The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1849-07-31 00:00:00

THE CLOCK TOWER.

This fine object rises from an artificial island of granite,
which divides the two entrances to the Salisbury Dock.
The tower is also built of rubble granite, edged with hewn
stone of the same kind. It is about 108 feet in height,
and is round at the base, and sexagonal above. There
is a handsome projecting balcony, with a perforated para-
pet, or breast-wall, at about half the height of the build-
ing. This is immediately under the six clock faces,
fixed on the respective sides forming the sexagon. The
top of the tower is finished with battlements, over a pro-
jecting cornice ; but the embrasures appear to us to be too
small in the perforations, giving the intermediate and
finishing stone-work the appearance of teeth. This
however, (as the tower is not intended for warlike pur-
poses), is merely a matter of taste. We visited the in-
terior of the tower, and were astonished by the massive-
ness of the walls, (apparently eight feet thick), and the
extraordinary strength of the whole structure, which is
arched and fire-proof—and we may add storm and ball-
proof—in every story. It would, we should think, cost
quite as much labour and time to take it down, (should
that ever be thought of), as it must have required to build
it. The arched roofing is peculiarly contrived, and is
strengthened by strong iron girders, forming segments.
The lower apartments, three lofty stories in height, will
be occupied as a dwelling, by one of the dock-masters.
We ascended by somewhat steep flights of iron stairs,
with perforated steps,—the first flight straight, and the
others spiral. There are iron rod handrails, so that with
a little caution there is no danger of a fall. On reaching
the outer balcony, (a height of nearly 60 feet), and walk-
ing round it, we were surprised and gratified by the de-
lightful views that prevented themselves at every point.
The clock faces, over head, appear to be each about three
yards in diameter, and the hands are all moved by one
large clock, regulated by our townsman Mr. Roskell.
The pendulum is incased within wood-work in the
higher room.
Fine, however, as the prospect is from the balcony, it is
far exceeded by that obtained from the top of the tower—
more than twice the height. Thence may be seen west-
ward the whole extent of the docks, with their shipping ;
the river, enlivened by numerous vessels in motion ; the
Cheshire shore ; and, far beyond it, the Welsh mountains.
To the east (on the other side) are seen Everton-hill and
its mansions; the Bury Railway viaduct, alive with rush-
ing trains ; Walton ; and the whole northern coast, even
beyond Formby Point. North and south the view is
equally expansive, of sea and land, shipping and town.
It is intended, we learn, that the public shall be admitted,
ad libitum, to the top of the tower when the interior is
finished for their easy ascent; and this, we think, will be
a boon. We cannot doubt but that numerous parties
will avail themselves of the advantage; and we would
suggest that boxes for donations to our principal charities
should be kept at the tower, as we think every visitor
would contribute something. The adjacent new docks
present at all times many attractions in shipping, both
steamers and sailing vessels; and not the least, at pre-
sent, is the huge but fine hull of the Great Britain, not
vet refitted by her new owners. We would also suggest
to captains of sea-going vessels that they should note
their departure from, and arrival at, the port from:this
tower, the clock of which is regulated in precise accord-
ance with Greenwich time. _ _

The present article has so much extended upon us that
we must postpone some intended notice of the extreme
north docks, yet in embryo ; but we cannot now lay down
the pen without expressing our thanks to Mr. Riley, the
foreman of the works, for the statistical information he
has afforded us ; and adding, as our humble opinion, that
the whole of these docks are not only highly creditable,
in design and workmanship, to the Dock Smveror and
his assistants, but confer an honour on the town.

,kL

DR. HAWTHORNE'S TREATMENT.
CORONEA'S INVESTIGATION.

On Friday last, a jury was empanelled,! by order
of the borough coroner, to make an inquiry into the
circumstances attendant on the death of a female, named
Jane Moreland, who resided in Mary's-terrace, Kent-
street; and who, it is affirmed, was seized with cholera,
treated for it professionally by Dr. Hawthorne, and died
in consequence of narcotics administered. The inquiry
was deferred until Saturday, but the circumstances of the
case, so far as we have been able to gather them, are
these :—The deceased was taken ill on Friday, and a sur-
geon connected with the dispensary was sent for, but
some delay occurring in his attendance, the friends of the
deceased, at six o'clock on Friday evening, sent for Dr.
Hawthorne, whose son arrived at the house about seven, and
administered to the patient five pills. In half an hour
afterwards he gave her five more pills, and then left her
for the night. The following day he came again, and left
her a bottle of medicine. On Monday, he attended, and
gave her two more pills, and left another bottle of medicine,
remarking at the time that he could do no more for her,
and should, therefore, discontinue his visits. On Tuesday,
the curate of St. Mark's Church, who was acquainted with
the circumstances of the case, saw Mr. Leach, the sur-
geon, and communicated the matter to him. Mr. Leach
called upon Dr. Macrorie, and together they proceeded to
the house where the patient was lying. They found her
in a state of stupor, as though produced by the effect of a
narcotic. Mr. Leach continued to attend her, and he also
administered medicine, to her but she died on Thursday
morning at half-past eleven o'clock, not having recovered
from the stupor in which she was when he first saw her.
Mr. Leach having refused to certify the death to Mr.
Inspector Fresh, Mr. Fresh communicated with Dr.
Duncan. who, after inquiries, deemed it his duty to lay
the matter before the borough coroner, who determined
to hold an inquest on the body. Hence had the jury been
impanelled. A long consultation took place between the
coroner, Dr. Duncan, Mr. Leach, and the son of Dr. Haw-
thorne, in the coroner's private room, after which the
coroner stated in court that he had arranged that the in-

