I understood you to say that the fact of his having syphilis was an important ingredient in your mind?—Yes, but you ask for convulsions.
You have no doubt he died of convulsions?—No.
You entered into a long detail of the various ailments under which this unfortunate man suffered, and you say that this would predispose him to convulsions. I ask you which of them?—The whole; the continuation of them.
Amongst others you mentioned excitement?—Yes, and depression of spirits.
What evidence is there, on which you rely, of his being a man subject to depression of spirits?—It is stated by Mr. Jones that he was subject to depression of spirits—mental depression. There was a good deal of mental depression at Rugeley.
Would you expect excitement to produce its effects recently in its existence, or after it was totally and entirely gone?—It may induce that state of brain in which convulsions will follow at some distance.
Did you find from the evidence that the brain was perfectly healthy?—No, not perfectly healthy. Mr. Bamford said it was not.
T. Nunneley
Do you mean, as against the reputed testimony, and the testimony here of Dr. Harland and Dr. Moncton, as well as Mr. Devonshire, to set up the testimony of that old gentleman, Mr. Bamford?—The evidence stated at the inquest itself is put in the depositions.
Do you mean to say, in your opinion, that excitement, producing disease of the brain, would bring on these convulsions?—I mean to say this, that in the condition of the brain, and the statement that has been made, I believe it to be quite probable that convulsions might come on and destroy a person, and leave no trace behind.