Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-17
TALKS ON FROG TEST
DIR. TAYLOR THINKS THEM OF NO
PRACTICAL VALUE.
REPLIES TO MR. GRAVELYS CRIIICISM
RidicuIcs the Idea of the Assassina-
tion of Harmless Frog to Prove
Existence of "a known Fact-Chsm.
icai Analysis showed strychnine.

The harsh criticism by Lawyer Grave
ly Of Dr. W. II. Taylor's testimony in
the case OF w. w. Lester, charged in
Henry county with the murder OF W.
T. Davis. has occasioned no little sur
prise in Richmond. where the Chemists
ability and wide experience are SO well
appreciated. DR.. Taylor is less surprised
than any one. however, for he says no
has been made the target OF the wrath
and sarcasm OF lawyers who have at
tempted to belittle his evidence on 50
many occasions that AIr. Gravelys
structures seemed remarkably mild
1t Will be remembered by readers or
the Dispatch that Lester stands charged
with administering poison to Davis.
thereby causing his death. The stomach
OF the deceased was submitted TO Dr.
Taylor in his official capacity as State
Chemist for chemical analysis, and his
testimony was introduced. by the Com-
monwealth as expect testimony. DR..
Taylor found strychnine in the intes-
tines of Davis and his testimony was
very positive and extremely damaging
TO the prisoner. In an effort TO break
the force OF It, tho defence engaged tho
service Of Experts Mallet and Steele.
but it Is claimed that their opinions
were even more damaging than that or
Or. Taylor, and neither was called to
the stand. Tho only obisction that Or.
Mallet made was that DR.. Taylor had
not proved his experiment by the frog
test, and following this cue counsel for
the defence made much capital OF thu
fact.
Or. Taylor returned home yesterday
from Martinsville, where the trial Is be-
ing held. ana was seen by n Dispatch
reporter last nlght. He said he did not
think Mr.. Grayelys remarks would In
fluence the jury to throw his evidence
out I'm their consideration OF the case.
as they we're I'm full possession OF all tho
facts I'm the case. The lawyers remarks
he said, were founded on what Is popu-
larry called "Hone-BoolI Law"-"when
you have no case. abuse the witnesses"
There was absolutely no doubt about tho
presence of strychnine in the mans In
testines, the Coroner continued. only
fussy individuals continue TO seek for
what has already been found. Practical
chemists he said. never used the frog
test adNocdtcu by MI. GraNely, IL -
only advocated by book" chemists, who
DO not make tests themselves. but write
and tell others how they should be made.
"The experiment" ne said. ''is absolutely
useless, and I'm this instance, would
only have meant the assassination OF
harmless frog and ! am ayerse TO the
staying Of inoffensive animals for no
reason The test does not even IDENTIFY
strychnine II the frog dies, Il proves
nothing. but we have chemical tests that
arc quite infalible. and II would be
quite useless to go farther
In conclusion the Doctor said he was
not I'm a position 10 discuss the matter
I'm It's other bearings at present, and while
he might enjoy the privilege of black
guarding the lawyer In turn, the gravity
Of tho case was really not such gs 20
warrant such course. why" said
he Mr. Gravelys remarks are mild
and complimentary. indeed. when com
pared 10 some that have been aimed at
nv devoted head by offended cOupsel.
II is quite impossible 20 please everybody
so | aim simply TO state the facts as |
find them so to be- and let the people
more interested than | settle IT,"