

acids.

of

water,

taste
acrid, persistent

lobelina

are

alkaloid

active

liquid,lighterthan

with

the

tobacco.

by

Lobelina, the

and

of

fatal.

proved

post-mortem

caused

drachm

in

the
It belongs

includes

plant

are

medicine,

POISONING

hemlock

Poisoning by
fresh

the

which
to

leaves

it somewhat

be

in soup

different

at least the

"

of

mistake

in

Its action

resembles.

variable

very

result

generallythe

is

used

being

387

CONIA.

BY

accident,

for

parsley,

man

on

appears

accounts

are

very

diverse.

Symptoms.

dilated

imperfect vision,

Headache,

"

pupils,

difficultyof swallowing, drowsiness, a tingling sensation

tremities;
along the muscles, gradually complete paralysisof the exthis extends
the

and

patient dies,at last,from

for

time, there may

some

with

delirium, accompanied
from

place in
be

to

the bladder
to three

one

poisonous

evacuation

Post-mortem

of the

leaves

often

may
the

with

mortar

Conia.
It

be

is

Christison

In

same

of

still ; in two

urine, had

If the

exists

that

minutes

and

large cat,

caused

and

convulsions

swallowed)
bowels, with

be

fatal

in

the

animal

half it fell upon

of the

seeds.

known.

poisons
to

odor.

in the

of

eye

drops, applied in
minute

and

singledrop placed
the

in

rubbed

peculiar mousy

three

cat

and

Fragments

abundantly

; and

strong

experiments,

violent

stomach

and

singledrop, applied

killed

minutes

emit

the

all characteristic;

been

leaves

most

powerful

most

it in nine

manner,

Wormley's

tongue

alkaloid

states

at

have

stomach

liquor potassae, they

rabbit, killed
the

the

of

stimulants.

of the

(ifthese

seeds

prompt

use

lungs being usually observed.

microscope.

of the

one

in

or, the

not

are

membrane

recognized in

This

"

These

"

is considered

consists

oil and

castor

charges
dis-

takes

usually

of conia

drop

layed
de-

violent

involuntary

Death

by emetics,
by

be

convulsions, coma,

treatment

mucous

the

and

of the

aid

stomach

of the

redness

congestion

The

respiration,

If death

apncea.

bowels.

One

appearances.

of

muscles

salivation,and

hours.

followed

pump,

be

and

dose.

of the

stomach

of the

the

finallyto

at

its

upon

first to

half.

the
stand

side, voided

limbs, with

trembling

388

TOXICOLOGY.

of the
the

when

body,

time

it died

emesis,

Prompt

"

stimulation.

deserve

be

to

Chemical

properties. When
the

odor

resembling

that

of

it emits

"

with

acid

into

needles, which

acid

acid

imparts

with

it dense

imparts

deeper, and
Like

the

it

to

fixed

platinum,

It

mice.

watch

bodies

gives a

flame

with
greasy

agreeable
dis-

; taste

; the

of

fumes.

tint,which

of pure

drop

beautiful,delicate

color.

red

pale

covered

diately
glassesimmefumes, and the drop

deliquesce in

not

it

latter

two

; both

white

mass

white

faint

Diluted

glass,and

surface

the

talline
crys-

phuric
Sul-

air.

Nitric

acid

Strong hydrochloric
gradually becomes

sublimate, terchloride
of

iodide

between
Nicotina

pipe.

alkaloids, it yields precipitateswith

together with
all other

in

dense

do
to

tive,
suffoca-

much

evaporation, needle-shaped crystalsappear.

on

acid, corrosive

to

solutions.

its under

is converted

substance

tile,
colorless, vola-

chloroform

and

placed

on

siologic
phy-

Exposed to the air, it becomes

It is partially soluble
in water,

filled with

become
of conia

it is

bright,smoky

its aqueous

is

preciselysimilar glass,holding

hydrochloric

causes

from

as

peculiar,repulsiveand

resinoid.

drop

dangerous

resembling

permanent.

separate it from

suggested

stale tobacco

alcohol, ether

in

Tests.

is

with

burns

and

yellowish

odor

an

been

pure

"

and

over

minutes

for this purpose.

oily liquid;

freelyso

has

it is too

employed

stain to paper,

will

half

get rid of the poison, and

to

Strychnia

antidote, but

water,

and

of administration.

Treatment.
active

in three

potassium,

its

except
the

two

etc.

peculiar odor,
nicotina

; and

mentioned

are

tannic

of
gold, bichloride
Its liquid,oily condition,

of

will

distinguishit

the

points

from

of difference

under

the

head

first for

any

remains

(p.383).

examination.
Toxicological

"

Search

of

POISONING

of

leaves,

avoid

of

or

the

mistaking
the

Rub

peculiar

before
Water

acetic

and

with

mix
filter

acid,

distilled

agitate

again

water,
with
the

Dilute
The

alkaloid,

that

observes

conia,

of

the

isolation

other

CEnanthe

poisonous

the

this

or

Fool's
this
most

often

Dr.

develop

an

be

move
Re-

times.

tests.

strong

Harley

justly

for

for

the

ganic
or-

that
short

Nothing

search

liance
re-

from

odor

mistaken

present.
in

principle,

and

potassa,

too

conia.

not

was

little

appropriate

against

possibly

add

poison,

us.

crocata,
or

of

latter

of

of

the

to

acetic

spontaneously.

evaporate
it

odor

might

hemlocks,

cynapium,

one

the

to

guard

may

which

satisfy

The

should

potassa

when

it

of

several

process

vents
sol-

ence,
consist-

drops

of

Stas.

of

syrupy

solution

subject

supposed

substances
of

allow
and

toxicologist
the

the

repeating

tillate
dis-

proper

dryness

near

with

the

few

to

evaporate

and

to

and

supersaturate

ether,

upon

should

and

ether,

the

alcohol

strong

the

process
as

the

develop

examine

employed
solution

hemlock.

of

to

elaborate

be

filtered

those

and

and

intestines,

potassa,

more

may

the

for

distill,

the

acid

evaporate

with

Then

employing

and

parsley

mortar,

smell.

mousy

stomach

of

leaves

in

leaves

the

in

seeds,

389

CONIA.

BY

is

viz., Cicuta
hemlock

or

water-dropwort,

parsley,
especially

poisonous

virosa,

lesser

or

true

of

the

of

hemlock,
the

hemlock,

water

and
are

QiuantJie,

umbelliferae.

sEtliusa
all
which

very
is

390

TOXICOLOGY.

III.

SECTION

POISONING

BY

OF

PROPERTIES

ACONITE

PLANT.

THE

ACONITINE.

"

ANALYSIS.

AND

EFFECTS.

"

FATAL

"

BEAN.

POST-MORTEM

"

DOSE.

TOXICOLOGICAL

"

CALABAR

ANCES.
APPEAR-

TREATMENT.

"

EXAMINATION.

CHEMICAL

"

CALABAR

"

BEAN.

"

ESERINE.

Aconite.

Aconitum

The

"

Wolfsbane) is indigenous
has

spike of

the.

root

two

rich blue

flowers.

