Re-examined by the Attorney-General—Would that materially depend on the quantity of the dose?—Both on the dose and on the time during which the pill was allowed to remain. It appears that colour tests are not to be relied upon in the case of strychnia in an impure condition. In the first place, you may not find indications of strychnia, and secondly, they are subject to fallacy, even if the strychnia is pure, from other substances not containing strychnia presenting similar appearances.
Sixth Day, Tuesday, 20th May, 1856.
The Court met at ten o’clock.
John Jackson
Dr. John Jackson, examined by Mr. James—I am a member of the College of Physicians. I have been in practice for twenty-five years in India, and have seen cases of idiopathic and traumatic tetanus. Idiopathic is more common in India than in this country. I have seen not less than forty cases. It is common with children. In children there is a more marked symptom of lockjaw, but in adults there is no difference between the symptoms of idiopathic and traumatic. I have always seen idiopathic tetanus preceded by a peculiar expression of the countenance, stiffness in the muscles of the throat and of the jaw. In infants it will kill in forty-eight hours; in adults, arising from cold, it is of longer duration, and may continue many days, going through the same grades as the traumatic form.
Cross-examined by Mr. Serjeant Shee—The patient always appears uncomfortable for some time before the attack comes on. His appetite and desire for food are not much affected. He may take his food as usual within twelve hours of the preliminary symptoms.
During the twelve hours, supposing the attack to be the first one under which he suffers, does he seem not to relish his ordinary food?—His attention is more directed to the stiffness of his mouth and the stiffness of his neck.
You said to within twelve hours of the attack he relishes his food as if no attack was impending, but does he not appear less desirous of food and less inclined to eat it?—I have never heard that complaint.
Re-examined by the Attorney-General—What interval has occurred in those cases that have come under your attention between the preliminary symptoms and the tetanic convulsions?—In an infant, not more than twelve hours, and in an adult, from twelve to twenty-four hours; sometimes more than that.
And from the commencement of the tetanic convulsions to death, what time?—That will vary; three days to ten days; it may take place early sometimes, perhaps in two days, but that is early.