FOOTNOTES:
[1] Morbid appearances produced by hydrocyanic acid in a case related by Hufeland.
The inspection was made the day after death. The eyes were still glistening like those of a person alive; but the countenance was pale and composed like one asleep. The arteries and left cavities of the heart were empty, and the veins and right cavities distended.—Christison on Poisons, page 708.
In most instances venous turgescence and emptiness of the arterial system is commonly remarked throughout the whole body.—Christison on Poisons, page 710.
It appears that long after death the eye, as in Hufeland's case, has a peculiar glistening and staring expression, so as to render it difficult to believe that the individual is really dead; and this appearance has been considered by Dr. Paris so remarkable, as even alone to supply decisive evidence of poisoning by hydrocyanic acid.—Christison on Poisons, page 711.
Numerous reports have now been made of those who have died in consequence of this poison, and the most striking effects to be observed are, the extraordinary state of the eye, which has indeed been considered as the most characteristic phenomenon, and at once to point out the cause of death: the shining, glistening, sparkling lustre of the eye has been, on most occasions, observed. No one has, so far as I am able to learn, attempted to explain this most striking appearance; it has, however, been said, that those who die from the effects of charcoal often exhibit the same unearthly lustre.—Dr. Sigmond on Poisoning with Prussic Acid.—The Lancet, August 26th, 1837, page 797.
[2] Lancet, Sept. 16th, 1837, page 883.—In whatever manner it is prescribed or administered, either therapeutically or as a poison, hydrocyanic acid operates directly on the nervous centres.—Professor A. T. Thompson.