The New York herald., 1869-03-05
AN OPIUM EATER.

Scene Mt the Jefferson Market Police Court
Yesterday-Thc Arraignment Of Once Emil
nent Surgeon Addicted TO This Habit-His
Disposition With View Of Reformation.
While the usual business Of the Jefferson Market
Police Court before Justice Dodge, progressing
yesterday afternoon officer of the Eighteenth pre-
cinct brought to the bar young man OF intelligent
appearance. but In such state OF stupor that 1t
required the utmost strength Of his custodian to
prevent his falling on the floor. 'Another drunk, /"
mutIered the justice, and he was half correct; but
be was quite unprepared for the sequel.
swell, officer, what Is the matter with your
friend?'
~ have an opium eater here" said he.
"An opium eaters" echoed the Justice.
eyes, sir; and man who has been great ply
sician.n
.Bt where did you get him, and why did you arrest
hima"
'Iet him step up.o
AT this juncture gentlemanly looking, dignined
person stepped up to the Justice and told the follow
JUDGE. INV name is DR.. McCullum, and reside on
First avenue No 34e. am interested In an apothe-
cary shop. The party at the bar Is Dr. William
Flynn, formerly Of philadelphia, q graduate Of the
fessor OF anatomy or that institution. He has held
some Of the most important positions in the country
to whichhi skill as surgeon entitled him. But fear
he has become sadly demoraized in the acquired
habit OF opium eating. I have known HIM about
three months; when he first came to my place OF
business he bought laudanum IN small quantity TO
use, as he said. ''as local application for his
brothers. Leg" He came there frequently after
wards for similar object, and at times would OBJ
tain small quantity OF sugar OF lead. Meanwhile
/ ascertained who he was, and when about two
weeks ago he came TO me and assured
me that he had been very unfortunate and had no
place to stop allowed him to stay IN my place until
he could find something to do. Until recently had
no suspicion OF the cause OF his degradation, and
then only accidentally discovered 1t.
Yesterday, having business down town, left the
store In his care, knowing that he was competent to
take charge OF it. but when / returned found him
asleep apparently hfeless rom the effects Of large
day, gave him sound lecture; but IL was useless
as to-day. being unable to procure opium, he took
[bottle produced and he has taken such quantity
| as to produce this seemingly drunken state.
During the narration OF these particulars Dr.
Flynn leaned his head upon the railing In front Of
| the justice, apparently unconscious OF what was
transprng. yet at times he would raise 1t and look
listlessy about as If he felt he was In strange
place. Justice Dodge fearful tnat he had taken Q
quantity that might prove fatal, here advised DR..
McCulum to procure an emetic and give 1t him.
While the doctor was absent In search OF this DR..
Flynn revived somewhat, when the following con-
versation occurred
"IIow much, doctor, have you taken Of this NOR
"About five grains."
Don't you require an emetic"
show long have you been taxing opium :"
"About TWO or three years.
He then relapsed into his former state OF uncon-
sciousness, and In this condition was remanded 10
OF Charities and Of Corrections, that they NAV pro
vide for him and II possible reclaim him. Soon after
DIR. McCullum followed him, and administered the
In the pocket of Dr. Flynn was found the diploma
accorded him by the University OF Pennsyv ania in
1858, and 1t Is testimonial OF proficiency any medl
cal or surgical gentleman In the land might well be