All

most

depending

aconitine.

or

three

or

inches

off from

passing

mistaken

for the

it differs
and

four

color

hot

and

which

the

to

of

modes
also

on

sensation, which

the

place of growth.
has

and

by

been
where

case,

pepper,
the

obtained

root

recorded

by

fauces

is very
the

of

the

This

may

collectingand drying

Aconite

with

diversityin

different

sprinkledover

being long
of

light

sweetish,

of

aconite,

peculiar

persistent.

activityof
on

different

the time

plant,and
account

and

probably
for the

criminally in

powdered
the

curly

cordant
dis-

investigators.

administered
the

of
that

aconite, depending, doubtless,

results

one

and
internally,

and

of

ever,
which, how-

tapering,

lips,tongue

the

of

frequentlybeen

the latter

not

ous,
poison-

are

like,
tapering, carrot-

has

appearance;

high, and

number

root

truncated,

is considerable
of

is

or

in this

presence

taste, totallydistinct from

tingling,numbing

specimens

the

horse-radish,from

externally,white

imparts

feet

parts of it

root

This

it.

in
essentially

pungent

There

five

or

on

The

is cultivated

long, having

of the

root

cylindrical and

brown

two

so,

but

Europe,
to

aconitia

alkaloid

fibres

from

It grows

country.

in

napellus (Monkshood,

root

greens

used

at

least

mixed

was

for

dinner

{Dub. Jour. July, 1841).

deceased

Symptoms.
are

and

weakness

"

On

animals, according

of the

limbs

and

to

Dr.

Fleming,

there

staggering, respiration slow

loss of sensation, increased

labored, paralysis,

difficulty

392

TOXICOLOGY.

have

fatal.

proved

few

hours

Pereira

after

of

at

of the

produced

root

for two

hours.

three

for

come

may
hour

an

four

or

hours

; but

the

in

most

the

Much
and

of the

of

it may

This
notice

one

In

cent.

per

The

Treatment.

poison

reliable

has

case

order

are

to

There

is

Animal

tannin,

or

charcoal

recommended

arouse

its

advantage.

is

astringent
to

be

totally
that

of

German

considered

be

brought prominently
who

Lamson,

about

The

antidote.

used

it in

year

ago.

stomach

the

stomach-pump, or an
land,
recommended
by HeadSlight galvanic

passed through

inhalation

is

is

the

states

elderly

an

shops,
of

may

infusions.

action, also the

respiration. Possibly,the
some

chemical

no

to

article

lately been
of Dr.

about

pure state, it is

fatal

some

grain

immediately emptied by

emetic.

shocks

"

be

principle,

Pereira

in the

probably
of

its

known.

sold

only

and

in the

or

other

in

it constitutes

destroying his brother-in-law, in England,

also

sidered
con-

within

alkaloid

root, of which

One-tenth

into

active

be

may

deferred, as

be

active

aconitia, as

London,

fatal dose.

be

continued

immediately,

grai)i nearly proved

worthless.

manufacture.

should

extract

generallyoccurs

powerful poison

most

of
one-fiftieth

Morson,

most

alludes

fluid

drachm

drops

produced

Thayer's

hours.

one-tenth, to one-fifth of

inert

six

effects,which

Death

"

abounding

lady.

of

Wormley

almost

(Acomtine),The

Aconitia

that

of

to

on

two.

or

poisons, for twenty-four

probably

drops

drachm

and

man;

serious

most

hours,

two

young

five

Half

symptoms

delayed

of

in

tincture.

strong

doses

two

died

England

fatal dose.

The

in

in which

instance

an

where

case

interval

an

alarming symptoms
to

officer in

excise

merely tastingFleming's

speaks

each, taken

An

employment
of oxygen

the

heart, in

of artificial

might

be

of

the
of

Am.

quoted, from

is

Jour.

It would

administered
digitalis

.relieved the heart

of aconite
the

by

latter

is

case

where
had

the Brit. Med.

apparently dying, when

digitaliswere
when

patienthad

fluid drachm

and

brandy

The

hour.

above

of this

Chemical

normal

recovered

and

in

remedy

The
of

minims
and

analysis. Aconitia,
"

patient

after

twenty

swallow,

repeated within
the

when

colorless,

is in

pure,

tingling,and

Its

applied to
So
one

skin, occasions

active

is this

two-thousandth

destroy

of the

of the

spiritand

lastingfor
It has

some

; and

rubbed

grain
same

lips and

of Morson's

one-hundredth

into

the

skin, causes

Stevenson,
will

tinglingand

applied
of

ness.
numb-

aconitine

quantity causes

tongue, when

solution,

and

to

a
a

by

to

the

tip

grain,dissolved
loss

of

feeling,

time.

strong basic
18

This

latter organ

lipsand tongue.
of heat
a feeling

poison that,according

of

mouse.

numbness

in

the

an

aconite-poisoning.
followed

of the

with

ment
employ-

acrid,soon
transparent crystals. Taste, at first,
numbness

of

tincture

given, along

was

twice

of

1872,

intoxicated,

certainlywarrants
case

movements.

to
sufficiently

tincture
was

statement

influence

Journal, December,

twenty

of the

ammonia,

that

depression produced

injected subcutaneously,

the

minutes

the

from

the

who, when
place in a man
of Fleming's tincture.
ounce

an

antidotal

an

took

recovery

swallowed

was

apart.

under

were

poison, recallingits

reported,in

in which

of tincture

digitalis
possesses

frogsthat

to

minutes

child

J. M. Fothergilldiscovered

Dr.

aconitia.

over

power

of

case

doses

two

to

twenty

that

also appear

latter.

Set.,January, 1862,

Med.

vomica, administered

nux

mutually antagonistic,

former, cautiously,in

the

apparentlydue

was

recoveiy

be

to

the

poisoning by

of

treatment

393

TESTS.

strychniaand aconitia appear

it might be well to employ

As

the

ACONITIA

BY

POISONING

properties,forming

salts with

acids,

394

TOXICOLOGY.

which

ether.

in

the

cold, but

There

in

soluble

quite

water,

soluble.

mostly

are

is

in

It is very
alcohol

None

and

of the

mineral

characteristic chemical

medico-legal case, can

by the physiologicaltest

the

"

sensation

imparted

fragment

of the

with

the

to

ultimate
the

test

be

only

applicationto

acids

for it.

soluble
in-

change

it in

brown

tint.

Its presence,

established
satisfactorily

peculiar tingling,benumbing

mouth

and

tongue

extract

is

tasted,

with

skin, attended

its introduction

it

to

in

but

chloroform,

sulphuricacid imparts

warm

no

slightlysoluble

into

when

by

or

similar
small

some

minute

similar

results;

gether
to-

animal, hypo-

dermically.

poisoning has

If the

of the

root

or

stomach

and

should

be

from

occurred

of the matters

bowels, and

instituted,in

leaves

microscopic inspection of

careful

plant,a

the

swallowing

order

vomited

and

purged,
botanical

identifytheir

to

the

characters.

examination.
Toxicological
should

be

employed,

The

few

drops

of pure

tests

obtained

on;

known

Bean.

tigma venosum)
to

an

used

inch

by

and

the

the

should

be

slightlyacidified

but

if

then

is

The

"

half

natives

Bean

long, of
of

the

be

from

test.