quest should be taken at ten o'clock on Saturday morning,

ADJOURNED INVESTIGATION.

On Saturday morning, at ten o'clock, the coroner met
the jury summoned at the dead-house, where, after being
sworn in, they viewed the body. Deceased was, we
learned, the wife of a joiner residing in Kent-street. The
jury were Mesfrs. John H. Birliett, John Briscoe, Wilson
Bell, John Skillicorn, Joseph Cummins, John Percival,
Robert Clay, Thomas Green, John Wild, Henry Smith,
Richard Barton, and Thorn.. Spencer.
The Coroner was desiroas that the jury should consist
of at least fifteen, but two arrived too late to be sworn in,
and two others did not make their appearance.
There were many medical gentlemen present, and the
court was crowded during the day.
The CORONER (addressing the jury) said that his atten-
tion had been first drawn to the case by the receipt of a
letter from Dr. Duncan (which he read), and which was
to the effect, that the deceased had been attended first by
Mr. Hawthorne, and afterwards by Dr. Macrorie and Mr.
Leach together, all of whom had refused to give a certifi-
cate of the cause of death,—the first, on the ground that
the two last-named gentlemen had superseded him in his
treatment of the patient ; and those gentlemen on the
ground that improper medical treatment had, in their
opinion, been adopted by Mr. Hawthorne, and that to all
appearances death had resulted from an over dose of nar-
cotic poison. Doctors differed, as they all knew, and
every man had a right to pursue his own mode of practice,
provided it did not result, through gross neglect or want
of care, in causing or accelerating the death of the patient.
He added that the immediate cause of death was the ques-
tion to be considered, and that they must dismiss from
their minds all impressions derived from the public prints
and from rumour, and decide upon the evidence alone.
They had to inquire whether poison was the cause of death,
and if so, whether the deceased took it herself or it was
administered to her by others.
Mr. John Leach, surgeon, sworn. He said that on
Tuesday evening last the Rev. Mr. Green, curate of St.
Mark's, called my attention to the case of deceased. I
refused to go until Mr. Hawthorne, who had previously
attended, was communicated with. Mr. Green called on
me again, and requested me to attend the case. Under
the impression that it might be a serious case, and not
wishing to take the entire responsibility, I called upon
and took Dr. Macrorie along with me. I found her in a
state of coma, and labouring under all the symptoms of
a person who had had an over dose of narcotic poison.
Dr. Macrorie was of the same opinion. Acting upon his
direction and my own judgment, I treated the case accord-
ingly. This was about seven in the evening. She ap-
peared to rally a little. She died, I believe, on Thursday
morning. I observed no symptoms of cholera when I saw
her. She might have had it previous, for aught I know
to the contrary. I was then of opinion that the imme-
diate cause of death was an over dose of narcotic poison.
I was present yesterday at the yo t mortem examination
male by Mr. Woods, surgeon. My opinion as to the
cause of death is still the same. I found the deceased in
a state of coma, by which T mean narcotism, which, in my
opinion, was most probably set up by opium. Ido not
mean to assimilate coma with narcotism, as the coma is
produced by a narcotic. Pure narcotism cannot be set up
spontaneously. I have not had much experience in cho-
lera, but have seen many cases lately. I consider in cer-
tain stages of the disease that tolerably large doses of opium
would be judicious. I have given four grains in two hours
to a patient labouring under cholera. It is possible that
such a quantity in such space of time might produce all
the symptoms of narcotism I found in this cash ; but it is
not probable. All would depend on the state of the con-
stitution.

