Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1912-12-05
A Scientific
Experiment
Bv WILLARD BRAKEMAN

out Edward Penton. a young American
medical student who, on account OF
youth. had escaped being either killed
by ammunition or disease in the great
struggle that had ended five years be-
fore in his own country, went to Ger
many and through the influence of the
American minister was accepted as
assistant surgeon with rank of lieuten-
ant.
/ After the battle of Gravelotte, when
all the medical staff was most needed,
word was brought to DR. Snedicker,
medical director of the Prussian army,
that the American had deliberately in
suited a medical officer Of his own
rank and that duel was to be fought
between the two.
This is very wrong" exclaimed the
doctor with a scOwl. These two
young men may both be disa bled, and
we have not now enough physicians to
take care of the wounded"
"And yet doctor, the challenge hav-
ing passed. there is no way out Of 1t.
Both would have to leave the army if
they did not fight"
"They don't fight duels in America"
said DR. Snedicker. Send this Ameri-
can to me-"
Penton reported, and the doctor en-
deavored to persuade him to apologize.
IN tell you what III do. doctor"
Penton replied "Ill agree to fire an
imaginary shot at him. and If he is not
killed at the first fire ! will apologize
to him."
What do you mean by thatT'
Permit the duel on the following
terms: Make two tablets, both harm
less. Announce that one contains a
deadly poison. The principals each
nent, Lieutenant Berkhalter, that be
has chosen the poisoned one"
IF that will satisfy you. proceed"
AS soon as the wounded were at
least temporarily provided for DR.
Snedicker called a number of medi-
cal officers into his tent and. last of
all, the participants of the duel. He
showed them two pellets exactly alike
in appearance, announcing that one
was harmless while the other contain
ed prussic acid The one containing
the poison would have the taste of the
kernel of peach stones And now.
gentlemen" concluded the doctor.
choose 1t is better for this army to
have one live surgeon than two dis
abled ones"
Berkhalter bravely stepped up to his
superior. put his hand into a glass
tumbler and took out one of two tab
lets. Penton took the remaining one.
Then at a word from the commander
each put his tablet in his mouth An
officer handed each a glass of water,
which he was required to drink in or
der to make sure that he had swal-
lowed his dose
Berkhalter turned pale. He had rec
ognized the taste of prussic acid given
him by his superior. One of the Off
GERS stepped up to the doomed man
and said:
"If you have anything to say, say 1t
quick. The poison acts at once"
81 have only to say that l propose to
die as an officer of the Prussian army
should" replied the plucky doctor
At the same time he felt his legs
giving way under him, and he sank
into the arms of his second, who car
ried him to an army cot and laid him
upon It Penton went to him and Of
fered him his hand
81 envy you" he said. "your oppor-
tunity to show your bravery. would
not have you die without withdra wing
the offensive words | spoke to you"
But BerkhaIter had passed into nm,
consciousness.
Are you satisfied?" asked DR. Sned
ECKER to Penton
'Wait a moment His imagination
cannot act while he is unconscious. He
will revive presently"
Snedicker was disposed to put an
end to the matter before 1t should be
too late, but a German Is nothing II
not an Investigator. and he was con-
tent to grant the request On the ground
of science
Presently Berkhalter opened his eyes
but. seeing a group of officers stand
ing over him, watching him die, he
closed them again.
One of the medical men present went
to the cot and placed his hand on
Berkhalter's heart, then looked anxious
~ at the American.
"A few minutes" he said. will place
him beyond the pale of revival"
Penton whipped a vial from his peck
ct and removing the stopper, held 1t
under his antagonists nose Berkhal-
ter again opened his eyes.
"Tel him" said Penton and immedi
ately left the tent
Doctor" said Snedicker you have
not swallowed poison. The duel has
been turned into a scientific demonstra-
ton Neither tablet contained poison"
Where is the cursed Americana
cried Berkhalter, standing erect II
shall kill him.
Here is "A written apology"