(Physosinch

an

It is

color.

of Africa

jected
sub-

add,

the bromine

of Calabar

Coast

of the

carbazotic

brownish-black

West

in

chemical

should

large leguminous seed,

vent.
sol-

described.

evidence

as

tine
nico-

acetic acid,

mere

of gold, and

Ordeal

dissolved

with

solution

reactions, such

ultimate

above

they give

the

for

described

preferableas

bichloride of platinum, chloride

Calabar

that

physiologicaltests

poison,

all the

to

is

to

results, no
satisfactory

no

of the

presence

the

relied

be

can

water,

to

afford

If these

thus

residue

submitted

and

similar

Chloroform

(p.384).

of Stas' process

modification

"

as

the

ordeal

for witchcraft

test

to drink

its

which

resides

in the

nitric

acid,assume

iron, a brown
solid, bitter

alkaloid

Bromine

in

It

bromide

gives

with

color

play

The

potassium

of

colors; this,however,

very

of this

poison upon
spinal depressant, causing, at

paralysis, with
pupils ;

B.

time

some

after

death.

grain
(Med.

Edwards

chromate
sulphuric acid and bistrychnia producing
"

needs

further

the lower

animals

first,tremors,

The

red

tion.
confirma-

is that

heart

is found

Consciousness

is

of

then

and

muscular

convulsions.

are

water

it

of

flaccidity;contraction
respiration slow, irregular and stertorous

there
for

J.

like

much

of

action

with

tsW

than

less

in

benzol.

and

with

with

colorless, crystalline

Dr.

eserine,

perchloride of

of potassium produces

this

owes

touched

when

slightlysoluble

taste, very

(Dragendorff). According to
Times
and
Gaz., 1864),it reacts
the

is

pelled
com-

It

named

with

tint,and

alcohol, ether,chloroform

in

color.

The

the

to

physostigmia,also

orange

being

beans.

poisonous

cotyledons. These,
an

one.

suspected person

of the

alkaloid

395

ANTIDOTE.

BEAN

the

"

decoction

the

activityto

soluble

CALABAR

BY

POISONING

of

the

times
some-

beat

to

preserved

throughout.
The
the

effects

on

opposite to

man

those

similar

are

of

characteristic

as

resembles

some

The

in

true

mically,and
From

also

above.

it has
an

been

antidote

from

at

conia

They
is

employed
for

physiologicalaction

contracting the pupil,which

belladonna,

the

produced by strychnia,which

For this reason

spinalexcitant.
remedy for tetanus, and also as
Its most

to

are

true
as

strychnia.

is the property

distinguishesit from

once

and

curarin, which

it

particulars.

physiologicalantidote

is

atropia,used

hypoder-

fested.
repeated until expansion of the pupil is manithe experiments of Dr. Fraser
and
others,

396

TOXICOLOGY.

there

be

can

and

doubt

no

mutual

the

of

antagonism

atropia

eserine.
The

to

fluid

is

and

satisfactory

most

power

in

the

contract

the

the

into

put

by

tissues

instead

benzol,
Six

years

of

the

fifteen

will
has

Dragendorff

of

eye

be

of

beans,

(Lancet,

when

Aug.

two

of

one

the

other

suspected

small

animal,

the

minutes

its
"

teristic
charac-

observed.
in

the

ultimate

1864).

it

separating
Stas'

eaten,
27,

or

twenty

or

of

as

or

rabbit,

succeeded

ether,

physiological

drop

modification

the

is

test

pupil.

of

course

impression

six

of

proved

the

from

employing

process,
solvent.

fatal

to

boy,

aged

POISONING

CHAPTER

397

ACID.

HYDROCYANIC

BY

XXX.

(3) ASTHENICS.

This

which

Neurotics
heart's
not

of

subdivision

It is not

fatal in

prove

shock,

through

life

destroy

action.

some

intended

those

symptoms

answers

well
sufficiently

are

to

But
of

that

assert

another

in

cases,

marked

failure

by asthenia,or

asphyxia.

or

those

Cerebro-spinants comprises
they

e.

name

grouping together those

for

g.,

strongly-

most

failure, this

heart

may

as

manner,

the

as

of the

rotic
neu-

most

especiallydisplaythis property. The two

of this group
are
Hydrocyanic
important members

Acid

and

poisons

the

that

Digitalis. Cocculus
head,

same

for the sake

of convenience.

section

POISONING

NATURAL
ACIDS.

POST-MORTEM

FATAL

"

CYANIDE

WATER.

Hydrocyanic,

or

TESTS.

POTASSIUM.

OF

CHERRY-LAUREL

"

AND

OIL

product

in

Prussic

peach, apricot,plum
flowers
the

leaves

and

latter,a

distilled.

very

It also

the

OF

Acid,

bitter

and
of the

is

TION.
EXAMINAALMONDS.

BITTER

It

almond, the

and

peach
water

in the

Properly speaking,hydrocyanic

of

one

known.

cherry, the pips

poisonous
exists

TREATMENT."

"

"

N1TRO-BENZOLE.

"

energetic and rapidly fatal poisons

natural

DOSE.
TOXICOLOGICAL

"

"

OFFICINAL

AND

PURE

"

PERIOD

APPEARANCES.

"

ACID.

VEGETABLES.

IN

SYMPTOMS.

"

1.

HYDROCYANIC

BY

OCCURRENCE

under

is considered

Indicus

of

the

most

occurs

as

of

the

apples, and

the

kernels

cherry-laurel.

From

{cherry-laurel
water)

root

of the

acid

does

mountain
not

is

ash.

pre-exist in

398

TOXICOLOGY.

of

water

principleswhich

two

upon

and

dalin

emulsin,

Prassic
of

is the

vegetablesubstances, but

these

at

certain

temperature.

and

It is

almonds.

is

dilute

death

caused

This

the

having

active

most

in

with

met

the

that

is

is

The

anhydrous

merely

solution

the

laboratory of

It is the

frequentlythe

so

of

tongue

medico-legal interest.

no

bitter

rapidly fatal

and

the

in

of

odor

seconds.

except

acid

latter

few

compound

colorless,limpid

singledrop placed upon

medicinal

or

the

of

of

cause

anhydrous

in water.

It

in the

occurs

acid, of
officinal

(2) Scheeles
But

the

It possesses

death.
acid

rarely

chemist.

of

one

known.

large dog

acid

state, is

It is

hydrogen, HCy.

liquid, extremely volatile,and

poisons

they contain, viz.,amyg-

acid, in its pure, anhydrous

cyanogen

of the reaction

product

the

it is
This

the

uncommon

may

probably

find

acid

and

hot, pungent

Symptoms.
"

half

minutes.

after.

an

to

ounce

They

Tardieu

rapidity."
power,

ground

with
; the

an

the

the

to

cent.

acid

light.

to

The

almonds,

of bitter

odor

the

eyes

insensible

of

"

as

person

respirationbecomes

to

of

the

of the

ounce

with

coming

of

loss

staggers and
hurried

glassy
light;

and
the

and

dose.

diluted

swallowing,

immediate

.an

the

size

delayed beyond

them

is

giddiness ;

the

act

seldom

are

There

and

the

in the

describes

pulse imperceptible;

pupils dilated

; and

five per

of

liabilityof

exposed

with

vary

produce symptoms

seconds

cent.

taste.