By Mr. Hawthorne.—l anticipated that it was a dan-
gerous case from what Mr. Green told me. I have seen a
patient in a collapsed state at two in the afternoon, who
died at three next morning. A reaction would be a good
symptom, after collapse. In cholera the blood becomes
like tar, and the small veins may become clogged, so as
to stop the circulation. I have seen but few recover from
collapse.
Dr. Macrorie, sworn.—He said he saw deceased on
Tuesday, with Mr. Leach. He considered the symp-
toms to be narcotism, arising from the exhibition of nar-
cotic. I thought it like a case of cholera, which I thought
set up the narcotism. I have had considerable experience
in the treatment of cholera. In five or six hours I have
given a cholera patient, in divided doses, as much as six or
seven grains of opium, being governed by the nature of
the case, and the constitution of the patient. Such a
quantity might in five or six hours produce such a state of
narcotism as I witnessed in the deceased. After a patient
recovers from collapse, consecutive fever follows, but not
always. Ido not consider this a case of consecutive fever.
Some eminent men differ in their treatment of cholera.
I have read these prescriptions. The first (marked A) is
a proper one for cholera in its depressed state. It might
be adapted to it, but not one I would recommend. That
marked B is such as I never recommend in a case of cho-
lera, although I have seen hundreds of cases. It contains
calomel, colocynth, and oil of carraway. I should con-
sider it rather too severe. The effect would very much
depend on the previous treatment ; but one probable
effect would be a greater degree of purging than I would
think proper. It would not produce narcotism. The
direction is that it be made into two pills and taken imme-
diately. There is no opiate in either prescription. Ido
not recollect having met with any professional gentlemen
who have administered larger doses of opium than I have
before stated as my practice.
By a juror.—l would not consider it proper to give four
or five grains of opium to a cholera patient in collapse.
Mr. Hawthorne having stated that he came there
solely to defend himself against an unjust chare,
The Coroner said he was not aware of any charge
against him—at least to his knowledge, yet he (Mr. H.)
had a right, if he so considered it to defend himself.
Dr. Macrorie, on being cross-questioned by Mr.
Hawthorne, complained of being subjected to detention
from his practice by the questions of Mr. Hawthorne.
He did not know him to be a professional man.
The Coroner said that he believed Mr. Hawthorne
was a regular surgeon, and his father was a physician.
The deceased presented a state of respiration, which is
usually consequent on the exhibition of an extra dose of a
narcotic, and the characteristic starting of respiration—
easily roused, but speedily disposed to sleep. The skin
was moist but not clammy. I have seen a patient die of
collapse in cholera ; they breathe with heaving and anx-
iety, not mental, but totally different from what I saw in
this case. (He described the symptoms of collapse).
When collapse is complete there is generally an absence of
pulse in the extremities. The skin is covered with a cold
perspiration. The tongue is moist and cold and the voice
reduced to a whisper ; but the mind clear. In general
few recover ; but some do. Patients after collapse sets in
may die in a shorter or a longer time—from six hours up
to three days. I have known many recover. When a
Dr. Macrorie again complained of being so ques-
tioned by Mr. Hawthorne.
a medical man. _

The Coroner said that he should take care that no im-
proper questions need be replied to, but in the case before
them it was the same as in a serious charge in a higher
court, and he (the witness) was bound to reply to all rele-
vant questions.
Mr. HAWTHORNE said that his object was to show that
the deceased did not die from narcotic poison, but from
congestion of the brain.
Dr. Macrorie still appearing to be anxious to retire to
attend to his patients,
The Coroner said that if the jury and Mr. Hawthorne
desired it, he would adjourn this part of the case, and
proceed to the other evidence,—but:this was not arranged,
and Mr. Hawthorne proceeded with his cross-examination.
patient rallies from collapse he may be attacked with con-
secutive fever—from which he mayrecover, or linger a week
or ten days. Generally there is congestion of the head.
The blood under cholera becomes more inspissated than in
the natural state, and therefore is liable to become con-
gested in the brain. Patients suffering from congestion of
Cre brain present the following appearances :—There is
first the face flushed, the eye suffused, the tongue evated,
with thirst and increase of heat of skin, and perhaps deli-
rium. If the symptoms proceeded the patient might be-
come comatose and die, or die without being so. There
might be different stages of the comotose state before coma
Was complete. In slight coma there is a tendency to
sleep, which increases as the coma becomes complete.
Coma may continue for some days before death or reco-
very. In cases of coma the tendency to sleep is the chief
characteristic. In the early stage of coma the patient
may be roused a little, but some falls over. The:breathing
becomes more laborious as the comatose state proceeds.
In describing the peculiar characteristics of coma, as being
set up naturally, there were none of them in this case, ex-
cept disposition to sleep. In this case there was that pe-
culiar characteristic of the result of the exhibition of a
narcotic, different from ordinary coma. There was also
the contracted pupil, not usual in ordinary coma, which
confirmed my opinion. The pupil generally becomes di-
lated in ordinary coma. Congestion of the brain in the
early stage has a tendency to produce irritability and
contraction of the pupil of the eye. The effect of opium
u a powdered atate may continue for eight, ten, or

