General paralysis : a critical review of the literature of the subject, to which is appended an analysis of the case of John S. Blackburn, in which insanity was alleged as a means of defense / by D.A. Morse.

  • Morse, D. A. (David Appleton), 1840-
Date:
[1874]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: General paralysis : a critical review of the literature of the subject, to which is appended an analysis of the case of John S. Blackburn, in which insanity was alleged as a means of defense / by D.A. Morse. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    ]iis cell some time. I spent an hour and a half with him on the 14tli in the jail, and examined him with reference to his pulse, tongue and pupils several times afterwards. As I have stated, when reaching Chillicothe I went at once to the jail, with Mr. Mayo, the gentlemanly Prosecutor of Ross county. As I entered the jail my ears were greeted by a mourn- ful voice: I shall never get well no more mother. I used to be a good man before I got this disease in my head, didn't I mother ? John and his mother were alone in the cell. He was walking backwards and forwards, tears were running free- ly. He did not perceive me at first, but on turning to walk towards^ the door where I stood, observed me. Mr. Mayo v/as Imnting the jailor, to admit me to the cell—^during this time through the grating I talked with John, examined his pulse, eyes and tongue. He asked me to examine his ears. Both pupils were contracted until they were very small. The face and head were flushed, hot, while the hands were cold, and pur- ple with congestion.—covered with a cold clammy sweat. The face was congested, indicated a high degree of cephalic conges- tion. I had observed his walk before he saw me and became satisfied as to its character, for being alone with his mother no motive was afforded to counterfeit any gait unnatural to him. After dark, this was about 4 o'clock, P. M., I .returned with his brother to the jail, entered the cell and remained long enough to examine him thoroughly upon all points. He was greatly excited—walked all the time—I could scarcely fix his attention upon any subject. Major Blackburn at last commanded him to be still and directed him to answer such questions as I asked him. For a minute or two this quieted him—but not long. I inquired: John, when you were taken sick what troubled you first? where did you feel sick? He replied in my spine; I believe my spine is jueltcd. Does the spine ever melt, doctor?