The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1875-06-17
The Ether Consumer Of Berlin.

A correspondent writing from Berlin
says: One of the sad sights of our city is
a man whose history is worth relating,
and who has been made the subject of
some interesting experiments by the
physicians. This beggar, whose manners
and speech betray a man of cultivation
and refinement, became such a nuisance
on the streets that he was arrested, and,
on the supposition of illness, sent to the
hospital. He complained of languor,
weakness, want Ofappetite, and trembling
in the muscles, and showed unmistakable
traces of a neglected life. His cultivated
speech contrasted strangely with his mis-
cradle appearance, and in a sane moment
his physicians drew from him history of
his misfortunes, given in refined Ian
guage and with regretful pathos that
made the recital painful to his hearers.
In his youth, having free, untram-
meled life, he busted himself principally
with philosophy and aesthetics, and had
an inclination to mystical theology. He
passed discrimination at the gymnasium
and university with credit.
Soon after, he came across writing of
Diefenback which described the use and
effect Of ether as a medicine, and gave
such glowing account of the condition
ofpersons who were subjected to its infu-
ence that he could not resist trying the
experiment. In 1865 he made the first
trial by inhaling two and one-half ounces
of sulphuric ether. So soon as he was
fairly under its influence he had sue
cession of lively illusions, or representa-
tons in mythical theology, that cor
Ial <a <,,r oc c,,1 -,
which, as from hasheesh or opium, mate
rial space or time were entirely disre-
garded. He believed he had travelled all
over the world, and lived through un-
ending time, though the stupor lasted
but fifteen minutes. Feeling no bodily
indisposition resulting from it, and not
being perfectly satisfied with the result,
as he returned to consciousness Just at
the moment all his wishes were about to
be realized, he repeated his experiment.
The second time, however, the illusions
of this dream-life were not so brilliant or
pleasant as before.
In order to produce the same result he
increased the quantity, and soon the in
halation, that was at first tried as an ex-
pertinent, changed into an uncontrolla-
BILE desire, and step by step, as an intern
perate drinker returns to his glass, the
poor fellow resorted to the ether. At
first he inhaled it only in his own room
but the desire grew so strong, and the
power over him was so irresistible, that
he had no rest, and soon he was seen on
the streets with saturated handkerchief
held to his mouth and nostrils, Keeling
from one apothecary to another, buying
the ether in small quantities as his now
limited finances would permit. He con-
sumed at least three-quarters of pound
day-incapable of labor, terror to the
jewellers in whatever house he entered,
and driven forth on account of the
dreadful smell that always surrounded
him.
He became houseless, homeless out
cast, jeered and jibed at by the boys on
the streets. When under the influence
of the ether he reeled like a drunken
man, but at other times he with a cane
strived as vainly as a paralyzed man to
make step.
In the hospital he entreated DIR.
Ewald to subject him to the influence OF
the ether, in order that he might observe
scientifically its effect on his system. He
used two hundred and seven grammes in
thirty-three minutes, with all possible
caution against evaporation, before he
became at all under the influence, and
then, even with this enormous quantity,
Inconsistencies remained but moment.
He came to himself directly after the in
halation ceased, and answered questions
coherently, and gave the appearance
ONLY of n persOn somewhat disturbed in
his mind. The narcotic effects presented
nothing new in science. The illusions
were the same as those of any common
drunkard, and the ether may add only
another to the lists of opiates by which
the unfortunate may seek to drown
their SORROWS.