The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-06-02
TOO MUCH NICOTINE.
MORE THAN TWO OUNCES OF POISON
IN A MANS ARM.

An H.vstsrats Smokers Strange Mslady
His system was Unable 20 Throw OF
tAs Poisonous AIattsr-Now That No Il
Cured He Despisss the Weed.
One Of the most curious and inexpli-
cable cases known to medicine and sur
gerry has just come to light In Chicago.
The case Ia that of Peter Menker. the
keeper of a grocery store in West Lake
street He is more than 90 years Of age
and is the possessor Of magnificent
physique. Up to six months ago he had
been one of the healthiest of men. Ho
was vigorous and enjoyed athletic
sports. There was none more robust
looking He was mp mornings by the
break Of day and had an appetite at
breakfast time that would have done
credit to an army mule driver.
Along in February, however, he be-
gan to droop. His spirits fell. He did
not laugh as was his wont. His appe-
tite was dismal failure The only
thing that he seemed to enjoy was his
pipe of tobacco and his rocking chair.
These were his constant companions.
He could not sleep. His friends advised
the family to call in a doctor. He pro-
tested.
Along about the 1st Of March rising
having the semblance Of carbuncle
appeared ON his right hand at its juno
ture anteriorly with the arm just over
the radial artery. It seemed as If it
might be erysipelas, so DR.. j. w. Wild
thought. At all events, the sore was
treated a. such.
Weeks went along, and the patient
grew worse instead of better. Poul-
tiees were applied, but they acted as ir-
ritants. Menker was finally compelled
to go to bis bed. There he lay in
semi somnolent state for days. Medi-
cines did not revive him nor lotions al
lay the throbbing pain caused by the
gradually growing sore on his arm. It
eventually grew darker and harder and
more sensitive. The man grew moro
nervous until he was almost ON the
verge of delirium. More medical talent
was consulted. The rising did not show
signs Of ripening.
It was finally agreed to apply the
lance, and this was done. The diseased
part was then the size Of q walnut.
almost as hard and just as black. The
gristle was penetrated, and in the sy-
noical sac was found more than two
ounces of dark, molasses like, looking
fluid. 1t had sickening smell that
penetrated the entire house. Upon ex-
animation it was discovered to be nico-
almost as poisonous as
that found at the bottom Of much
used tobacco pipe. The wound was thor
oughly drained and antiseptics were ap-
piled. The blackish looking fluid was
and tested. But few traces Of
blood matter were discovered, but the
nicotine, in all of its deadly effects, was
plainly apparent. Fifteen drops given
to cat resulted in the cats death.
Within. "a hours Mr.. Menker began
to improve. A week afterward and he
was about bis business. He has now re-
gained his former vigor. But he de-
spises tobacco in all its forms. He can
not bear to smell its fumes. A pipe is
more nauseating than asafetida. 1t is
revolving to all his nerves, and he be-
lieves that were no to attempt to use it
in any form again it would throw him
into paroxysms. He is the best cured
tobacco user that ever lived and is gain
ing flesh since his rescue at the rate of
a half pound day. Still, he sells the
weed, but in doing SO he gives word
Of warning to each of his purchasers.
He had been using it necessarily for
more than 80 years in all its various
forms.
There is great diversity Of opinion
among physicians as to the genuineness
Of the fluid taken from the sack. Some
contend that it must have passed
through the heart in order to have
lodgment over the radial artery, and
that, Of course, drop or SO of nicotine
would paralyze that organ and produce
instant death. But Mr.. Menker, his
friends and his doctors declare that it is
nicotine. "If it isn't. then what is it?"
they ask. Exchange.