These

"

per

specimens totallyinert.

the

has

is colorless,and

considerably, and

varies

some

when

(i)The

forms

two

strength

from

arise

decomposition

dose

strength of
varieties

to

dilute

large

both

different

two

acid, of the average

not

under

average

strength of

undergo

may

shops

acid
in

or
one

"

few
two

or

like
lightningmuscular
the

falls to

gasping

; the

protruding;
extremities

the

cold;

400

TOXICOLOGY.

taken

be

may
which

is

acid.

The

about

Lancet

of Scheele's

drachm

from

largest dose
in the

after

grains, and

under, of the

has

and

vigorous

Treatment.
acid

water

employed.

of

remedies.
the

This

should

be

by

the

issuing from
and

brain, as

of

absence
There

an

of

presence

is

the

once

lation
inhawith

As

externally.
ferric

sulphates,

potassium,

face is

staring,with
at

blood

vessels

of blood

and

occurrence,

hemiplegia, and
of the

at

along

hydrocyanic

has

been

acid

The

in the

ment
experi-

by

at

serum

which

lungs

and

bloody

froth

dark

blue

color,

the base

Tardieu
of the

might suggest
is

the

times,
a

pupils dilated

congested.

are

the

livid

pale,or

the

is of

apoplexy, which, however,

congestion

for the

cautious

compound.

The

"

The

cerebral

occasional

two

in animals.

and

mouth.

be

vapors,

and

of

with

inert

an

"

successful

effusions

to

chlorine

jaws firmlyset, with,

The

fluid.

alludes

blue

the

by

of ferrous

appearances.

to

affusion, by dashing

followed

produce,

glistening

lipsblue

are

effects of hydrocyanic

chest, should

of carbonate

solution

this would

often

eyes

one

instances

opportunity

internallyand

followed

Post-mortem

which

exceedingly dangerous,

cold

and

antidote, a mixture

proved

recovery

acid, in all of which

poisonous

and

ammonia

stomach, Prussian

equivalent

scarcely any

face

chemical

has

the

The

stimulants, applied both

proposed;

anhydrous

adopted.

is

vapor

is

over

doses

were

rapid are
there

diluted

of

was

Other

anhydrous

measures

that

employment
cold

So

"

of

fatal.

proved

even

there

mistake.

taking

of the

inhalation

The

which

by

recovery

and

grain

acid, equivalent to 2.4 grains of anhydrous

reported of
prompt

of

officinal acid,

(January 14, 1854),in

swallowed

acid,was

of the

fiftyminims

nine-tenths

equivalentto

reported

was

be

to

negatived by

rapidity of
liver; and

the
the

the
the

death.
mucous

ACID

HYDROCYANIC

membrane

extremity, is apt
The

much

be

to

characters.

important post-mortem
but

it is

the

the

the

even

odor

will have

body

has been

mint,
of the

mere

absence

The

they

Silver

"

cyanide, gives with

be

be

may

solution
solution

(i) By

follows:

needles)
;
in

the

becomes

nitric acid ; the

heated

dried,and
silver
with

is

cyanide
Prussian

the

The

tests.

applied to
of

blue
18*

proof
for

tests

the

first three

the

acid

are

cither

hydrocyanic acid, or

of nitrate

amorphous.

of silver
the white

chloride
when

is

of

white

chloride,

(prisms or

bility
(2) Its sparingsolusoluble.
(3) The
very

exposed

to

the

light; the

chloride
in

is

small

(4) Its solubilityin boiling

insoluble.
perfectly
(5) When
reduction-tube, the

decomposed, evolving cyanogen

of silver

tobacco,

dark-colored.

characteristic

as

may

brieflydesignated as

crystalline characters

is

of its color

permanence
chloride

its

chloride

ammonia;

odor

is,therefore,no

from
crystalline
precipitate,
distinguishable
as

the

vapor.

test.

the

singularvariation

four recognized

are

copper

and

that the

poison.

silver,iron,sulphur

I.

Moreover,

may

liquid,or

is

of odor

There

"

of

cases,

days, if

or

powerful smells, such

of the

analysis.

hours

There

hydrocyanic acid,which

in its form

recent

easilyhappen

few

cases.

more

characteristic ; and

the

opening

volatile,it may

non-existence

CJiemical

opened, in

But

other

The

etc.

is sometimes

the stomach.
brain, but especially

in

disappeared in
much
exposed.

disguisedby

odor

most

and

in this respect in different

be

of the

one

abdomen

is very

poison

is

This
is

body

noticeable
particularly

thorax, and
as

before

even

cardiac

reddened.

peculiarodor

of the

exhalation

perceived

the

stomach, especially about

the

of

401

TESTS.

"

roseate

flame.

hydrochlork: acid

will be

formed.

and

gas,

cyanide

which

(6) By adding

of

burns
to

the

persulphateof iron,

402

TOXICOLOGY.

Another

of

mode

identifyingthe

by Orfila
and

washing
closed

at

On

the

this end

of the

portion

in
preserved indefinitely
for

and

sealed

quantity

These

tubes

adding

mixture

of pure

deposited

are

crystals may

; and

of

taining
con-

tiful
gently,beau-

very

of cyanogen

tube.

glasstube,

long, and

less

tube

thoroughly

they

in

ferrous

be

may

blue, by dissolvingthem

developing Prussian

of potassa,

of the

silver, recommended

small

inches

rather

iodide

crystalsof

cool

it into

seven

extremity

heating

snow-white
upon

five to

end, from

one

after

Tardieu, is,

introduce

drying it,to

in its closed

iodine.

and

of

cyanide

be
used

solution

and

ferric

salt.
The
acid

silver test
in

the
mouthed

the

over

drop

in

rises,and
forms

black

of

white

gently
the

heated

acid
silver

the

of silver

the

material

would

other

should
be

cannot

resulting

decomposition,

by

tioned
men-

state

applied,since

from

the

completely

salt,
can

tests

be in

mediately
im-

the

sulphuretted
obscure

the

cyanide.

The

silver

of all the
may

with

concave

is inverted

of the

vapor

contact

lens, and

If,however,

sulphide

hydrogen

vapor-test is considered

tests.

thus

be

It is stated

inverted

that

that

water,
another

and

to be

tWoo^

distinctlyrecognized.

575) mentions
with

was

this vapor-test
putrefaction,

of

p.

in

be

wide-

spot of cyanide of silver,which

easilybe recognized by
above.

should

taining
con-

or

its

on

of silver solution

The

coming

white, opaque

glass containing

water.

warm

material

beaker,

the

appliedto

the

into

put

flask,which

of the

immersion

by

is

of nitrate

two

or

mouth

watch

when

this purpose

For

suspected poison

flask,and

surface

delicate
particularly

of vapor.

state

is

of

Prof.

the most

grain of
Guy

single apple pip, bruised

placed

in

glass moistened

watch
with

delicate
the

acid

{For. Med.,
and

glass,over
the silver

tened
moiswhich

solution,

ACID

HYDROCYANIC

the

by

solution

Iron

thrown

test.

