The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-03-18
to, and not allowed by the Court.

or twice in about IL years practice--lt is
not much kept by physicians, nor used.
The actual strength usually kept by apoth-
ecares. Has never used more than hall
a drachm, and prescribed il only once or
twice. Has seen it administered with
brandy and wafer to a dog; it was OF 10
per cent strength. Animal life was gone
in half minute; organic life in half
minute more. In this case the left cavity
of the breest was emptied, and the blood
forced into the veins. The lungs were
gorgeG with blood and congested. This is
not always but usually tine case. The eve
gllstened and staring for some time after
death. No other reliable indications pc
cular to poison. Frohing az the mouth
is said TO be common in such cases should
suppose it would be so in case the poison
produced commissions. The reliable tests
of prussc acid are copperas, blue vitirol,
and lunar caustic or nitrate OF silver, and
the odor. Heard part of Prof. LOOMS
testimony. He stated the same tests
| Witness has seen them used; considered
the tests very positive. Should expect to
defect prussic acid by applying his nose to
the part nearest accessible. If ii was in
the cavities of the body, he should expect
| to find it there, if not too long afterward.
10 dog, he has found it 62 hours after
death in the cavities Of the stomach could
not say it was so distinct in the brain.
| After it had been exposed 10 the air over
"a hours, the acid was detected by all the
tests the animal had been dead IA hours
before the dissection. Brandy in this case
was given with the acid, but could not de-
tect its color. Witness heard the descrip-
ton of Drs. Plais,ed and Moves Of the
wounds on the head; judging from the
description of appearances, witness thinks
the wounds were inflicted after death.
Gross examined. The animal he refer.
red 10 was killed last Saturday night.
Dr. Hubbard and Prof. LOOMS attended
during the experiment. This was the on
ly case he had been present at. The same
tests were applied as he had spoken of
here. In this case the acid administered
was l6 per cent. Never was present at
post nortem examination of human
subject killed by poison. Has been pres
ent at such an examination of person
dying of disease of the heart. The liver
usually exhibits the effects of ardent spr-
its most certainly. Never attended an
examination of a person who died in a
rum fit; in such case should expect to
find the lungs somewhat gorged. Has
seen statements in books that it is not i'm
probable that prussic acid may be general
ed BY decomposition of animal substances
but witness thinks it quite improbable.
Has examined authorities; never saw it
stated that this is "very apt" to be the case.
The volatile oil of bitter aloes is spoken of
| II 49,, A.,
and the only thing that can be mistaken
for it. Would expect to find the odor
more strong Immediately on opening the
body than after exposure.
Direct resumed. In the case of the ami
NAL the odor was strong when the body
was opened, and again in 80 hours after.
wards but the body had been closed up.
Observed in the body of the dog peculiar
blue tinge; more strongly marked in the
lungs than elsewhere. The liver had
something of it, but not so marked. Ne
yer met with such appearances before.
The liquid prussic acid is colorless when
pure. Should think hydrocianic acid is
never generated in the stomach, or if it is
Has no knowledge Of its ever being gen.
Grated there before or after death.
Cross examination resumed. Has wit.
messed the dissectlng or dissection Of many
animals of different kinds, and never saw
anything like the blue appearance mem
toned.
William Tobey, sworn. Prisoner was in
debt 70 witness on the Both September
last, for borrowed money, for about Sis.
One note was given in 1916 for $50. The
other in March, 1S47, for $40. Prisoner
has attempted to borrow money of witness
at various times. In March last was the
last time; he wanted at first from $500 to
$500, at ten per cent, and would keep it
five years if witness desired. Let him
have only what has been stated. He APP
nlied for S4OO or $500 in Vassalboro', in