12 hours, or even for 24 hours in some cases. The
general opiniol of the profes.4on is that the narcotic effect
of opium subsides in 8 hours. (The Coroner said it was
the opinion of the celebrated Dr. Christian that the fatal
effect of opium generally resulted in death in 12 hours).
The second prescription is not a very strong dose. In
some eases of consecu'ive fever, after cholera, it may be
given with proper effect. If patients be affected with anxi-
ous, laborio%is breathing, and heaving of the chest, in the
collapsed state, it shows alar Ain sympt mas.
Mr. Hawthorne, in the course of his exmaination,
complained of Dr. Macrorie being ever and anon prompted
by persons behind him, which he considered dishonest.
He also said that the deceased got little opium from him,
only two grains in two pills, six days before her death.
She had got warm and sensible on Monday, but on Tues-
day congestion set in after she had been treated by these
two gentlemen.
Mr. Leach, on being recalled and examined by Mr.
Hawthorne admitted that, in the early stages of cholera,
large doses of opium might be judicious. Witness added
(of his own acccrd) that he did not wish to come into
court, and disclaimed all intention of imputing wrong to
Mr. Hawthorne, as had been alleged. All he had stated
was that he Mr. H. should have given a certificate of the
cause of death, which he (Mr. L.) could not, from the
appearance of the body, conscientiously do.
Mr. Hawthorne appeared to doubt this statement as to
the allegation ; but some explanation took place between
the two gentlemen, and the subject dropped,—Mr. H.
however, not appearing to be quite satisfied.
Mr. Geo. Woods, surgeon, called,—l have practised
nearly ten years. lam at present a Medical District
Visiter, for cholera, appointed by the Select Vestry. I
have made a post mortern examination of the body of
the deceased. The countenance presented rather a placid
appearance. The eyes were not unusually sunken. The
pupils were rather dilated. There was no outward ap-
pearance to lead to a positive conclusion. I found the
bowels in a congested state ; but healthy in structure.
They were livid, and distended with blood. The mucous
lining of the stomach was in a sound state. The blood
in the ventricles was of a dark colour, but not coagulated.
The cause of death was congestion of the brain. I can-
not say from the appearances whether the congestion was
set up by natural or by foreign cause. Congestion of the
brain may be set up by many natural causes, or from an
overdose of a narcotic.

By Mr. Hawthorne,—Congestive fever, and congestion
generally, often follow the collapsed state of cholera. I
think congestion arising from natural causes, after col-
lapse in cholera, would, as a general rule, produce all the
morbid symptoms developed in the post mortem examina-
tion of the deceased. The congestion, in this case, might
be produced by
natural causes. A person would not live
6 days with the brain in buoh a state of congestion as I
found that of the deceased.

Jane Salmond called :—She said I was called on Friday
week to deceased, who complained of cramps in the legs
and feet. She was vomiting stuff like thin gruel. Mr.
Alexander. Hawthorne was called in that evening to see
her. He administered five pills to her. She had not
then a disposition to sleep. Mr. Hawthorne continued
with her about half an hour. I did not see him give her
more pills. I saw deceased again next morning. She
did not then seem drowsy or sleepy. Mr. Hawthorne
saw deceased three times. He wrote out two prescrip-
tions—one on Saturday, and one on Monday ; and gave
directions that they were to be made up at the Apothecary's
Hall. The first was a draught, which deceased took.
The one on the Monday, which deceased took between
two and three o'clock that day. I frequently attended
her in her illness. So far as I knew she took no other
medicine than that mentioned. Mr. Hawthorne did
not see her again. When he left her on Mon-
day, he said he had done his best for her. I did not
see her again on Monday. I saw her on Tuesday morn-
ing about eight o'clock. She was in bed. I saw a great
change in her She was sleepy, and could not speak. I
tried to rouse her but she was not conscious. I saw her
several times before Mr. Leach was called. She still con-
tinued in a sleepy state. She died on Thursday morning
at one o'clock.

By Mr. Hawthorne,—You gave her the pills in a tea-
spoon. You directed hot applications to her feet for the
cramps. You gave her the liquid medicine in a tee.spoon-
ful at a time. Your brother visited the deceased also.
Ido not know whether he visited hei. on Tuesday. He
said he bad done all that was necessary. He did not say
that he would not return when he left the house. De-
ceased appeared a great deal better on Monday morning
than she had been since her illness. She was conversing
with persons in the room, and asked about her children.
She was talking freely all Monday morning.
This concluded the evidence.