This

"

sulphates;

down, which,

the

although
In

if the
the

but

dilute

very

blue

of ferrous

immediate

no

(or

at

chloric
hydroof

amount

precipitate,

first,perhaps,

subside.

great precisionis necessary,

is recommended

the

on

show

the

after

paper,

dried

chloric
hydrowashing
the

distinctlyupon

very

when

throw

to

after adding
filter,

deposit

paper

If the

precipitatewill

where

acid,will

; the

ground

suspected

of pure

drops

blue.

blue

paper

blue

to the

mixture

few

is

small, it

white

acid ; the

white

time,

is very

liquid upon

with

in

has

medico-legal case,
quantity

adding

clear Prussian

solution

green) color;

of silver.

then

of

addition

minute, there

be very

poison

spot exhibiting,

dirty greenish-blue precipitate is

on

acid, becomes
the

in

consists

little liquor potassae, and

ferric

and

each

"

microscope, crystalsof cyanide

The

2.

reactions

distinct

yielded twenty-two

403

TESTS.

"

preserved for

be

may

exhibition,if needed.
In

manipulating with
excess
employ an

to

interferes
The
the

with

iron

the

test

watch

of the

drop
3.

mixed

The

added
to

formed

; when

the

to

dryness, a
this

{vid. Opium,

of
p.

test.

vapors,
the

add

Moisten

solution, and

potassa

develop

drop

Prussian

white

with

iron, there

is

the

of ammonium

drop

of

absence

is

perchloride,

instantly produced

iron, which

prussic acid, in

nium
ammo-

hydrocyanic acid,and gently

sulpho-cyanide

is touched

337).

by

acid.

of

of

two

or

blue

"

solution

not

materially

(Liebig's
test). If sulphide of

sulpho-cyanide

presence

this

as

vapor

of

suspected

test
a

as

drop

be used

experiment.

used

salts,and

persulphate, of

blood-red

be

hydrochloric

Sulphur

heated

the

iron

of dilute

be

or

to

reagents,

of the

also
with

glass

after exposure

the

of

success

may

should

this test, caution

is characteristic

of meconic

the
of
acid

404

TOXICOLOGY.

The

sulphur test

watch

glass with

and

invert

it

the
the

form

rise,and

glass. When
appears

as

of the

iron

blood-red

color.

complete,

so

iron

as

salt may

The
the

If the

the

sulphur

silver

silver

For

be

this

which

the

on

with

the

assumes

it

should

drop

characteristic
have

not

been

application of

the

which
(sulphideof iron),

be

may

with

applied

the

purpose,

moistened

persaltof

be

may

vapor

evaporation,

it is touched

stain

test, moreover,

and, when
of the

black

The

result.

test.

should

dry by

evaporation

prussic acid,

ammonium

thoroughly dry it,the

to

the

directed.

to

immediately

produce

will obscure

above

when

spot, and
it

sulphide of ammonium,

containing

allowed

Moisten

test.

vapor

sulpho-cyanide of

is

white
salt

vessel

the

of

two

or

latter,as

this

applied as

drop

over

gently warming
will

is best

of

spot
of

drop

The

the

with

blood-red

characteristic

in spite of
distinguished,

cyanide

sulphide of

thoroughly dried, touched

iron.

confirm

to

black

of

monium,
am-

drop
color

sulphide with

it is associated.
The

4.

alkaline

Copper

"

liquid is

by liquorpotassae,and

of copper

is added

which

down,

The

test'.

first made
solution

dilute

slightly

of

sulphate

greenish-whiteprecipitateis

becomes

nearly

white

the

on

thrown
of

addition

little hydrochloric acid.

This

test

glass is

may

be

moistened

used, also, as
with

slightlyalkaline,and,
acid
As

and

form

drop

vapor

of the

after exposure,

test.

drop

watch

solution, made

copper
a

The

of dilute

chloric
hydro-

is added.

regards the

relative

show

that

for

sulphur

tests

exceed

of vapor, the

the

delicacy of the

above

tests, experiments

liquid hydrocyanic acid, the

the

silver

latter far surpasses

Toxicologicalexamination.

"

The

test; but, when

all the

iron

in the

others.

stomach, together

with

moderate

if the

ascertain

acid

alkaline,no
distillate

was

it

not

might

have

have

deem

been

it very

which
be
Of

of

be

likelyto
if

course,

exist

other
In

the

The

defence.

(a lady
to

It

was

mixture

the

the

defence

readily be

of

distillation

accounted

Dr.

Paul
made

was

really
actually

potassium,

which

would

deceased.

the

give

of

would

poison
line
alka-

an

sulphuric,or

acid

and

by

"

the

the

the

deceased

by prussic

death

morphia.

due

was

The

analyst

along with sulphuricacid,

obtained

was

traces

the

that

poisoned

that

process,

these

capitalpoint by

been

been

It

Schceppe, in Carlisle,
a

first had

process.

for

was

of the

addition

having only

that

it out

of

been

tilling
dis-

puts

have

not

has

stomach

contended

prussic

his

perfectlyproper.

this

afterward

prussic acid by
by

be
case

his

used

in the

poison

saliva,and

the

allegationat

testified to

examiner

may

potassium

case

1872,

of

acid

acid

any

sulpho-cyanide

fifty-fouryears) had

of

employed
and

and

whether

Therefore, in

the
he

whether

of the

acid, would

Pa., in 1868

acid.

whether

of

contents

celebrated

the

in

sulpho-cyanide,that

the

in human

reaction, in which
some

of the

action

present in the stomach

cyanide

the

employed,

to

sible
impos-

found

acid

free state, or

employ

doing,

so

of the

it out
to

first taken

it will be

material.

to

determine

is known

glass

suspected poisoning by prussic acid,

in the free state, or

very

the

in

since, by

manufactured

the

ferrocyanide, or

unadvisable

to

power

present

in the

carefully

Unless distinctly

alkaline.

prussic

from

present

case

process,
of his

the

resulted
a

being

added, otherwise

whether

been

be distilled in

care

or

originallypresent

medico-legal
we

is acid
be

must

cyanide,

might

temperature,

determine

to

(having first

viscera

material

405

EXAMINATION.

peculiarodor) should

for the

retort, at

upon

other

and

its contents,
examined

TOXICOLOGICAL

ACID

PRUSSIC

very
"

of

faint

traces

of

justly contended
the

faulty process

poison

could

employed

in

4 OB

TOXICOLOGY.

the

analysis,being,

acid

the

upon

found

in the

of the

At

The
acid

saliva.

the

employed,

of the

perchlorideof
cyanide, or
the

mixture

for

sulpho-cyanide,the

of Prussian

sulpho-cyanide of

iron ;

potassium,

acquitted.

where
distillate,

of

contains
former

an

hydrochloric

either
will be

the

any

the

adding

latter

ferro-

indicated

by

the

simple cyanide, as

give

not

prosecution

time, and

blue, and

whereas,

will

of the

drops

short

liquid

before

by treatinga portion

few

absence

entire

an

in the

If the

iron.

