The herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1835-1837, 1836-01-29
EXPOSURE OF MONSIEUR CHABERT.
IL Frum the London Timesl

magistrates ElFcel,
view to ascertain the degree of responsibility which
would attach 10 him If he administer fatal does
Of rnssie acid to M. Chaben Mr Wakley explained
to Mr. Halls the nature of NJ. Chaberts professions,
and in order TO place the question: least with regard
to prussc acid, beyond dispute and to afford the pub
Inc the most positive proof that Nj. Chabens offer to
swallow prussc acid was not idle boast he stated
that 1t was his intention to attend the following day
at NJ Chabets exhibition, and personally administer
to him portion Of prussc acid Of very great strength
but being satisfied Of the fatal qualities of the acid and
that single drop OF the dose be Dir. Wakley should
take with him, would produce instantaneous DEATH he
felt difficulty as regarded himself should the result
OF the trial prove unfortunate and he wished know
OF the magistrate whelher under these circumstances
In the eve OF the law he should be considered accessory
to the death OF M. Chaber and made liable 10 the con-
sequences-a situation in which he was by no means
solici0us to appear
Mr.. Halls said, that he thought Mr.. Wakley would
stand In the same situation as apothecary who
should vend deleterious drug, the word poison be.
ing written on the label.
Mr.. Wakley said that he not only proposed to fur
nsh the prussc acid but 10 prevent the possibility Of
deception, he intended to administer il himself NJ
Chabert.
Mr.. Halls Observed that he would by all means adj
wise Mr. Wakey to do such thing as if he felt GER
tam that the poison would prove fatal he would GER
taniy incur the risk which he was DESTROYS Of prevent
ing -,
MIR. Wakley said that he felt the situation to be an
awkward one. He by no means wished TO put himself
forward III the matter lie had indeed, for consider
of M Chabet; but having, in his capacity as editor
received vast number Of communications from ned-
cal men on the subject and being continually urged to
put the assertions of Chabe with respect 10 prussic
acid to the test he felt DESTROYS to do So that the
claims OF that individual TO the possession of secret
entidote, might be fairly ascertaned; or if his feats
should prove to be founded in ugge seght of hand
that public exposure should follow.
Mr. Halls remarked, it would be desirable that the
matter should be placed possible beyond doubt II
was certainly most extraordinary, if NJ. Chabert pos
sessed the power OF resisting the effects of poison
deadly in lis nature and instantaneous its effects a.
prussic acid. He Mr.. Hals) had, however, headme-
deal gentlemen declare, who present at the Fire
Kings exhibitions that he actually swallowed prussic
acid. sls ~, -
Mr.. Wakley said, that If he swallowed the smallest
portion OF the prussia acid which he proposed to offer
him Tomorrow at his benefit, and If be survived the
dose his lnr. Wakley's) incredibly would be CON-
Mr. Halls said, that the other feats of N. Chabert
sunk into comparative insignifcance when compared
with the fact OF his swallowing prussic acid. Mr..
Wakiey Knew as well as any man, thai it great
feat to take spoonful of boiling OIL to stand the
effects of a heated oven.
DIR. Wakley remarked, that such feafs were common
to all juggers. 1t was quite different, however, with
respect to water heated to the boiling point AID NJ
Chsbert had not, az he fMr. Wakey) proposed, said
whether or not he willing try the latter test
Mr. Wakley, after again repeating his total disbelief of
the power TO resist deadly posons and especially
prHssie acid, which M. Chaber claimed observed that
the whole medical profession was deeply interested IN
the question, and II was felt stigma on its members
that the means OF couneracting the effects Of snch
dreadfnlly destructive drugs prussic acid Arsenic
&C., should be limited TO Individual If il were in
deed true that d. Cbabe possessed the secret of which
he boosted. He (Mr Wakley) was determined If DOS
sbe to put the matter beyond doubt but at the same
time, ne would act upon Mr. Halls recommendation,
and bold himself clear from the consequences which
might follow, he were to administer the poison to the
Fire King So ,sss.. - =
Dir. Halls said he wished Mr.. Wakley to understand
that he must act entirely upon his own responsibility
Mister the prnssc acid to M. Cbabert Tomorrow H.
however, he should invite him to do so he supposed he
should be justified in meeting his wishes as il would
then be bis own act.
MIR. Minshull observed, that MS magistrate he was
bound to canton Mr.. Wakey how by any act Of his,
he endangered the life of fellow creature.
Mr. Wakley, having thanked the magistrates, retired,
expressing his determination to be present at NJ Cha
bers benefit, for the purpose putting his prefensions
| to the test.
The above report together with others of similar
description which appeared in the msrnng papers, had
the effect Of drawing immense assemblage of gentle.
men 10 M. Chaber's exhibition room. The following
account OF the proceedings is taken from the Morning.
Post of Saturday,
An immense crowd, we have already stated con.
sisting principally of medical and scientific men a.
sembled in the Argyle Rooms on Thursday affernoo.
in consequence of Mr.. Wakeys resolution strictly 70
exact the performance of M Chabers promise TO svaI.
low prussic acid M. Chabert had advertised s be.e
Ct for that day, which occasion he was to repea al
his extraordinary experiments. After some delay he
made his appearance, closely followed by Mr. Valley
and, aware OF the intense curiosity which had
so large concourse together Immediately commenced
| an address to the company -
Gontlemen,CI no well ondelstan de Anglis, and
dar ff0w I-n Il