Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1891-07-21

Butchering tho Bodies In the Interest Of
Science.
NEW YORK, July 13.-EverybOdy ex-
pected that DR.. Carlos F. Mcdonald
would WELD the lancet in the autopsy
on the Sing Sing murderers, but when
the medical men assembled in the little
room adjoining the death chamber,
where the bodies of the four murderers
lay on slate slabs, it was found that DR..
Van Giesen of Green Point, anephew OF
A. p. Van Giesen, had been deputed to
perform that function, assisted by DR..
Franklin Thompson, jr. Other physi-
clans present were DR.. Samuel B. Ward
of Albany, DR.. L. V. Cortelyu of Brook
lyn, Prof. Laudy, DR.. Daniels and DR..
Allison, all of Auburn.
"We selected the japanese first, said
one of the physicians afterwards, 'be-
cause of his physical development. He
was as remarkably built man as ever
saw. A triangular cut was made d.
rectly over the breast bone. The heart
and lungs were then removed, and af-
forwards the stomach, liver and other
organs. The lungs and heart were filed
with venous blood. The color of all the
organs was perfect. The fluids in the
body were thinner than before death,
showing the rapid disintegratiOn
caused by the passage of the current.
There were no marks or burns on any
of the men. They were all possessed of
remarkably fine physiques, while their
internal organs were not injured in any
way.
"The Japanese would really adorn
any anatomical museum. A significant
fact was that his brain was OF more than
average size and normal. This proved
conclusively that any talk as to mis- H.
sanity was the veriest hoSh. AS soon
as the autopsy on his body was conclud-
ed, the organs were replaced and the
triangular aperture closed, as indeed
was done with each of the others.
The second man examined was Smi-
Ter. Nothing extraordinary was dis
covered except that his left lung had
several tuberclee, which might have
troubled him in later years had he
lived. Wood and Slocun followed.
with the result of showing. as in the
others, perfect internal organs.
Il have performed great many au-
topsies, but never saw one done under
more favorable circumstances. Prac-
tically, the men were almost the same
as if they had been Cit up alive, death
came so instantly. The average man
has not stomach which is healthy.
but Jugifo's was wonderfully So
The absence of marks or burnt spots
is explained by the careful way in
which the electrodes were applied
Usually blister is found, which is
caused by the moisture in the sponge
evaporating as steam and scalding the
person.
Il never saw an autopsy performed
with greater decency. 1t could not
have been done with any more pains if
it had taken place over four kings The
results from medical point of view
were satisfactory, but nothing very
valuable was learned. AS medical men
we were all convinced that the electric
chair is rapid, effective and painless"
Or. Charles Daniels of Buffalo, one OF
the witnesses and Il participant in the
autopsy. had this to say: The scion
tilic value of the execution would not
be revealed in to-days autopsy. That
will only come when each physician has
made microscopic examination and 9TH
erwise tested the tissue he HIS taken
away"