formation

of

with

is often

allegedpoison

determined

originalmaterial

acid, stirringthe

by

be

may

of the

which

prisoner was

found

poison

was

evidence

the

and

action

potassium

of the

trial,the

down,

of the

there

symptoms

of the

source

is

of

Moreover,

second

broke

completely

result

sulpho-cyanide

characteristic

death.

fact, the

in

reaction

red
nide
cya-

under

the

circumstances.
As

the

regards

whether

question

generated spontaneously, by
animal

although Orfila

matters,

this belief, it is
of the

insisted
traces

held

not

opinion that, in
the

life of the

on

"

proof

as

of

an

of

about

under
should

this

death

did

be
not

account

of
most

after
of

its

prussic acid
skillful

death

agree

when

and
volatility

may

than

these
animal

Still,we

the

are

with

volving
in-

should

more

finding of

be

"mere

might possibly be

where

on,

to

the

decomposition, brought

those

the

cially
Espe-

symptoms

characteristic

ceding
preof the

\r,post).

the

poison

may

be

found.

ready decomposition,

disappear very

analysts have

inclined

yet perfectlyunderstood.

insisted

Ptomaine
alleged poison {vid.t
Period

authorities.

poisoning

not

of putrescent

have

to

accused, something

of

conditions

appears

be

can

important medico-legalcase,

spontaneous

some

distillation

later

by

prussic acid, since

result

the

acid

prussic

failed

to

shortly after
discover

all

death.

it in

"

On

traces

The

twenty-six

408

TOXICOLOGY.

neutralizing with

sulphuric acid, and

distillingat

low

temperature.

Oil
the

of

bitter
its

upon

Bitter

Almonds.

almond,

but

It contains
cent.

of

"

variable

"

odor, and
than

as

it is

as

those

It is

with

water.

When

of

It

taste.

is

solution

for domestic

the head

twenty

its

o\Yes

liquidsold

of

contained.
fatal.

Donallen

It

is

the
by distilling

kernels

of

the

poisoned

in

by

The
moderate

oil of bitter
the

his

leaves
a

tion
por-

almonds.

latter, to
has

the

ally
occasion-

with

the

brother-in

peach, apricotand

symptoms
dose

Acid.

brated
cele-

law, Sir

1782.

proved poisonous, especiallyto

them.

the

speciallyidentified

who

case,

the

are

Hydrocyanic

Cherry-laurel water

Broughton,

Theodosius

to

use.

treatment

properties, like

poisonous

prussic acid
proved

oil similar

in

drops.

obtained

Water,

soluble

of this oil in alcohol

lesions and

under

prussic

is heavier

The

highly poisonous.

is about

essential

an

of

entirelyfreed

cherry-laurel(Prunus-laurocerasus)contains

of the

per

hydrate

slightlysoluble;

substance

described

Cherry-Lacrel

The

acid.

it is but

post-mortem

dose

tion
distilla-

fourteen

to

seven

by

light yellow color, pungent,

dangerous

fatal

The

pulp, along

water

oil is innocuous.

of bitter almonds

symptoms,

same

has

ether.

very

The

It

benzoic

in which

and

essence

bitter,aromatic, pungent

water,

alcohol

to

of

reaction

It is obtained

"

and

Properties.It

the

proportion

prussicacid, the

from

from

pre-exist in

not

prussic acid, together with

anhydrous

benzole, benzoin

does

emulsin.
reduced

almonds,

of bitter

This

results

and

amygdalin

"

of

are

children
very

cherry
who

similar

prussicacid.

have

have
to

those

all
lowed
swalduced
pro-

Nitro-Benzole,
is the
is

of the

product
in

effects

producing
much

slower

before

in its

death

This

when
In

which

in the

form

four

five hours

or

as

coma,

rapidly and

more

fully
power-

of vapor.

generally identified by

be

it may

case

prussic acid, although

usually preceded by

is

poison operates

inhaled

fatal

of

tute
substi-

cheap

powerful narcotic,

operation, requiring

occurs,

apoplexy.

those

resembling

It

of bitter almonds.

confectionery as
It is

substance

benzole.

on

strong odor

oil of bitter almonds.

for the

This

"

acid

nitrous

and

perfumery

Mirbane.

of

of

action

pale yellow liquid,with

It is used

in

Essence

or

409

DIGITALIS.

BY

POISONING

its strong

odor.

Chemical
bitter

It

"

which

almonds,

pouring
of

analysis.
few

it

benzole

color, with
affected.

is not

hydrocyanic
When

acid

associated

etc., it may

be

with

the

with

usual

none

adding

tests

the

nitroof

reactions

of this acid.

organic substances,
first

drop

acquires

while
the

of

oil of

smell, by

oil of bitter almonds

gives

separated by

the
in

plateand

yellow border,

It

upon

; the

strong sulphuric acid

rich crimson

closely resembles

so

of each

drops

distinguished from

is

the

as

stomach,

adding sulphuric acid, and

distilling.
SECTION

POISONING

SYMPTOMS.

"

CHEMICAL
DE

The

LESIONS.
"

DIGITALINE.

FATAL

"

TOXICOLOGICAL

DOSE.

DIGITALINE.

"

EXAMINATION.

"

CASE

"

OF

FOMERAIS.

LA

purple Foxglove

Europe,
plant

DIGITALIS.-

BY

POST-MORTEM
ANALYSIS.

II.

but

cultivated

contain

the

in

our

poisonous,

which, however, abounds

year's growth.

{Digitalis
purpurea}is

most

gardens.
active
in

the

All

native

of

of

the

parts

principle, digitaline,
leaves

of

the

second

410

TOXICOLOGY.

Symptoms.
Until

rare.

of

Cases

"

consider
the

they
The

increased

with

full and

feeble

slow

to

sclerotic

blue
of

suppression
to

within

occur

died

mistake,

break

varies

so

of the

the

of

on, with

heat

hour

an

and
dency
ten-

'fixed,the

and

Tardieu,

to

there

peculiar,

is salivation

does

not,

as

mentions

after

and

convulsions

and

rule,
case

swallowing, by

The

poison, showing
after

the

between

notably

tendency

taking

diagnostic sign

most

peculiar enfeebled,

of

number

of the

action

of

pulse,which

intermittent

supine and

to

the

position

erect

patient.

Post-mortem

appearances.

Nothing

"

Turgescence

of the

vessels

with

of the

lining membrane

redness

Fatal
of the
been

ing,
vomit-

sense

comes

Tardieu

violence

great

doses.

digitalisis

and

prominent

hours.

cumulative

with

moderate

in frequency,

large dose.

very

out

nausea

death, which

three-quartersof

Digitalisis

are

delirium, stupor

twenty-four

in

diminished

position,but rapid

Sometimes

just before

occur

are

then

very

eyes

posed
dis-

the
vision, dilated pupils,

horizontal

color.

urine

quency
fre-

and

stimulant, asserting

pains, a

acquiring,according

coat

characteristic

apt

man

Prostration

; the

syncope

in

disordered

in the

sittingup.

on

in power.

abdominal

severe

as

therapeutistsare

heart

the

force

the

heart

direct

head, vertigoand

pulse

who

as

pulsationsof
are

purging,

are

it

poisonous impressions

in the

both

Modern

action.

comparatively-

generallyregarded

was

depressant, reducing

of the heart's

that, while

action

recently,its

direct cardiac

to

digitalis
poisoning are

dose.

