On the detection of aconite by its physiological action : being notes of experiments made in connection with the trial of Dr. E. W. Pritchard / by Frederick Penny and James Adams.

  • Penny, Frederick, 1816-1869.
Date:
1865
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the detection of aconite by its physiological action : being notes of experiments made in connection with the trial of Dr. E. W. Pritchard / by Frederick Penny and James Adams. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    MEDICO-CHIRURGICAL SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. Tue$day, 11th July, 1865. DR. ADAMS ON THE DETECTION OF ACONITE, Dr. Adams read a paper entitled Notes of experiments made with a view of determining by a physiological test the presence of aconite in a suspected liquid. The Chairman, after thanking Dr. Adams for bringing this most interesting subject before the Society, proceeded to say—It is novel, I have no doubt, to most of us. The experiments are extremely instructive, and I think open up an entirely new field of inquiry. Dr. Steven—I think it would be well if Dr. Adams would let us know the effect of Battley combined with aconite, as well as that of aconite alone. Dr. Adams—I have already stated that by a mixture of both there is pro- duced an effect nearly corresponding with that pi'oduced by either of the agents alone—that it is only when Battley's liquor is used in the very large proportion of 20 to 1 that the effect of the aconite seems to be subdued, and that of the Battley seems to predominate. In any other proportion, the aconite decidedly predominates. In no case does the one overpower completely the other, but the action of the aconite generally predominates. In cases where the dose was not very deadly, we found that the markedly noticeable effects commenced in about three minutes from the time of the fluid being injected. Dr. Coats—Were those peculiar motions of which you have spoken in con- nection with conium—rubbing on the nose, &c.—the same in all the animals? I can quite understand how vital action should be exhibited, but I would like to know whether these little motions were all identical. Dr. Adams—As regards the extract from tincture of conium, they were iden- tical. But our observations on the various alkaloidal poisons to which I have referred are as yet incomplete, and that is what has made me do no more tlian allude to some of the peculiar effects noticed by us, because Dr. Penny and my- self think it advisable to continue our inquiries. As regards the action of aconite and Battley's liquor, we are satisfied we have little to learn. In every form in which these can be varied, we are perfectly satisfied what the result will be. In some of the others we have noticed peculiarities that are equally characteristic, and that differ entirely from many of the vegetable poisons, and we hope to arrive at results in regard to a number of these poisons which will be serviceable afterwards for reference. Dr. Gairdner—Suppose you were condemned to death by poison, and that you had absolutely to take ten or twenty drops, as it might be, of Fleming's tincture of Aconite, would you rather take that plain,or along with Battley? Dr. Adams—I would decidedly take it along with Battley. Dr. G. H. B. J/acZeocZ—Having been present at the recent lamentable trial during the time these experiments were detailed, I must say that I was exceed- ingly struck with the effect which their recital appeared to produce upon the ^ jury and the public who were in court. I think it was an exceedingly fortunate circumstance that Dr. Adams and Dr. Penny fell upon this mode of experiment- ing because unquestionably it had a very great influence indeed in deciding the'opinion of the jury with regard to the action of these medicines upon tJie unfortunate ladies who were poisoned. The paper which has been read by Dr. Adams opens up one of the most important fields for farther researches which can well be suggested; but at the same time, those experiments must be con- ducted with exceeding care, and be repeated a very great number of times before they can be of absolute value to us as demonstrating the action of these poisons There is another circumstance which I think commends itself to w