In the other tests is the colour of the precipitate the only thing by which to judge that arsenic is present?—In what tests?
The sulphate of copper for instance?—Unless it were mixed with some carbonaceous matter, and submitted to the action of heat: where that has not been done, it is the colour only that has been relied on.
Have you heard the appearances of the stomach as described by Dr. Edwards?—I have.
Do those appearances, in your judgment, indicate the presence of arsenic in the stomach?—Although I should not have drawn the conclusion that that body had therein received poison, I certainly should have allowed such a reflection to enter into my mind, and have acted upon it; yet I by no means think (and I speak from the experience of others), that the appearances stated to have existed were such as only to denote the presence of arsenic.
Have you known the prisoner at the bar long?—Yes, Sir.
How long?—I only knew him at school; we were educated together at the Exeter Free Grammar-school.
At that time, what was his character for humanity?—It would be difficult to say what attaches one school-boy to another; but I can say conscientiously——
That is not the question. What was his character as a school-boy?—That is a question which is difficult to answer—not that I mean to imply that there was any thing to the contrary of a good character, for I mean to say that he stood high—he was respected by his school-fellows. We slept together in the same dormitary; and I remember now with pleasure, notwithstanding the time that has transpired, the intimacy that then existed.
(Cross-examined by Mr. Gazelee.)
You said that nothing but the reproduction of the arsenic would satisfy your mind as to the presence of it?—It would not; and I am borne out in that belief by the best authorities in the country; nothing short of that would satisfy my mind in swearing to its presence.