"

powder,

taken

with

decided

Not
and

at

the

base

half

impunity
effects

on

fluid
; but

ounce

of the
of

accurately settled.

the

brain, together
stomach.

As

much

of

the

far less

the heart's

characteristic.

very

action.

as

drachm

tincture, have

quantity
The

has

usual

duced
pro-

dose

POISONING

is

to

one

of the

grains

two

DIGITALINE

BY

411

TESTS.

and

powder,

of the

drops

ten

tincture,to be repeated.
neutral

Digitaline. A
"

of

amorphous powder,

an

in the
of

principle,generally occurring
There

crystallinestate.

the

opinion concerning
authorities

whilst

Blaquart

of

crystodlizable
variety.

the
There

be

to

seems

and

aconitine.

has

almost

its movements

restored

are

{Brit.Med.
an

due
of tincture
three
with
As

of

yet,

no

of

the

in which

1872)

the

drachm

heart

of the
of

; and

of

tincture

exhibition

(//.C.

is

case

the antidotal

the

after

the

minims

mouth

of

hour, together

an

Wood's

Tlierap.,
p. 125).
has

man

of aconitine

virtues

ported
re-

of aconite, apparently

by

in
digitalis-poisoning

frog

digitalis,

recovery

each, within

ammonia
of

case

digitaline

influence

aconitine

cent,

per

between

the

cent.,

per

twelve

to

the

the

ten

hypodermic injectionof twenty

one

and

when

diversity

digitaline in

about

ten

are

Fleming's

and
digitalis,

of

brandy

by

Jour., Dec,

ounce

to

doses

that

beat, under

to

it at

antagonism

true

It is stated

ceased

ingestion of

giving
that there

asserts

of

; sometimes

much

be

to

seems

percentage

leaves

some

color

pale yellowish

as

been
have

corded,
re-

been

tested.
Chemical
varieties

water,

"

have

also

in

pure

warmed,
solution
a

green,

assumes

ether

Cold

color, which
the
an

color
excess

amorphous

and

soluble

very

is its best

in

of water
green

acid

be

brown.

and

to

color

the

effervescence, giving

off

in
taining
con-

It has

to

no

it

If

red.

cold

brown

changes

to

liquidgradually

yellowish tint(Tardieu). Strong

it with

ether

imparts

If to the

added, the

powder,

soluble

solvent.

gradually changes
to

crystalline

sparingly

; very

sulphuric

passes

depositing a
a

but

Chloroform

reaction.

brownish

the

bitter taste

very

alcohol.
alkaline

Both

analysis.

nitric acid

red

fumes

solves
disand

412

TOXICOLOGY.

imparting

be

exposed

Tardieu

bromine

to

brown

first

leaves

powdered

emit

stomach

of the

of

presence

If

After

cooling

evaporation,part

of the

animal.

The

on

small

solution

another

by

the

and

All

authorities

poison by
lesions
test

into

by

and

have

been

stomach.

first be

heated

considerable

time.

concentration

proper
be

used

as

by

trial test

be further

it should

alcohol, filtration and

in

unite

impossible
reliance

our

saying that, in
determine

to

chemical

any

small

animal,

sudden

cessation

be

must

the

as

rigidityof

the

this stoppage

the

of

ventricles

purified

evaporation,

that

heart's
the

at

on

of the

some

It

seems

death

medico-legal

state

of

the

the

post-mortem

the

physiological

ultimate
well

takes

extract

established,

place by

action, with

moment

in the

existence

by

solely

frog.

always

occurs

the

tests, neither

experiments,

numerous

the

in the

should

may

of

rest

injectinghypodermically

"

the

swallowed,

physiologicaltest again repeated.

it is

case,

mentary
ali-

greenish color

remaining

extract

in

the

in

inspectionmight possiblyreveal

straining,and

and

aminer
ex-

of the

and

been

strong alcohol,for

water-bath, with

has

the

case

digitalinegranules

of them

some

hue, but

remnants

vomited,

viscera, properly comminuted,

The
on

for

might present

taken, a careful post-mortem

the

search

tincture

odor.

suggestive

solution

violet

suspected

matters

If the

canal.
interior

the

light-greenish

assumes

In

"

carefully

in

it

to

is at all characteristic.

examination.
Toxicological
should

gradually becomes

sulphuric acid

it

vapor,

this test

that

denies

imparts

if the

that

It is stated

tint.

acid

Hydrochloric

fainter.

which

orange-red color,

an

of death.
of strong

decided
In

frogs,

systole of

ventricle.

By

observing, then,

introduced

under

the

the
skin

action
of the

of the

suspected poison,

frog,the gradual irregu-

BY

POISONING

413

INDICUS.

heart-beats,together

stop, and

of its final

manner

the

of

slowness

larityand

COCCULUS

experimenting

to

The

another
animal,
itself,
digitaline
upon
conclusion.
arrive at a satisfactory

noted, if

most

the

not

that

is
poisoning by digitaline

of de

la

we

of

only, instance

the

the

at

time, with
able

with

same

be

may

homicidal

Pomerais,

homceo-

convicted
tried and
pathic practitionerof France, who was
for killinghis former
mistress, after having insured her life
in

offices

various

visits to her

she

for

died, after suffering from

hours.

twenty-four
after

Her

discover

The

the

from

scrapings of

vomited, which
A

reactions.
the accused

for

the

had

the

which

also

to

all the

number

motive,the

his

the

in the East

had

deceased

known

/'

fruit

chemical

of the

guilt of

and

He

deadly poisons.
the

opportunity

condemned

was

and

Empoison., p. 694).
Indicus.
of

Indies.
It

of other

has

"

the

Anamirta

The

kernel

an

Indicus

Cocculus

cocculus, a
of the

berry

tree

is the

intenselybitter taste,

highly poisonous principlecalled

chiefly employed as a fish poison, and
a

procured

one

the

evidence

means

purpose.

Cocculus

by

only poisonous part.

contains

on

extract

"

(Tardieu,Sur

{Levant nut) is
growing

floor

the

the

findingin his possession an unusually

that had only lately
digitaline a substance

accomplishing

Poisoning

and

to

the

discovered, besides

executed

bowels

strong circumstantial

of

short, he

Roussin, failingto

research, resorted

and

responded

was

large amount

stomach

days

against the

physiologicaltest, employing

from

the

and

vomiting

thirteen

aroused

been

his

debility,in

and

examined

was

chemical

poison by

any

obtained

In

body

of

one

violent

action

examiners, Tardieu

above-mentioned

been

heart's

death, suspicion having

prisoner.

After

benefit.

own

great depression of the

and

is

his

Picrotoxine.
also

in

and
It

Great

414

TOXICOLOGY.

the

for

Britain

malicious

popularly believed
by

imparting
of

amount

them

to

and

hops

flavor, with

bitter

liquors,

diminished

for the

used

It is also

malt.

