The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-06-06
AN EXPERIMENT.

Dr.. Gabriefs experiment., with its extra
ordinary resRlt, has been tkerenghly sifted
by many learned and scientific societies
Indeed, believe the whole scientific world
has at last been forced to accept if Rette
understand tae facts in connection with it.
1t Is net SO, hewever, with the outside
wor!d-tAe lay public; exaggerated ae-
counts have found their way iRso the daily
papers; rapzcieus contributors to weekly
light literature have eagerly seized upon
the weird truth to build upeR it tower Of
sensational fctieD; writers of leading ar
ticles totally ignorant Of the true story
have gone SO far as to accuse those con-
earned of fraud.
To these who have known DR. Gabriel,
and enjoyed bis friendship; to these who
have been his fellow workers in science
and have learned to appreciate his genius,
these misunderstanding these ridiculous
exaggerstions are especially painful. 1t is
under such circumstances that have been
requested to write clearly, and IS far as
possible without tAs use of scientific terms,
all that is known of this remarkable ex-
pertinent
| DE-. Gabriel has been well known in med
icaA circles as the rising ocuIist Of St. Jo-
sepA's hospital. His indefatiga5le efforts
have largely added 10 the literature of his
special subject. His Investigations and e1-
| peri1neRts in optics and the surgery of the
eye have placed him in the front rank Of
his profession, and have secured for him a
lasting reputation.
Our acquaintance regret to say, was
not extensive; occasionally we have met at
the house Of his colleague, Dr.. Benson,
sometimes in the hunting field
There is no necessity To describe his per-
sonal appearance; stalsice it to say that it
needed but a glance to assure enc that he
was man of keen intellect and gentle
man His manner, always courteous, was
somewhat toe reserved to please most peo-
| pie. although among his intimate friends
this reserve was found to cover a mine of
humor and good nature.
From DR.. Benson / have learned much
concerning the oeuhst's private life, his
work at the hospital, his various inventions
and experiments.
A little more than aiyear ago DR.. Gabriel
married the beautiful daughter Of cele-
brated artist, a girl who, without being in
the least degree blue stocking, had re-
ceived far higher education than most
English women. She interested herself
greatly in her husbands studies, and by
her artistic abilities was enabled to be of
considerable service to him in preparing
drawings to ilalstrate his great work on
the eye. Much of her time was spent in
such useful labor.
No wonder, taen, these two were mora
united than the majority Of people.
Although Mrs. Gabriei's beauty was of
such a high order as to have made it an
easy matter fer her to reign as leading
a+v Id
temptation for her. Entirely devoted to
her husband and his work, her happiness
was perfect. Truly DIR. Gabriel was for
tunate man to have wen such a companion
In toll and reoreationl But their happiness
was short lived. They had been married
but one year-one year of unbroken glad
ness-when. the summer session having
passed, DR.. Gabriel put science and prae-
tice entirely awey, and prepared to spend
his months vacation in Alpine climbing.
His wife never hesitaeed to share this toll
some pleasure; strong and robust, it was
just the exercise NEST fascinating to her
energetic nature. The story of her fate La
a short one.
One morning the daily papers contained
short account of another frightful acct
dent in the Alps" Mrs. Gabriel and
guide wers killed by q mass of falling rock.
Dr. Gabriel, though much injured, reeOV-
cred. On his return to England he gave
up all professional work. A CHASTITY
change had taken place. In his haggard
face and gray hair few could recognize the
great oeuhSt who had been che picture of
strong and eaergstic manhood. His col
leagues and fellow professors endeavored
to persuade him to ressrn te his practice
and HOSPITAL work, but in vain. He would
see but few friends, and for some time DR..
Benson only was admitted. This excel
lent man was much alarmed at his condi-
ton, but failed to arouse the wiaowsF from
the respondent state into which he had
fallen.
Weeks passed and still no signs Of I'm
proveIaent appeared. DR.. GahrIel's seclu-
sion became even more profound, so that
it was with diEiieulty DR.. Benson could OBJ
tain access TO him.
Runners were circulated that the shock
of his wtfs's desth and the injuries he him
self had sustained had affected his mind,
bat these reports were eEzsphR tically denied
by those friends who We're successful in OBJ
tanning an audience The household ser
wants, too, declared that beyond bis excess
i've reserve there was nothing unusual in
his manner. They said he spent most of
his time in his laboratory, where he fire.
quently remained the whole day and the
greater part of the night, and was absorbed
in an experiment of great interest.
Let me here introduce myself in order to
explain the part taken by me in the events
which followed. I will first state that
have no connection whatever with the
medical profession. Being Of indie eadent
means and of somewhat scientific turn, |
have devoted much time TO the study Of
photography, especially these branches SO
seldom atten eted by anRte9rs-viz., en-
largag and reproducing. In this way l
have been able to be OF service TO many
eminent histoIegists and Elioroscopists-
including my friend. Dr.. Bsnsen-raen who
have no time TO register the result OF their
researches By this means themselves. The
work has an indeScri5z Die fascination fer
me. | have studied under the most cele-
brated professors of photography beth ia
this country and on the Continent. and l
think l can say without vain boastIlg that
car held my own against any prsfes-
SIGNAL in this art. By rhis means I be-
came acquainted with many colleagues Of !
Dr. Gabriel
One night after meeting Of the Histo-
logical society, we were TediscusSing the
speech Of the evening, when Br. Benson,
who had been called away an hour or two
previously, returned, his genial counte-
nance RreterDatuFally grave ard anxious.
He seen told Us that be had just come from !
Or. Gabriel, whe haa became suddenly ana /
unaceourtablv stone bind! Such an m |
nosncsrnent 81 sroe stepped sll further [
discussion CT the cholera etClllUs. the /
sRbiec ef the meeting. and d.. Benson was 7
eagzrll questioned for further ltoEEs-
ton. Tha case completely bgGes ne"