The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1864-07-15
From the Daily Saratogian.


From the Daily Saratogian.
A singular and painful case of mistake
by physician, causing the death of a
young lady, occurred in this village on
Saturday last. The victim of the error
was Miss Susan w. Shepard, aged 81
years, daughter of S. Shepard, Esq, of
Troy, formerly of the American hotel of
that city; and the accident, as we are in
formed, occurred in this wise Miss Shep-
ard and her mother were visiting the fam
lily of John Benedict, Esq, Of this place,
and during Saturday forenoon Miss S.
was taken somewhat i'll. Her mother
called upon DR.. S. S. Strong to prescribe
for her daughter. A prescription was pre-
pared by him and handed to Mrs. Shepard,
who returned and administered the potion
Miss Shepard was soon affected, complain
ed of a singular sensation in her head, and
loosely remarked something about hav-
ing the Mysteries. Her eyes were observ-
ed to dilate unnaturally, and within few
minutes she became completely pros.ra.
ted.
Strong, whose residence is but a square
distant, was promptly summoned, and hur
red to the scene. At first the Doctor
could not believe that the medicine had
produced the effect, and, to show his con
tidence, took a spoonful OF it himself
Blu. on more closely observing the pecu~
liar symptoms, the cause was revealed to
his mind, and he frankly stated that he
must nave given a medicine he did not in
tend to, and that in her condition, there
was danger it would prove fatal. Imme-
di5W efforts were made, however, to re-
lieve her o: the fatal potion, and 10 coun-
teract its effects, but without avail. She
lived only about an hour and half after
the medicine was administered.
DR.. Strong was intensely affected, and
expressed a willingness to take the place
of the young lady if that would restore
her. In explanation of the mistake, he
stated that there are two bottles standing
near together on his shelves, labelled, res
pectively, Geranium and "Gesmiu-
um," the contents of which are similar in
appearance. He intended to give the
Geranium," but was deceived in look
ing at the label, and inadvertently gave
the " Gelsimirum." The mistake, it will
be seen, was one of the eye, deceived by
the similarity OF the words in appearance,
the beginnings and examinations being ex-
aclly alike.
The "Gelsiminum " tends to produce
nervous prostration. and in small doses,
such as inadvertently given to this young
lady, would not ordinarily have a fatai
effect. Delicate females are frequently
given from three to four doses a day
But in the case of Miss Shepard, her ner-
vous system was peculiarly susceIt Bile 10
the prostrating influence of the drug
DR.. Strong himself, owing to the mental
depression following the termination OF
this sad case, was affected by the dose be
had taken, and recourse was had to slim
ulants to aid in relieving him from the
unpleasant effects Many absurd rumors
have been Sc, ahoat respecting his condi-
lion, for which there is no foundation in
truth.
This sad case is instructive a. showing
the necessity of extreme care, on the part
both of physicians and druggists, in pre-
pairing prescriptions, the effects of which
may be freighted with such fearful conse-
Quences.