It is also

adulterating malt

for

used

be

to

of game.

destruction

tion
destruc-

of vermin.
The

symptoms

the

on

but

There

nightmare.
abdominal

severe

of this

of

remaining

four

hour

an

several
of

these

poisoning by

swallowing
Their

hours.

violent

symptoms
of

insensibility.The

pulse

and

much

recovered

fusion
faintness,con-

vision,

cessive
ex-

nausea,

in

one

case,

the

and

weakened

labored.

applicationhas

been

followed

violent

by

and

fatal effects.

even

Picrotoxine,or picrotoxiais generallyregarded

about

It constitutes

one

per

Sparingly soluble
chloroform

and

in water,

color, which

hydrochloric
when

boiled

belong
It may

to

be

hot

becomes
acid

do

Cold

alcohol.

amylic

affect it ; the

not

soluble

very

acid

pale
not

imparts
on

sulphate of

the

glucosides.

separated from

in

copper

It

prisms.

alcohol, ether,

sulphuric acid does

it an
orange-yellow

It acts
and

loid.
alka-

an

six-sided

cooling. Strong

affect it.

with

to

as

kernel.

of the

cent,

in colorless, silken, slender,

crystallizes

to

within

symptoms

pain, and

was

The

hour.

an

were

mind, giddiness, dimness

abdominal

decoction

poison,and

the

and

pital.
Philadelphia Hos-

half

about

with

sort

Fish, of Philadelphia,

in the

in

seized

were

after

external

voluntary

vomiting

nausea,

late Dr.

died

thirst,severe

The

The

of accidental

cases

respirationslow

of

is loss

be

substance, of six persons

Two

after

also

may

pains.

several

reported

half

There

consciousness, the sufferer lying in

of

not

action

singular,indicatingan

cerebro-spinal centres.

power,
of

somewhat

are

like

nitric

grape

potassa, and

organic liquids,such

as

and

sugar
is said

beer,

416

TOXICOLOGY.

CHAPTER
THE

ALKALOIDS

Within
has

the

been
which

to

from
These

past few
to

Selmi

has

and

poisonous,

about

is,as

these

some

certain

yet, considerable

them.

of

those

and

to

328); and,

p.

These

has

been

ever

natural

cause

If the

would

morbific

of

that
fatal

sometimes

symptoms

strongly

resemble
effects

Similar

poisons.
from

speak

known

These

it.

cheese, sausages

{yid.ante,
vegetables.

mussels
canned
attributed

been

various

to

stated

alkaloidal

symptoms,

of the

existence
be

above
that

these

alluded

were

cadaveric

which

maize
is

are

the

true

to.

decomposed

principle,which
and

them

positivelydemonstrated,

be that

then

symptoms

further

tetanic

should

act

vagueness

satisfactory
explanationof

very

offered.

poisonous

producing

no

inference

been

have

symptoms

been

and

severe,

instances, from

some

ptomaines,

of the

It has

long

occasionally result

hitherto

but

alkaloids, or
the

in

anomalous

causes,

It has

familiar

are

to

seem

qualifiedto

character, and

certain

in

alkaloids.

shell-fish,
particularlyfrom

certain

again

not

are

animal.

of them

Some

others

partake

narcotic-irritant

known

we

bodies,

alkaloids

uncertainty and

occasion
who

in persons

produced by

also

are

will

meat

chiefly

"

vegetable

poisonous

positivelyconcerning

are

the

of

Ptomaines, resulting

substances

inert,and

that

symptoms

of

toxicologists

class

certain

name

resemble

are

of

attention
of

organic

bodies, so

putrescent

PTOMAINES.

physiological actions.

to
antagonistically

There

the

given

of

the

existence

strongly

their chemical

PUTREFACTION"

years

the

decay

bodies

very

OF

called

the

XXXI.

tains
con-

capable
sometimes

of

417

PTOMAINES.

narcosis

with

attended

from
If this

body,
putrefied

Maas

(Am. Jour. Med.

is to

treat

the

several

the

alcoholic

extract

ether, or

like
the

heart and

to

This

like

of

devised, in

silver

bromide, as

ferrocyanide in

the

succeeded

in

in

miliaryfever;one
character,showing
heart

acting

one

"

third

paralyzing

in

their

properties

act

similarly

very

of

have, however,

potassium ferricyanide

being

ptomaine

is present.

tetanus,

base

to

prove

reduced

; while

Selmi

bases

to
no

the

such
others

and

from

and

the

urine

progressive paralysisand

resembled

other
go

solution

acid

(first
adding

them

nicotina

specialtendency

; the

for

they might easily be

extractingpoisonous

Still later researches

!9

of

alkaloid

of these

the

medico-legal investigation.

use

from
patientssuffering

and

and

reagents, the former

if an

Reduce

frogs

; others

codeia;

the presence

occurs

acid

the blood.

discriminatingbetween

been

reduction

them

Hebdom),

separated,which

been

strychnia,and

aconitine
and

morphia

H.

to

employed

chloroform

on

venient
con-

acetic

By treatingthis
have

very

concentrate

be

may

physiologicaleffects

with

Methods

marrow

process.

ptomaines strongly resemble,

confounded

of

the

water-bath, and

decomposing

veratrum,

have

repeat

animals.

the alkaloid
effects,

and

and

syrup.

another

morphia,

Some

on

Gaz.

alcohol

different alkaloids

different

putrescent body.

amylic alcohol, or

soda),several
exhibit

on

to

experimentation

discover

to

with

putrefiedmass

extract

aqueous

as

failure

Sci.,July, 1884, from

and
days; filter,

for

serve

obtaining these bodies, according

for

process

in

tracted
ex-

by ptomaines.

fact may

occasional

of the

alkaloids

other

strychnia and

masked

be

may

the

that

impure strychnia

the

is correct, the

observation

plausibleexplanation

with

of

action
physiological

proper

contends

Ranke

and

to

act

resembled
that

in its

the

upon
conia

animal

general
spinal

in odor.

fluids,such

418

as

TOXICOLOGY.

fresh blood and

albumen, before undergoingputrefactio

similar reactions,
with the reagents employe
give precisely
those
that are
afforded by these same
to
reagents wit
ptomaines extracted from a dead animal body.
It will be inferred from all that has been

so-called ptomaines,that the whole

as

being stillsub judice;

and

in the

matter

stated about
may

languageof

be

tl

regarde

Dr. Stevei

(fromwhose article in Taylors Prin. and Prac. of Me,

1883,much of the above is taken),the existence
Jurisp.,
poisonouscadaveric alkaloids in human viscera,even whe
Neve
putridand diseased,is,to say the least,
very rare."
it cannot
be doubted
that their alleged
existence wi
theless,
son

"

"

constantlyemployed by counsel in defendinga crimin,

charged with poisoningwith one of the vegetablealkaloid.1
that tl
urging stronglybefore the jury the possibility
of these spoi
one
allegedpoisonous alkaloid was in reality
is stated t
taneouslygeneratedptomaines. Such a course
whic
have been actuallytaken at the late Lamson
trial,
occurred in London, in 1883.

be

r: