T. Nunneley
Do you agree with Sir Benjamin Brodie that while the paroxysms of tetanic convulsions last there is no difference between those which arise from strychnia and those which arise from tetanus properly so called, but the difference is in the course of them?—I think there is. I think that the hands are less violently contracted and affected in ordinary tetanus, and that the whole effect of the spasms is less in ordinary tetanus.
You would expect to find the hands more firmly and tightly closed in tetanus from strychnia than in ordinary tetanus?—I think it is so. There is another difference, that in tetanus the convulsions never entirely pass away.
That is one of the reasons Sir Benjamin Brodie gave for distinguishing the course?—In the case at Leeds it was the same.
I believe you felt perfectly prepared in that case, on the description of the symptoms, to come to the determination that it was a death from strychnia?—I thought it possible and probable. I did not come to a determined opinion. I expressed an opinion. I did not say I had no doubt as to the cause of death. We had ascertained at that time that there was strychnia.
After the opinion you expressed in that case, is it possible that you can represent this case of Mr. Cook as one of idiopathic tetanus?—I never did, and you have not heard from me that I infer that.
I have heard it said in this case that this may have been something arising from a syphilitic affection?—Idiopathic or traumatic tetanus was mentioned. I do not think it was a case of tetanus in any sense of the word.
Why not?—I have given the description. Because it differed from the course of tetanus from strychnia in the particulars I have already described.
Repeat them once more?—The very sudden acquisition of the convulsions after the first rousing of Mr. Jones; his power of talking.
Did you not know that Mrs. Smyth begged to have water thrown upon her, and talked throughout?—It did not occur to me.